Small Story 550.

 Small Story 550.

Own Agenda in Today’s World

Ram walked into the beautifully decorated hall to attend the birthday celebration of his friend Murthy’s grandson. The occasion was special—little Arun was turning seven. The hall was filled with cheerful decorations, colorful balloons, and the sound of children laughing and running around.

Ram and Murthy had been close friends for decades. Both had retired from the Revenue Department and later settled in Madurai. Now in their seventies, they were still blessed with good health and a strong physique. Their friendship had grown stronger with time.

Murthy noticed Ram entering and walked toward him with a warm smile.

“Hey Ram! How are you?” he said happily. “Where is your wife?”

Ram leaned closer and whispered, “One of her old friends has come from the US. She has gone with her to the Meenakshi Amman Temple and later to Alagar Kovil. She will come in the evening and bless Arun at your flat.”

Murthy nodded with understanding. Both Ram and Murthy lived in the same posh apartment complex, a landmark in the Arapalayam area. The apartment had modern amenities, spacious flats, and a friendly community of residents.

Just then, Arun ran toward Ram.

“Happy Birthday, Arun!” Ram said affectionately, placing his hand on the boy’s head to bless him.

He handed over a neatly wrapped gift. Arun quickly opened it and his eyes sparkled with joy.

“A cricket bat! My favorite!” Arun exclaimed excitedly. “Thank you, Uncle Ram!”

Ram smiled warmly. He knew Arun loved playing cricket in the apartment courtyard with his friends.

Murthy came close to Ram and gently pulled him toward the dining area.

“Come, Ram,” he said. “I have ordered your favorite sweets—Mysore Pak and Badam Halwa.”

Ram’s face brightened. “You still remember my favorites!” he said with gratitude.

Murthy laughed. “Of course! Old friendships never forget such things.”

As they were enjoying the sweets, Arun suddenly rushed to his grandfather.

“Grandpa,” he said impatiently, “my friend Sanjay called again. He is asking where the hall is. We already sent the location and directions in the message. But he keeps asking again and again. I am getting bored answering him. I don’t like people repeating the same question.”

Murthy looked at Arun and smiled gently.

“It’s okay, Arun,” he said calmly. “Sometimes people need help.”

Arun nodded but still looked slightly irritated and ran off to play.

Ram leaned toward Murthy and spoke softly.

“You see, Murthy, this is today’s fast world. People do not want to ask the same thing twice, and they don’t like answering repeated questions either. Whether it is children or elders, everyone seems to have their own agenda and their own pace.”

Murthy sighed thoughtfully.

“Very true,” he replied. “Today people are always in a hurry. Patience is slowly disappearing. No one likes repetition—even if it is something small.”

The celebration continued with laughter, cake cutting, and a grand buffet dinner. Guests enjoyed the delicious food and wished Arun a bright future.

After the dinner, Ram slowly walked back to his flat in the same apartment building.

As he walked through the quiet corridor, he murmured to himself thoughtfully,

“In today’s fast world, everyone has their own agenda… and no one wants to listen to the same thing twice.”

The thought lingered in his mind as he closed his door for the night.

KRagavan

15-3-26