Small Story 648.

 Small Story 648

Srivilliputtur Encounter

Swamy was worried. His son, Sanjay, had left for Shencottah to attend his friend Suresh's wedding, but more than twenty-four hours had passed without any communication from him. Every time Swamy and his wife tried calling, Sanjay's phone was switched off.

Swamy searched for Suresh's wedding invitation, hoping to find some contact details, but he could not locate it. Sanjay had taken the invitation with him. His anxiety grew with every passing hour.

There was another reason for Swamy's concern. In two days, Sanjay had to play the final match of a prestigious carrom tournament with a prize money of ₹1,00,000. Sanjay had been an excellent carrom player since childhood. Even after joining the Drug Control Department as a Drug Inspector, his passion for the game had never diminished.

Suddenly, Swamy's phone rang. Thinking it was Sanjay, he answered immediately. However, it was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello, is Sanjay there?" asked a female voice.

"Sanjay is out of town. He has gone to Shencottah for a wedding. May I know who is speaking?" Swamy replied.

"My name is Swapna. I work in a bank, and I am also a carrom player. I wanted to meet Sanjay regarding my participation in a tournament in Bangalore next week."

"I see. I will inform him when he calls," said Swamy.

Swapna thanked him and ended the call.

About ten minutes later, Swamy received another call. This time it was Sanjay's friend, Shekar.

"Hello, Uncle. Please don't worry. Sanjay is safe," Shekar said.

"What happened?" Swamy asked anxiously.

"While travelling by train, Sanjay met his old school teacher, Mukundan. They were happily chatting when, as the train reached Srivilliputtur Station, Mukundan suddenly collapsed. Since Srivilliputtur is his hometown, Sanjay immediately took him to a nearby hospital."

"Oh my God!" exclaimed Swamy.

"In the confusion, Sanjay forgot his mobile phone on his train seat. Fortunately, the passenger sitting next to him had overheard their conversation and knew Mukundan's family because they lived on the same street. He collected the phone, informed Mukundan's family, and later delivered it to the hospital. After ensuring his teacher was safe, Sanjay rushed to attend my wedding. He is having breakfast now and is perfectly fine."

Relieved, Swamy thanked Shekar.

Two days later, after attending the wedding, Sanjay returned home.

That evening, Mukundan called Sanjay and requested to speak with his father.

"Hello, Mr. Swamy," said Mukundan. "I am alive today because of your son. His timely help saved my life. My wife and I are deeply grateful. If Sanjay is not already married, we would be honored to consider him as a match for our daughter, Kothai. I am sending you her photograph. If he is already married, please ignore this message."

A few moments later, Swamy received Kothai's photograph. He was impressed by her grace and pleasant appearance.

Swamy's wife smiled and said, "This is a good sign. Perhaps it is the blessing of Kothai Nachiar of Srivilliputtur."

Sanjay looked at the photograph and quietly whispered, "True."

Moral: Kindness and gratitude often bring unexpected blessings into our lives.

K.Ragavan

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