Small Story 58 Timely Lie

Small Story 58.Timely Lie Madurai station was bustling with activity as Pitchumani waited eagerly for his cousin, Rajamani, who was coming to Madurai for the first time. After a few moments, Rajamani waved from a distance. "Hey, Pitchu! Have you been waiting long?" he called out. "Not too long. What took you? Stuck in traffic?" Pitchumani replied. "No, I started late from home. An old schoolmate ran into me, and we ended up chatting," Rajamani explained. "Is she a friend?" Pitchumani asked, intrigued. "Yes, her name is Shenbagam," Rajamani said. "Still single." "Why?" Pitchumani inquired. "Her horoscope doesn't match with her parents’ criteria." Pitchumani chuckled. "In this twenty-first century, people still believe in horoscopes?" Rajamani shrugged. "It’s a thing. Anyway, let’s get going. It’s getting late." He hailed an auto. "Are you coming to S.S. Colony? Auto driver demanded twenty rupees more from the fare" "Why? It's only 11:30 AM," Pitchumani protested. "I understand, but I won’t get return passengers from there. Everyone uses apps these days." "Okay, I’ll give ten rupees more. That’s reasonable," Pitchumani replied. The auto driver grumbled, "Today’s coffee will cost me a minimum of twenty rupees, sir." "Alright, Raja, let’s just go," Pitchumani said. As they rode, the auto suddenly halted on a bridge. The driver got out and checked the tires, then the fuel gauge. "Sorry, sir, I forgot to fill the tank." "What do you mean sorry?" Pitchumani whispered, noting the line of honking vehicles behind them. They quickly got out and found another auto, albeit at double the fare. Finally, they reached home, where Pitchumani’s aunt greeted him with joy, calling him affectionately "Pitchu." After a hearty lunch, Pitchumani took a short nap. In the evening, his aunt prepared delicious coffee paired with hot pakodas. Rajamani hadn’t seen Pitchumani in years; he was married, with no children. Meanwhile, Pitchumani was nearing forty and still single. "Aunt, why are you delaying marriage?" she asked. "There hasn’t been a suitable girl yet," he replied. Later that evening, Shenbagam visited. She greeted Pitchumani’s aunt, who excitedly introduced her. "Shenbagam, I have a boy here. Our horoscopes match. You can meet my nephew." Pitchumani, working at the post office in Batlagundu, was single and came from a family of two sons with no parents. Shenbagam found his simplicity endearing, despite not being the typical city boy. Within a week, in a simple ceremony, Pitchumani and Shenbagam got married. Two years later, they welcomed a beautiful boy into their lives. Shenbagam’s parents were overjoyed, especially since many astrologers had predicted that her horoscope wouldn't suit anyone. One day, Pitchumani confided in Shenbagam, "I never saw your horoscope, but my aunt had yours, which your mother gave her. With good intentions, she assured your parents that our horoscopes matched." Shenbagam was taken aback. "You mean to say that a little lie was used for a good cause?" Pitchumani smiled. "Sometimes, love finds a way through unexpected paths." Grateful for his life’s journey with Shenbagam, Pitchumani often recalled that challenging auto ride and thanked his favorite god, Srinivasa of Tirupathi for bringing them together. K.Ragavan. 26-10-24