Small Story 521.

Small Story 521 Smart Planning for a Dream Home Swamy went to the location mentioned by his friend Chander. Both of them worked in the Quality Control Department of a leading biscuit manufacturing company. Each of them had one child. That day, they planned to shop at a new supermarket that had opened three days earlier. Friends and colleagues had told them that the prices there were cheaper compared to other malls. Chander arrived and greeted Swamy warmly. They went inside and were impressed by the neat arrangement of each section and the freshness of the products. From rice to toffees and butter, they purchased all the necessary items and then came outside. Chander said, “I hope the prices are at least 8% lower compared to other stores. The quality of the products also seems good.” After finishing their shopping, they returned home. Their wives appreciated their wise decision to shop economically. They realized that if they could save money every month, they might be able to buy a plot of land within five years—a common dream for people in their mid-forties. Swamy’s son, Arjun, had finished his 12th standard and was waiting to join college. Chander’s son, Kumar, was also in the same stage. That evening, Arjun returned from school and said, “Dad, I have decided to take tuition for three students from my school. I can earn a good amount every month. Kumar is also planning to take tuition like me. We want to help you achieve your dream of buying a plot. In five years, with your salary and our support, we can reach our goal.” The next morning, Swamy and Chander met at the office and discussed their sons’ thoughtful decision to support their fathers’ dream. That evening, Swamy shared the news with his wife, Vidhya. She nodded thoughtfully. “It is a good decision by Arjun,” she said, “but he will face more pressure managing tuition along with his studies.” Swamy replied softly, “Yes, but we have no other way to achieve our dream. Property prices in our Garden City are rising like skyrockets. Our plan is reasonable, and in five years’ time, I hope the prices will not increase too much.” Vidhya smiled in agreement, hopeful that their careful planning and united family effort would one day turn their dream into reality. – K. Ragavan 14-2-26