I frequently visit the State Library in Chandigarh, Sector 17, as I am preparing for the civil services. One day, around lunch time, I went to a shop to buy a cigarette. I handed over a ₹100 note to the shopkeeper and he said, “Don’t you have change?” I searched and luckily found the change and paid the shopkeeper. After that I returned to the library and resumed my studies. At 6 pm, I picked up my bag and left for home and as I reached the exit gate the security guard stopped me. He asked me to show my library card. I reached out for my back pocket and to my surprise it was empty. I had lost my purse. I rushed to my seat and started searching but did not find anything. I asked some students, but they didn’t have a clue. I was baffled; my purse contained my driving license, college ID, ATM card and some cash.
I went back to the events of the day and the shopkeeper crossed my mind. I thought I had caught the thief. I rushed to the shop and demanded my purse back. He politely replied: “You forgot to take your purse with you, please take this and count the money inside.” I was taken aback by his honesty and calmness. I thanked him and tried to give him ₹100 as a token of thanks. He refused. When I insisted he accepted the money. I went back to the library and thanked the security guard. While driving back home I felt that honest and genuine people do exist and we should not carry any prejudices for anyone.
(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)