Small Story 271.

Small Story 271. A Bold Decision Beyond Stars Sundaram and Rajan were close friends, both working in the Spare Parts division of the TVS Group. They were god-fearing men, lived nearby, and met frequently with their families. Sundaram's son, Kannan, had just completed college and joined a leading newspaper as a sub-editor. At 23, he was a handsome and well-mannered young man. Rajan and his wife, Pankajam, had a beautiful daughter named Kanaka. Though she had finished her education, her marriage was repeatedly delayed due to astrological mismatches. Now 28, Pankajam grew increasingly anxious as proposals kept falling through. One day, Sundaram's wife, Ambujam, casually asked Pankajam why Kanaka’s marriage was being postponed. Pankajam opened up about the astrological issues — Kanaka's star did not align with any suitable groom's horoscope. Ambujam, who liked Kanaka very much, said, “If not for the age gap, I would have loved to make her my daughter-in-law.” Rajan, who had overheard the conversation, stepped out and said, “Sister, if you like the match, I am ready to give Kanaka’s hand to Kannan. In life, even some celebrities have older wives and live happily.” After getting consent from both Kanaka and Kannan, their marriage was celebrated grandly in a beautiful Kalyana Mahal (wedding hall). One and a half years later, Kanaka and Kannan were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. They named him Srihari. Though astrological beliefs once delayed Kanaka’s marriage, it was the elders' bold decision that made her life joyful — a life filled with love and a lovely child. K.Ragavan 9-6-25