Small Story 141.

Small Story 141. Cricket Magic: A Ball That Changed Everything Shekar had been waiting at the Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand for more than 15 minutes, but his friend Aravind hadn’t shown up yet. Just as he was about to call, Shekar's phone rang. It was Aravind. "Hey, I’m stuck on the way in my auto. The police stopped me for a check. They got a tip-off about some illegal goods being transported in my auto, but after ten minutes of searching, they found nothing. It was a false report with a different number plate. I’ll be coming by bus. Please wait." Shekar was relieved when Aravind finally arrived ten minutes later. The two friends greeted each other, both familiar with each other from their days of playing cricket together in their apartment complex. "So, any good news?" Aravind asked. "No," Shekar replied with a sigh. "The director is out of the country and isn’t expected to return until the 15th." Shekar had been waiting for a final confirmation on his job application from a multinational company, where he had been selected by the branch manager. The decision, however, was pending approval from the company’s director, NaraHari, who was currently abroad. Aravind worked as a newsreader for Doordarshan, and it was through his reference that Shekar had landed the interview. Shekar’s father was a senior manager at a leading bank in Bengaluru, and their apartment in J.P. Nagar had become a landmark in the area. Aravind’s father worked for RAW as an officer based in Bengaluru. It was a high-profile building, with only 220 cozy apartments, each with top-tier amenities. Two days later, on a Sunday, Shekar and Aravind were playing cricket again in the apartment courtyard. Shekar, known for his hard-hitting shots, hit a tennis ball that soared into the air and landed on a balcony on the third floor. "Hey, here’s your ball!" a sweet voice called out. Shekar turned to see a young woman standing at the balcony. "Thank you," Shekar called up, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry about that." "No problem," the woman replied. "It happens when we play in the apartment playground. It’s not a cricket ball, though." Shekar walked over to the base of the building, where the woman had come down to hand him the ball. "Thanks for your sportsmanship," he said. "We’ve finished our game, but I hit the last ball a bit too far." "I’m Yamini," she introduced herself. "I live in apartment 303 and work in the IT sector." Aravind smiled. "I’m Aravind, and this is my friend Shekar. He’s about to join a new company." Shekar shook Yamini’s hand, feeling a bit nervous but appreciative of her polite and courteous nature. Later, after Shekar had received a call from his dad, he learned that he was about to receive the letter confirming his job offer. Fifteen days later, Shekar reported for his first day at the company. It felt surreal, as he met all the executives and was taken aback by the smooth process. He couldn’t help but wonder how he had been selected without a second round of discussions. His thoughts were interrupted when Yamini walked in. "Congratulations, Shekar! I just joined the company today as well!" she said with a smile. "Thanks," Shekar replied, surprised. "How did you know I was joining?" Yamini looked at him with a smile that held a secret. "Well, ever since I moved into this apartment, I’ve had a crush on you. The other day, when you left for your dad’s call, I overheard that you were waiting for the company director’s approval. I also found out that the director’s name was NaraHari, and he’s my dad." Shekar stared at her in disbelief. "Your dad?" "Yes," Yamini confirmed, "He doesn’t like recommendations, but when he saw your credentials, he was impressed. He not only approved you for the job but also gave his blessing for you to be a part of this apartment family. He sees you as his son-in-law." Shekar couldn’t believe it. Yamini’s father had unknowingly played a role in his success. It was a true twist of fate, and it was all thanks to that cricket ball. As they sat down to chat, Shekar realized that luck had truly smiled upon him. Their marriage was celebrated in a grand fashion, with Aravind happy not just for his friend’s success but also for the way that one wayward cricket ball had changed everything. K.Ragavan 30-1-25