Thursday, November 7, 2024

Small Story 71 The Story of Derpak and the Calender

Small Story 71. The Story of Deepak and the Calendar Narasimhan had retired from his government job a few years ago and devoted his time to community service. He was well-known for his dedication to conducting Hindu rituals in his hometown and even extending his services online to Hindus living overseas. His life was peaceful and content with his family: his wife, Vedha; his son, Dinesh; his daughter-in-law, Pankajam; and their only grandson, Deepak. It was a close-knit family, thriving on the income from Narasimhan’s previous job and the contributions from Dinesh, who had also left his private-sector job to help his father with his community service. Deepak, a bright student studying engineering, had recently been ranked among the top students and had received an offer to study abroad on a scholarship. His parents, Dinesh and Pankajam, were excited about the opportunity, but Narasimhan and Vedha were hesitant. While Narasimhan believed that family ties and staying close to home were important, Vedha had always dreamed that Deepak would go abroad, not out of greed, but for the opportunities and experiences it would provide him. For years, Narasimhan had followed a strict morning routine: he would change the date on the family calendar and adjust the time on the clock. This ritual was important to him, as it gave him a sense of order in his day. One day, Vedha decided to take over this small task, thinking it would ease Narasimhan’s burden. At first, she performed the task diligently, but over time, she began to forget. The calendar dates were often torn late at night, as Vedha struggled to get everything done before retiring for bed. The night before Deepak's scheduled flight, on the 10th of the month, Vedha tore off the calendar date for the next day, unaware of the impact it would have. Deepak had been preparing for his flight, double-checking his bags and documents. When he glanced at the calendar, he saw the date was the 11th and assumed he had missed his flight. Panicked, he whispered to himself, thinking it was already too late. He quietly went to bed, assuming he had missed his chance. The next morning, when everyone woke up, Narasimhan noticed that Deepak was still home. Surprised, he asked, "Why haven't you left yet, Deepak?" Deepak explained, "I checked the calendar last night and saw that today was the 11th, so I thought I missed my flight. I didn’t want to wake anyone." Dinesh was shocked. "We expected you to leave at 4:30 AM for the airport!" Narasimhan, always the calm figure in the family, reassured Deepak. "It’s okay, son. Don’t worry. There must have been some confusion." When Vedha realized what had happened, she felt guilty for tearing off the date too early and causing the mix-up. She apologized to Deepak, who was grateful for the understanding, though still upset by the moment of panic. But fate had a different plan for Deepak. The very next day, he received an email from Google, offering him an incredible starting salary for a position in his hometown. The company had reviewed his credentials and decided to offer him a job locally instead of abroad. Deepak, initially set on leaving, began to reconsider. Pankajam, too, felt that staying close to family was a better choice for them at this point in life. Narasimhan, always believing in the strength of family, was content with this change of heart. Not only did Deepak choose to stay in the country, but he also agreed to spend more time with his family, joining them for community service activities with his grandfather. Narasimhan was overjoyed that his family was staying together, united by love and respect. As for Vedha, her small mistake had led to a big change. She was thankful that Deepak had decided to stay, and Narasimhan gave his blessings, thanking the family god, Lakshminarasimhan, for bringing everything to its rightful place. The family’s bond grew stronger, and Deepak’s decision to stay home, pursue his career locally, and spend more time with his grandfather and father on community service projects brought them even closer. Narasimhan was content that his values had been respected, and he was proud of the unity that had come from the small mishap with the calendar. K.Ragavan 8-11-24

