Small Story 659.

 Small Story 659

Life Is Beautiful – Part 4

After finishing dinner, Ram returned home in an auto-rickshaw. Seeing his master back home, Tommy jumped around with excitement. Ram affectionately patted Tommy and served him his dinner.

After that, he settled into his usual chair and began reading his favorite newspaper. Reading the newspaper until 10:00 p.m. was part of his daily routine. At exactly 10:15 p.m., he would retire for the night. He had followed this disciplined routine without fail for the past fifteen years since being transferred to Mysuru.

Before that, he had worked in the beautiful temple city of Madurai, and later in Bengaluru. After completing a total of twenty-five years of service, he was transferred to Mysuru.

His mother meant the world to him. Apart from her, he had no one else in his family. It was only after her passing that Ram was transferred to Mysuru.

Every night before going to bed, he would stand before his mother's photograph, fold his hands, and softly say,

"Mother... I miss you very much. Good night."

Only then would he go to bed.

He would wake up at 5:30 every morning. He would prepare a cup of tea for himself and some milk for Tommy. After that, the two of them would go for their morning walk together.

— K. Ragavan

2-7-26

(Tobe continued)