Small Story 79.Genuine Friendship

Small Story 79 Genuine Friendship Ram arrived at the bus stand and waited at the gate for his friend Renu. After more than half an hour, he received a call from her. "Sorry, suddenly my mother fell down. I have to rush her to the doctor nearby. You can go to the office. I'll check on her condition and come later." Ram, understanding that Renu was in a hurry, replied, "Okay, take care of your mother." Both Ram and Renu worked in the same advertisement and event management company and had been close friends for the past two years. Many people at work thought they were more than just friends, but the two of them shared a strong bond of understanding and camaraderie. Although they were good friends, they were not in a romantic relationship. Renu had married three years ago to Deepak, an engineer working in the U.S. Deepak had visited India once after their marriage, and Renu had also gone to the U.S. to visit him. Renu had shared her secret with Ram about her marriage and the distance between them. The next day, as Ram was getting ready for work, his mother, Vasanthi, showed him a picture and asked, "I like her. Do you like her? Her name is Chandhini, and she works at Google in the U.S. Her parents, Ambujam and Srinivasan, are old friends of mine from my bank days. She's their only daughter. After marriage, either you can go to the U.S., or she can come to India on transfer to Bengaluru. It’s up to you, Ram." Ram, a little surprised, replied, "As you wish, Mummy." His father, an architect working with a leading consulting firm, also agreed with the idea. At lunchtime, Renu called Ram to check in and inform him that her mother was feeling better. Ram, in turn, shared the news about his mother's proposal for him to marry Chandhini. Renu was happy for him. "If she comes to India, I will be happy for you. But even if you go to the U.S., I will be happy too. I’ll always move forward with you. Not just as a good friend, but as a brother. I lost my own brother when I was in college. He died due to a fever." Ram was taken aback, having never heard this story before. "I’m so sorry, Renu," he said. "No problem, Ram," Renu replied, her voice warm. "After all, we're like family." The next day, Renu received a call from the U.S. It was from her husband, Chander. "Hey, Renu. How are you? I’m happy to share that my good friend, who I treat like a brother, is getting married to an Indian boy. I'm excited for them, and I will make sure to introduce them to her." "Hey, Renu, Chander is a wonderful friend, and also a caring brother. I’m truly blessed to have his association," said Chandhini, who was on the call with Chander. Renu was overjoyed. "Congratulations, Ram. I’m happy for you both!" Ram soon learned that Chandhini was a good friend of Renu's husband, Chander. The marriage between Ram and Chandhini took place smoothly. In a few months, Ram and Renu both migrated to the U.S. to start their new lives. As time passed, Ram, Renu, Chandhini, and Chander spent their holidays together with Ambujam and Srinivasan in San Diego. Vasanthi and her husband would visit the U.S. every year, and the families enjoyed a strong and lasting bond of friendship. Moral of the story: Friendship comes in many forms. The respect and love you offer will always be returned in the same way. Ram, Renu, Chandhini, and Chander demonstrated the true meaning of friendship—one that transcends distance, culture, and even family. K.Ragavan 16-11-24