Small Story 299.

Small Story 299: Anniversary Tension and Dad’s Diagnosis – A Chain of Events Ramesh walked into his cabin at the office and settled into his chair. Just then, his phone rang—it was his wife, Ramya. “Hey, sorry to disturb,” she said anxiously. “I kept the new gold chain you bought me yesterday for our 25th anniversary celebration in the shelf inside the cupboard... and now it’s missing!” Ramesh froze. The chain had cost nearly ten lakhs—a special gift for their silver jubilee, which they planned to celebrate on Friday. Now, panic set in. He couldn’t focus on work. The thought of the missing chain haunted him. Already under pressure from his recent transfer to Mysuru as Branch Manager, this felt like a final blow. Their daughter, Mithra, who was pursuing her post-graduation in Dubai, was scheduled to arrive Thursday for the celebration. He debated telling her but soon received a call. “Dad,” Mithra said, her voice filled with concern. “Mom told me about the chain. I’m shocked too, but don’t worry. I’ve shared the address of my friend Suma’s mom, Vasanthy aunty. She lives in Mysuru—wise, practical, and well-connected. Please reach out to her. She’ll guide you.” Ramya wasted no time. She reached Jayalakshmipuram near the old Premier Studio and met Vasanthy. After listening patiently, Vasanthy called her niece, Ranjitha, and requested her to meet Ramya immediately. Within an hour, Ranjitha arrived at Ramya’s house. A sharp-eyed young woman with calm confidence, she examined the cupboard and the shelf—completely empty. “What time did you place the chain there?” Ranjitha asked. “And when did your husband buy it?” “Day before yesterday,” Ramya replied, handing her the bill. Ranjitha glanced at the jeweler’s name. “Ah, one of Mysuru’s most reputed jewelers,” she said. “Did you show the chain to anyone?” Ramya thought hard. “Only my friend Ambujam came over.” Just then, Ramya’s phone rang again. It was Ambujam. “Hey! I’m on my way to return the chain you gave me yesterday to show my daughter. My husband agreed to buy a similar one for her,” she said cheerfully. Moments later, Ambujam arrived—with the chain and a box of sweets. “I took it when you got that call from your mother,” she explained. “You were so distracted.” Suddenly, it all came back to Ramya. Her mother had called from Baroda, tearfully informing her that her father might have a tumor. The emotional weight of that moment had made her completely forget that she’d handed the chain to Ambujam. She hadn’t told Ramesh about her father’s condition yet—she’d wanted to confirm the diagnosis first. Then, as if on cue, her phone rang again. This time it was her mother—with joyful news. The doctors had confirmed it wasn’t a tumor after all, just a treatable infection. Relief flooded Ramya. Her knees nearly gave way as she sat down, smiling through tears. Ranjitha smiled too. “Madam, I’ve solved many cases in under two hours. I had a strong feeling this one would be no different.” She updated her aunt Vasanthy, who called Ramya again. “My niece is an assistant to the world-renowned investigator OO1,” she said proudly. “She’s sharp, observant, and above all, a good human being.” Ramya was amazed. “We’ve heard of OO1 and his international academy! My husband and I would love to meet him someday.” “In fact,” she added thoughtfully, “we’d be honored to invite him to our anniversary function. His presence would mean a lot.” “Right decision,” Ranjitha nodded, smiling warmly as she left. “He values families who honor truth, love, and memory.” K.Ragavan 7-7-25