Small Story.573.

 Small  Story 573

A Pause from a Bustling Life

Janaki was comfortably seated on a bus, traveling to Channarayapatna to meet her old friend Sumathi. Sumathi, a retired teacher, had settled in that lively town. The two had worked together for eight years at a government high school in Shimoga.

After retirement, their lives had taken different paths. Sumathi had returned to her hometown, Channarayapatna, and was living in her family house there. Her daughter was settled in Mysuru. On the other hand, Janaki was living in Bengaluru, while her son had settled in Singapore.

It had been six long years since they had last met, at Sumathi’s daughter’s wedding. When the bus stopped and Janaki got down, she saw Sumathi walking toward her.

“Hey! How are you? It’s been so long!” Sumathi asked warmly.

Janaki smiled and replied, “I’m doing well! It really has been a long time.”

Sumathi’s husband, Suresh, greeted her respectfully. “How are you, madam? How is your husband?”

“He is in Singapore. He has sent his regards,” Janaki said. “How are you, anna (elder brother)?”

“I’m doing well. I retired just last week. Now I’m here with Sumathi,” Suresh said with a smile.

They reached Sumathi’s old house, which had been built by her father. It was well maintained and equipped with all modern amenities. Sumathi said, “Lunch will be ready in an hour. Before that, our gardener has brought fresh tender coconuts. Let’s have some.”

The three of them sat together and enjoyed the sweet, refreshing coconut water. Channarayapatna is famous for its delicious tender coconuts, and Janaki thoroughly relished the taste.

Janaki spent four happy days in that peaceful town—neither as busy as a city nor as quiet as a village. It provided her with a refreshing break from her hectic urban life.

As she prepared to leave, Sumathi gifted her a beautiful idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Janaki expressed her heartfelt thanks for the wonderful hospitality and the cherished moments of reminiscing.

Sumathi had long wished for such an opportunity, and Janaki’s visit truly brought her great joy.

— K. Ragavan

7-4-26