Small Story 398.

Small Story 398 Sincere Blessings to a Genuine Soul Hari came to open the door as the calling bell rang. It was Umesh, the young paper boy, standing there with a bright smile. "Sir, I’m so happy! My short story got published in this Kannada magazine. I wanted to show you and seek your blessings," Umesh said, holding out the magazine with pride. Hari was delighted. His humble paper boy had written and published a story! At just 20, Umesh was a smart young man pursuing a correspondence course in B.A. English. His parents were poor—his father a cook, struggling to support the family. Umesh helped them by doing various small jobs while also chasing his dream of becoming a writer. Hari, though he couldn’t read Kannada fluently, understood and spoke the language well. Umesh eagerly narrated his story. Hari was impressed by the simplicity and imagination in the plot. That evening, during his regular meet-up with friends, Hari shared Umesh’s story. One of his friends, Narahari—a former editor of a leading Kannada magazine—was intrigued and asked Hari to send Umesh to meet him. A few days later, Umesh came back, his face glowing with joy. "Sir! My new story has been selected for the Kannada magazine's Diwali edition, thanks to your friend Narahari. I even received an award of ₹1000!" He handed over a box of homemade halwa with heartfelt thanks. Hari was deeply touched by the young man's gratitude. Hearing the conversation, Hari’s wife, Reshma, came over and placed her hand on Umesh’s head. “May you have many more successes. Uncle’s blessings are genuine. I’ve seen those he blesses truly prosper. I won’t be surprised if you become a great English writer one day.” "Thank you, Amma," Umesh said, with moist eyes. Hari looked at his wife with a smile and nodded in agreement, silently offering his own sincere blessings to this genuine, hardworking soul. K.Ragavan 14-10-25