Small story 152.

Small Story 152 . The Birthday Miracle. Seenu received an unexpected call from Aunt Bhagyam, his late father's only sister, who lived in Tirunelveli. It had been a long time since they had spoken. "Seenu, how are you? Have you forgotten me?" she asked warmly. "No, Athai, it's just that with my heavy work schedule and frequent office tours, I couldn’t call," Seenu replied. She shared that she was about to celebrate her 70th birthday and invited him to join the celebration. "I want to talk to you about something important. You must come on the 15th; my birthday is on the 16th. We will visit our deity at Alwarthirunagari." Seenu nodded and promised, "I’ll be there, Athai." Seenu, a 30-year-old coordinator for a multinational IT firm, frequently traveled to the Middle East and South Asia. He had lost his father a few years ago and lived with his mother, Ambujam, in a posh area of Chennai. Seenu had once been in a relationship with his college classmate, Mythrey. They had even planned to marry after settling down. But fate had different plans. Mythrey was killed in a tragic van accident during a work trip, and her parents also moved away from Tirunelveli. Since then, Seenu had refused many marriage proposals, as he could not forget Mythrey. On the evening of the 14th, Seenu booked train tickets to Tirunelveli, and he and his mother set off the following morning. They arrived at Aunt Bhagyam’s house, an old independent home near a temple. Aunt Bhagyam, a kind-hearted woman, didn’t have children. Seenu’s late uncle had been a prominent lawyer. After a delicious breakfast, they spent the day reminiscing and enjoying each other's company. The next day, they took a taxi to Alwarthirunagari to visit the family deity. After a fulfilling darshan, Aunt Bhagyam suggested they have lunch at a nearby hotel. While eating, she asked, “Seenu, when will you marry? I don't have anyone here with me. I want you both to settle here and look after my property.” Seenu politely declined. "Thank you, Athai, but I have my job. You’re always welcome to come and stay with us in Chennai." Just then, a lady entered the restaurant, her face covered. She sat next to them. Aunt Bhagyam greeted her warmly, "What’s your name? Did you visit the temple?" The woman smiled, “Yes, aunty, my name is Shobha." "Why do you cover your face?" Aunt Bhagyam asked. "I met with an accident. My face was severely injured, but I survived. My parents couldn’t come with me, so I traveled alone from Chennai," Shobha explained. As the conversation continued, Seenu's attention was caught. There was something familiar about her voice. "I think I’ve heard that voice before," he said, almost to himself. “No, it’s not possible,” Shobha replied, shaking her head. But Seenu insisted, “No, I’m sure it’s you. Can I see your face?” Shobha hesitated before removing her covering. Her face was scarred from the accident. Seenu smiled softly and said, “You may have changed your name, but I can never forget Mythrey’s voice.” Tears welled up in Shobha’s eyes as she said, "I saw you, Seenu. I didn’t want to see you because of my face. I’ve avoided you for five years. I live in your street in Chennai. I’ve seen you pass by, but I couldn’t face you." Seenu gently replied, “Mythrey, I was supposed to marry you after college. If this accident had happened after our marriage, I would’ve stayed by your side. But fate took its course. I am blessed to see you again.” Aunt Bhagyam, now understanding why Seenu had avoided marriage, looked at Seenu and Mythrey with understanding. She realized that they were meant to be together. After that moment of reunion, Seenu and Mythrey's wedding was celebrated in Chennai, with Aunt Bhagyam also moving in with them. Every year, they would visit their family deity together at Alwarthirunagari, keeping the bond strong. Thus, the birthday miracle not only reunited Seenu with his love but also brought a new chapter of happiness to their lives K.Ragavan 10-2-25.