Small Story 363.

Small Story 363: A New Bond on the Bus Seshan usually preferred to travel by train, but this time he decided to take a luxury bus from Madurai to Chennai, just for a change. His son, Ravi, worked in an IT company and lived in T. Nagar with his wife, Sugandhi, who was an officer in the state government. Seshan had lost his wife a few years ago due to natural causes. Despite not owning a house in Madurai, he chose to continue living there, surrounded by old friends and memories. At 68, he enjoyed his peaceful life and occasional travel. As the bus was about to depart, the conductor guided a middle-aged woman, around 50, to the seat next to Seshan. She looked homely and smiled warmly. “Are you comfortable, Anna?” she asked gently. Seshan nodded, “No problem, I’m comfortable.” The luxury bus had plush, reclining seats, and as it rolled out of Madurai at 9 PM, Seshan checked his watch. He had finished his dinner around 7:30 PM. The lady beside him introduced herself. “My name is Shankari. My only son works in Dubai, but unfortunately, we are not on good terms. I used to work in a private firm, but I lost my job during the COVID period. I don't even know why I’m sharing all this with you, Anna. Maybe it's because you remind me of my elder brother, who was a captain in the army and passed away during the pandemic.” She paused before continuing. “My husband has been bedridden since that time. One of my relatives is taking care of him now. I’m going to Chennai to work as a full-time cook in a household. The kind couple there have agreed to let me stay and bring my husband too, so we can live together.” Seshan listened silently, touched by her honesty. “You’re sharing your story with me like a sister,” he said gently. “I lost my sister long ago, so maybe fate brought us together like this.” By early morning, the bus reached the T. Nagar bus junction in Chennai. As they got down, Seshan asked, “Sister, how are you planning to go to your new place?” “I have the address here,” she said, showing him a paper. “I’ll take an auto. I only have this suitcase.” Seshan looked at the address—and was taken aback. It was his son Ravi’s apartment! He smiled. “That’s near my son's place. Come, we’ll go together.” They reached Ravi’s flat, where Ravi and Sugandhi greeted them warmly. Shankari was surprised and emotional when she realized her new employers were none other than Seshan’s son and daughter-in-law. Ravi looked at his father and said, “Dad, this time we’ve decided not to let you go back to Madurai. We want you to stay with us permanently. That’s why we brought Shankari madam and her husband here—to be with you and take care of you too. This flat is spacious, with four bedrooms. We want a family bond, not just arrangements.” Seshan was deeply moved. Not only had he found a new home with his son, but also a new sister in Shankari—a beautiful bond to fill the void of the one he had lost. K.Ragavan 9-9-25