Small Story 393.

Small Story 393 A Surprise Encounter at Frankfurt Airport Somu and Sundaram were both electrical engineers working for the same company based in Germany. They loved their job and traveled every year to Germany for an annual meeting and training session. Somu had been married for ten years and had a son studying in the 6t h standard. Sundaram, on the other hand, had remained single. Despite Somu often encouraging him to get married, Sundaram had been hesitant ever since his college love, Rashmy, slipped away from his life. Her parents had rejected Sundaram for reasons they never disclosed, and that chapter was left unresolved. Now at 35, Sundaram still hadn’t made up his mind about marriage. A few days later, both friends left for Germany. Upon arriving at Frankfurt Airport, Sundaram was surprised when a woman in her 50s whispered his name. He couldn’t immediately recognize her. She handed him a note with a number and said, “Call this number once you settle down. Don’t forget.” Sundaram, slightly puzzled, gave his number in return. That evening, while chatting with Somu about the mysterious woman, Sundaram’s phone rang. The voice on the other end was familiar. “Hey, how are you?” “I’m sorry, who is this?” he asked. “I’m Rashmy.” Sundaram froze for a second. Rashmy explained everything. “My mother saw you at the airport. Years ago, my father had promised his close friend that I would marry his son. I was helpless and couldn't speak against his wishes. We moved to Germany five years ago, where the boy, Vivek—a handsome mechanical engineer—was working. Eventually, we agreed to get married.” She paused, her voice softening. “But before the wedding, Vivek had an accident at his factory and passed away. My father couldn’t take the shock and also passed shortly after. Vivek’s mother asked me to stay with them and manage their properties in Germany.” “Last week, when my mother mentioned my old college crush, you, to Vivek’s family, they encouraged her to reach out. But we had no idea where you were. It was pure luck that my mom saw you at the airport today.” She added, “I didn’t even know if you were the same Sundaram... or married.” Sundaram felt a rush of emotions. “I’m still yours, Rashmy,” he said with conviction. The next evening, all of them met. Emotions ran high, and they decided that Rashmy and Sundaram should marry within ten days—in Germany. Soon after the wedding, more good news arrived: their company offered Sundaram a permanent position at their German office. Somu, thrilled, couldn’t stop teasing him about how his decision to delay marriage had led to such a beautiful outcome. KRagavan 9-10-25