Small Story 609
A Wedding with a Different Concept
Dr. Shalini was attending to her next patient in the hospital when she suddenly received a call from her friend Smitha.
“Hey, good news! Your friend Srikanth has come back from the US this morning,” Smitha said excitedly before hanging up.
Shalini felt happy hearing the news. Srikanth had been her close college friend, and both had secretly admired each other during their college days. Smitha, who was both Shalini’s close friend and the neighbor of Srikanth’s parents, had always encouraged their friendship and dreamed of seeing them married one day.
That evening, after returning home from the hospital, Shalini relaxed for a while. She was in the final year of her pediatric specialization. A little later, Srikanth arrived at her house and was warmly welcomed by Shalini’s parents, Radhika and Ram. Ram and Srikanth’s father, Harish, had been close friends for many years and were very happy about the possibility of their children getting married.
After tea and sweets were served, Srikanth looked around for Shalini. Radhika smiled and said, “Shalini just came home, but our neighbor’s child suddenly developed a fever, so she went to check on the child. She’ll be back soon.”
Ram then asked, “So, Srikanth, what are your plans now?”
“Uncle, I received an offer from Google and will be joining in a month,” Srikanth replied. “Before that, my parents want Shalini and me to get married. They were thinking of a simple registered marriage now and a grand family celebration next year.”
Ram was not very interested in the idea of a registered marriage. “Why wait for the real wedding? We can arrange the marriage within a month itself,” he said confidently.
Just then, Shalini entered the house and greeted Srikanth warmly.
“How are you, Srikanth?”
“I’m fine,” he replied softly, smiling at her.
Radhika explained Srikanth’s parents’ wishes. At that moment, Harish called Ram excitedly.
“Good news! Our astrologer has given us an auspicious date, and we have booked a beautiful marriage hall near our apartment. My old friend, who runs an event management company, has agreed to arrange everything, including light music.”
Shalini was surprised by how quickly everything was happening. Though happy, she had one important wish.
“I’m happy about the marriage,” she said gently. “But I want to serve for one year in a rural hospital and continue my research on children’s health. Even after marriage, I may have to join Srikanth only after a year. Will that be okay?”
Srikanth immediately nodded. “Of course, Shalini. We are both professionals. We should respect each other’s goals and responsibilities.”
Ram felt proud and happy hearing Srikanth’s mature decision.
On the fixed date, the wedding was celebrated beautifully with family, friends, music, and blessings. Soon after the marriage, Srikanth left for the US to begin his new job.
One year later, after successfully completing her rural medical service and research project, Dr. Shalini arrived at the San Francisco airport. Srikanth was waiting eagerly for her. The moment he saw her, he hugged her warmly.
Both of them smiled with joy — not only because they were finally together, but because they had honored both love and professional ethics before beginning their married life together.
K.Ragavan
13-5-26