Small Story 133.A Bond of Love and Devotion

Small Story 133. A Bond of Love and Devotion** Vasanthy received a message from Ambujam, her present motherly figure, mentioning that she and her old buddy Shyamala had gone for dinner with her husband Ram to the popular Rameswaram Cafe and asked her to join them at 8 PM. After finishing her work, Vasanthy arrived at the cafe. The three of them were waiting for her. Vasanthy introduced Shyamala, her old friend now settled in the UK. After settling into their respective seats and ordering their dishes, Shyamala turned to Vasanthy. "I came to know through Ambujam that you made a stunning decision after Desikan, her son’s demise in that unfortunate accident. After treating them as your own parents, you decided not to marry. I was deeply touched and admired your decision," Shyamala said. Vasanthy replied, "No, aunty, my admiration is for my late friend, Desikan. He had attended a marriage with my parents, and tragically met with an accident at Udupi last year. Desikan, a devoted son, decided not to marry because he was the only child. I chose to respect him and his wishes. So, after the accident, I moved Ambujam mummy and Ram, as Desikan would have done. They became my parents now. After losing my own parents, I love them like my own. My decision not to marry is to care for them, to be there for them until their last breath." Shyamala’s eyes filled with tears. "Ambujam, my loving friend, now your loving mummy, and Ram, too, a noble soul without expectations," she whispered. Vasanthy nodded. "I am also blessed to have you as my aunt, Shyamala." Shyamala smiled, wiping her tears. "Thank you, Vasanthy, for your kind words." The four of them not only enjoyed their dinner but also cherished the deeper bond of love and devotion that had brought them together. Vasanthy felt grateful to God for bringing Desikan into her life, a colleague and a wonderful person who had deepened the connection between her and Ambujam mummy. As they parted ways, they left with contentment and happiness, knowing that the bond of love they shared would endure. K.Ragavan 22-1-25