Small Story 375.

Small Story 375 The House of Acceptance After three long years, Bhumika visited Chennai to meet her aunt Ambujam, who had been bedridden for the past year. Aunt Ambujam lived in a spacious independent house in T. Nagar, managing her life with the help of a loyal cook, Mangalam. Ambujam’s daughter and son were both settled in the US and had invited her several times to come and live with them. But she always refused. That house in T. Nagar had been built by her late husband, a retired Forest Officer, and she was deeply attached to it. Ambujam was known for her versatile personality. A passionate teacher, she had taught many students free of cost, turning her knowledge-sharing into a form of service. Bhumika, her brother’s only daughter, worked as a diplomat in the UAE. Her husband Ram was the Marketing Manager of a leading Arabic dairy company in Dubai. Their only daughter, Reshmi, was working as a Feature Editor at a reputed Gulf journal. As soon as Bhumika arrived, Aunt Ambujam greeted her warmly with a cup of her famous tea—something Bhumika had always loved, along with her homemade sweets. During their conversation, Bhumika gently brought up the topic again: “Why don’t you come and stay with us in Dubai permanently, Auntie?” “You're my dad's only close relative now, and I feel so much more at peace when you’re around,” she added. Aunt Ambujam smiled and whispered, “I’m happy here, Bhumika. Mangalam takes good care of me, and this home holds memories I’m not ready to leave behind.” Then she asked, “So, what brings you here after so long?” Bhumika hesitated for a moment before replying, “I’ve come to invite you for Reshmi’s wedding.” She paused, unsure of how her aunt would react. “She’s chosen her partner—he’s her training batchmate. A Telugu-speaking boy from Hyderabad...” Before Bhumika could say more, Aunt Ambujam’s face lit up with calm confidence. “That’s a good thing,” she said. “Love and understanding shouldn't be disturbed by language or caste. If they understand and respect each other, what else do we need?” Bhumika was surprised—pleasantly so. Ambujam continued, “Even my own son and daughter married Americans. I never objected, because they found companionship and respect. That’s what matters most.” Bhumika was stunned. She had come prepared to convince her aunt, fearing objections based on caste or background. But instead, she witnessed her aunt’s broad-mindedness and acceptance—far ahead of her time. Her purpose for the visit was fulfilled far more easily than she had imagined. K.Ragavan 21-9-25