Small Story 90. Destiny Unfolded

Story 90 Destiny Unfolded. Bhishma had joined Hotel Motwani a few days ago as an accountant after completing his M.COM. The hotel, owned by Sait Ramlal, was a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its reasonable prices and quality food. Sait Ramlal, a devout follower of Sri Ram, had started the hotel ten years ago and had built a strong reputation in the area. His focus was on both affordability and quality, ensuring that people from all walks of life could enjoy his food. Bhishma, originally from Kakinada, had settled in Chennai. His father was a postmaster, and his mother worked as a bank employee. It was a happy family, with good cultural and traditional values. Bhishma was well-respected by both his colleagues at work and the supply staff. One day, Bhishma saw his old college classmate, Ragini, having lunch at the restaurant. Surprised, he approached her. "Hey, what a pleasant surprise to see you here after seven years! I never expected to see you again!" Bhishma exclaimed. Ragini smiled and replied, "Yes, I didn't expect this either. I joined a bank in Vijayawada and worked there for two years. Now I've been transferred to the Chennai branch. Yesterday, I came here and checked into a hotel. I’m also looking for accommodation, but I don’t know anyone here." Bhishma thought for a moment and then said, "No problem, Ragini. I'll help you out. Let me call my mom and tell her about the situation." He immediately called his mother, Savithri, explained everything, and she agreed to let Ragini stay with them. Bhishma asked Ragini to wait for half an hour, as his duty would end at 5 PM. At 5 PM, Bhishma took an auto, reached Ragini’s hotel, and helped her with her luggage. They drove back to his home, where his parents were waiting to greet her. Bhishma’s house had three spacious bedrooms, a large hall, and other rooms. His parents made Ragini feel at home, and she stayed with them while she looked for a place of her own. A few days later, Savithri mentioned to Ragini that Bhishma’s family was considering a proposal for marriage between the two. Ragini, who had secretly had a crush on Bhishma during their college days, hadn’t shared her feelings with him back then. Bhishma, too, had been focused on his studies and had never thought about a relationship at that time. Ragini agreed to discuss the proposal with her father. Two days later, Ragini’s father called Bhishma to inform him that he had already arranged a marriage for her with a family friend’s son. Bhishma was surprised but not disappointed. He soon discovered that the boy his future father-in-law had chosen was none other than his own friend, Pravin. Bhishma called Pravin to congratulate him, but Pravin confided that while his father had agreed to the match, he was actually in love with Mallika, a colleague of his. "Today, I’m planning to tell my dad," Pravin said. Upon hearing this, Ragini’s father decided to support his daughter’s wishes and told his friend not to interfere in their children’s lives. As a result, Bhishma and Ragini’s marriage was arranged with their families’ blessings. The wedding was a beautiful event, attended by close relatives and friends, and everyone celebrated the union of the two, who had now come together not just as old friends, but as life partners K.Ragavan. 27-11-24