Small Story 459.

Small Story 459: Passport Encounter Radhika entered the airport and stepped up to the check-in counter. She reached into her wallet to show her passport for verification—suddenly, it was missing. Panic struck her heart. Usually, her mother kept the passport in front of their deity and handed it over before travel. The previous night, however, Radhika had placed the passport inside the deity cabinet and forgotten to take it back. Now it was 1:30 a.m., and she was already at the airport. Just then, Radhika received a call from her mother. “Don’t panic,” her mother said calmly. “I found your passport in the deity. I’ve given it to your brother Ravi. He’s on his bike and will reach you within 30 minutes.” Radhika’s flight was scheduled for 4:30 a.m. Her mother’s reassuring words filled her with relief and hope. At that moment, Radhika remembered her father, her lifelong role model known for his principles and discipline. As a RAW officer, he was away on a mission in Nepal. He always advised her, “Reach the airport three hours before departure and the station at least forty-five minutes early.” Radhika respected him deeply and followed his advice without fail. That habit proved invaluable today. Ravi reached the airport at 2:15 a.m. and handed over the passport. Radhika still had 1 hour and 45 minutes before her flight. Overjoyed, she hugged her brother. Ravi smiled and said, “I’ll call Dad and tell him his advice saved you today.” With gratitude in her heart and her father’s principles guiding her, Radhika boarded her flight to the U.S. with her husband—calm, confident, and thankful. K.Ragavan 14-12-25