“Hey Neha! Are you joining us for lunch upstairs?” asked Praneeth.

“Yes, sure. You guys carry on. I’m waiting for the lunch I ordered. It’s about to arrive. I’ll join you then,” said Neha.

“Very well. See you!” waved Madhu as she boarded the completely packed lift.

Lunch hours are busy for the lifts.

“Hello, madam! I’ve reached your office. Sorry, there was a lot of traffic,” called the delivery man.

“That’s okay. I’m waiting at the reception itself,” said Neha.

“Okay, madam. The lifts are all full. I’ll wait or come by the stairs,” he said.

A few minutes later, the delivery man finally reached the reception, huffing and puffing.

“Oh no! You had to take the stairs, didn’t you?” asked Neha.

“Yes, madam. All the lifts were full. It’s lunchtime, no? Here is your order,” he said, handing it to her.

“Thank you, bhaiyya!”

Just as he turned to leave, Neha stopped him.

“Wait a minute. Take this. It will cool you down in this heat,” she said, handing him a tetra pack of buttermilk.

“No, no, madam. I don’t need this. This is part of your order,” he hesitated.

“I know. I ordered two buttermilks. One for myself and the other for the delivery person—and that’s you!”

“But…”

He was pleasantly surprised, yet still reluctant.

“It’s very hot in Hyderabad these days, and I understand that you have to travel a lot under the sun. One extra cool drink doesn’t cost much. So, yes, have it!”

She handed him the buttermilk and turned to wait for the lift.

The man stood in a comfortable corner, wiped his sweat, enjoyed his cool drink, and was ready to head out for his next delivery.

Being kind really doesn’t cost much. But it can bring a lot of happiness. ❤️

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Illustration Credit: Shivani Akant

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