Small Story 128 The Magic of Govinda's Name

Small Story 128. The Magic of Govinda’s Name* Govind arrived at his office and sat in his cabin. He worked as the Chief Executive of a leading US-based investment bank in Bengaluru. Suddenly, his phone rang. "Hey Govind, I’m Madhavan speaking. How are you?" Govind didn’t recognize the voice immediately. He knew three Madhavans—two from his US office and one from his college days—but he hadn’t been in touch with any of them for more than six years. "I’m your college mate, Govind. I got your address and number through my aunt." Govind was surprised. "Wait, who’s your aunt?" Madhavan replied, "My aunt is Pankajam, your mother-in-law Ranjitham’s elder sister. I recently visited her and, during a casual conversation, she told me you were her sister’s son-in-law. So, I took the number." Govind was taken aback. "Oh, fine! You can come over. You know the location, right? We’re in the new building near Jayanagar BDA Complex." "I’ll be there in 15 minutes," Madhavan responded. Exactly 15 minutes later, Madhavan arrived. Upon seeing Govind, he was thrilled. After a cup of coffee, they reminisced about their old college days—movies they’d watched, T20 cricket matches they’d enjoyed, even meeting Virat Kohli, and the crash Madhavan had faced. Then Madhavan said, "Govind, I want to start a restaurant here, and I need your help with the financing. I can offer the security of my house in Udupi and two crore rupees worth of LIC policies. I just came back from Dubai, and I want to venture into our traditional business." Govind, knowing that they typically didn’t take houses from native places as collateral, agreed. "How much do you expect for the loan?" "Fifty lakhs," Madhavan replied. Govind nodded, "Okay. I’ll take care of it. You can pledge your policies only, and I’ll take personal responsibility." Both were good friends, and Madhavan’s father had helped Govind many times in the past. Govind took Madhavan home, and Nandhini, Govind’s wife, was delighted to see her cousin. Even more so, she was thrilled to learn that he was Govind’s college mate. A month later, Madhavan started a beautiful vegetarian restaurant, named *Govinda’s*, located in a prime area with three-star facilities. After six months, *Govinda’s* became very popular, attracting even film celebrities. One day, Govind asked Madhavan about his old affair with Vasanthi, and why it hadn’t materialized. Madhavan explained, "Vasanthi, a doctor at that time, wanted to further her studies, so she went to the UK. After that, there was no communication, and I lost touch with her." Govind reassured him, "Don’t worry, you’ll certainly find her." A week later, at around 6:30 PM, a group of ladies visited *Govinda’s* restaurant. After their dinner, one lady wanted to meet the owner to express her satisfaction with the quality of the food. The waiter took her to Madhavan’s cabin, and when he saw her, he was shocked. "Hey, you?" She, too, was surprised. It was Vasanthi, the same woman who had left for the UK six years ago. She had returned to India and started a large hospital. She had lost his address and had been trying to find him ever since. The two were reunited, and both families soon arranged their marriage. Govind was overjoyed at the news. Madhavan thanked him for his timely help. As a gesture of gratitude, he repaid 60% of the loan. On the wedding day, Govind shared the miracle with everyone, explaining that the name of "Govinda" had worked wonders. It had helped Madhavan start his restaurant and reunite with his old friend. Madhavan nodded, adding, "I was given a loan by Govind too." K.Ragavan 17-1-25