The Extra Five Hundred Twenty-Five Rupees
By Lokanath Mishra
Abdul and his wife Sabina had been married for thirty-two years. Abdul was sixty-two, retired from a private company, and surviving on a very small EPF pension. Sabina, fifty-four, managed the household carefully, counting every rupee.
Their children had moved away long ago—settled in different cities, living their own lives, rarely calling or visiting. Abdul and Sabina had learned to depend only on each other.
One quiet evening, they sat at their small dining table in their two-room flat in a Delhi housing society. Spread before them were electricity bills, medical prescriptions, and the latest bank SMS glowing on Abdul’s phone.
Abdul rubbed his forehead tiredly.
“That’s it. After ration, milk, and medicines, we are short by ₹4,825. The account balance is zero.”
Sabina sighed. “Can we ask the bank for a small loan?”
Abdul shook his head slowly. “Already used the overdraft. Even the ATM guard recognizes me now.”
“What about friends from the colony?” she asked softly.
“I’ve already borrowed,” he replied. “Last month’s gas bill was paid that way. I can’t ask again.”
Sabina remained silent for a moment. Then she spoke calmly, “I’ll take a steel dabba, write a small note, and sit near the masjid gate tomorrow morning. People give alms there.”
Abdul’s temper flared.
“Have you lost your senses? If anyone from the society sees you begging, I’ll never be able to face them again.”
Sabina stood up, hurt and angry.
“Fine,” she said. “Then I’ll go to Connaught Place and earn money myself.”
Abdul laughed bitterly.
“And who would give money to an old woman like you?”
The words struck hard.
Without saying another word, Sabina picked up her purse, pulled her dupatta tightly over her head, and walked out of the flat.
At 2:15 a.m., the door opened quietly. Sabina entered, removed her slippers, and placed a bundle of currency notes on the table.
Abdul stared in disbelief.
“₹4,825… and ₹525 extra?”
His voice trembled. “I’m sorry for what I said. But tell me—who gave you the five hundred twenty-five rupees?”
Sabina poured herself a glass of water, looked at him calmly, and replied,
“Every one “.