My father-in-law’s abrasive nature led to a disruptive scene in a restaurant, where his arrogance sowed discord among the patrons. Oblivious to the impending consequences, he was about to be taught a memorable lesson by karma itself. What began as a mere attempt to assert his will evolved into a profound learning experience that had long eluded him.
I’ve always held a strong belief in karma—the idea that actions inevitably come full circle. Never could I have imagined that I would see this principle manifest so clearly and instantly as I did on an eventful evening with my father-in-law, whom I’ll refer to as Benjamin.
Benjamin is firmly convinced that he is the center of the universe, entitled to every convenience and consideration. That night, karma was ready to deliver a stark reality check.
Imagine this scene: My husband, Sam, and I—let’s say my name is Linda—were dining out with Benjamin at what he proclaimed was the “premier restaurant in the state.” He ordered lavishly, like a man preparing for a long siege—multiple burgers, an excessive amount of fries, and more, laying the groundwork for a spectacle of karmic justice.
After our initial order was served, Benjamin craftily concealed one of the burgers under a napkin—a seemingly minor act that would soon escalate into a dramatic display of karma.
When the waiter returned to check on us, Benjamin exploded with feigned outrage, accusing her of failing to deliver one of his burgers. His voice boomed across the restaurant, “I explicitly ordered four burgers! Why have only three been served?!” His outburst attracted stares from surrounding tables.
The waiter, a model of decorum and patience, reassured him with a calm, “I am quite certain all four were served, sir.”
“Are you accusing me of lying? Clearly, there are only three here!” Benjamin retorted, his voice steeped in disdain, slicing through the restaurant’s usual buzz of conversation.
Although I felt compelled to intervene on behalf of the unfairly accused waiter, my husband, knowing his father’s propensity for escalating conflicts, discreetly held my hand under the table, signaling me to refrain from commenting.