Small Story 44.Library Bond.

Small Story 44.Library Bond. Ram sat in the library, eagerly awaiting Nandhini. Their Friday and Saturday evening ritual had become a cherished part of his week, where they would lose themselves in the pages of their favorite books for an hour. Both in their mid-twenties, they shared a love for learning that their mothers encouraged— Asha and Revathi, old friends, wanted their children to grow beyond conventional paths. After their reading session, they would head to a nearby café for tea. One evening, as they sipped their steaming cups, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation. "Nandhini!" It was Vasanthi, an old college friend. "Hi! How are you?" Nandhini exclaimed, her face lighting up with delight. "I’m great! Just moved to Bengaluru from Chennai—Dad got transferred," Vasanthi replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The two friends caught up, exchanging numbers to stay connected, just as Ram returned from the restroom. After introductions, Ram shared that he worked as a Product Manager in a pharmaceutical company. They chatted for a few minutes before parting ways. The next day, at a shopping mall, Vasanthi spotted Ram again. They talked for a while, and she asked for his number, wanting to connect further. Days later, Ram received a message from her, asking for career advice. "Can we meet?" it read. He replied promptly, and soon they arranged to meet at a well-known temple in Vasanthapura. After their darshan, they stepped outside to talk. “Sorry to disturb you today, but I really want to switch to the pharma industry. Can you help?” Vasanthi asked, a hint of hope in her voice. “Actually, we have a vacancy in my company. Send me your CV!” Ram said, eager to assist. The next day, he received her CV and arranged an interview. Vasanthi impressed everyone and was offered the job on the spot. As time passed, she settled well into her new role, grateful for Ram's support. One evening, Vasanthi's parents visited Ram's house. After some pleasant conversation over tea, Vasanthi's dad brought up a topic that caught everyone off guard. “So, what about the marriage proposal for Ram and Vasanthi?” A sudden hush fell over the room as Asha, Ram's mother, replied, “I’m sorry, but Ram’s marriage has been fixed with my friend’s daughter.” “Is it Nandhini?” Vasanthi blurted out, stunned. “No, my other friend's daughter, Devika. She’s in research in Sydney,” Asha clarified, noting the surprise on Vasanthi's face. “Ambujam and I are close friends, just like Nandhini’s mother.” As Vasanthi absorbed the news, a wave of disappointment washed over her. She felt unlucky, realizing she had crossed paths with someone who seemed destined for another. Ram and Nandhini shared a bond built on friendship and admiration, while Vasanthi was left reflecting on what could have been. Life had a way of intertwining stories, and this chapter was closing as a new one began for Ram and Nandhini, while Vasanthi set her sights on carving her own path in the industry they all cherished. K.Ragavan 12-10-24