Small Story 169.

Small Story 169 "A Serendipitous Proposal" Thamarai and Lakshmi, close friends working in the same bank, were navigating through a challenging time. A few days ago, Lakshmi had fallen in the bathroom and was admitted to a nearby nursing home. The doctor suggested surgery if the injury was severe, but Lakshmi, feeling only slight pain, was reluctant. Thamarai, being a supportive friend, brought her dinner, as her house was close to the nursing home. Lakshmi greeted her warmly, feeling relieved by her visit. "If surgery isn’t necessary, I wouldn't advise it either," Thamarai agreed, hoping for the best. Just then, the orthopedic doctor, Dr. Vishnu, entered. He reassured them that Lakshmi would be fine within two days, as the injury was slight. "Thank you, doctor," Thamarai nodded, grateful for the positive update. Dr. Vishnu, a sharp, renowned young doctor in his mid-20s, left an impression on both of them. After two days, Lakshmi was discharged from the nursing home, and as she was leaving, Dr. Vishnu handed her his card to stay in touch. "Take care," he said, with a kind smile. A few days later, Dr. Vishnu visited the bank where Lakshmi worked. "I’m perfectly fine, doctor," Lakshmi assured him. To her surprise, Dr. Vishnu mentioned that his parents wanted to visit her home. "If it’s convenient, would Sunday at 4 pm work for you?" Lakshmi, still a bit surprised, agreed. On Sunday at 4 pm, Dr. Vishnu’s parents, Ram and Vasanthy, arrived at Lakshmi’s home. After a warm welcome with tea, Mysore Pak, and snacks, Ram initiated the conversation. "Straight to the point," he said, looking at Lakshmi’s father. "Two years ago, my son Vishnu approached your daughter’s bank for a loan to start his nursing home. With her approval, the loan of twenty lakhs was sanctioned, and now his practice is thriving." Ram continued, "Vishnu believes that Lakshmi’s hand is lucky, and he wants to make her his life partner, if she’s willing." Lakshmi was momentarily taken aback, as she didn’t remember the loan approval clearly, given how many loans she sanctioned daily. But as she remembered the name "Vasanthy Nursing Home," it all clicked. She exchanged a glance with Thamarai, who smiled and nodded in approval. Two months later, Vishnu and Lakshmi were married in a grand celebration, attended by numerous medical professionals. Vishnu believed in gratitude and felt that Lakshmi was his ideal partner, believing that fate had brought them together when she visited him for treatment. K.Ragavan 27-2-25