The morning sun filtered through the glass doors of the bank as an unlikely pair entered — an elderly man in simple attire and a tall, imposing figure in a tailored suit. Conversations hushed, heads turned, and curiosity rippled through the crowd. Ramprasadji, the humble elder who had been dismissed the previous day, walked beside the suited man whose commanding presence seemed to shift the very air in the room.
The man was none other than Mr. Roy, a renowned lawyer whose name alone carried weight in business and legal circles. His reputation for integrity and precision preceded him, and as he strode toward the manager’s cabin, employees exchanged uneasy glances.
Inside, Damodar, the branch manager, was already preparing to brush off the elderly visitor once again — until his eyes met Mr. Roy’s. The color drained from his face.
“Mr. Damodar,” Mr. Roy began smoothly, his tone polite but edged with authority, “I believe you owe my client, Mr. Ramprasadji, an apology and an explanation for the treatment he received yesterday.”
The hum of the bank stilled completely. Kavita, the young employee who had turned Ramprasadji away the day before, froze at her desk, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Damodar fumbled with his words, trying to maintain composure. “I… I apologize if there was any misunderstanding. We were merely managing the crowd.”
Mr. Roy’s expression didn’t waver. “Mr. Ramprasadji is not just another customer. He is a valued client of this institution — one you’ve treated with unwarranted disrespect.”
Whispers began to spread among the onlookers. Who was this old man? Why would a man of Mr. Roy’s stature call him his client?
Then, Ramprasadji stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the tension. “I came here to discuss a substantial investment,” he said steadily. “I have held shares in this bank for decades — a legacy from my late brother. Yesterday, I wanted to propose an infusion of capital that could strengthen this institution for years to come.”
Gasps filled the hall. Eyes widened as realization struck — the old man they had ignored was, in fact, a key shareholder.