Small Story 317.

Small Story 317 Visits – The Magic of Friendship After his bypass surgery, Anand received a minimum of three friends every day who came to visit him. Anand had retired as the Marketing Manager of a leading consumer goods company. Over the years, he built a wide circle of friends—including distributors, sales professionals, and social media acquaintances—amassing 530 friends in his personal diary of contacts. His warm, friendly nature and ability to connect easily with people had earned him this circle. Every day, Anand ordered sweets and snacks from a nearby restaurant to treat his visitors. At 65, Anand maintained an impressive physique and a charismatic personality—apart from the recent health setback. He felt genuinely happy and comfortable when friends came over to chat, laugh, and reminisce. His wife Roshani also enjoyed the company and appreciated the warmth brought into their home by the daily visits. Their son, Rohith, now settled in Melbourne, also admired his parents' outgoing and kind-hearted nature. One evening, Krish, a former colleague, came to visit and praised Anand for his professional achievements—particularly how he had motivated his sales teams to consistently exceed targets. Anand thanked him with a smile, touched by the thoughtful recollection. He had indeed been one of the top executives in the company. A month later, following the doctor’s advice and buoyed by his friends’ encouragement, Anand resumed his regular walks. His friend Satyanarayana, seeing him walk with renewed energy, felt happy to witness Anand regaining his old vigor. Return back home Anand smiled and said, “With a warm environment and meaningful conversations, even after major surgery, one can lead a joyful life.” Roshani nodded, “True, dear.” K.Ragavan 25-7-25