Vineeta was a well-mannered daughter brought up in the shadow of values. His nature was as humble as his name. Respect for elders, service spirit and disciplined life were part of his daily routine. Along with studies, she also considered it her duty to help others. Due to this ease and simplicity, wherever she went, she made a place in the minds of people. Fate made her the daughter-in-law of a family where there was a lot of wealth, but there was a lack of charity and compassion. The idea in that house was only to enjoy and increase the property, not to distribute it. Talks of religion and virtue remained mere words there. One day an old man came to the door of the house, weak, hungry and destitute. Vineeta saw him and gave him what was available in the house, dry, stale bread. The old man took her in his hand and said, “Daughter, this will not be eaten by me.” Vineeta replied without any bitterness – “Baba, this is the kind of food served in this house.”
His father-in-law standing there was shocked to hear this. He was always happy with his daughter-in-law’s behaviour. He asked- “Daughter, why are you saying this?” Vineeta said in a calm voice – “Father, I have seen in this house that the wealth obtained through previous virtue is only cherished and enjoyed. The conduct of charity, service and religion is not visible here.” His words shook the father-in-law’s mind. For the first time he saw his mistake clearly. At that very moment he allowed his daughter-in-law to do the right thing. Vineeta immediately served the old man a good meal with respect, talked to him affectionately and learned about his life. Finding him of good character, he made arrangements to stay near the house.
After some time the old man fell ill. Within a short time, remembering God, thinking about the purity of the soul, feeling forgiving towards everyone, he peacefully departed from this world. His life left a silent message – lack of money only troubles a man, but if excess of money is devoid of conscience, then the same money leads a man towards arrogance, luxury and cruelty and becomes the cause of his downfall.
