Minor accident leads to an unlikely friendship and a viral story of integrity in Dubai.
An Indian expatriate living in Dubai has captured widespread attention after receiving an unexpected refund two years after paying for damage caused in a minor parking accident, in a story many social media users have described as a rare example of honesty and goodwill.
Mallika Boobna shared the experience in a video posted on Instagram, recounting how the incident began on her first day driving in Dubai. While attempting to park, she accidentally scraped a parked vehicle, leaving visible scratches and paint damage. Unable to locate the owner, she left a note with her contact details and an apology, asking the owner to contact her so the matter could be resolved.
The vehicle’s owner, identified as Julia, later informed Boobna that the damaged car was a rental vehicle and that the incident would need to be handled in accordance with the rental company’s procedures. Boobna subsequently paid AED 1,500 (about ₹39,000) after being told that this was the estimated repair cost.
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The story appeared to have ended there
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However, nearly two years later, Julia contacted Boobna again after returning the rental vehicle and reviewing the final repair charges. She discovered that the actual cost of the damage had been only AED 800 (around ₹21,000), leaving a difference of AED 700 (approximately ₹18,000)
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Julia then reached out to return the excess amount
Boobna said the refund was transferred shortly after she shared her bank details. The two women are now planning to meet for coffee, turning what began as an unfortunate accident into an enduring connection.
The video has since gone viral, attracting praise from social media users who commended both women for their honesty and sense of responsibility. Many commenters described the incident as a reminder that acts of integrity still exist in everyday life.
