Small Story 165.

Small Story 165. Late Decision Radhika walked into the hall, warmly greeted by more than fifty people, all gathered to celebrate her colleague Rajesh's 3-year-old son's birthday. "Hey, why the late arrival? What about the parents?" he asked. "They've gone to the temple for a marriage ceremony," Radhika explained. "Only on special occasions like this do you come around, not on holidays," Rajesh whispered. Radhika, who lived in the building next to Rajesh’s, smiled and replied, “No, not like that.” She wished little Sandeep, who had been eagerly waiting, and handed him a parcel. The boy, excited, immediately tore open the gift. "An automatic car! Thank you, Aunty!" he said, his eyes sparkling with joy. Though just three years old, Sandeep was already remarkably smart and charming. Sunanda then offered Radhika some sweets and snacks. "Have a seat, enjoy yourself!" she said as she placed a plate of Cashew Burfi in front of her. Radhika took a bite and smiled. "This is delicious! Is this your favorite?" she asked. "How did you know?" Sunanda asked, looking surprised. Radhika grinned. "I could tell by the taste. Plus, you've sent it twice through Rajesh." After spending about an hour chatting and enjoying the snacks, Radhika left, taking a few sweets in her pocket to share with her parents. Radhika and Rajesh were good friends, always looking out for one another. They had helped several people who couldn’t afford to perform their daughters' weddings. But Radhika’s mother, Rashmi, often prayed for her daughter’s marriage, feeling as though fate was keeping it on hold. Later that day, after returning from a marriage ceremony, Rashmi excitedly approached Radhika. "Good news, dear! I’ve found a boy for you!" she said, holding up a photo of a man. "A relative of mine is looking for a good girl, and she thought of you. I showed my picture gallery to her and she gave her son’s picture." Radhika frowned. "Why, Mum? I'm not interested in marriage." "Just take a look at the picture and tell me what you think," Rashmi urged. Reluctantly, Radhika glanced at the photo—and her heart sank. It was a picture of Sushil, a former college mate who had once turned her down when she had expressed her crush on him. Back then, Sushil had refused to marry her and had his own marriage arranged with a leading doctor. Radhika had resolved not to marry after that rejection, and now, she didn’t want to share her feelings with her mother. Just then, Rashmi’s relative arrived, accompanied by none other than Sushil himself. Upon seeing Radhika, Sushil’s face lit up. "I’ve been searching for you! My mum saw your picture and forwarded it to me. I’ve been looking for you ever since." Radhika raised an eyebrow. "What happened to your doctor marriage?" "She’s gone for higher studies, and after her parents’ pressure, she agreed. Now, I want to propose to you," Sushil declared. Radhika simply smiled. "So now you want to marry me because your doctor fiancé is no longer in the picture? If you really liked me, you could have married me three years ago. But now, I’ve made up my mind. I want to marry someone who is family-oriented, someone who genuinely cares. You’ve been erased from my mind, Sushil." She turned to leave, saying, “Good luck, Sushil. Goodbye.” Rashmi was left speechless, unable to find the right words. It was clear that Radhika had made her decision K.Ragavan 23-2-25