Small Story 289.

Small Story 289 "One-Month Visit, Three-Year Bond" Ram landed in Dubai and was warmly welcomed by his old friend Nath. Originally planning to spend just one month in the "City of Opportunity" to meet his longtime friends and revisit his old home in Sharjah—where he had spent over 18 years—Ram had no idea that destiny had other plans. Nath, who now lived in a spacious villa in Sharjah with his wife Malini and school-going son Sandeep, invited Ram to stay with them during his visit. As Ram crossed the familiar streets of Sharjah, memories of his professional days as a pharma executive came rushing back—those days of interacting with top-tier doctors of various nationalities, filled with purpose and passion. At Nath's home, he was introduced to Malini, and after a hearty lunch, Ram took a short rest. Later that evening, Sandeep returned from school and happily greeted him. Ram gifted the boy a sweet box and a cricket bat, knowing about his interest in the sport—an act that brought joy to the child. That evening, Nath took Ram to meet their old friends—Raghu, Kishore, and Mohan. They were all thrilled to see Ram after five years. At 63, Ram still carried his charm and was known among his peers for his punctuality, humility, and deep respect for his profession. During their reunion, another guest joined the group—Sanjay, a friend of Kishore and an employee of a multinational pharmaceutical company. After being introduced to Ram, Sanjay said, “I’ve heard a lot about you. In fact, I’ve been looking for you.” Ram, intrigued, asked, “What for?” Sanjay replied, “Our company is looking for a Regional Coordinator with a strong pharma background. Based on my industry contacts, you're the perfect fit.” Ram hesitated, “But I’m 63.” Sanjay smiled. “You may be 63, but you look 55. Age doesn't matter to us as long as the person is capable—and you clearly are. It’s a three-year contract, and after that, it’s entirely your choice whether to continue or return home.” Nath was thrilled at the opportunity presented to his friend. “Ram, this is perfect for you. You’re smart, experienced, and this city knows your value.” Ram thought about his family—his wife Vasanthy and daughter Nandhini. Both of them loved Dubai. Even though Nandhini had settled in the US, she often expressed her desire to visit Dubai frequently. Having completed his one-month visit, Ram returned to India with more than just memories. He shared the news with Vasanthy, who was overjoyed at the unexpected offer. What started as a short visit turned into a new chapter in his professional journey. Sharjah and Dubai had once again opened their arms to him. His one-month stay had turned into a 36-month commitment—a testament to how strong relationships and reputations can bring unexpected rewards. K.Ragavan 27-6-25 L