Small Story 379.

Small Story 379 Sweet News and Sweeter Memories – Shanmugam arrived at the regular meeting place of his friends, where he was warmly greeted by the group. They were curious about his absence over the past few days. He explained that his wife, Sobha, had suddenly felt very tired, and the doctor had advised her to take rest. He had stayed at home with her for three days, but now that she was feeling better, she encouraged him to meet his friends — so he had come rushing over. At the meeting, his friend Swamy shared some cheerful news: his grandson was going to Australia for higher studies. To celebrate, Swamy distributed sweets among the friends. Knowing Shanmugam’s love for Halwa — his favorite sweet — Swamy gave him a piece. Shanmugam, smiling, placed it carefully in his bag to take home to Sobha, who also loved Halwa. Seeing this, and aware of Shanmugam’s deep affection for his wife, Swamy thoughtfully added two more pieces to his bag. After spending some time with his friends, Shanmugam returned home. Sobha was waiting eagerly and happily accepted the Halwa. Just then, she received a surprise phone call from their daughter, Vasanthy, who lived in the United States. She invited them to attend her son Vivek’s convocation ceremony in Colorado next month, adding that she would send them tickets and help with the visa soon. “This is truly sweet news,” said Sobha joyfully. Shanmugam, a retired textile engineer who had worked for Harvey Mills in Madurai and won many awards for his service, felt grateful. They had only one daughter, Vasanthy, married to Ram, a quality manager at a pharmaceutical company. They lived in Boulder, Colorado, with their only son Vivek. Just three days later, Shanmugam received the tickets and visa. A month later, the couple landed at Denver airport, where they were warmly received by Vasanthy and Ram. Ram, in his mid-fifties, and Vasanthy, now 50, were delighted to see them. As they drove from the airport, Vasanthy turned to her father and said, “Appa, I have a surprise for you. Ram has bought a house for us!” Shanmugam, though surprised, calmly congratulated Ram and felt deeply touched. When they reached the new home, both Shanmugam and Sobha were awestruck by its beauty and elegance. Their grandson Vivek welcomed them with open arms, and they hugged him with joy, blessing him for a bright future. They attended Vivek’s graduation ceremony, spent a memorable month with the family, and then returned to India. While seated on the plane back home, Sobha leaned towards Shanmugam and smiled, saying, “Swamy Anna gave us sweet Halwa with the sweet news of his grandson’s trip to Australia — and see where it led us. Our own grandson’s graduation brought us to the U.S. It’s all by God’s grace… and your good heart.” Shanmugam nodded, smiled, and added, “Swamy is indeed a good man.” K.Ragavan 25-9-25