In a world where material wealth often overshadows relationships, a rare story emerge one of love, respect, and unwavering loyalty. This is the story of a father, a son, and a lesson that echoes through time.
A Father’s Love and a Son’s Responsibility
Once upon a time, a wealthy man had only one son. He nurtured him with love, instilled good values, and ensured he received the best upbringing. As time passed, the son grew into a responsible young man, and his father arranged his marriage. However, the girl he married turned out to be miserly, lacking both generosity and kindness.
The father had a simple habit—after every meal, he enjoyed three malta oranges. It was a small pleasure he had indulged in for years. One evening, after dinner, he asked his daughter-in-law, "Dear, can you bring me three malta?"
The young woman, unwilling to share, falsely replied, "Father, the malta is finished."
Unbeknownst to her, the son had been listening from the staircase, and suspicion crept into his heart. He observed his father quietly leaving the house. Concerned, he waited a few moments before going to his wife and asking for the same thing.
"Can you bring me three malta?" he requested.
Without hesitation, she rushed to the kitchen and returned with the fruit. The son looked at her and asked, "I thought you said the malta was finished?"
"Oh, my dear husband, we have plenty left!" she replied, unaware of what her words had just confirmed.
A Son’s Realization
Heartbroken by his wife’s dishonesty, the son immediately set out to find his father. As he expected, he found him at an old friend’s house, enjoying tea and malta—because his friend knew how much he loved them.
Guilt washed over the son. That night, he made a life-altering decision. The very next morning, he summoned a lawyer and transferred all the property and wealth back to his father’s name. Not only that, but he also arranged for his father to remarry—a woman who would truly care for him and ensure he lived happily.
The Price of Greed
When the young woman discovered what had happened, she was left in shock. Her world of comfort and wealth had crumbled overnight. The son had not only given everything back to his father but had also chosen to leave his luxurious home. He told his father, "From today, I will live in a rented house with my wife and work as an ordinary employee in your company, just like any other worker."
The woman who once controlled a wealthy household now found herself in a small rented space, living a simple life with the man whose love she had taken for granted. Her greed had cost her everything, and she would carry that regret for a lifetime.
The Lesson
This story is a reminder that wealth comes and goes, but the love and respect we show our parents define our true character. The son could have ignored his father’s silent pain, but he chose to stand by him, proving that some bonds are stronger than riches.
In a world where many chase after material gain, let us remember that a truly rich person is one who values their loved ones above all else. If we fail to cherish our parents today, tomorrow we may find ourselves regretting it—when it’s too late to make things right.
