Small Story 101.

This is the original Tamil story, Athishtam (அதிர்ஷ்டம்), written by K. Ragavan, which was first published in a Tamil newspaper in June 1964. Below is the translated version of the story: --- Athishtam (Destiny) Every evening at 6 p.m., Muthu would return from the office. Today, it was late, and his mother, Godhai, was anxious. "Has he not come yet?" she wondered, feeling the deep affection she had for him. He was her only son. She decided that she would wait a little longer and then go to his friend Ramu's house. Just as she was about to make up her mind, she heard a sound at the door. She rushed to the door, and to her delight, it was Muthu. "Why are you so late today?" Godhai asked. Muthu replied, "Mom, do you know that I write stories?" Godhai nodded, "Yes." Muthu continued, "I showed a story to a film director. He said he liked it, and he's coming to see me next week." Godhai was overjoyed. "Really? That's wonderful! Come, let's eat," she called out to him. For Muthu, the dream of becoming a renowned writer and playwright had been a persistent longing in his heart for years. However, none of his stories had ever been successful. So, he decided to lie and say that a film director was interested in his story, hoping that his good fortune would arrive if he told that lie. The village where Muthu lived had a water tap that came on only at specific times. Therefore, Godhai would go to the nearby public water pipe to fetch water. About twenty women from the neighborhood would also gather there at the same time. One holiday, Muthu told his mother, "Today, I am going to meet the director and show him my story," and left with his file. Weeks went by, and every week, Muthu would go to meet the director. One day, as usual, Godhai went to the water tap. Proudly, she told everyone, "My son Muthu has shown his story to a film director, and he is going to be a great success soon!" Soon, the director, who had been considering filming in a location nearby, overheard Godhai talking about her son’s story. Intrigued by her words, he thought to himself, "We should meet Muthu one day." The reason for his interest was simple: the village women spoke highly of Muthu’s story. This encouraged the director, and he decided to visit Muthu. The following week, as usual, Muthu left with his story in hand. But this time, when Godhai was at the water tap, a car arrived at their house. The director had come to meet her. "I am a film director," he said. "I heard about your son's story from the women in this village. I would like to buy it. Here is an advance for you." Godhai was taken aback. "I am sorry, but Muthu has already promised to give his story to another director today. Please forgive me." The director, although disappointed, smiled and left. "It's alright," he said. "I don't have any luck. I will leave." When the director left, Muthu came in as usual. "One moment, Muthu," Godhai said. "You need to be careful. A film director came here today asking for your story. But I had already told him that you had promised another director, and that’s why you went to give your story to him." Muthu, holding his story in his hands, placed it down. "Mom," he said softly. The truth was that he had no words left to explain. His story seemed to be smiling at him as if mocking his lie. In reality, Muthu had luck on his side. But his own bad luck had made him lose the opportunity. K.Ragavan ---