Small Story 426.

Small Story 426: Wedding Encounter – A Marriage Within a Marriage Devaraj was waiting for his friend to decide whether to go to Chennai next week for their friend Narayan’s wedding. His phone rang—it was his friend Avinash. Avinash explained that one of his relatives was unwell, so he couldn’t come for the discussion and also wouldn’t be able to attend the wedding. After hearing this, Devaraj decided to go alone. He booked his train ticket to Chennai for the marriage. On the day of departure, the train started on time. The seat next to him was vacant. At the Cantonment Station, a beautiful lady boarded the train and occupied that seat. After some time, she smiled and said, “I’m going to Chennai for the first time. Could you please guide me?” Devaraj nodded, smiling. “I’m also not very familiar with Chennai—but I’ll try.” After five hours, the train reached Chennai, and both got down. The lady said, “Sorry, I forgot to tell you my name. I’m Ashwini, working in the Income Tax Department. I’m going to attend my boss’s relative’s wedding in T. Nagar.” “Oh, really?” said Devaraj. “I’m also going there—to attend my friend’s sister’s wedding.” Ashwini looked surprised. “Oh! What’s the girl’s name?” “Rashmi,” replied Devaraj. Ashwini laughed. “Oh my God! I’m attending the same wedding!” They both took a cab and reached the wedding hall in T. Nagar. It was a grand, well-decorated venue with several furnished rooms for guests. They were each given rooms upstairs and then came down to join the function. Both were warmly welcomed by the families from their respective sides. The evening reception was splendid, and the next day, after the marriage, they both boarded the same train back to Bengaluru. As the train moved, Ashwini whispered, “It was a nice experience, attending a wedding in a new place—with you.” Devaraj smiled. “Yes, indeed. By the way, I forgot to tell you—I work in a bank.” After reaching Bengaluru, they exchanged phone numbers and went their separate ways. Two days later, Devaraj’s mother, Pankaja, received a call from a lady named Ramya, who asked if she could visit in the evening. That evening, Ramya arrived with her husband, Ravi. Ravi introduced himself as a retired Secretariat officer. Smiling, he said, “Our daughter, Ashwini, traveled with your son Devaraj to Chennai. She was very impressed by his behavior and kindness. We’d like to make her your daughter-in-law.” Pankaja and her husband Ramesh were thrilled by this unexpected yet happy proposal. Devaraj, who had been postponing marriage for a long time, was equally happy. He had liked Ashwini’s gentle and smiling nature. A month later, Ashwini and Devaraj were married in Bengaluru, surrounded by friends who had recently attended Narayan’s wedding. Indeed, in one wedding, another marriage was destined to begin—and for this couple, that saying came true. K.Ragavan 11-11-25