Small Story 396

Small Story 396: A Serendipitous Encounter at London Airport Ram was waiting at London Heathrow Airport for his connecting flight to Bengaluru after spending a fulfilling month with his son, Vishnu, in Denver. A retired top executive from RAW, Ram had been passionately blogging and writing for over two and a half decades. His work had brought him into digital contact with many celebrities from diverse professions through social media and blogging platforms. As he sat waiting, a middle-aged man in his forties approached him with a warm smile and greeted him. Ram acknowledged him politely, though he couldn’t immediately place who he was. "You may not recognize me," the man said, "but I’ve seen you—on your blog and in your pictures. I’m Aravind. I’ve worked on more than 80 films across three languages as a cinematographer. You wrote about me in your column two years ago. I was amazed by your deep knowledge of the film industry—and many other areas. Your language, your positive tone, and your respect for every individual really touched me." Ram was taken aback—not only by Aravind’s memory of his column, but by the exactness with which he recalled it. Aravind continued, handing him a card. "I read all your tribute columns. I’ve worked with many of the personalities you’ve written about. I can even give you their contact numbers—they'd be happy to know you. You’re not just a writer; you’re someone with genuine identity and passion. I’m certain they’ll appreciate a direct interaction with someone like you." To Ram’s surprise, Aravind shared contact numbers of 4 renowned film personalities and said, “Let’s keep in touch.” After returning to Bengaluru, Ram reflected on the memorable encounter. It had been a rewarding trip—he had spent quality time with his son’s family, while his wife Vasanthy stayed back in Denver for a little longer. But the unexpected meeting at the airport left an even deeper impression on him. The award-winning cinematographer’s warmth, humility, and voluntary gesture of respect made Ram's journey unforgettable. For Ram, this was more than just a travel experience—it was a recognition of his passion and lifelong dedication to writing. K.Ragavan 12-10-25