Small Story 381

Small Story 381 The New Zealand Bride: A Twist of Fate in Bengaluru" Revathy was upset. Her close cousin Mukund's son was getting married in Bengaluru next week, and she hadn’t received an invitation. It hurt her deeply. Mukund and she were once inseparable—they had studied together in Madurai before life took them in different directions. Now, he was settled in New Zealand. That evening, she received a surprise call through Facebook Messenger. It was Arpitha, an old acquaintance who had since moved to New Zealand. They had recently reconnected and become good friends. "Hey Revathy, how are you?" Arpitha greeted warmly. "I’m planning to visit Bengaluru next week. Can you recommend a good hotel?" Revathy quickly replied, “You can stay with us! My son is working in the UAE. It's just my husband and me at home. We’d love to have you.” Arpitha gladly accepted. When she arrived in Bengaluru, Revathy received her at the airport with a big smile. They spent two enjoyable days together before Arpitha expressed her desire to visit Shimoga and some nearby places. Revathy happily joined her, and the two friends set off by car. During the drive, Arpitha casually mentioned, “I was actually supposed to come to Bengaluru last week to attend a friend’s son’s wedding, but it was postponed. The bride’s mother passed away, and the family decided to call it off.” “Oh? What’s the groom’s name?” Revathy asked curiously. “Niranjan,” replied Arpitha. Revathy’s eyes widened in shock. Niranjan was Mukund’s son. Now it made sense—this was why Mukund hadn’t sent her an invitation. He must have felt awkward about it. That evening, she received a call from Mukund. “I didn’t invite anyone, Revathy,” he explained. “The wedding was called off after the bride’s mother passed away. It didn’t feel like a good sign for both families. We’ve decided to wait and find someone else for Niranjan.” Revathy felt a strange sense of relief. The hurt she had felt earlier melted away. After hearing the full story, Arpitha whispered to her, “If the marriage had not been fixed, I was thinking of suggesting my daughter Vrindha for your cousin’s son.” Revathy’s eyes lit up. Without wasting a moment, she called Mukund and told him to get in touch with Arpitha once she was back in New Zealand. And so, fate stepped in. Niranjan’s new match—from faraway New Zealand—was made, all thanks to Revathy and a chance conversation between two friends. K.Ragavan 27-9-25