Small Story 599:
The Jackfruit Grandpa
Kalyan returned home from college and said to his mother, “Mummy, I think Grandpa has come from our native place.”
Seetha smiled and asked, “How do you know? He has gone upstairs to meet his friend Mahadevappa.”
Kalyan replied, “I know Grandpa has come because I can smell our farm’s jackfruit. Every season he brings it, and today I smelled it again.”
Seetha laughed softly. “I appreciate your sense of smell—you are the favorite jackfruit boy in our house,” she said.
Just then, Kousik came out of his room and said, “I too like our farm’s jackfruit.”
Seetha explained, “Your dad takes special interest every season. He sends a few fruits by courier and brings some himself. Then he distributes them to his old bank friends, people in our apartment, and others outside. It has been his routine for years.”
Meanwhile, Grandpa Ram entered the house. Kalyan greeted him warmly, and Grandpa hugged him. “You must get good marks in your final-year exams,” he said.
“Sure, Grandpa. With your blessings—and my favorite jackfruit—I will secure a top rank,” Kalyan replied confidently.
After some time, they all had lunch together. Soon, Kalyan’s grandmother called from Chennarayapatna.
“Hello, Kalyan! Did you like the jackfruit? Grandpa was telling me for the past week that he would bring it for you. I am coming there the day after tomorrow to stay with you for a month in Jayanagar. I also want to visit the new malls and the Tirumalagiri temple.”
“I’m waiting for you eagerly, Grandma,” Kalyan replied happily.
After a delicious lunch and some tasty jackfruit halwa prepared by Seetha, Grandpa Ram and Kalyan sat down together to play carrom, enjoying their special time as always.
K. Ragavan