Small Story 278.

Small Syory 278. A Heartwarming Homecoming and a Noble Deed After ten years, Damodaran finally visited his hometown and was pleasantly surprised by the development in the Chennai suburbs—Tambaram, Selaiyur, and many other places. In his younger days, he had spent five memorable years on Mudichur Road while studying at Christian College before leaving for the US for further studies. Now settled in Atlanta, Damodaran works for a leading software company, while his wife Nandhini is an online journalist. Their son, Vishnu, is in his final year of MBA. The family had recently come to India and were staying in Bengaluru. Damodaran decided to visit his old friend Sudharsan, who now lives in Selaiyur. After a warm reunion and a hearty lunch, they toured nearby areas and caught up with a few other college friends. During his college days, Damodaran had played cricket for the college team, and the trip was a wave of nostalgia. Suddenly, Damodaran remembered his old classmate Vasanthy and asked Sudharsan about her. To his delight, he learned that Vasanthy now holds a senior position at Google in Bengaluru. Sudharsan shared her number, and upon returning from Chennai, Damodaran called her. They shared fond memories, and she warmly invited him and Nandhini for lunch. The next day, the couple visited Vasanthy. Her husband, Ram, a renowned architect, greeted them with warmth. After a delightful lunch—complete with Damodaran’s favorite sweets—they prepared to leave. Before they did, Vasanthy proudly spoke about her daughter, who is passionately involved in philanthropic work, particularly for the physically challenged. She runs initiatives that support employment and rights for differently-abled individuals. As Damodaran returned to the US, he reflected happily on his visit—revisiting cherished places, reconnecting with old friends, and being inspired by the noble efforts of Vasanthy’s daughter. It was more than a homecoming; it was a reminder of the bonds of friendship and the power of good deeds. K.Ragavan 16-6-25