After completing my Doctor of Medicine studies in 1990, I immediately started my practice in Lunawada. At that time, I used to travel to Vadodara very frequently. After a year of practice, to ease my travel, I purchased a car.

One summer afternoon I was travelling on the highway and I saw a crowd standing in the heat due to breakdown of the local bus and the stranded passengers were looking out for help.

While my car was parked on the side of the road, I saw a couple in the mid-50s approaching me for help. Before they could tell me about the nature of help they were seeking or where they were headed to, I told them that I will drop them at Dahod. They were shocked and asked me how I knew, that they were from Dahod.

I asked them to get into the car and later asked them if their surname was ‘Joshi’. They were surprised. I again asked whether she teaches Biology in Dahod Science College? They were left confused and were looking at each other with doubt. To add on to the confusion I even went forward and told them that the lady’s name is probably Dharmishthaben. They were in complete shock and now they started thinking if they should stay in the car or get out of it.

To break their curiosity, I told the husband that his wife was my class teacher in fourth standard.

I further told them that I am from a village called Umta. In 1977-78 when I was in 11th standard, my mother informed me that two teachers with surnames Joshi used to travel to Dahod every day. One day, they had accompanied me home and ensured my safety throughout my journey. Their humanity and affection had left an everlasting impression on me.

While talking to them, we reached their home. I told them that when I saw them stranded on the highway, I recognized them as the Joshi couple and I recalled their act of kindness 15 years back.

I told them, “The trust and the promise that you had shown way back in 1977 made me drive you to Dahod.” They said, “after so long time, it’s nice that you recognized us. The affection that you have shown to us is lovely.”

After talking with them for a little while, I left their home with their blessings along with a satisfaction of doing something good in return though after so many years.

I was reminded of something that I want everyone to know, “KARMA ALWAYS HITS EVERYONE BACK REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ITS GOOD OR BAD. KEEP HELPING THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED. WE NEVER KNOW IF WE WOULD BE ONE OF THEM IN FUTURE.”

Thank You!

This story is shared by – Dr. Dharmendra Nayak, MD, Vadodara.