Small Story 34.Old help Helped.

Small story 34.Old Help Helped. Ramaswamy took the Triplicane bus to see his old friend Sridhar. The bus was mostly empty, as it was after office hours. He had just retired last week from a private firm, and with only a month left until his daughter Swathy’s marriage to an IT professional in Dubai, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. As he got down at his stop, the conductor called out, “Sir, your stop!” Ramaswamy walked to Sridhar’s apartment, where his friend had settled after retiring from the bank. The two had shared many memories over the years, and as Ramaswamy approached, Sridhar leaped with joy. “How are you, buddy?” he exclaimed. “I’m fine,” Ramaswamy replied, but Sridhar noticed a cloud over him. “You’re not in your usual mood. What’s wrong?” Ramaswamy took a deep breath. “My daughter’s marriage is fixed, but I need 10 lakhs for the arrangements. My settlement will arrive in 21 days, and I can return the amount in 25 days. Since you know me well, I thought of coming to you.” Sridhar’s face fell. “Oh, my God! I’ve just paid off the balance for my apartment and I can’t help right now.” Disappointment washed over Ramaswamy. “I understand. Thank you anyway.” He turned down Sridhar’s offer for coffee and left. The bus ride home felt heavier than usual. When he arrived, his wife Janaki and daughter Swathy were shocked to hear the news. Days passed, and Ramaswamy struggled to find a solution. Then, one evening at 5 PM, an Ola taxi stopped in front of their house. It was Sridevi, Sridhar’s wife. “Namaskaram,” she greeted Ramaswamy and Janaki warmly. “I couldn’t come out the other day. After you left, I learned about your situation, and I felt compelled to help. I called my son Karthik in the Netherlands, explained everything, and he transferred 10 lakhs to my account today. Here’s the cheque. You can celebrate Swathy’s marriage in grand style.” Ramaswamy’s eyes filled with tears as he accepted the cheque. “This is a great help I will never forget.” Sridevi smiled gently. “Anna, you’ve helped Karthik before with his airfare for that interview in the Netherlands. He always speaks of your kindness. This is just a way to pay it forward.” Ramaswamy was taken aback, recalling the past generosity he never thought to mention. He was grateful for the bond they shared, one that had come full circle. Swathy’s marriage went off beautifully, a testament to friendship, kindness, and the unbreakable ties of the past. K.Ragavan.