Small Story 72. Miss Calculation

Small Story 72. Miss Calculation Postman Ponnuswamy was making his third visit to the house at Doorbell No. 32, but once again, there was no response from the owner, Parvathy. He was supposed to deliver a money order worth 1,000 rupees, sent by her grandson from Shencottah. He had already come twice that day, but there was no one home. Frustrated, he decided to wait a little while and try again. Just then, Parvathi, returned home. "Sorry, Postman. I went to visit my friend's father, who is suffering from several ailments," she explained. "No problem, madam," said Ponnuswamy, handing her the money order. "This is from your grandson, Anush." "Thank you," Parvathi replied. "I’ll prepare some coffee for you. Please have some before you leave." "No, madam, I must be on my way," he said, and he quickly left for his branch. After he left, Parvathi placed the money order in front of the family deity. "God, Anush has been sending me money every month for my expenses, and I’m grateful to you for this. My pension from my late husband and Anush's money are enough for me." Her husband had worked in the state warehouse and passed away five years ago. Parvathi’s only daughter and her family lived in Shencottah. Her son-in-law, , worked in a private bank. Their son, Dhanush, a bachelor, was uninterested in marriage, despite having a diploma in mechanical engineering and a job at the same bank. Parvathi called her daughter,Shobha to inform her that the money from Dhanush had arrived. Shobha, along with her husband, had gone to visit a friend’s place, where they met Revathy, the friend's daughter. Revathy had graduated from Tirunelveli College and was not only beautiful but well-mannered. Shobha was immediately impressed and thought she would be the perfect match for Dhanush. She decided that this time, she would convince him to reconsider his decision not to marry. After a casual conversation, Shobha showed Revathy a photo of Dhanush and suggested that he would be a good match for her. Revathy was also impressed by the picture. She spoke with her mother, and they agreed to move forward with the proposal. Shobha’s friend, Ragini, was also taken by the photo and suggested that Revathy’s horoscope be matched with Dhanush’s. After a thorough analysis by an astrologer, it was confirmed that the horoscopes were compatible. Shobha was thrilled to hear that everything was aligned. A week later, Dhanush accompanied his parents to meet Revathy in person. After they had a meal together, Dhanush requested a private conversation with Revathy. Ragini suggested that they speak in a nearby room, and the two of them stepped inside. "I have something to confess," Revathy began. In last meeting I told you this in a playful way, I’ve actually been engaged to someone else. I wanted to see your reaction." Dhanush was stunned. "What do you mean?" he asked, feeling confused. "I was transferred to Chennai 18 months ago," Revathy continued. "Before that, I lost my old mobile and all the contact details, including your number and email. Over the past 18 months, I have been praying to Nellaiappar, hoping for a reunion with you. I was sure our love would eventually end in marriage." Tears of joy welled up in Revathy’s eyes. "I know you're from this place, Dhanush. One day, we would meet again." Dhanush, realizing his mistake, embraced her. "I am so sorry. You’re my schoolmate, and our love has lasted for more than a decade. Your prayers to Nellaiappar have been answered." Their love story culminated in a beautiful wedding, blessed by Parvathi and the whole family. K.Ragavan 9-11-24

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Small Story 70 A Decision Beyond Love

--- Smsll Story70.A Decision Beyond Love Janaki anxiously looked at the clock—it was 5 PM. Her son Anand had been a source of pride for her and her husband Ramnath, who had recently retired as a chief reporter for a leading newspaper. Anand, a gold medalist in Chartered Accountancy and a national-level basketball player, was a handsome, smart young man who worked for a multinational bank, often traveling abroad. Today, however, there was something different. At 7 PM, the parents of a potential bride were coming to meet Anand. Janaki’s phone suddenly rang—it was Anand. "Mummy, you’ve forgotten! The girl’s parents are coming at 7 with her horoscope. I’ll be there in 20 minutes. Do you need anything?" "No, just come home soon," Janaki replied, hanging up the phone. She glanced at the clock again. The doorbell rang at 7 PM, and the girl's parents, Prakash and Pankajam, arrived. After the formalities of exchanging horoscopes, Prakash, a retired Inspector General from the Crime Branch, was clearly impressed by Anand's accomplishments. "My daughter Vasanthy is a CA as well, and I believe she would be a good match for your son," he said. Janaki was equally impressed when she saw Vasanthy's photograph—a beautiful, slim, and tall woman with a radiant smile. Both families agreed to confirm their decision within a week. The following week, Prakash and Pankajam invited Anand’s family to their home in Uthirahalli to meet Vasanthy in person. On Sunday, Anand was equally impressed by Vasanthy. However, just as the conversation was flowing, Prakash received a phone call with shocking news—his elder brother, who had been ill, had just passed away. The sudden grief left everyone in a somber mood. Ramnath, who was a principled man, immediately recognized that such an unexpected situation was not a good omen for the families. "Prakash, in light of this, I think it would be best to discontinue the relationship," he said calmly. Anand, although initially hesitant, trusted his father’s wisdom. Over the years, Ramnath had always guided him with sound advice, and Anand respected his father’s decisions. Without disappointment, Anand nodded in agreement. The relationship was called off, not due to any fault of the families or their children, but because of an unforeseen event that everyone felt was a sign. It was a hard decision, but Anand knew that sometimes, life’s course must be respected—even if it doesn’t align with personal desires. K.Ragavan 7-11-24 ---

Kudos to Donald Trump.

The Recent US Presidential race and the results out come made a dramatic change from Analysts and http://debates.In any democracy People's verdict are the final and a lesson to Overconfidence.Kudos to Donald Trump.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Small Story 69 The Ten Rupees

