Small Story 414.

Small Story 414 Afternoon Encounter Roshani finished her tea just as a call came from the manager. When she entered the manager’s cabin, a customer was already talking with him, so she waited outside in the hall. After five minutes, the customer left, and Roshani stepped in. “Hey, come in! Had your tea?” asked the manager. “Yes, sir,” replied Roshani with a smile. “You have to go to Jaynagar for a big deposit. They requested a good officer from our bank, and I thought of you. You should be there by 4:15 p.m. Take my car with the driver.” Roshani noted down the location and the contact details of the client. Exactly at 4:15 p.m., she reached the address and was thrilled to see an elegant house. She was warmly greeted by the lady of the house and offered some sweets. Roshani was delighted—it was her favorite moong dal halwa and some delicious snacks. “I’m Vasanthy,” introduced the gracious lady. “I want to deposit twenty-five lakhs for three years. I know your bank has a great reputation, so I have no worries.” “Yes, madam, you need not worry,” replied Roshani confidently. “I’ve been working in this bank for the past five years. After completing my M.Com, I joined here. The manager, Mr. Kesav, has known my father for a long time.” “How nice!” said Vasanthy. “You have a pleasant personality and speak so well. I’ll sign the documents and hand over the cheque. My husband is a doctor—he hasn’t yet returned from the hospital.” As Roshani was about to leave, she noticed a handsome young man’s photograph on the table. “That’s my son, Vishnu,” said Vasanthy proudly. “He’s working in Dubai.” After collecting the cheque, Roshani returned to the office. Manager Kesav was very happy about the large deposit and thanked her for her good work A week later, Roshani was at home when she received a call from Kesav saying he would be visiting shortly. Her father, Ram, and mother, Radhika, were home, planning to go shopping. Soon, Kesav arrived—with Vasanthy and her husband. Ram greeted them warmly, and Radhika served coffee and sweets. After some pleasant conversation, Vasanthy spoke gently, “We have come here with a proposal. We would like to ask for the hand of your beautiful daughter, Roshani, for our son, Vishnu, who is a Deputy Manager in a leading bank in Dubai.” Radhika smiled. “We would like to meet the boy.” Vasanthy replied, “Your daughter has already seen his picture in our house. And my son, Vishnu, has also seen her while I was on a video call.” Ram smiled. “Actually, this was already being planned. Kesav, Vasanthy, and I are old classmates. We thought Roshani and Vishnu would make a perfect pair.” Astonished and blushing, Roshani bowed her head shyly. “Dad,” she said softly, “your choice is wonderful.” Ram whispered lovingly, “I just want to see your bright and happy future, my dear.” All of them left with joyful hearts. Two months later, Roshani and Vishnu were married in a beautiful resort. Their story, which began with an afternoon encounter, blossomed into a lifetime of love. K.Ragavan 30-10-25