Small Story 206.

Small Story 206. The Myanmar Mystery Gopal was deeply worried about his son Ram's whereabouts. Ram had left India twenty days ago for official work in Myanmar. A week prior, Gopal had seen reports of a great disaster in Myanmar, which made him even more restless. His wife, Vedavalli, shared his unease, and they both skipped a meal, unable to focus on anything else. No one had anticipated such a natural disaster, and to make matters worse, Ram’s phone had been switched off for days. Gopal had no contacts in Myanmar, as Ram worked for RAW, and no one would give him accurate news. But at 5 P.M. one evening, Gopal's phone rang. It was Ram. "Hello, Dad, I’m safe. I never went to Myanmar. My mission was in Mumbai, and I didn’t want to disclose it earlier. My work is completed now, and I’m in Mumbai. Yesterday, I accidentally bumped into my college mate, Vasanthy, who works at a leading advertising agency. She insisted I stay one more day. I’ll be flying to Bengaluru tomorrow, as today is Sunday." Gopal and Vedavalli felt immense relief and happiness after hearing their son's voice. They thanked RAW for ensuring his safety and confidentiality. Ram, on the other hand, was glad that his mission had been completed smoothly. He hadn’t expected to meet Vasanthy again. She was an old college friend and, unbeknownst to him, someone he had once had a crush on. Vasanthy, too, was overjoyed to reconnect with Ram. She had lost touch with him after her father was transferred, and in an unfortunate twist, had accidentally deleted his number. Meanwhile, Ram had been transferred to Bengaluru. Their reunion meeting was nothing short of special. Vasanthy’s father, Mohan, was so pleased to see them together that he immediately proposed Ram as his son-in-law. Vasanthy’s mother, too, was delighted by the reunion, as she had worked with Vedavalli in the bank. The next day, Ram arrived in Bengaluru with sweets prepared by Vasanthy’s mother to meet his parents and present the marriage proposal. The natural disaster in Myanmar, which had caused so much anxiety, left Ram and his family praying for the victims' recovery. They also felt thankful for Ram’s safe return and his future with Vasanthy. Two months later, Ram and Vasanthy’s wedding was celebrated grandly in Bengaluru, with Vasanthy’s cousins helping to organize it in the beautiful garden city. The wedding was also celebrated in Mohan's native town, marking a joyous occasion for both families. K.Ragavan 5-4-25

Small Story 205.

Small Story 205. Vedanth's Great Gesture After returning from the bank, Swamy called his wife Malathy. "I have good news for you. I met Nandhini, who got transferred from Tirunelveli." "Oh, good news! Did she talk to you?" asked Malathy. "Yes, she enquired about you. She will be visiting our house on Sunday," Swamy replied. After having his breakfast, Swamy sat down in his chair. His thoughts drifted back eight years to when he was working in Chennai for the Intelligence Bureau. His close friend, Vedanth, and his family were living in his apartment at Royapettah. Vedanth worked as a manager at a leading IT company, and his family consisted of his wife, Aarthi, and their only daughter, Nandhini, who was studying in the final year of her MBA. Swamy and Malathy didn't have children, so they often spent time with Vedanth's family. They admired Nandhini’s knowledge and behavior. One day, Vedanth called Swamy and invited him on a trip to Tirunelveli, Alwar Tirunagari, and other places. Swamy, who was about to retire soon and was expecting some important dignitaries from abroad, couldn’t join the trip. He wished Vedanth and his family a happy journey. After three days, Swamy received the shocking news that Vedanth and Aarthi had been involved in a tragic accident and had died, but Nandhini was in critical condition. With the help of his friend, Swamy managed to bring their bodies back and got Nandhini treated. After a month, Nandhini had fully recovered and had even secured a good rank in her final-year exams. Vedanth had owned a house in Tirunelveli, and Nandhini wanted to go there to stay in remembrance of her parents. She hoped to be selected for a job at the bank in Tirunelveli. Her wish came true as she was selected by a leading bank and posted close to her family home. For the past five years, Swamy and Malathy had visited Nandhini every year, but due to their pilgrimage journeys, they hadn’t been able to visit her recently. They kept in touch by calling weekly and sending their best wishes on various occasions. Today, Swamy was delighted when he saw Nandhini at the bank, now working as a manager. After reminiscing about the past, Swamy and Malathy invited her over for lunch on Sunday. Nandhini brought along two of her favorite sweets, Jangrey and Mysore Pak, and they shared a beautiful meal together. After a while, Nandhini gave Swamy and Malathy wonderful news: “Before my dad passed away, he made me promise that once I settled down, I would go and stay with you both, to take care of you until your last breath. He said that you two are now my parents.” Swamy, moved by her words, whispered, “Vedanth, you had great love and affection for me, and you asked Nandhini to be our daughter, which we had been longing for.” The very next day, Nandhini moved into their home, becoming the daughter Swamy and Malathy had always wished for. K.Ragavan 4-4-25

