Once there was a wealthy man named Kalombas. He lived in a city called Treno. Kalombas had a few shoe factories in the city which had been passed down to him from his father. However, Kalombas’ greed was insatiable and he wanted everything else left by his father for his brothers as well. That was not all. Kalombas went to the extent of scheming to take over the house that his brothers were living in and took pains to prevent them from coming back. His poor brothers left home without a single penny. It was not long before the entire city knew about this incident. A kind family took in his poor brothers and as time went by, his brothers also started earning money to support themselves.

As for Kalombas, he remained as insidious as ever. No one dared speak up to him as he will not stop to get rid of anyone who stood in his way. Even the mayor of the city was wary of Kalombas. Sometimes people even wondered whether Kalombas had more money than the king did.

Frankly speaking all of the people in the city found out that it is totally indubitable that Kalombas was a very great businessman whether he did whatever things to achieve what he wants.

One night, a terrible thunderstorm came upon Treno that changed the life of Kalombas. That night, the thunderstorm completely destroyed all his property including his factories and his house but by some miracle, the people’s houses were only slightly damaged. It was morning when the storm blew over and the blazing sun appeared. Many curious onlookers gathered around Kalombas’ house which was almost totally destroyed. Kalombas was on his knees crying pathetically. Some felt sad for him as he had lost everything in just one night. Others believed that it was a well-deserved punishment from the gods for all his sins.

Despite his evil deeds, his brothers were most forgiving and came by to console him. His brothers told him that in life, there were many things that money cannot buy. There were many things more important than money like relationships and family.

“Brother, come and live with us. We can work together and build up our business again. Let us forgive and forget. Let us start a new life again as one happy family.” The crowd roared their approval with loud cheers and claps.

Spread over the city. Then someone said that we would not mind you join us and living together and buck up we will help you built your factory, for the past let the bygones be left in the history, what is past is past, forget about those unhappy things.

Tears welled in Kalombas’ eyes as he looked up and saw the eager faces around him. Never had he expected such a reaction. He had never felt so grateful in his life before. At the same time, Kalombas was also overcome with guilt.

“Thank you for your forgiveness,” he said. “I regret the things I had done to you people in the past, especially my brothers. I was a terrible person and yet you hold no grudges against me. Instead, you invite me to live among you. I am ashamed of myself. I beg your forgiveness” said Kalombas in tears.

“There is no need to dwell on the past,” an elder of the village said. “Let bygones be bygones and let us start anew. Come back with us.”

So Kalambas started all over again with help from his brothers and support from the the people of Treno. It was not long before Kalombas became wealthy again. This time, Kalombas was a changed man and was kind and helpful to all he met. Never had Treno seen such a generous man. He helped people with their difficulties and contributed money to improve the living conditions of Treno. Kalombas had learnt his lesson well.