Small Story 597.

 Small Story 597.

Truth Behind the High Pressure

Anirudh returned to his favorite library in Bengaluru after two years of study and three years of working in Australia. The library was quiet and calm, filled with books in many languages by eminent authors.

As he signed the register, he sensed someone standing behind him, waiting. When he turned back, his face lit up with joy.

“Hey, you!”

It was Anita. They had met six years ago in the same library and had become close friends. After Anirudh left for Australia, Anita had gone to the US for her higher studies. She had returned just a month ago.

After reading together for an hour, they went to their favorite restaurant for tea.

“So, Anita, how was your time in the US?” Anirudh asked. “I came back on holiday… and I was hoping to find you. I wanted to tell you something… my proposal. I hope you are still my old Anita.”

Anita smiled softly. “I am always your Anita. But during our time apart, I had a bad experience. One day in Boston, I fell down. Later, I was diagnosed with a mild cardiac problem. I was shocked—I’ve always been calm, and there’s no history of this in my family.”

“The doctors said it wasn’t hereditary. But after a few months, it got worse, and I became very upset. Then I met an Indian doctor who told me not to worry and suggested I consult his chief in India. I came here last week and met the doctor. After several tests, he said he would give his final opinion this afternoon.”

“Can I come with you?” Anirudh asked.

“It’s okay,” Anita replied. “I’ll call you.”

Before leaving, Anirudh asked for the doctor’s name.

“Dr. Shubhadra,” she said.

The next morning, Anita called, her voice filled with excitement.

“Good news! The doctor said there’s nothing physically wrong with me. My condition is due to emotional pressure. She said if I express my true feelings instead of suppressing them, everything will return to normal.”

Anirudh smiled. “So… what is your wish?”

Anita looked at him, slightly nervous. “My wish… is you. I’ve had a crush on you for years. I was just afraid you wouldn’t accept me.”

Anirudh’s eyes softened. “Don’t worry. I’ve always loved you. I was waiting for the right moment. Will you marry me after we settle our careers?”

Anita blushed. “Yes… I will.”

In that moment, her burden lifted—the true reason behind her “high pressure” was finally gone.

What Anita didn’t know was that Anirudh had already learned the truth the previous evening—from the doctor herself, Dr. Shubhadra… his aunt. He had chosen not to reveal it, wanting Anita to express her feelings on her own.

And now, they both had their answer—and their future.

K.Ragavan

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