Small Story 326.

Small Story 326 A Unique Way of Staying Connected Basavaraj arrived ten minutes early at the restaurant and waited patiently for Ram and the other friends. As the clock ticked, Ram entered, followed shortly by two more of their close companions. They all took their seats around a round table. Ram called the waiter and placed their order. The restaurant had a warm ambiance, known for its spacious seating and delicious South Indian sweets and dishes. Friend Narendranath initiated the conversation: "Ram, I wanted to say—every six months, you invite us for tea and a small get-together like this. I truly appreciate your thoughtful way of staying connected in such a pleasant environment." Ram smiled and began his response: "Thank you all for gathering here. I’ve been a part of this group for over half a decade now, and I truly value our daily meetups and the warm hospitality we all share. Back in my marketing days, I used to host friends regularly at hotels and at home. But as time passed, with age and increasing responsibilities at home, I found it difficult to invite everyone to my house. So, I’ve come up with a different way—I now host these small gatherings in restaurants, inviting everyone in batches. I continue to include you all in family events like weddings and other celebrations, but I avoid putting pressure on the family at home, especially as we all grow older and have our own limitations. I believe this method ensures we stay connected without creating additional domestic responsibilities. I encourage you to consider the same approach—it’s less intrusive for our families, and it still helps us nurture our bond. Beyond our daily interactions, these occasional meetups, along with family functions, strengthen our relationship. Above all, what I cherish most is the mutual respect and understanding within our group. As our spouses also age, this way of meeting respects everyone's time and energy." All the friends nodded in agreement and whispered among themselves, impressed: "This really is something unique." After enjoying a delightful meal of tiffin and sweets, they all parted ways, carrying with them fond memories—and a fresh, thoughtful perspective from Ram. K.Ragavan 3-8-25