Small Story 287.

Small Story 287 Priceless Periyakulam Krishna was happy as he got ready for his visit to Periyakulam after five years. It was his uncle’s native place. His Uncle Ram, who had retired from the US, had returned a month ago and settled in their ancestral house in Periyakulam. Uncle Ram and Aunt Ambujam had invited Krishna and his wife Shubha to stay with them for a few days. Krishna, a busy physician with a thriving clinic in Bengaluru, had been caught up with work. Shubha, his wife, worked as a professor at a college. They had been married for five years and had a three-year-old daughter named Aarti. On Thursday, Krishna and his family arrived in Periyakulam by car from Bengaluru. Uncle Ram and Aunt Ambujam were delighted to see them after so many years. After a hearty lunch, everyone settled down, reminiscing fond memories. Krishna gifted his uncle a Titan watch—his favorite—and little Aarti handed over a beautiful silk saree and a box full of homemade sweets to her aunt. That evening, they all went to a nearby temple. On their way back, someone called out to Krishna. When he turned, he saw his old college friend and fellow medical student, Sudhakar, standing there. Sudhakar introduced himself to Uncle Ram and Aunt Ambujam, saying, “My father, Dr. Sripadha Rao, was once a well-known practitioner here in Periyakulam. I’m based in Sydney now, but every two years I visit to relive my memories of studying here and enjoying the beautiful climate and peaceful Agrahara.” Ram and Ambujam nodded in agreement. Ram added, “That’s exactly why I chose to return to Periyakulam after spending twenty-seven years in the US. My daughter’s family is settled there, but this is where my heart is.” Sudhakar was invited for lunch the next day, and he gladly accepted. He was staying at a hotel named Wellbeing, and planned to leave for Udupi the next evening to visit relatives. The next day’s lunch was delightful. Everyone enjoyed the reunion. Sudhakar left with heartfelt joy after meeting Krishna and his uncle’s family. Three days later, Krishna’s family also left. While crossing Batlagundu on their return journey, Shubha smiled and said, “No doubt, Periyakulam is a beautiful place—with its calmness and lovely climate.” Krishna whispered in agreement, “True… Priceless Periyakulam.” K.Ragavan 25-6-25