Small Story 457.

Small Story 457 An Anniversary Encounter” Keshav reached the station to board the train to Rameswaram with his wife Lakshmi to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. After settling into their seats, the person in the neighbouring seat smiled and greeted Keshav. Keshav couldn’t recognise him immediately, so he smiled politely. “Sir, I am Narahari,” the man said. “When you were in service, you transferred me to my native place, Shimoga, because of my father’s health.” Keshav now remembered that incident—when he was a Divisional Manager in the bank, he had approved Narahari’s genuine request. Narahari offered sweets to them. “Sir, yesterday I completed 25 years of married life.” Keshav blessed him warmly. “May you live happily with your partner.” “Thank you, sir,” Narahari whispered gratefully. He then asked, “Where are you going, sir?” “I’m getting down at Madurai for my friend’s daughter’s marriage,” he said. “We are going to Rameswaram to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary at the Rama temple, in a quiet ceremony. Our daughter couldn’t come because the day after tomorrow is her own 25th wedding anniversary.”nodded Keshav Narahari immediately said, “Please convey my wishes to sister for her 25th wedding anniversary, and advance wishes to both of you for your 50th.” The next morning, as he got down at Madurai, Narahari gave them his phone number. “Whenever you come to Shimoga, please stay with us,” he said. Lakshmi smiled. “Such a nice person, this Narahari. His behaviour and respect—I like it. All your subordinates were so nice.” Keshav smiled. “By God’s grace.” They reached Rameswaram safely, had a wonderful darshan, and returned to Bangalore with peaceful hearts. K.Ragavan 12-12-25