Small Story 233.

Small Story 233. A Place in the Heart Shyam reached the address given by his mother and rang the doorbell. A young woman opened the door. "What do you want?" she asked politely. "I’m looking for Mridula," Shyam replied. "Mummy's gone to the library. Please come inside," she said, stepping aside. "I'm your mother's cousin's daughter, Nirosha. I'm in my final year of architecture. You must be Shyam from Palayamkottai. I remember meeting you at a relative's wedding." "Yes, that's me," Shyam smiled. "I just got transferred to Bengaluru. I'm looking for a room or a single-bedroom house for rent. My parents won't be joining since both are working." "Would you like tea or coffee?" "Tea would be great. Where's your dad?" "Dad's gone to Mysore to visit a friend. He'll be back by evening," Nirosha replied as she served Shyam tea and a piece of Mysorepak. "Today is Suma aunty’s birthday — mummy's library friend," Nirosha explained. "Mummy made sweets and took them to distribute among her library friends. She’s always helping people — just like your mother said." "Your mother is Vasanthy, right?" she asked. "Yes," Shyam nodded. Just then, Mridula returned home and immediately recognized Shyam. "Vasanthy just called and told me you were transferred to Bengaluru. Come, let me show you your room. This is your home now." She led Shyam upstairs to a well-furnished room. "Your office is just ten minutes away from here." That evening, Shyam met Ram, Mridula’s husband — a dignified man in his fifties who worked as a RAW officer on a secret mission. Shyam gradually settled into their warm household. Nirosha,Ram and Mridula’s daughter, was friendly and intelligent, much like her mother. Shyam enjoyed spending time with her, often exchanging stories and advice. Over time, he began to feel like a true part of the family. One day, he noticed Nirosha was unusually quiet. Concerned, he asked, “Are you okay?” “I love Vivek, my cousin — dad’s sister’s son,” she confessed. “But dad isn’t agreeing because Vivek’s sister married a foreigner.” That evening, Ram returned from work with sweets. “Shyam, I’ve been promoted. I’m being posted to the U.S. — to Washington “Congratulations, Uncle!” Shyam said. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to make a small request on this happy occasion. Please consider Nirosha'smarriage to Vivek. He’s a good man, working for a reputed firm.” Ram hesitated. Shyam continued, “Also, you’ll be meeting Davidson in the U.S. — Manjula’s husband. He’s your sister’s son-in-law, right? I met him during my training in the U.S. A kind-hearted man who respects our traditions and supports Manjula. Your judgment about Vivek might also need a second look.” “I hope I’m not interfering. I just feel strongly because I don’t have a sister of my own. Nirosha deserves a loving partner and a happy life.” Ram was touched. Shyam's sincerity and love for the family melted away his doubts. He realized he had been too rigid. Mridula, who had given Shyam a place to stay, smiled. In time, Shyam had not only found a home but had captured a permanent place in their hearts. K.Ragavan 2-5-25 -