Small Story 327

Small Story 327: Divine Reunion in Madurai Kanaka was seated in the train, ready to depart for Madurai. She worked as a teacher for higher secondary classes and was heading there to attend an educational seminar at Madura College School. When the train arrived in Madurai, her friend Uma, who had come from Villupuram, greeted her warmly. They took an auto to the convention hall and checked into the room booked by the organizers. After settling in, they went to the canteen for a light dinner, as it was already 7 PM. Later, back in their room, they turned on the TV, which was covering news about Madurai and updates on the city’s famous temples. Kanaka smiled as she saw how much the city had developed. It had been eight years since she left Madurai for Chennai. The memories of her past came flooding back—especially those of Kannan, her former boyfriend, who had once worked as an editor for a leading newspaper. Due to a misunderstanding, they had lost contact, and Kannan had been transferred to Bengaluru. Her thoughts were interrupted by Uma. “Hey, what are you thinking?” Uma asked. “Nothing,” Kanaka replied with a gentle nod. At 28, Kanaka was still charming and pleasant. Uma, 27, was equally vibrant and energetic. The next day, they attended the convention, which had over forty teachers from across Tamil Nadu. By evening, Kanaka decided to visit a temple, while Uma, who had to meet a relative, couldn’t join her. Kanaka made her way to the North Masi Street Krishna Temple—a place filled with memories. As she handed over the archanai ticket, she gave both her name and Kannan’s name. To her surprise, a familiar voice repeated the names. She turned, stunned—and there he was. Kannan himself, standing near the sanctum. Their eyes met, filled with emotion and disbelief. After completing their prayers, they walked to a nearby restaurant—the same one where they used to meet. Kannan looked at her and asked, “Where are you now? Married?” Kanaka smiled and asked him the same. Kannan replied, “For the past seven years, I’ve been coming here on this very day, hoping to see you again. I always prayed that if you were still single, fate would bring us back together.” Kanaka’s eyes welled with tears. The depth of Kannan’s love and patience touched her soul. Without hesitation, she said, “I’m joining you, Kannan,” and embraced him. In the sacred city of Madurai, their love—once lost—found its way back. Proving that true love, when blessed, always finds a way. K.Ragavan 4-8-25