Small Story 293.

Small Story 293: A Memorable Help – Belliappa’s Gift of Hope Belliappa arrived at his old friend Naniah’s house in Ponnampet, Coorg. It had been six long years since the two friends had seen each other—Belliappa had settled in Canada with his son and daughter-in-law. The reunion was warm and nostalgic, as both had shared a friendship spanning over two and a half decades, having served together in the defence services. Naniah, now a widower, lived with his grandson Bhimaiah and worked in a plantation near Mercara. When Belliappa handed him a sweet box, he inquired about Bhimaiah. Naniah smiled and said he had gone to visit a friend in Gonikoppal for the weekend and would return by evening. The two friends went out for lunch at a nearby hotel, enjoying the food and the comfort of familiar company. Back home, as the evening rain began to fall, they settled in to watch an old English film starring Sean Connery, lost in memories and laughter. At 7 p.m., Bhimaiah returned, carrying a bottle of whisky as a gift for his grandfather’s guest. Belliappa chuckled and politely declined—he had given up drinking six years ago. Naniah too had slowly stopped drinking after Belliappa left for Canada. Suddenly, Naniah received a phone call. A friend's son, Vivek, was in need of help. Knowing Belliappa was visiting, Naniah asked Vivek to come the next day to meet him. The next day, Vivek, a 45-year-old former estate worker, arrived. He had lost his job and was hoping to move abroad to earn enough money to care for his ailing parents—both recently diagnosed with early-stage cancer. Belliappa was moved by the man's honesty and dedication. He immediately called his son and daughter-in-law Sophia who worked as an HR manager at a major cargo company in Toronto. After hearing Vivek’s story, Sophia asked him to send over his CV. Two days later, Belliappa left for Mysore and eventually returned to Canada. A few days later, Sophia received Vivek’s CV, and impressed by his experience, offered him a position as a Factory Supervisor. Vivek accepted and moved to Toronto. Four months later, Vivek visited Belliappa and his family, carrying a big box of sweets and fruits. With tears in his eyes, he thanked them all. His job had allowed him to support his parents, who had now fully recovered from cancer. Belliappa was overjoyed, and turned to thank Sophia for her support. Sophia whispered, "I'm just happy I could help save two lives. I only wish I could have done the same for my own parents." Belliappa placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, deeply moved by her empathy and compassion. K.Ragavan 1-7-25