Small Story 178.

Small Story 178. A Sudden Encounter That Changed My Career Santhosh entered the front gate of the big house and approached the security guard, requesting to meet Mr. Venkatesh. The security guard asked if he had an appointment. Santhosh nodded and explained that he had come to ask for help with his college fees. The security guard informed him that without an appointment, Mr. Venkatesh wouldn’t meet anyone. Feeling disappointed, Santhosh was about to leave when a car suddenly drove in. The lady in the car noticed Santhosh and asked him who he was and why he had come. Santhosh explained his purpose, and she invited him to get into the car and go inside. Once in the main hall, she asked him to sit on the sofa, and she instructed the maid to bring snacks and tea. Santhosh was surprised by the warm reception, especially since the security guard had just told him that he couldn't enter without an appointment. The maid brought a jangri along with some snacks, and soon the lady came back from inside and sat opposite him. She asked, "Santhosh, who told you to contact Venkatesh?" He replied, "My friends helped me contact him." Then, he explained, "My father works as an attendant in the library, and he encouraged me to continue studying. But this year, I’m unable to pay my fees. Here are my certificates and marksheets." Upon seeing his marksheets, the lady was impressed with his good grades over the past years. She introduced herself, "I am Malavika, Venkatesh's wife. My husband is currently in the US visiting our daughter Vasanthi. He'll be back next month, but I manage our trust while he's away. Thankfully, I saw you from my car. How much do you need?" Santhosh explained, "My fees and arrears total 18,000 Rs after my scholarship. You can verify the amount with my college; I’ll pay directly." Malavika smiled and replied, "No need to verify. I know your father. He's working as an attendant at the J.P. Nagar 5th Stage library, his name is Bakthavachalam. No problem, I’ll give you 20,000 Rs now. After paying, you can send me the receipt." Santhosh gratefully accepted the money. The next day, he paid his fees and sent the receipt to Malavika's number. A month later, one fine morning, Malavika sent her car to Santhosh’s house and asked him to come to their home. When he arrived, Malavika introduced her husband, Venkatesh, to him. Venkatesh said, "I’m very happy to help a deserving student and the son of a dedicated and honest attendant. Your father once returned a bag I left in the library. Over the years, I’ve seen him work with simplicity and honesty. When my wife told me about the library, I was shocked to learn of the connection. It felt as if God had sent you here." Venkatesh continued, "I tried to give your father 10,000 Rs as a gift, but he refused. Now I’m glad to help you with your higher education." Santhosh was taken aback by their kindness. He had once been turned away, but now he was being offered such generosity. This encounter not only helped him pay his fees but also changed the course of his future. After spending some time with them, Santhosh left with joy in his heart, knowing this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life. K.Ragavan 8-3-25