Small Story 69 The Ten Rupees Chander arrived in Tirunelveli, the city that held a treasure trove of memories from his past. Decades ago, he had visited every two months for work, but it was one fateful trip that had forever changed his life. He remembered the temple in the Junction area where he had met Archana—a moment etched in his heart. Standing before Lord Rama and Anjaneya, Archana's soft voice had caught his attention. She lamented having lost a ten-rupee note just as the priest prepared the Archanai plate. Chander, wanting to help, offered her the money. “Take this, and tomorrow, I’ll collect it,” he said, not expecting her to turn around and introduce herself. Archana accepted his kindness, and they struck up a conversation, revealing their unexpected connections—her father was Dr. Seshan, an old practitioner he admired. That chance encounter led to many evenings spent together in the temple and later at Raj CafĂ©, where they shared dreams and aspirations. Archana, a bright MSc Chemistry student, was preparing for a future in the U.S. Meanwhile, Chander was the only son of a retired diplomat, his own path entwined with family expectations. But life took a cruel turn. Archana’s father passed away just as she was about to leave for Boston, and a tragic accident followed, leaving her bedridden and with one leg lost. Communication between them faded, and despite Chander's love for her, he respected her silence. Years passed. Chander's career took him to Mumbai, and he buried his heartache under layers of work. He convinced himself that he could move on, but Archana remained a ghost of his past. Twelve years later, fate had other plans. On a work trip to the U.S., he walked into a laboratory, only to find Archana in a wheelchair, a reality he was unprepared for. Their reunion was bittersweet. Archana, though smiling, revealed her decision not to marry, an oath made at the Anjaneyar temple in Tirunelveli. She had embraced her new life, focused on supporting her brother Ramu and his family. Chander felt a rush of emotions but knew he had to respect her choice. Still, he couldn't shake the love that had blossomed over those simple moments—over ten rupees and heartfelt conversations. Returning to India after that meeting, he decided to retire in Tirunelveli, where their story had begun. Each day, he visited the temple, remembering how a ten-rupee note had brought them together. He bought a small house, filled it with memories, and let the past wash over him like the gentle temple bells. True love, he realized, transcended all material confines. Though their paths had diverged, his heart remained tied to Archana—a reminder that some bonds, once formed, are never truly broken. K.Ragavan 6-11-24

Monday, November 4, 2024

Small Story 68 Respect for Education.

Small Story 68 Respect for Education. Ramasharma, a retired schoolmaster, was well-respected in his community for his dedication to education, particularly in mathematics. He was a principled man, devoted to his wife Shubha, his son Naveen, who lived with him along with his wife, Lakshmi. Lakshmi, a passionate Carnatic music enthusiast, regularly hosted music programs and also offered free English tuition at their home three times a week. They resided near the famous Ragigudda temple in Bengaluru. Naveen, a gold medalist in M.Pharm, worked as a marketing manager for a pharmaceutical company. He was not only academically accomplished but also had a vibrant personality, known for his love of local Kannada films. His insightful comments about movies had garnered attention from industry figures, many of whom suggested he pursue acting. However, both his father and he were against the idea, while Lakshmi secretly hoped he would consider it. One day, a relative from Hassan, Shyam, visited. He shared his own aspirations to act in films, and Ramasharma encouraged Naveen to guide him. The next morning, Naveen saw an advertisement in the local paper calling for new faces. Knowing the director was a friend, he introduced Shyam for an audition. Impressed, the director offered Shyam a supporting role, which he embraced with enthusiasm. Over the next few years, Shyam blossomed into a popular hero in Kannada cinema, eventually moving his parents to a Posh independent house in Garden City, close to the Ramasharma family. When Shyam invited them for his housewarming ceremony, Ramasharma was taken aback to see the name of the house: "Ram Naveen." During the celebration, Shyam announced his plans to start a school in collaboration with Ramasharma and Lakshmi, intending to honor the support he had received. As he expressed his gratitude to Naveen for his guidance, tears welled up in both Ramasharma and Naveen's eyes. Naveen had chosen not to pursue acting, but through his selfless gesture, he had paved the way for Shyam's success, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. K.Ragavan 5-11-24

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Small Story 67 Implications of Karma.

Small Story 67. Implications of Karma Athmaram was a retired government servant from Bengaluru, happily living in Jayanagar with his wife, Bhagyam, and their only son, Advaith, along with his wife, Swapna. Their financial situation was comfortable, thanks to Athmaram’s pension, Advaith’s lucrative job in the IT sector, and Swapna’s income from her storytelling endeavors. They enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and actively engaged in philanthropic deeds, distributing sweets and clothes during festivals like Raghavendra Aradhanai, Sri Ramanavami, Dasara, Deepavali, and Gokulashtami. Despite their happiness, a cloud lingered over the family: Advaith and Swapna had been married for six years lost their child during Covid 19 Swapna, however, never let this dampen her spirit; she channeled her emotions into her writing, continuously innovating and creating new stories. Athmaram, a firm believer in karma, remained positive, comforting his family and cherishing their days together. One day, Bhagyam visited her favorite goddess, Mahalakshmi, at the temple. There, she unexpectedly met her old friend Rajalakshmi, who hailed from Tumkur. The two women had studied together in college and shared a warm reunion, reminiscing about their youthful days. During their conversation, Rajalakshmi revealed a heartfelt secret: she and her husband, Mukund, had adopted four visually challenged children, dedicating themselves to their education and hoping that advancements in technology would one day restore their sight. Bhagyam listened intently, feeling a swell of pride for her friend's noble choice. That night, inspired by Rajalakshmi’s story, Bhagyam shared the news with her family. Joy filled their home as they discussed visiting the home for visually challenged individuals the next morning. Athmaram reflected on the situation, whispering to himself that perhaps this was the reason they hadn’t been blessed with children—a lesson in karma. Grateful to both Bhagyam’s friend and the goddess Rajalakshmi for this enlightening experience, the family felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection, eager to share their blessings with those in need. K.Ragavan 4-11-24