The Gloomy Moneylenders

Vimal Seth and Vikash Rao were moneylenders, both wealthy and elderly. They rarely ventured outside their homes, where they sat in darkness, engrossed in their accounts. Their expressions were always gloomy and suspicious.

One morning, after many years, Seth decided to visit the park. It was a beautiful spring morning. He took pleasure in the scenery, relishing the tender sunlight and feeling rejuvenated by the sweet breeze.

“How wonderful the morning is,” he remarked to a passerby. “It is indeed, sir,” replied the passerby, offering a salute. The man’s face looked familiar to Seth, prompting him to ask, “Who are you?”

“Sir, I am Vikash Rao’s clerk. He is also here, enjoying a stroll,” replied the man.

“What! He is enjoying all this just like me?” Seth exclaimed, his earlier joy evaporating. He promptly began walking back home.

“Who was that chap you were talking to?” Rao inquired of his clerk as they returned.

“Vimal Seth.”

“What! He is here too?” Rao murmured, his face losing all its color. “Let’s go back!” he declared, filled with a newfound urgency.