Small Story 187.

Small Story 187 "The Sweet Connection" After sitting in his corner seat, Narendar was happy. His parents were standing nearby, reminding him to be careful. "Your grandfather will come to the station. He'll come to your compartment to receive you. Just stand in front of your compartment, and keep your mobile phone safely. The train is about to start, so goodbye." Every year, Narendar visited his grandparents in Madurai for vacation with his parents. This time, however, his dad, Pranav, was traveling to the U.S. for official work, along with his mother, Vasanthy. Narendar would be spending 45 days with his grandparents, Ram and Mythili, in Madurai, a city he loved. He was going into the 8th grade and was a very intelligent boy. After the train left Chingleput, everyone started opening their food packets, and some were waiting for their orders. A lady sitting opposite Narendar asked, "Did you bring your night dinner?" "Yes, madam. I’ll have it at 7:30 pm," Narendar replied. Everyone finished their dinner, and exactly at 7:30 pm, Narendar opened his tiffin box, filled with curd rice and lemon pickle. He then opened another pocket and shared some coconut burfi with his fellow passengers. It was a sweet made by his mother, Vasanthy. Everyone tasted the sweet and thanked him for the delicious treat. After his dinner, Narendar explained, "This sweet is my grandpa’s favorite. He’s a great disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and his disciple, Vivekananda." The lady opposite him whispered, "I understand now why your name is Narendar. It must have been chosen by your grandpa. He wants you to follow his principles, which I admire very much." The lady introduced herself, "I’m Janaki, working as the principal of TVS High School, staying in SS Colony. Where are you headed?" "Me too, SS Colony. My grandpa will pick me up," Narendar replied. The passengers settled into their berths for the night. The next morning, at Madurai station, Ram was waiting in front of Narendar's compartment. Seeing his grandson, he was happy and greeted him. "How are you, grandpa?" Narendar asked. "I’m fine," Ram replied. "We’ll go by auto. Our driver took leave today." At that moment, Janaki spoke up. "Narendar, why don’t you and your grandfather come with me? I’ll drop you off at SS Colony." Ram was surprised at how quickly Narendar had become popular during the journey. On the way, Janaki whispered, "I’m really impressed with Narendar's behavior and his courtesy in offering the coconut burfi. It’s such a great sweet." Ram thanked her and introduced himself, "I’m Ram, retired from RAw, and settled in Madurai. You can tell me your street, and I’ll drop you off before proceeding to my home." Janaki was happy, and as they reached her house, she said, "By the way, I’m from the Sharada Institute School in Chennai. That sweet is loved by my guruji, and your grandson’s name is someone I admire greatly." Ram nodded thoughtfully, "Your guruji must be someone special." Narendar smiled at his grandpa and said, "What a magic name, Grandpa!" Ram nodded, "Yes, Narendar. Your name has a special connection." K.Ragavan 17-3-25