Small Story 570.

 Small Story 570.

A Timely Encounter

Gupta went to his usual vegetable shop. After purchasing vegetables, he started walking back home. Suddenly, someone called out, “Hey Gupta, how are you?”

He turned around and saw his colleague Partha standing there. Both had retired from the Milk Federation as Accounts Officers.

Partha said, “Sorry to bother you, Gupta. If you can recommend my brother’s son—he has completed his Management and Event Management course—it would be very helpful for his family. I will visit your house one day. You have helped many people.”

Gupta smiled and replied softly, “By God’s grace, it has always worked out. I will remember this. Bye for now.”

After returning home, Gupta finished his bath and pooja. Just then, his wife reminded him, “Dear, you forgot to withdraw money for expenses. The gas delivery will come today.”

“No problem,” Gupta said. “I will go to the ATM and get the money.”

He went to the ATM near his apartment. When he tried to insert his card, it wouldn’t go in. He noticed that another card had been left behind by a previous customer. Looking around and finding no one, he waited.

Soon, a bank service person arrived to refill the ATM. Gupta handed over the card and gave his phone number. “Please find the owner through the bank and ask them to contact me,” he said.

After withdrawing cash, he returned home.

At around 5 PM, his phone rang. “Hello, is this Mr. Gupta? I am near the temple and would like to meet you to thank you for returning my card.”

Gupta gave his address: “Enclave Apartments, Flat No. 101.”

Within 15 minutes, the doorbell rang. When Gupta opened the door, he saw a lady in her mid-forties. He invited her inside.

She introduced herself as Nandhini and thanked him warmly for helping recover her ATM card. Before leaving, she handed him her visiting card and said, “I run an event management company. If you need anything or want to recommend someone, please feel free to contact me.”

She left in a hurry, promising to stay in touch.

Gupta looked at her card and smiled—it was indeed an event management company. Immediately, he thought of Partha’s brother’s son, Karthik. This opportunity might help him secure a job.

Just then, the wall clock struck six, and Gupta felt a quiet happiness within.

K.Ragavan

4-4-26