Mr. Sharma, nearly 70 years old, lived alone in a modest house on the outskirts of a riverside village. His wife had passed away more than a decade ago, and his children had all moved to Mumbai to build their careers, visiting their father only a few times a year. Worried that he would live lonely and uncared for, his children discussed hiring a domestic helper — Mrs. Lakshmi, a widowed woman over 50 from a neighboring village.

Mrs. Lakshmi was honest and hardworking. Twice a day, she would cook, clean, and care for Mr. Sharma as if he were family. Occasionally, she would talk about her only daughter, who was 22 years old this year, named Priya, had just finished a diploma in early childhood education, and hadn’t found a job yet.

Then a sudden, major flood swept away a row of houses along the river, including the small house of Mrs. Lakshmi and her daughter. Having lost their home and belongings, the mother and daughter had nowhere to go. Mr. Sharma heard the news and immediately said: “Well then… you and your daughter can come and stay here temporarily. My house has empty rooms. You help me, and now that you’re in trouble, I can’t ignore it.”

So Priya also moved in. At first, the girl was quiet, often hiding behind her mother. But after living there for a while, people gradually saw her become more open; she would occasionally help her mother cook, pick vegetables, and care for Mr. Sharma. Three months later, something unexpected happened. Neighbors whispered, one person telling another: “Hey… Priya is pregnant!”

“What? Priya is old, so it must be her daughter Nisha?”.

Let’s re-translate this specific dialogue block: “Hey… the helper’s daughter is pregnant!” “What? But the helper, Mrs. Lakshmi, is old, so it must be the young girl, Priya?” “Yes, it’s her. And she’s not even married! But who is the father of the child? In that house, besides Mr. Sharma, who else is there?” “Could it be… him?”

The rumor spread like wildfire. Some pitied the lonely old man, others scolded him. His children in Mumbai also heard about it, rushing back, their faces red with anger. The eldest son slammed his hand on the table: “Father! Aren’t you ashamed? At your age, doing such a thing?” Mr. Sharma remained silent. He looked at Mrs. Lakshmi, then at Priya who was clutching her belly, tears streaming down her face. After a long while, he finally sighed: “I did nothing wrong.

But if you all want to know the truth… let her speak!” Priya wiped away her tears and said, choking back sobs: “The baby in my womb… is not Mr. Sharma‘s. It’s Arjun‘s, my boyfriend.” “Boyfriend? Then why did you hide it?” – one of the children asked. “Because we had only just started seeing each other. But on the day of the flood, he was the first person to come and rescue my mother and me. We escaped, and that night we took shelter at an acquaintance’s house… and it happened.

Later, when I found out I was pregnant, I intended to tell him, but he went abroad for work. I was worried no one would believe me, and I was afraid of the scandal, so I kept silent.” Mrs. Lakshmi‘s eyes welled up: “I knew about it but asked her not to say anything immediately.

I was afraid Mr. Sharma would send my daughter and me away, afraid of the neighbors’ gossip. Mr. Sharma did nothing wrong. He is the kindest person I have ever met!” Mr. Sharma cleared his throat softly, then stood up and said slowly: “I’ve lived more than half my life; whatever I do, I take responsibility for it. But this time, I’m innocent. I just hope the neighbors aren’t too malicious. This mother and daughter have suffered enough already…” Then, he looked at his son: “And you all, don’t just judge.

You don’t even take care of your father, and now you come here lecturing!” The rumors eventually died down. But from then on, the villagers had a different view of Mr. Sharma — one of greater respect. As for Priya, a few months later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Arjun called from abroad, promising to marry her when he returned to the country. Mr. Sharma happily carried the baby boy as if he were his own grandson. He smiled, his eyes gentle: “What is meant to happen will happen. As long as one lives truthfully and kindly, God will not abandon anyone.”