One of my students came to borrow Rs 500, which he required for his medical examination as he was getting a good job on the ship. As I did not have Rs 500 with me I borrowed from my friend and gave it to him. I returned the money to my friend from whom I had borrowed at the earliest possible. He thanked me and said that he would return it back.

Many years passed by and there was no contact with him. I had given up hopes of the money being returned. One fine day I received a phone call from my friend to meet him at a particular place. We met and talked about the good old days. Neither of us talked about the money. He said we will go to a restaurant. Frankly speaking, I was not interested in going out with him.

I tried to give him some excuses but he would not listen. He persuaded me and we went out to a restaurant. We dined and had a nice time. As we were waiting for the waiter to get the bill, he took out a cheque book and wrote a cheque of Rs 25,000 in my name.

I was taken by surprise and could not believe my eyes. When he handed me the cheque I refused to accept it and asked him why he was giving me a cheque of Rs 25,000. He reminded me of Rs 500 which he had borrowed and did not return it. He said if I had not given him that amount then he would not be able to get that job and now that he was doing very well he thought it was his duty to return my money along with a reward. I took the cheque and parted.

Though I accepted the cheque, I still had my doubts. I encashed the cheque thinking it may bounce but it didn't. Now we are both good friends and I visit his family.

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