Small Story 595.

 Small Story 595

A Memorable Stay in a Beloved City

Ranganath happily spent his holidays at his grandson’s flat in Dubai. After a recent crisis, the bustling city of Dubai was slowly returning to normalcy. Ranganath had worked in the Electricity Department for twenty-three years before retiring and settling in his native place, Karur, with his wife. Their only daughter was settled in the United States, and her son, Naveen, was pursuing his postgraduate studies in Dubai.

One day, Ranganath planned to visit his colleague’s son in Sharjah, where he himself had lived for two decades. When he reached the place by cab, he could hardly recognize it. The old surroundings had transformed into a landscape filled with modern buildings.

His friend’s son, Aravind, was working as a Production Manager in a leading confectionery company in Sharjah. When Ranganath arrived at his home, Aravind’s wife, Ramya, warmly greeted him and asked him to sit on the sofa. She mentioned that Aravind had gone to the ATM and would return in a few minutes. Their only son, Vikram, was studying in the 7th standard at Our Own English High School and had gone to school.

Soon, Aravind returned and greeted him cheerfully, “Hello, Uncle! I’m so happy you have come to your old place.” They shared breakfast and then left for Aravind’s office. There, Aravind introduced Ranganath to his directors as a senior electrical engineer who had spent twenty-three years in Sharjah. The directors were impressed and warmly welcomed him, offering tea, biscuits, and toffees made by their company.

Ranganath noticed that many Indians were working in the factory, which had a good reputation and exported its products to several countries. In the afternoon, they had lunch in the company canteen. By 5 PM, Aravind dropped Ranganath back at his grandson Naveen’s residence.

During his eleven-day stay, Ranganath met many old friends, visited familiar places, and experienced parts of the city he had not seen before. His long-awaited visit to his favorite destination had come at the perfect time, making his stay with Naveen truly memorable.

Finally, he returned to his hometown, Karur. His wife was overjoyed to see him and gently said that in the future, they should travel together, as she had missed him very much. Ranganath smiled and agreed, saying that because of two upcoming weddings she had to stay back this time, but next time, they would surely travel together.

K.Ragavan

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