Small Story 596.

 Small Story 596.

Festival Encounter

After returning from New Zealand, Professor Sundarrajan resumed his routine of walking around his spacious independent house in the Chokikulam area. He and his wife, Ambujam, had spent a month at their son’s place before coming back home.

As he checked his mailbox, he found a wedding invitation from Aneesh—dated fifteen days earlier in Bengaluru. Aneesh’s father had once worked as a Works Manager at TVS and had been Sundarrajan’s neighbor. Aneesh had been a bright student in Sundarrajan’s class, and the professor often praised him to his father. After completing his studies, Aneesh and his family moved back to their native place, Bengaluru, and over time, communication between them faded.

That afternoon, Sundarrajan received a call on his landline.

“Hello, sir. This is Aneesh. I’m calling from Kodaikanal. I got married a few days ago and had sent an invitation to your address. Since you couldn’t attend, I thought you might be out of town.”

He continued, “After my studies, I went to the US, completed my master’s degree, worked there for three years, and then returned to settle in Bengaluru. I would like to visit you this afternoon with my wife, Sunitha.”

Sundarrajan was thrilled to hear the voice of his favorite student after seven long years. Ambujam, too, was delighted at the news.

During his student days, Aneesh had loved the Chitra Festival, celebrated grandly in Madurai. Every year, he would attend the festival along with Sundarrajan’s family.

The next day, Aneesh arrived with his wife, Sunitha, an independent and well-educated woman who had studied in Madurai and was now working in Bengaluru.

Aneesh said, “Sir, you have been my teacher and guide. I owe my present success to you. I wanted your blessings on my wedding day, but since you couldn’t come, Sunitha and I have come to seek them now. We also wish to receive the Lord’s blessings at the festival day after tomorrow.”

Sundarrajan was deeply moved by Aneesh’s gratitude and respect. Ambujam’s eyes filled with tears of joy at his devotion. They blessed the couple wholeheartedly and presented them with a memorable gift—an idol representing the Chitra Festival.

After spending three joyful days together, Aneesh and Sunitha left, sharing their contact details and warmly inviting Sundarrajan’s family to visit them in Bengaluru.

K.Ragavan

30-4-26