Small Story 394.

Small Story 394. Chess Brought the Reunion Arun was waiting at the Silkinstitute station for his aunt. After ten minutes, she came running. "Hey, have you been waiting long?" she asked, slightly out of breath. Arun whispered, "No, aunty. Here, take this cover." She opened it, counted ₹25,000, and said, "Thank you, Arun. This is a timely help for Prasanna's Dubai trip." With a nod and a quick goodbye, Arun left. As he settled into his seat on the train, his mind wandered to the past—specifically to his aunt, Pankajam, the only sister of his father, Narayan. Narayan was conservative and strict. Years ago, while Pankajam was still in college, she had fallen in love with Ravi and married him against the family's wishes. The couple moved to Australia, where they lived for 22 years. Sadly, Ravi passed away due to illness. After his death, Pankajam returned to India, but she never reconnected with her brother. Only Arun, Narayan's son, remained close to her. Pankajam’s son, Anirudh, had grown into a talented chess player and was selected to represent India in a tournament in Dubai. However, they fell short of money for the travel expenses. Without hesitation, Arun stepped in and handed over the needed amount that very morning. Ten days later, Narayan was reading the newspaper when a headline caught his eye: "22-Year-Old Indian Wins International Chess Championship in Dubai – Prize: One Million Dirhams." His wife, Vasanthy, was thrilled. "What an achievement!" she exclaimed, unaware of the deeper connection. Narayan murmured, "If only someone from our own family had achieved something like this..." That evening, the family gathered to discuss the incredible chess victory. With a smile, Arun revealed, "The winner is your nephew, Anirudh—Aunt Pankajam's son." Narayan was stunned. After a moment of silence, pride softened his face. His voice choked slightly as he said, "Ask Pankajam to come stay with us. And bring Anirudh, too. It's time." After years of silence, a game of chess had finally moved the pieces of fate, bringing the family back together. K.Ragavan 10-10-25