Small Story 38.A Journey to New Beginnings

Small Story 38. A Journey to New Beginnings Ranjitham and Mallika were sisters, each a reflection of their parents’ dreams. Their father, Rangaswamy, a retired district judge, had a lifelong passion for flowers, which he expressed through the names he chose for his daughters—Ranjitham, the one who blooms with elegance, and Mallika, the delicate jasmine. Their mother, Pankajam, an educated woman with a progressive outlook, had always encouraged her daughters to pursue their passions. Now, at 36, Ranjitham was a leading physician in Bengaluru, dedicated to her career and the science she loved. Mallika, on the other hand, had married young at 19 and built a life in the United States with her husband, Prasanna, a software engineer, and their son, Varun, who was navigating the challenges of tenth grade. One day, Ranjitham received an urgent call from her parents, asking her to visit them in Denver. Curious and a bit anxious, she booked her ticket and prepared for the long journey ahead. As she settled into her business class seat, Ranjitham noticed an elegant woman sitting next to her. “Hello, I’m Radhika. Going to Denver?” she smiled warmly. “Same here,” Ranjitham replied, intrigued by her companion. The flight was long, spanning nine hours, and they chatted intermittently. When they landed in London for a layover, Radhika appeared uncomfortable, her face betraying signs of distress. Ranjitham’s instincts kicked in. “Are you alright?” she asked, checking Radhika’s pulse and observing her symptoms. “It’s just a bit of vertigo,” Radhika admitted. Without hesitation, Ranjitham offered her a tablet, and within moments, Radhika closed her eyes, drifting into a peaceful sleep. Hours later, they arrived in Denver, refreshed and ready to face the new adventure. Once they cleared immigration and collected their luggage, Ranjitham spotted her sister and brother-in-law waiting eagerly. Mallika hugged Radhika affectionately, and as Ranjitham approached, she learned that Radhika was Mallika’s mother-in-law, marking the beginning of an unexpected family connection. As they drove through the vibrant streets of Denver, Mallika turned to Ranjitham with a smile. “Mummy and Daddy have a surprise for you,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What kind of surprise?” Ranjitham asked, curiosity piqued. “Radhika’s son will be coming back to India soon. You’re going to be his future wife!” Mallika exclaimed. Ranjitham’s heart raced. As she turned to look at Radhika, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Radhika grinned, her eyes filled with warmth. “He’s a wonderful young man, and I think you’ll be very happy together.” To Ranjitham’s delight, she soon learned that Radhika’s son was none other than Pramod , her college mate and a dear friend. The prospect of rekindling a connection that had always been special filled her with joy. As they continued their journey, the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains painted a picture of hope and new beginnings. The blend of family ties and unexpected love had set the stage for Ranjitham’s life to take a turn she never saw coming, one that promised not only happiness but also the blossoming of a beautiful new chapter in her life. K.Ragavan