Small Story 204.

Small Story 204. Expectation is Dangerous Ramaswamy never expected that his son, Sivaram, would be promoted to the position of Manager at his office with only seven years of experience. Sivaram had been working as a Senior Assistant at a leading pharmaceutical company's distribution house based in Chennai. Ramaswamy worked as an auditor at an audit firm, while his wife, Parvathy, was a school teacher. They lived in the posh area of Annanagar, near the Thirumangalam metro station—a happy family who believed in respecting others and upholding values. One evening, Sivaram returned home from the office, carrying large boxes of sweets. His father loved halwa, his mother adored badhusha, and Sivaram's favorite was sonpapdi. After presenting the sweets, Sivaram received his parents' blessings. Parvathy, ever the practical one, suggested that Sivaram should marry this year without further delay since the promotion he had been hoping for had finally come through. In Sivaram's company, many of his seniors had more academic credentials, but Sivaram had an M.Com and an exceptional knowledge base. Ramaswamy was proud of his son's promotion, considering the tough competition in the office. Shankaran, the Managing Director of Sivaram's company, was a strict and disciplined person, making Sivaram's promotion at the age of 28 all the more impressive. Just as Ramaswamy was enjoying the moment, he received a call from his friend Venu. "Hey, I heard the news! Sivaram got promoted with an excellent package!" Venu exclaimed. "Yes," Ramaswamy nodded, "we are all very happy. How are you and your family?" "We're doing fine," Venu replied. "We were thinking of coming over to your house this evening for my daughter's marriage proposal to Sivaram." Ramaswamy was taken aback. "You're welcome, my friend, but Sivaram is already engaged. We've already fixed his marriage with a girl." Venu was shocked. "Oh, I'm unlucky," he sighed, ending the call. Parvathy, overhearing the conversation, looked at Ramaswamy with a knowing expression. "Do you remember a few months ago when you asked Venu’s wife for her daughter’s hand? They were looking for a groom with a high profession. I don't want to deal with people who set such expectations," he said thoughtfully. Ramaswamy smiled and nodded. "Sivaram will find a better bride, just like he never expected this promotion. People should judge a person's knowledge and capacity, not just their position. If you have the capacity, the position will come automatically." Sivaram, who had overheard the conversation, murmured to himself, "Dad is right." K.Ragavan 3-4-25

Small Story 203.

