The Price of Greed

Satpal was a civil engineer who lived a simple and honest life. He worked hard to provide for his family, which included his wife Shoma, a homemaker, and their two children, Rohit and Raj. Satpal was known for his humility and honesty, which made him a respected member of the community.

Satpal's life was not without challenges.

He often struggled to make ends meet, as his income was modest. However, he never complained and always did his best to provide for his family.

On the other hand, Shoma was a very different person. She was extremely greedy and scornful, always wanting more and looking down on those who had less than her. She constantly demanded more from Satpal, even though she knew that he was doing his best.

Satpal loved his wife and did his best to provide for her. He knew that she was not perfect, but he accepted her for who she was.

One day, Satpal's hard work and dedication paid off, and he was promoted to a higher position at his job. With this new income, he was finally able to provide a better life for his family. However, Shoma's greed only grew, and she demanded even more from him.

Satpal tried to reason with her and explain that they should be grateful for what they had, but Shoma would not listen. Her greed and scornful attitude only caused more problems in their relationship and Satpal was left to deal with the consequences.

Satpal was heartbroken when he heard the news of his niece, little Minnie's parents dying in the massive earthquake that shook her town. Without any hesitation, Satpal decided to bring Minnie into their home, as he knew she needed a safe and loving environment to heal and recover.

However, when Satpal arrived with Minnie, Shoma was less than thrilled. She showed no empathy toward Minnie's loss and expressed her unwillingness to have her in their home. Shoma was more concerned about the extra expense of caring for another child and how it would affect their already tight budget.

Satpal tried to reason with her, explaining that it was their duty to take care of their family and provide a loving home for Minnie. But Shoma was not convinced, and her scornful attitude towards the little girl made it clear that she was not welcome in their home.

Despite Satpal's efforts to make Minnie feel welcome in their home, Shoma's attitude towards her did not change. Instead, she became even more hostile towards the little girl, and her children Rohit and Raj followed suit.

Shoma and her children would often bully Minnie, making fun of her clothes and her appearance. They would exclude her from family activities and make her feel like an outsider in her own home. Minnie's hurtful feelings were evident, and Satpal could see how much the constant bullying was affecting her.

Satpal tried to talk to Shoma and her children, explaining the importance of kindness and acceptance towards others. But his words fell on deaf ears, and Shoma's greed and scornful attitude continued to prevail.

Minnie would often retreat to her room, where she would cry herself to sleep, feeling alone and rejected. She missed her parents terribly and wished she could be with them instead of being in this hostile environment.

Despite the hurtful treatment she received, Minnie never gave up hope. She knew that Satpal loved her and that he was trying his best to make things better. She would often confide in him, telling him how she felt and how much she missed her parents. Satpal would comfort her and assure her that things would get better, that she was not alone, and that he was always there for her.

Satpal's sudden death in a road accident left a huge void in the family. Shoma and her children were devastated, and their grief was palpable. Satpal's absence was felt in every corner of the house, and the family struggled to come to terms with the loss.

After a few months, Shoma met a wealthy man named Nagesh, who was impressed by her charm and beauty. Shoma saw an opportunity to secure her financial future and the future of her children, and she married Nagesh without any second thoughts.

Once Shoma married Nagesh, she kicked Minnie out of her life without any hesitation. Shoma did not care about the hurt and pain she caused Minnie, who was left alone and abandoned once again. Minnie felt lost and alone once again, but she knew that she had to be strong and continue her journey in life. She moved on, determined to make something of herself, despite the odds stacked against her.

Years passed, and Shoma became increasingly consumed with her wealth. She lived a lavish lifestyle, buying expensive clothes and jewelry and throwing extravagant parties. She had little time for anyone or anything else, and her children Rohit and Raj followed in her footsteps.

However, one day, tragedy struck again, and Nagesh, Shoma's husband, fell ill and passed away. Shoma was devastated, but her only concern was the wealth that Nagesh had left behind. She quickly took control of his estate, and her children were only interested in their inheritance.

Shoma's life after Nagesh's death became even more consumed with wealth. She became obsessed with maintaining her status and power, and her greed knew no bounds. She would often neglect her family and friends, only interested in her own self-interest.

Rohit and Raj, who had been raised with the same values, became increasingly distant from their mother. They too were consumed with greed and materialism, and their relationships with others suffered as a result.

Years passed, and Shoma's life took a turn for the worse. Her ailing health and her greed had left her alone in an old age home, with no one to care for her. Rohit and Raj had long since abandoned her, their own lives consumed with their own greed and selfishness.

It was at this time that Minnie entered Shoma's life again, but this time as a doctor. She had come to the old age home to provide medical care for the residents there, and she was shocked to find Shoma in such a state. Despite everything that had happened between them, Minnie couldn't help but feel pity for Shoma.

"Minnie, is that you?" Shoma croaked weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here? Have you come to laugh at me in my misery?"

"No, Shoma Auntie," Minnie said gently. "I've come to take care of you. It's my duty as a doctor, but also as a human being."

Shoma looked up at Minnie, her eyes filled with tears. "I don't deserve your kindness, Minnie," she said. "I've been such a terrible person to you and to so many others."

"It doesn't matter now," Minnie said, her voice soothing. "What matters is that I'm here to take care of you. Let's get you settled in, and we'll start your treatment right away."

Over the next few weeks, Minnie worked tirelessly to take care of Shoma. She tended to her medical needs and made sure that she was comfortable. Despite Shoma's initial resistance, Minnie's kindness slowly began to soften her heart.

"Minnie, I'm sorry for everything," Shoma said one day, tears streaming down her face. "I know I've been a terrible person, but I want to make things right before it's too late."

"It's never too late, Shoma Auntie," Minnie said, taking her hand. "You can start by being kind to those around you, by showing compassion and love."

Shoma nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Minnie," she said. "You've shown me what it means to be a true human being, and I'll never forget it."

As time passed, Shoma's health began to deteriorate further, but Minnie was always there for her, providing comfort and care. And in the end, Shoma passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and compassion that she had once rejected.

As for Minnie, she continued to work as a doctor, providing care and kindness to all those who needed it. And she knew that Satpal would be proud of the person she had become.