Small Story 242.

Small Story 242. Royal Encounter in the City of Dreams Vivek landed at Dubai International Airport, where his relative Ram was waiting to receive him. Ram, a chief executive at a leading pharmaceutical company in Dubai, lived with his wife Vasanthy and their only daughter Namratha, who was in her final year of a Master's in Visual Communication. After collecting his luggage, as they drove home, Ram asked, “How was your journey? How are Dad and Mum?” “The journey was fine,” Vivek replied. “Both Dad and Mum are doing well.” They soon arrived at Ram’s independent villa in a beautiful neighborhood near Satwa. Vasanthy welcomed Vivek warmly. “You’ve grown so tall! When you left Dubai 15 years ago, you were just a boy—and now you look like a hero.” “Thank you, aunty,” Vivek whispered with a shy smile. Namratha walked in from another room. “Hey! How are you?” she said with excitement. They all spent the morning reminiscing about old times. Over a hearty breakfast that included Vivek’s favorite—badam cake—Vasanthy nodded and said, “We always remember your mother's help. Without her support, Ram wouldn’t be where he is today.” Vivek’s father had moved to the U.S. 15 years ago, while Vivek had returned to India. Now, he had come back to Dubai for higher studies at a reputed university near Ram's home. “You spent five years at our own English school here,” Vasanthy continued, “and your return for further studies shows how much your mother loved this place.” Vivek smiled. “Not just my mum—I have many fond childhood memories here, too. I’m amazed at how dramatically the city has developed in the past 15 years, aunty.” Later in the afternoon, Vivek’s mother, Harini called from India and thanked Ram and Vasanthy for welcoming Vivek so warmly. Vasanthy responded kindly, “This is nothing, Harini it was you and your husband Shekhar who helped us come to the UAE. Where we are today is all thanks to you.” Harini replied, “Please don’t say that. One must always help those who are capable and deserving. Ram has proven himself, and I’m proud he’s my cousin.” After the call, life settled into a happy rhythm. Vivek began college and enjoyed the royal treatment from Ram and Vasanthy in the Royal City of Dubai. As Vivek reflected on the warm welcome and support he received, he realized—when you help others selflessly, life has a way of returning that kindness in the most timely and meaningful ways. K.Ragavan 11-5-25