Small Story 117 Homage to Anjali

Small Story 117Homage to Anjali After visiting his friend Shekar in Vijayawada, Chander admired his friend's hospitality, spending a day reminiscing about the old days with Shekar, his wife Chandini, and son Goutam. Now, Chander was on his way to Hyderabad to visit another old friend, Advaith. The bus reached the famous Biriyani city at 6 AM. After relaxing for six hours, Chander was greeted by Advaith at the bus station. This was Chander's first visit to Hyderabad. Although it had been a long time since they last met, Advaith hadn't changed much. He had gained a little weight, now weighing 57 kg, while Chander maintained his physique through regular walking. As they drove, Advaith spoke enthusiastically about his son, Vipul. "My son is eagerly waiting for you," he said. "Is he?" Chander nodded. "He's an ardent reader of your work. He has bought five of your books and convinced 20 of his friends to read them." Chander smiled, grateful for such blessings. They arrived at Advaith's apartment in a prime area of Hyderabad. Advaith worked as a marketing manager for a leading pharmaceutical company. After a warm introduction to his wife Archana and son Vipul, who was in his final year of Business Management and also working at an IT firm, they had a refreshing meal. Vipul eagerly asked Chander for an autograph. "Chander, you think I am that famous?" Chander asked with a smile. Vipul replied, "No doubt, Uncle. You are a versatile writer with many readers." Curious, Vipul asked, "How did you start writing?" Chander paused, reflecting on the past. "You're making me revisit my memories. Even Advaith and my other friends never knew the background," he began. "In college, I had a classmate named Anjali. She was charming, always smiling, and beautiful. We thought alike on almost everything. She loved reading, especially investigative stories. One day, casually, she told me, 'Chander, you have a wonderful imagination and a great command of English. Why don't you write an investigative story?' She kept saying this every time we met. A year passed, and then I received the devastating news that Anjali had met with an accident and passed away. The shock stayed with me for six months. I loved her for her simplicity, and once I settled into my career, I had planned to marry her. But life doesn't always go according to plan. "After her passing, I decided to fulfill her wish, as she had given me so much love and affection. I started writing investigative stories at the age of 25, and today, I am known in the field. This success, I owe to her thinking and philosophy. I dedicate all of it to Anjali. She will always remain in my heart." As Chander finished speaking, his eyes filled with tears. Advaith, Archana, and Vipul were also moved, their eyes brimming with tears at Chander's heartfelt tribute to Anjali. K.Ragavan 6-1-25