Small Story 410.

Small Story 410: Betrothal Encounter Kumbakonam station was bustling with passengers. Seshan got down from the train and was greeted by his friend’s son, Mani, who took his suitcase. Seshan had come to attend the betrothal function of Mani, who worked in the Netherlands. The bride-to-be was also employed there and was a native of Kumbakonam. Seshan’s close friend Raman, a retired officer from Lakshmi Vilas Bank in Dindigul, welcomed him warmly at the mahal. “Hey buddy, how are you? I’m so happy you came all the way for this function. I couldn’t attend your son’s wedding in November — I was flying to the US then, and my daughter had already made the reservations,” said Seshan cheerfully. Seshan smiled. He had retired as a Marketing Manager from a leading pharmaceutical company and was now settled in Bengaluru. One of his daughters lived in Bengaluru, and the other in the US. His wife couldn’t join him this time as she had to attend her friend’s daughter’s wedding. The engagement ceremony went beautifully. The boy and girl made a perfect match, and Seshan blessed them with all his heart. During the dinner that night, Seshan relished the food. The aroma and taste of the sambar instantly took him back in time. Smiling, he called the bearer and asked, “Hey, are you from Dindigul? This sambar and these potato chips taste just like my favourite hotel — Lakshmi Vilas!” The server’s face lit up. “Yes, sir! We are from Dindigul. This is indeed the same Lakshmi Vilas Hotel. We’ve now extended our catering services for all kinds of functions.” Seshan was delighted. “Ramu, those of us who worked in the pharma field and travelled a lot never forget the taste of good food!” Ramu laughed and whispered, “Amazing memory, . You left Dindigul thirty years ago and went to Mumbai, yet you still remember the Lakshmi Vilas sambar and dosa!” Seshan nodded with a smile. “Yes, Ramu. Lakshmi Vilas and its flavors are still fresh in my mind.” Ramu promised, “I’ll tell the owner’s son, Ramesh, in Dindigul about you when I go back.” Seshan returned home happy — not only for attending his dear friend’s family function, but also for reliving the taste and warmth of his good old Lakshmi Vilas days. K.Ragavan