New Delhi, July 13 -- More than three decades after borrowing a small amount from a friend while working in Saudi Arabia, a Kerala man travelled across states to return the money-along with interest-bringing an emotional chapter of friendship to a close.

Around 35 years ago, Muhammad Ismail, a resident of Palakkad, was employed in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, when he faced financial difficulties. During that period, his roommate, Edla Lachanna, came to his aid by lending him 120 Saudi riyals, worth around Rs.1,000 at the time.

Before Ismail could repay the amount, Lachanna returned to India. With mobile phones and email still uncommon, the two gradually lost touch. Despite the years that passed, Ismail never forgot the debt and remained determ...