Small Story 473.

Small Story 473: Dual Sweets Anusuya did not turn up today either. This made Roshani feel upset. Both of them had been close friends for over a decade and had never missed any important family functions. Yesterday was Roshani’s mother’s 70th birthday. Anusuya had called and said she had some urgent work and would come the next day, but she still hadn’t arrived. Since Anusuya lived nearby, Roshani felt a little hurt. At 1:00 p.m., Roshani received a call from Anusuya. “Hey, sorry I couldn’t come. I will definitely come in the evening,” she said. At 5:30 p.m., Roshani arrived at Anusuya’s house carrying a big box of sweets and a saree for Anusuya’s mother. She offered her namaskaram and handed over the gifts. “Amma,” Roshani said gently, “yesterday my husband Anand and I wanted to come and take your blessings. But Anand received a call saying his short story had been selected for a Kannada film and that he would receive an award of ₹5,00,000. The amount was supposed to come by courier in the afternoon. We waited until 7 p.m., but nothing arrived, so we thought it might be a fake call.” She continued, “This morning the courier man came and explained that he had suffered a mild attack yesterday and was admitted to the hospital for observation. He informed his office and delivered it today. That’s why we couldn’t come yesterday. Today Anand has gone to meet the director for further discussions.” Roshani now understood the genuine reason behind Anusuya’s absence and remembered how supportive Anand had always been on other occasions. She congratulated Anand warmly and wished that many more of his stories would reach the silver screen. After lunch, and three varieties of sweets, Anusuya left with a box full of return-gift sweets prepared by Roshani’s mother, Vasanthy. For Roshani’s family, not only yesterday but today too was a sweet day—celebrating both friendship and Anand’s success. K.Ragavan 28-12-25