Small Story 217.

Small Story 217 A Sweet Surprise by Parvathy Ramesh never expected that Rs. 10,000 would come from Aunt Parvathy for his daughter’s marriage. His wife Varsha also hadn’t anticipated such a gesture from Parvathy. Twelve years ago, after her husband's demise, Parvathy had left Ramesh’s house in Madurai and returned to her native Batlagundu, not wanting to be a burden. She had no children and lived alone in her late husband’s old house. She received no pension and had no significant bank balance. Recently, when Ramesh sent her the wedding invitation for his daughter Mridula, Parvathy sent Rs. 10,000 through GPay. Mridula, true to her soft nature, was touched and curious — how could Aunt Parvathy afford this? Every year, Parvathy would visit for just 15 days and never shared how she managed her life alone in Middle Street, Batlagundu. On the day before the wedding, Aunt Parvathy arrived quietly. The next day, the marriage went smoothly. For the evening reception, a large van arrived filled with sweets — boxes labeled "Ramesh Sweets, Batlagundu." Ramesh was stunned — who had sent them? The next day, after the ceremonies were over, Parvathy sat the family down and explained. Her brother Seshu, Ramesh’s father, had been a talented chef and sweet maker. Inspired by him, Parvathy had quietly started a small sweet business in Batlagundu. With modest earnings, she managed her monthly expenses and saved bit by bit — until she had Rs. 1 lakh. With emotion in her voice, Parvathy said, “Your father used his savings to get me married. I wanted to help your daughter Mridula in the same way — it’s my small gesture of gratitude.” Tears welled up in the eyes of Ramesh and Varsha. At 83 years old, Parvathy’s quiet sacrifices and her deep gratitude touched everyone’s hearts. Her sweet surprise wasn’t just in the boxes — it was in the years of love, effort, and remembrance that came with them. K.Ragavan 16-4-25 -