Small Story 104.Finding Peace in Retirement.

Small Story 104"Finding Peace in Retirement Subramaniam arrived at the temple. His friend Rangan was waiting at the main gate. Both were good friends from their school days and had taken different career paths. Subramaniam had joined the banking profession, while Rangan became a teacher for 10th-grade students. They had both studied at the famous M.C. High School and were meeting again in their hometown of Madurai after twenty-five years. They decided to meet at their old favorite spot, the Koodal Alagar Temple in the city. Rangan had settled in Srirangam, and Subramaniam had made his home in Tirunelveli. They spoke regularly over the phone, keeping each other updated on their families. As Subramaniam entered the temple, he recognized Rangan by his walk, and Rangan did the same. They greeted each other with a warm hug. Subramaniam had worked in North India and spent a few years in his overseas branch in Dubai. After exchanging pleasantries and reminiscing about their school days—watching English movies at Regal Talkies, having tiffin at the college house, and roaming around the streets of Madurai—they went for the darshan and then headed to Udupi Hotel on West Masi Street for breakfast. During their meal, Rangan asked Subramaniam about his plans for retirement. Subramaniam shared that he was happy living in Tirunelveli, where the temple was close to his apartment. Rangan replied that he too was content in Srirangam. Subramaniam offered to take Rangan to his hotel, where they spent the next hour relaxing and reminiscing. Subramaniam then asked, "What are your future plans, Rangan?" Rangan replied, "I plan to stay in Srirangam for the rest of my life." "Okay, I’m thinking the same," Subramaniam said. "My wife wants to stay in Tirunelveli, but we’ll visit Tenkasi and our old friends." Rangan nodded, "True, they are like relatives to us." Both men had no children but had settled well in life with a strong material background. As they approached their retirement years, they shared a mutual concern about not having children, but they found comfort in their decision. Both places—Tirunelveli and Srirangam—were surrounded by temples, offering them peace of mind. Their decision was clear. They had come to terms with their situation after two and a half decades. They accepted the reality with gratitude and peace. They realized that even without children, they were the children of the Supreme Force, whatever one may call it. With happiness and contentment, they parted ways after a meaningful reunion, knowing they had made the right choice for their future. K.Ragavan 24-12-24