Sometimes something happens in our lives that makes us wonder if there’s really no value for goodness in this world. But fate plays a strange role. It was 10 a.m. Riya Verma had arrived at work. She worked as a cashier in a large supermarket in Delhi. Welcoming customers with a smile, billing, and proving herself to be the fastest and most accurate cashier was her daily routine. Riya loved this job. She came from a humble family, and it was crucial for her family. Her mother was ill, and she shouldered the cost of her younger brother’s education. But little did she know that today’s shift would completely change her life. Baba, your money is running low. At noon, an old man placed a basket of groceries on the counter with trembling hands. Riya greeted him with a smile and began billing. Hello Baba, how are you? The old man gave a slight smile. “Son, I’m just managing somehow. I had to buy medicine, but first, I need to buy groceries.” Riya started scanning. “Rice, lentils, oil, bread, and some vegetables, exactly 870.” Baba took out some coins and crumpled notes from his pocket. He tried hard, but only found a total of 00 rupees. Baba panicked. “It seems we’re short on money, maybe we’ll have to return some of the items.” He tried to put the oil and bread back, but Riya’s heart was stirred. “An old man who can’t even afford two meals a day should be forced to think again?” Riya looked around. The supervisor was standing far away. The CCTV camera was also right above, but her heart didn’t want to let this old man go empty-handed. Riya made a big decision. She took out 770 rupees from her pocket and quietly put it on the counter. “Baba, don’t worry, your bill is settled. Take the items.” Baba’s eyes filled with tears. “Son, you’re very kind-hearted, I’ll never forget this favor of yours,” Riya said with a smile. “It’s not a favor, Baba. Just consider it as your granddaughter giving you a gift.” Baba blessed her and slowly walked out. Riya felt that she had done the best thing of the day, but little did she know that this was about to become the most difficult day of her life. As soon as Baba left, the supervisor started shouting. Riya, what have you just done? Riya panicked. “Sir, I just paid a customer’s bill from my own pocket.” Do you have any idea about the company’s policy? Riya was flustered. “Sir,” Baba was very upset. “It was only 0.” “I paid my own money, not the company’s.” The supervisor’s face turned red with anger. “This is a professional place, not a charity center. We’ve come here to do business, not to donate.” Riya tried to explain again. “Sir, I understand,” the supervisor raised his hand. “No argument, you can’t work in this supermarket anymore. You’re fired right now.” The ground slipped from under Riya’s feet. “Has your life changed in an instant?” Riya’s mind went numb. “Such a small help and such a huge punishment?” Her eyes welled up, but she kept taking it. “Okay, sir, if there’s no place for humanity, then I don’t want to work here either.” The supervisor called the security guard. “Take his badge and uniform and throw him out.” Riya took out her uniform badge and handed it to the guard. She picked up her small bag and walked out of the supermarket door without a word. As soon as she came out, tears rolled down her face. What would happen next? Would what she had done be wrong? Would she find another job? But little did she know that this was just a new beginning. It was 6 p.m. Riya was sitting alone on a park bench. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “In exchange for a little help, I lost my entire job.” She was questioning herself. She was wondering what to do next. What would she tell her mother when she got home? How would she afford her brother’s education? Would she find another job so soon? Just then, her phone rang. Her mother’s name flashed on the screen. She picked up the phone, trembling. “Hello, mother, are you alright?” came her mother’s voice. “Your face looked so dull this morning, are you alright?” Riya took a deep breath. “Yes, mother, everything is fine,” she said. “It was just a little strange today.” She wanted to tell her mother the truth, but she didn’t want her to worry. “Okay, son, come home soon. I’ve cooked your favorite meal.” Riya forced a smile and said, “Yes, mother, I’ll be back in a while.” I am hanging up the phone. After hanging up, another tear rolled down her eyes. Was everything really alright? Suddenly, a car stopped in front of her. Riya was still lost in her thoughts. When an expensive car stopped in front of her, she saw a familiar face. The same Baba whom she had helped in the morning. Baba looked at her and said, “Daughter, why are you sitting here like this? What happened?” Riya hesitated. “Nothing Baba, just like that.” Baba took a deep breath and said, “Daughter, I know the truth. I have been looking for you since morning.” Riya bowed her head and said softly, “Baba, today I was fired from my job because I used to help you.” Lines of worry appeared on Baba’s face. Was it just to help 0? Riya nodded. “Yes Baba, my supervisor did not like this.” He said, “Supermarket is for business, not charity.”

Baba remained silent for a while, then a slight smile appeared on his face. “Son, do you think what you did was wrong?” Riya immediately replied, “No, Baba, I think I did the right thing, but perhaps goodness is not appreciated in this world.” Baba smiled and said, “Son, goodness is appreciated late, but it definitely is.” Then Baba made a revelation that made Riya’s feet tremble. “The supermarket that fired you is mine.” Riya’s face was filled with surprise. Baba took a deep breath and said, “Yes, son, I am the same man who started that supermarket 25 years ago, but for the past few years, my health has not been good. Now my son and the manager handle all the work.” Riya couldn’t believe it. “So, that means you own this entire supermarket.” Baba laughed. “Yes, son, and the person you helped is no ordinary person, but the owner of the same company.” Tears welled up in Riya’s eyes. “Baba, I didn’t know, I just felt that you needed help.” Baba lovingly placed his hand on her head. “That is your greatest quality, son.” You helped me without any greed, and now I want to reward you for this.

From now on, you will be the new manager of this supermarket. Riya wondered if she had heard something wrong. Baba nodded. “Yes, my daughter, I have decided that the girl I saw helping today can become the truly worthy manager of this supermarket.” Riya still couldn’t believe it. “But Baba, I have no experience,” Baba smiled. “You have a heart, honesty, and a passion for helping people. These are the qualities a good leader should have.” Tears of joy welled up in Riya’s eyes. So much had changed in just one day. She had been fired from her job that morning, and now the same company was making her a manager. Baba smiled and said, “You will join your new job tomorrow, and yes, it’s time to convince your supervisor too. Now this place will be known for humanity and honesty.” The next day, Riya returned to the same supermarket, but this time she wasn’t a cashier; she was the supermarket’s new manager. When her supervisor saw her, he was surprised. “What are you doing here?” Riya smiled and said, “I am the new manager here from now on, and I will be yours to everyone.” First, I’m going to change the policy here. The supervisor’s face turned pale. But Baba continued, saying, “From now on, there will be a place for humanity in this supermarket. If someone in need comes, they will be respected, not pushed out.” Riya took a deep breath and said, “This was the biggest lesson of my life: that goodness never goes to waste. The rewards of goodness are delayed, but they are definitely there.” Riya’s hard work and honesty earned her a new identity. The girl who was worried about finding a job yesterday has today become the supermarket owner’s most trusted confidante. This story teaches us that if you are good at heart and do the right thing, the world will definitely recognize you. If you liked this story, please share it with your friends. The rewards of goodness are delayed, but they are there.”