Small Story 130 The Wisec Decision

Small Story 130 "The Wise Decision"** Ram received a call from his wife, Ambujam, one afternoon. "I received three calls from the same number. The first two times I didn’t answer, but the third time I picked up, thinking maybe a friend was trying to reach me. They said I won first prize in a lottery I had bought at the airport and that they needed my account number to send me one million dollars," she explained, sounding worried. "I told them to call me back in half an hour. What do you think, Ram? I'm scared." Ram nodded thoughtfully. "Did you buy a lottery ticket?" he asked. "Yes, I did," she replied. Ram was concerned, given the many spam calls these days. "If that number calls again, don't pick up." Ambujam agreed and hung up the phone. That evening, when Ram returned home from work, Ambujam asked, "Do you think I’m really blessed by Goddess Andal for winning this money?" Ram, unsure, nodded. "I don't know, but it's certainly a lot to take in." At 68, Ram had retired from his job as a leading event manager, and he and his wife, Ambujam, were enjoying their peaceful life in their cozy apartment in T. Nagar. They had only one beautiful daughter, Vasanthy, who lived with her husband in Atlanta. Vasanthy's husband worked at Google, while Vasanthy was employed by a leading insurance company. Ambujam had visited her daughter two months ago and stayed for a while. During that trip, she bought a lottery ticket after being approached by a lady at the airport lounge, who told her that she would surely win if she bought one. After five days, Vasanthy called Ambujam from Atlanta. "Mum, why didn’t you send your account number to claim your prize money when the lottery people asked for it?" "I thought it was a spam call," Ambujam replied. Vasanthy reassured her. "I know we have to be cautious with such calls, but sometimes they are legitimate. Don’t worry—I had a friend working with the lottery authorities. She confirmed your win after checking your passport details. She said no account number was sent by you, so I sent her a verification letter and your bank details. The money has been transferred. Check your account." Ambujam checked her phone and saw the message from her bank. One million dollars had been deposited into her account. She couldn't believe it. Ram was equally stunned, but he couldn't help but feel immense pride for his wife. Her straightforwardness, devotion, and kindness had been rewarded. As they exchanged a look, Vasanthy spoke again from the other side of the world. "Mum, do you remember attending my friend Janaki's house for SrAndal Kalyanam before you left Atlanta?" Ambujam smiled as the memory flooded back. It was then that she realized—Goddess Andal had truly blessed her. "Ram," she said, "I’ll donate 50% of this amount to open a trust for underprivileged children." Ram was touched by her wise decision, and Vasanthy echoed his thoughts, saying, "Mummy, you are truly amazing." Ambujam’s wise and selfless choice only made Ram love her more. K.Ragavan 19-1-25.