Small Story 203 The True Friend – Muthu and Krishnan Muthu was completely disappointed that his friend Krishnan hadn't helped him with the job recommendation, despite Krishnan's uncle Pattabi being an authority figure in a company where there was a vacancy. Muthu and Krishnan had been close friends and understood each other well. After graduation, Muthu had managed to secure a job in a private company with a meager salary, which was barely enough to support his family. He had a sister waiting to be married and parents to take care of. Krishnan's uncle, Pattabi, was a consultant for various companies, and one of them had a vacancy for a marketing executive with excellent perks. Muthu had told Krishnan about this opportunity and asked him to recommend him for the job. But that day, Muthu learned that the position had already been filled. In the evening, Krishnan called Muthu and invited him for tea at their usual restaurant. Muthu arrived at exactly 5:30 pm, where Krishnan was already waiting. After exchanging greetings, Krishnan shared some good news—his marriage had been fixed to an IT professional, and he would be relocating to Bangalore due to a transfer at work. Muthu was genuinely happy for his friend and promised to attend his wedding. As they were about to part ways, Krishnan led Muthu to his car and asked him to get in. "Muthu, I’ve known you for more than six years. I admire your honesty, sincerity, and sense of family responsibility. When I mentioned you to my uncle for the job, he said that he only recommends candidates who are willing to pay a huge sum of money, as the company administrators are corrupt. So, I couldn’t recommend you for that job. But my fiancée, Vasanthy, said that her office needs someone with your background, and I’ve already given them your CV. You’ll receive your appointment letter in a day. Plus, you’ll be in Bengaluru with me soon." Muthu’s eyes filled with tears as he listened. "Krishnan, you’re a real friend," he said, touched by his friend's gesture. Two months later, Muthu, Krishnan, and Vasanthy were having tea at a popular Rameswaram cafe in Bengaluru. Muthu and Krishnan’s bond of true friendship had stood the test of time, proving that honesty and sincerity can build lasting relationships. K.Ragavan 2-4-25

Small Story 202.

Small Story 202 A Serendipitous Encounter Ram, transferred from Chennai to Mysore for his job, finds himself enjoying the city and settling into his new life. Living in a single-bedroom apartment near the CFTRI campus, he enjoys the short bus ride to work each day. Ram, a 26-year-old, well-mannered and charming young man, works as a Regional Manager at a company that manufactures automobile parts, and his hard work is being recognized by the management. One day, while traveling to his office, Ram meets Vasanthy, a graceful and elegant lady working in a bank. She asks if she can sit next to him on the bus, and they strike up a conversation. They find out they work in the same building, and this chance meeting turns into a growing friendship as they see each other on the bus every day. Over time, Ram begins to feel a connection with Vasanthy, something he’s never felt before with another woman. Meanwhile, Ram’s parents, Suganya and Swamy, visit him in Mysore. His father mentions that they have found a potential match for him, and Ram is reluctant, focused on his career ambitions. However, Ram is soon caught off guard when he realizes that the girl they are referring to is none other than Vasanthy. It turns out that Vasanthy’s family had received a horoscope match through Ram’s relatives in Madurai, and the two are surprised and overjoyed by the coincidence. What started as a simple friendship blossoms into love, and after a two-month courtship, Ram and Vasanthy get married in a grand ceremony in Chennai, surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues. The story reflects the unexpected ways life can bring people together, guided by destiny. K.Ragavan 1-4-25

EID Mubarak.

"Eid Mubarak to all my friends and UAE Leading Newspapers friends ! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous Eid Mubarak!" K.Ragavan

Small Story 201.

: Small Story 201: Memories Cannot Be Erased Upon seeing the beautiful environment and kind-hearted people, Desikan's heart filled with joy. The journalism he studied, with Mummy's love and blessings, has truly made him happy, but not surprised. Every piece of advice that Mummy Padmaja gave him, especially about how to treat others with love and kindness, will guide him as he starts his first day in the new office. After settling into his new seat, he began writing a letter to his loving Mummy: "Though I am not far away from you, being apart from you feels a bit difficult. But, as per your wish, I will grow to become a great journalist. Even though your separation affects me deeply, receiving your loving and encouraging words every day will keep me motivated. Once again, your words will help me move forward and keep me going without being affected by the distance. I may miss your beautiful food, nutritious snacks, and the short stories you tell me, which have shaped me into a better human being. After Dad's departure and still not knowing his whereabouts, you have struggled and made me into a good person with a journalism background. Take care, my loving Padmaja Mummy, and always follow your advice. Loving Son, Desikan." K.Ragavan 31-3-25