Small Story 365.

Small Story 365 A Noble Gesture for a Lost Son Irulaye was a sincere domestic worker who had been serving in Senthil’s house for over two decades. Senthil, a humble clerk in the State Government, lived with his wife Swarna in a modest home near Bhanadhankari. Their only son had tragically died in a stampede during an RCB match at the stadium. The couple had been trying to move on from the immense loss, and just a few days ago, Senthil received compensation from the RCB team for their son’s untimely death. That morning, Irulaye brought her grandson along with her to work. The boy waited patiently while his grandmother finished her chores, ready to accompany her to school. Senthil noticed the boy and was immediately struck by his sharp appearance and polite demeanor. “What’s your name, son?” he asked. “Vivekanand,” the boy replied, adding, “My late grandfather gave me the name.” Senthil learned that Vivekanand had lost both his parents during the pandemic. Irulaye was the only family he had left and was raising him with love and determination. That morning, Irulaye had planned to visit the school to request more time to pay his fees, which were overdue. When Swarna heard this, she scolded Irulaye gently, “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Irulaye replied humbly, “I’ve always been comfortable here. You’ve taken good care of me. I still owe money from my late husband’s medical expenses. That’s why I didn’t want to burden you.” Hearing this, Senthil quietly said, “From today, I will take care of Vivekanand’s school and future college fees.” Irulaye and Vivekanand were stunned. Tears welled up in their eyes as they folded their hands in gratitude before Swarna and Senthil. Senthil whispered, “I’m not rich. But my late son made me rich. I believe he is guiding me—this is what he would have wanted.” After finishing her work, Irulaye received the full term’s school fees from Senthil and walked with Vivekanand to the school, her heart full of emotion and gratitude. K.Ragavan 11-9-25