A Life-Changing Moment of Kindness (Part-1)
By Lokanath Mishra:
Nalini, a shy, thin, and poor 24-year-old tribal girl, lived in Rourkela with her widow mother, who worked as a housekeeper in a nearby bungalow. Nalini was always polite and kind to everyone, but her unmarried status and societal rejection had made her question her values. Several men in her community had rejected her for marriage because she was “too polite and nice,” leaving her feeling vulnerable and wondering if being kind was a weakness.
One day, as Nalini stepped out of a large grocery store, she noticed a man in his fifties approaching the door with two heavy bags. Without hesitation, she held the door open for him, nodded, and smiled. The man looked her straight in the eye, his eyes twinkling with kindness, and said, “You, my dear, are a true good girl.” His words were like a balm to Nalini’s soul, and in that moment, something shifted inside her. She realized that being kind, polite, and respectful wasn’t a weakness, but a strength.
The man’s kind words had a profound impact on Nalini’s life, reminding her that treating everyone with kindness and care is what truly matters. Years passed, and Nalini forgot the faces and names of those who had rejected her, but she still remembered the grocery store and the kind words of Damodar, the man who had changed her perspective.
One day, Nalini was eating snacks in a small restaurant when Damodar saw her. He had heard about her life and her mother, and after learning about their struggles, he offered Nalini a job to cook food in his house. Nalini accepted, and her life took a positive turn.
Damodar was working in RSP. He was unmarried and staying alone in his home.
Damodar’s simple act of kindness had not only changed Nalini’s perspective but also provided her with a new opportunity. Nalini’s story is a testament to the power of kindness and its impact on our lives. It reminds us that being true to oneself and treating others with kindness and respect is what truly matters. Kindness can have a profound impact on our lives, shaping us into the people we are meant to be. (Cont….. Part 2)