Small Story 210

Small Story 210 : A Chance Encounter on the Bus Sharmila walked through the grand gate of her friend's house to visit Roshini, who had come on holiday from Bengaluru. The two women, childhood friends from Trichy’s Thilkainagar area, shared a special bond. Roshini had moved to Bengaluru after her marriage, as her husband worked there in a software company. Meanwhile, Sharmila had settled in Srirangam with her parents and was still unmarried. As soon as Sharmila stepped inside the house, Roshini, who had been waiting, greeted her warmly from the entrance. Roshini’s father, a retired judge, was home, and her mother, Shyamala, offered Sharmila sweets and snacks. “How are you and your parents, Roshini’s mother asked. “All are fine, aunty. Yesterday, I got a call from Roshini that she was coming for the holiday, so I’ve come to visit her today since my office is closed,” Sharmila replied. Roshini, with a playful smile, whispered, “I hope I can expect your wedding invitation this year.” Sharmila looked at her friend, a bit surprised. “I don’t know, Roshini…” “Why? Are you not interested in marriage?” Shyamala asked kindly. “It’s not like that, aunty. I just believe the right time and person will come along,” Sharmila responded modestly. After the conversation, Roshini led Sharmila to her room, where the two reminisced about their old days spent at Main Guard Gate and Srirangam. Amid their laughter, Roshini suddenly asked, “Did you meet Suresh recently?” Sharmila paused and shook her head. “No, Roshini. The last time I saw him was when he came to my office for a discussion with my boss.” Roshini knew Sharmila had admired Suresh, a banker whom she had met on two occasions when he visited her office for audit verifications. She liked his simplicity and respect for others, but Sharmila had never shared her feelings with him. It had been over two years since they last met, and Roshini’s question brought back old memories. After spending some time together, Sharmila decided to head back to her house. On the bus ride to Srirangam, she noticed Suresh sitting in the front seat with a woman beside him. Sharmila was taken aback. Suresh smiled when he saw her and greeted her. “Sharmila, this is my wife.” He introduced the woman sitting next to him. “Her name is Nethravathi.” Nethravathi, smiling, greeted Sharmila warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you from my husband. He always speaks highly of your kindness and simplicity.” Suresh continued, “Nethravathi is my cousin. She lost her eyesight in her younger days. I married her, hoping that one day, her vision would return. We’ve been seeing several doctors, and today we visited one in Thilai Nagar who gave us hope.” Sharmila looked at Nethravathi with empathy. “I’m sure your eyes will heal soon. I wish you the best.” Nethravathi whispered, “Thank you, Sharmila. I’m hopeful too.” As the bus journey continued, Sharmila felt a strange sense of closure. Her long-held feelings for Suresh no longer seemed as important in light of his love and devotion to Nethravathi. It felt like an old chapter of her life had gently come to an end, leaving her with a sense of peace. Later, Shyamala, hearing the news of Nethravathi’s journey, felt a deep sense of happiness. One of the problems that had troubled her family for so long was now moving toward a solution. K.Ragavan 9-4-25