Small Story 576
Masterstroke Reunion
Ram was waiting at the airport for his friend’s flight, which was delayed by 30 minutes. Sitting quietly in a chair, he watched passengers from another arriving flight walk past him.
Suddenly, his eyes fell on a familiar face.
“Hey… are you Prasad?” he called out.
The man turned back, surprised. He looked at Ram, trying to place him, but couldn’t recognize him.
Ram smiled and said, “Prasad, I’m Ram. We were together in the Toastmasters Club in Sharjah. I left 17 years ago.”
Prasad’s face lit up. “Oh my God! Your memory is amazing,” he said, almost whispering. “How are you? How’s your family?”
“All are fine,” Ram replied. “Are you still in the UAE? How are things there now?”
“I recently came to Bengaluru for a relative’s wedding in Banashankari,” Prasad said. “Things are better now after the ceasefire.”
“That’s good to hear. Take my number—call me tomorrow. Let’s meet and spend some time together at a restaurant.”
They exchanged numbers warmly. Both reminisced about their days in the Toastmasters Club, the debates they participated in, and the appreciation they received. Ram especially remembered the time they spent at City Centre and other favorite spots.
Soon after, Prasad left.
About half an hour later, Ram’s friend Murali arrived from Germany. Ram greeted him and drove him home, where Murali would stay for three days on an official visit.
As Ram drove, he smiled to himself. He had come to receive Murali but unexpectedly met Prasad after 17 long years.
Sometimes, life surprises us—one meeting brings back another, and old friendships find their way back when we least expect them.
K.Ragavan
10-4-26
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