Small Story 652.
The Sweet Tradition
Satyanarayana, even after retirement, joined his friend's company as a Manager at his friend's request. Though he had crossed seventy-five years of age, his vast experience in the IT field, active lifestyle, and eagerness to learn made him an invaluable asset to the organization.
Satyanarayana and his wife, Archana, lived alone in India. Their only daughter had settled in New Zealand. Every alternate year, Satyanarayana and Archana visited her, and she too made it a point to visit them regularly.
One morning, Satyanarayana entered his friends group carrying a large box of sweets. His friend Shashi noticed it and asked with a smile, "What's the occasion, dear Anna?"
Leaning closer, Satyanarayana whispered proudly, "My grandson has secured admission to Grade 5 in a reputed school in New Zealand on merit."
Delighted, he distributed sweets to everyone. As he moved around, he looked around the group and remarked, "I see Padmanabha and Reddy are missing today."
Laxman tasted a piece of milk cake and said, "Anna, this is delicious. Thank you."
Just then, Ram arrived after his usual morning walk and joined the group. Taking a sweet, he said, "Thank you, Satyanarayana. This sweet is as delightful as your nature."
After a pause, Ram added thoughtfully, "I often wonder about one thing. Doctors and health experts keep advising us to reduce sugar consumption, yet our tradition of distributing sweets on happy occasions remains unchanged."
Everyone laughed and nodded in agreement.
"Very true," said Shashi.
Ram continued, "Perhaps some traditions are too deeply connected with our emotions to disappear. Sweet moments demand sweet celebrations."
"Well said," replied Satyanarayana.
As everyone enjoyed the sweets and shared in his happiness, another group of friends passing by overheard the conversation. One of them smiled and whispered, "He's right. Some sweet traditions can never be eradicated."
Moral: Happiness grows when shared, and some traditions endure because they carry the sweetness of human relationships.
K.Ragavan
25-6-26