Small Story535.

Small Story 535: Picture Encounter Sandeep was waiting for his uncle Swamy to come for tea. Swamy had recently returned from Sydney after spending two months with his daughter Nisha. He was Sandeep’s mother’s only brother and had helped Sandeep a lot in his younger days, especially with his studies. Now, Sandeep was working as a manager in a leading bank. When Swamy did not arrive on time, Sandeep’s wife, Vidya, said, “Your uncle is usually very punctual. He is late today. Can you please call him?” Sandeep called his uncle. Swamy answered, “Sorry, Sandeep. On the way, I met my friend’s daughter. She invited us to her house, so we stopped by. We have started now and will reach in ten minutes.” After ten minutes, Swamy and his wife, Pramela, arrived at Sandeep’s house. They brought a box full of chocolates and sweets for Vidya. She happily accepted them and served coffee and bondas she had prepared. She also offered them Mysore Pak made with jaggery, which they both liked very much. While enjoying the snacks, Swamy said softly, “On the way to your house, I saw my friend’s daughter. She greeted me respectfully and invited us home. She even offered to drop us here, but I said we would come another time.” Pramela added, “She is a fine girl with good manners and great respect for elders. We even took a picture with her.” They showed the picture to Sandeep and Vidya. Vidya smiled and said, “Oh, she is beautiful.” But Sandeep was taken aback. The girl in the picture looked very much like Radhika, his younger brother Santhosh’s old crush. Santhosh had gone to the UK for higher studies and gradually lost touch with her. He was still unmarried. Swamy continued, “Her name is Radha. She has a lovely eight-year-old son, and her husband is a doctor.” Sandeep felt a mix of emotions. For a moment, he had thought she might be Radhika and still unmarried. He even considered sending the picture to his brother. But she was a different person who only resembled her. Sometimes, two people may look alike, yet their lives are completely different. That day, the picture reminded Sandeep of his brother and his past feelings. Silently, he prayed that one day Santhosh would meet Radhika again and find happiness in his life. K.Ragavan 28-2-26