A TALE OF 50 PAISE

Just the other day, I went to the roadside shop to get a newspaper. I asked for the ‘The Hindu.’ He smiled at me and took out a fresh and hot ‘Hindu.’ I took it and when I opened my wallet to pay, to my surprise I had a 500-rupee note and only 1.50paise as change. I kept digging my purse, hoping that in some corner there might be few coins. Having lost all hopes, I handed him the change I had and promised to pay the remaining later. He readily agreed. Feeling a bit ashamed, I took the paper and walked off.

At home, I narrated the entire episode to my husband, I also asked him to return the 50 paise in case he happens to go there. It was Tuesday and I began reading, rather studying my favourite column ‘Know your English.’ As usual my hubby rested his eyes on the ‘Sports’ column. It was time for breakfast. I prepared dosas. Having relished his breakfast, my husband left for work. I continued with my household chores, taking short breaks and coming back to the newspaper.

It was afternoon and I had planned to meet one of my friends. I preened myself and with some air of pride, left home. I crossed the same shop to reach the auto stand. I just turned and looked at the shopkeeper. Keeping the 50 paise in mind, I opened my wallet and hurriedly pulled out one 50 paise coin. Just then I felt a trigger in my wallet. It was my mobile. My friend had called to confirm the time and venue. Smiling to myself I disconnected the call and sat in the auto, holding the 50paise coin till my destination. Prattling and chatting for nearly two hours, I bid farewell to my friend who was leaving for States. In the evening, my husband asked me to collect some interesting articles from the newspaper for his project. After diligently following his orders, I stacked the newspaper on the shelf with a sense of feeling that ‘its over for the day.’ ‘Over?’ I said to myself. ‘No, its not over. How can it be over without tendering the remaining change.’

Next morning, I woke up to the sound of water falling on the windowpane. ‘What a lovely day it’s going to be’, I murmured. After sipping a hot cup of tea, I clutched an umbrella, grabbed my wallet, stuffed it with enough coins and made my way out doors. I landed at the same shop and asked for the same ‘daily.’ Proudly I opened my wallet, not forgetting to pull out the extra coin, which kept nagging me all through. Clasping the paper, I handed him the change with the additional 50 paise. To my amazement, he gave back the extra change. As usual he gave a broad smile and uttered, ‘ not needed madam, your husband has given it.’

Bewildered and speechless, I returned home.