Small Story 198.

Small Story 198. Train Number 00198 Shubha settled into her seat on Train Number 00198, heading to Kumbakonam. She liked the number and was excited about the new route she was taking to visit her friend Sudha’s native place. Shubha worked as a teacher for tenth-grade students in a private school in Bengaluru. Her husband worked as a Program Manager in a software company, and their daughter, Rohini, was in her final year of B.Pharmacy. After an eight-hour journey, Shubha arrived in Kumbakonam, where Sudha’s son, Ravi, greeted her at the station. “Hello, aunty! How are you? Mum and dad have gone to attend a grahapravesam near the Uppiliappan Temple. They asked me to take you home for breakfast. You can enjoy some Idli and Coconut chutney. They’ll be back by 11:30 a.m.” Shubha was happy with the plan and hopped into an auto with Ravi. Kumbakonam is known for its temples and old-style houses, which Shubha found charming. Ravi worked for a pharmaceutical company based in Kumbakonam and covered other areas for his job. When they reached home, Ravi gave Shubha hot tea from a flask along with the Idlis, and she enjoyed the delicious breakfast before freshening up. At 11 a.m. sharp, Sudha and Narain arrived, bringing sweets like Badusha and Mysore Pak. They greeted Shubha and asked how she liked the new train route. Shubha smiled and nodded. “The Vande Bharat route is admirable.” After reminiscing about their old days, Sudha prepared a beautiful lunch, featuring Shubha’s favorite, Semiya Payasam. At 1 p.m., they all sat down to enjoy the meal. Ravi arrived around 1:30 p.m. after finishing his routine visit to a few doctors. He joined the group for lunch and had two cups of his favorite Semiya Payasam. During the meal, Shubha received a call from Rohini, who asked if she had reached safely. Shubha explained how she was received by Ravi and had enjoyed her favorite lunch. Rohini laughed and said, “Mum, I want to come there too for my favorite Semiya Payasam!” Sudha then spoke to Rohini on the phone, inviting her to come to Kumbakonam with her dad. Rohini was also interested in chatting with Ravi, as she admired his knowledge about pharmaceutical products, especially since she was studying B.Pharmacy. Two days later, Shubha was preparing to leave, thanking Sudha for her warm hospitality. Before departing, Shubha shared her inner feelings with Sudha. She expressed a desire for Ravi to be Rohini’s husband and hoped for a stronger bond between the two families. Ravi, overhearing this, smiled and said, “I appreciate your idea. Rohini and I have become good friends. Since I’m in the pharma field and she’s studying B.Pharmacy, we have a lot in common. I also have my plans for the future.” Shubha understood his perspective, and with a happy heart, she departed, grateful for Sudha’s hospitality. She visited a popular temple, leaving her feelings behind but holding on to hope for the future. K. Ragavan 28-3-25