Small Story 462.

Small Story 462. From Hesitation to a Fruitful Betrothal Every evening between 5:15 and 5:30 PM, Shenoy would sit at Beach Railway Station, waiting with quiet happiness. That was the time his crush, Suganthi, usually returned from office. They both worked in the famous Richardson Cruddas, though in different divisions. In the two years they had worked in the same company, they had met only three times, and that too for official discussions. Shenoy admired her smartness and pleasant personality. When he learned that she too hailed from Malleswaram, Bengaluru, his liking for her grew even stronger. Both of them lived in R.R. Nagar, Nanganallur. That evening, Shenoy was determined. If Suganthi was unmarried, he planned to speak to her and propose. But 5:45 passed, and there was no sign of her. Even by 6:30, she had not arrived. After waiting a few more minutes, Shenoy finally left, disappointed. Shenoy lived with his parents, who loved Chennai and often visited nearby temples. When he reached home late, his father asked, “Why are you late today?” Shenoy replied casually, “Office work, Dad,” nodding his head. He wanted to tell his parents only after getting confirmation from Suganthi. The next morning, something unexpected happened. In the first-class compartment, Suganthi suddenly entered. Shenoy was surprised. Seeing a vacant seat next to him, she sat down. They greeted each other warmly. Then Suganthi smiled and said, “Shenoy, I’m going to tell you my betrothal date. You must come. Don’t miss it—it’s next week.” Shenoy was stunned. Before he could express his feelings, she was talking about her engagement. His first crush seemed to have failed, leaving him momentarily disappointed—but he accepted it with a light heart. Suganthi continued, “Are you happy to attend?” “What reply can I give?” Shenoy whispered to himself. Just then, the Beach Station was about to arrive. Suganthi looked at him and said with a sparkle in her eyes, “You will be surprised, Shenoy. You are the bridegroom. My mummy and your mummy are temple friends.” The train stopped. Shenoy was overwhelmed with joy. Yesterday, he had hesitated to express his feelings—today, God had turned hesitation into happiness. He smiled at Suganthi, and she smiled back. K.Ragavan 17-12-25