Raman, an elderly man, lived in a tiny community surrounded by lush greenery and towering hills. He was famed for his kindness, but he became extremely poor as he got older. He lived alone in a tiny home on the outskirts of the hamlet since his children had relocated to far-off cities.
Raman positioned an additional chair next to his dining table each evening.
The inhabitants frequently asked about it.
One of them inquired, "Why do you have an empty chair there?"
"Because someone could need a place to sit one day," Raman said with a smile.
A young traveller visited the village on a wet night. He was weary, famished, and his clothing was dripping wet. Despite his persistent knocking at several doors, none of them answered. The traveller had nowhere to go as the rain intensified.
He knocked on Raman's small home after seeing it at last.
The door was opened by Raman.
He said, "Come in, my son. You must be tired."
The traveller paused. "I lack funds to repay you."
"I did not ask for money," Raman answered. "Come inside."
Warm food, dry clothing, and a place to sleep were provided for the traveller. The unoccupied chair near the table caught the traveller's attention.
"Who is that chair for?" he inquired.
Raman smiled. "For those who may need it."
After thanking Raman the next day, the traveller resumed his trip.
Time went on.
The traveller turned into a prosperous businessman in a far-off city. He once came back to the community to see Raman. But as he approached the old man's home, he discovered that Raman was quite ill.
Immediately, the businessman transported Raman to a reputable hospital and covered the cost of his care.
Raman was taken aback.
He questioned, "Why are you going to such great lengths for me?"
"Many years ago, you gave a stranger food, shelter, and kindness without expecting anything in return. That stranger was me," the man said with a smile.
Tears welled up in Raman's eyes.
"Kindness is never wasted," the businessman said. "It goes from one person to the next."
Slowly, Raman recovered. When he got home, he once more set the additional chair beside his table.
However, the chair wasn't empty this time.
He ate supper with the businessman who was there.
Since then, Raman and the businessman have welcomed everyone in the hamlet to their table if they were hungry, lonely, or needed assistance.
The village came to view the unoccupied seat as a representation of compassion.
Moral: One modest deed of kindness might change a person's life and be returned to you when you need it the most. Don't ever be reluctant to assist someone because you anticipate getting something back.
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