Some promises fade with time. Others stay in a person’s heart for decades. In a world where people often forget small debts within weeks, a heartwarming story from Kerala has reminded everyone that honesty and gratitude never go out of style. A simple loan taken more than three decades ago became the reason for an emotional reunion between two old friends separated by time, distance, and changing lives.
A Kerala man recently travelled hundreds of kilometres in search of his former colleague, carrying no phone number, address, or contact details. All he had was a fading memory, a promise he had made years earlier, and a determination to repay a debt that had remained on his mind for 35 years. What followed has touched thousands of people and become a beautiful example of integrity, friendship, and keeping one’s word.
The remarkable story has since gone viral, with many calling it proof that genuine honesty still exists.
A Friendship That Began In Saudi Arabia
The story dates back to 1991, when Ismail and Edla Lachanna were working together in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. Like many Indian expatriates, they had travelled abroad in search of better opportunities. The two became close friends while sharing accommodation with three other workers. Living under the same roof for nearly five years, they cooked meals together, spent evenings talking, and built a friendship that would survive decades despite losing contact.
During those years, Ismail found himself in need of financial help. Lachanna stepped forward and lent him 120 Saudi Riyals, an amount worth roughly ₹1,000 at the time. Ismail promised that he would return the money when he was able to. Neither of them imagined that fulfilling that promise would take more than three decades.
Time Passed, But The Promise Never Faded
Soon after the loan, Lachanna returned to India. This happened long before smartphones, social media, and instant messaging became part of everyday life. Without mobile phones or digital communication, the two friends gradually lost touch. Years turned into decades. Life moved on. Yet one thing never left Ismail’s mind.
He still remembered the money his friend had lent him and the promise he had made to repay it. Although the amount itself was relatively small, Ismail believed that keeping his word mattered far more than the value of the loan. Eventually, he decided it was time to find his old friend.
Searching With Only A Memory
Finding Lachanna turned out to be far from easy. Ismail had no phone number, no address, and no relatives he could contact. The only thing he remembered was that Lachanna belonged to Dharmapuri. Using online searches and that single clue, Ismail identified Dharmapuri in Telangana’s Jagtial district. He travelled there personally and began asking local residents if they knew Lachanna. After considerable effort, his search finally came to an end on July 9.
He successfully located his former colleague’s family. Although Lachanna himself was still working in the Gulf, technology finally reunited the two friends after decades. The emotional conversation happened over a WhatsApp video call.
A ₹1,000 Loan Became ₹25,000
When Ismail finally met Lachanna’s family, he handed over ₹25,000. The amount surprised everyone. Originally, the loan had been only 120 Saudi Riyals, roughly equivalent to ₹1,000 in 1991. Ismail never publicly explained exactly how he calculated the repayment amount. However, it appeared he had chosen to include the value of time, appreciation, and perhaps interest accumulated over the years.
For him, the payment wasn’t merely about clearing a financial obligation. It was about honouring a promise that had remained important throughout his life. His gesture transformed a modest loan into a priceless example of honesty.
“He Is A Very Honest Man”
Speaking about the emotional reunion, Lachanna expressed both surprise and gratitude. Recalling their friendship, he said,
“Both of us lived in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. In the evenings, we would go to his room, cook food and eat together. That is how our friendship grew. Later, I gave him 120 Riyals, the Saudi Arabian currency. It has been almost 35 years since I lent him that money. I do not know how he calculated Rs 25,000 for those 120 Riyals. He is a very honest and good man. That is why he gave me more money. It is simply a reflection of our friendship.”
He also added,
“I do not know whether he included interest in the amount. At that time, 120 Riyals was equal to about Rs 1,000. If we sent 120 Riyals through a bank in 1991, we would receive around Rs 1,000 in India. Since many years have passed, I think he may have added interest before repaying me, but I am not sure. I am thankful to him for returning the money.”
His words reflected not only appreciation but also admiration for a friendship that had remained alive despite decades of separation.
A Story That Restores Faith In People
The touching reunion has resonated with countless people because it highlights values that often seem rare today. Honesty, gratitude, loyalty, and keeping one’s promises are qualities that many believe have become increasingly uncommon. Ismail’s determination to travel across states simply to repay an old debt demonstrates that integrity isn’t measured by the amount of money involved.
Instead, it is measured by the importance a person gives to their word. His journey also serves as a reminder that true friendships can survive years of silence when they are built on trust and mutual respect. In an era dominated by fast-paced lifestyles and digital communication, this simple act has inspired thousands to believe that kindness and honesty still matter.
Conclusion
The reunion between Ismail and Edla Lachanna is much more than a story about repaying an old loan. It is a powerful reminder that promises made with sincerity deserve to be honoured, no matter how much time has passed.
Thirty-five years after borrowing just ₹1,000, Ismail travelled with little more than a memory to find his friend and return ₹25,000. His gesture left Lachanna overwhelmed and inspired countless people who came across the story.
At a time when trust often feels difficult to find, this remarkable act of honesty proves that integrity never loses its value. Some debts are measured in money, but others are measured in character—and Ismail’s journey beautifully reflected both.
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