Small Story 562.
We Realize the Value Only When It’s Missing”
Thangam was worried. The gas cylinder had not arrived on time, unlike previous days, and managing a household of seven people was not easy. With two sons, her husband, and her elderly in-laws, she had always run the home smoothly. But now, things felt uncertain.
The world itself was going through a difficult time. Because of the wrong decisions made by powerful countries, there was a shortage of gas and energy everywhere. Thangam’s relatives lived in Gulf countries, and she prayed daily for their safety and for peace to return.
“How long will this war continue?” she wondered anxiously.
Just then, her mobile phone rang. It was her friend Asha, who worked at a bank.
“Hey, I got my gas cylinder within a day,” Asha said cheerfully. “Don’t worry. Our government is taking precautionary measures. Things will improve soon, and hopefully the war will end.”
Asha’s comforting words gave Thangam some relief. Her husband Ganesh also reassured her. “Don’t worry. We can manage for another seven days with careful use.”
Thangam thought deeply. “As long as everything comes on time, we never think about it. But the moment it stops, everyone panics.” She remembered an old proverb her elders used to say. Now, she truly understood its meaning. In today’s fast-paced world, people often forget the wisdom of the past.
Her 75-year-old mother-in-law, Ambujam, gently spoke, “Don’t worry, Thangam. Reduce dishes. Instead of cooking two vegetables, make just one. Avoid preparing tiffin items. We can manage with ready-made chapatis and bread as long as they are available.”
Thangam’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She softly whispered to herself, “She is not just my mother-in-law… she is like my own mother.”
Feeling lighter and stronger, Thangam returned to her daily work with renewed hope.
K.Ragavan
27-3-26
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