Small Story312.

Small Story 312. Mumbai Encounter: A Father's Journey, A Son's New Beginning" From VT Station, Panchapakesan slowly walked across the road, carrying his small handbag, toward an old South Indian vegetarian hotel that had stood there for decades. When he reached the reception, the young man behind the counter greeted him in Hindi and asked what he needed. Panchapakesan, who knew only Tamil and English, replied that he was looking for a common dormitory-style room for three days. Noticing his accent and manner, the receptionist immediately switched to Tamil, realizing the elderly man was from the South. The hotel, after all, had a long-standing reputation for serving South Indian visitors with safe lodging and authentic vegetarian meals. After registering his name, native address, and reason for visit, Panchapakesan handed over ₹600 as advance. As he was about to proceed to his room, he suddenly heard someone call out his name. It was the hotel manager—Mani Iyer. “Hey Mani! How are you?” Panchapakesan exclaimed in delight. Mani Iyer walked over with a warm smile and hugged him. It had been decades since the two schoolmates had seen each other. Mani then took Panchapakesan to his office and offered him a cup of coffee. Over the next hour, they reminisced about their childhood in Ambasamudram, how Mani had to move to Mumbai after his father’s death, abandoned by relatives, and started as a cook in this very hotel. Over the years, through hard work, he had risen to become the manager. Panchapakesan shared his own story—how his son Vembu had moved to Mumbai eight years ago and recently gone completely silent for over a month. This, combined with the death of Panchapakesan’s wife in Covid 19left him worried and alone. Vembu hadn’t even come for his mother’s last rites. Mani Iyer placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he said. “This city may be big, but we’ll find him. You’re not alone.” He invited Panchapakesan to stay with him and his family in their Sion apartment instead of the dorm. Grateful, Panchapakesan agreed, carrying his one small bag. That evening, they arrived at Mani Iyer’s home, warmly welcomed by his wife, Lalitha. While chatting after dinner, Mani brought out his daughter’s recent wedding album. As Panchapakesan flipped through the photos, he suddenly froze. There, standing beside the groom, was his son—Vembu! Shocked but relieved, Panchapakesan pointed him out. Mani Iyer beamed. “Oh! That’s Vembu! He’s a good friend of my son-in-law. They recently went to Dubai for a job opportunity.” Mani explained that Vembu was recommended by his soninlaw and had applied for a job in a reputed trading company there. They had just confirmed his appointment. Since the outcome was uncertain, Vembu hadn’t informed his father. With joy and urgency, Panchapakesan called his son. Vembu answered immediately, overwhelmed with emotion. He apologized for not attending his mother’s funeral and explained covid restriction He had no idea his father would come all the way to Mumbai in search of him. One month later, Panchapakesan flew to Dubai and started a new life living with Vembu. His mission was complete. Grateful to his old friend, he hugged Mani Iyer at the airport, tears in his eyes. “Thank you, Mani. If not for this hotel, this chance meeting wouldn’t have happened.” As the plane took off, Panchapakesan smiled and thought, “Our Ambasamudram truly is a lucky place.” K.Ragavan 20-7-25 ---