Small Story 709.

 Small Story 709

Life is Beautiful 54

It was Friday evening, and Ram was getting ready to go to Prasanna’s house for dinner. Just then, Murthy and his family came to his doorstep, and Ram readily joined them. Tommy, his faithful dog, happily wagged his tail, knowing that his master was going out.

Murthy and his wife, Aarti, sat in the front seats, while Ram and Nirmala sat in the back. As Murthy started the car, he told Ram, “Prasanna stays near Panchavadi Circle.”

Ram replied, “That is not far from here. His office is near the old Premium Studio. 

After about ten minutes, they reached Prasanna’s house. It was a lovely independent house with a beautiful garden, two bedrooms, a spacious hall, and a well-equipped kitchen.

Prasanna warmly greeted everyone and welcomed them inside. He introduced his mother, Kothai who was in her fifties. She had lost her husband eight years earlier in a tragic accident. Kothai was an elegant and dignified lady who followed traditional family values.

Meanwhile, Raj arrived with Deepa and Pinky. Kotha welcomed everyone warmly and said, “I am meeting Ram Anna for the first time, although he has been Prasanna’s mentor, guide, and philosopher.”

She then shared some wonderful news.

“Today, I want to tell you all something that has made our family very happy. Ram Anna had written to the owner of the car whose driver caused my husband’s fatal accident and requested compensation for our family. This morning, just before our Satyanarayana Puja began, the owner, Mr. Baliga, an industrialist from Mangalore, sent a cheque for ten lakh rupees in Prasanna’s name. We deposited it, and the cheque has now been cleared.”

Ram was thrilled to hear the news. He thanked God that his small effort, made eight years earlier, had finally brought some financial support to Prasanna’s family.

Everyone was deeply impressed by Ram’s presence of mind and his compassion.

Kothai said emotionally, “I believe this has happened because of my husband’s good nature. Somehow, his goodness has brought this help to our family at the right time.”

Prasanna then said to Ram “Sir   I want to return the ₹2,50,000 you gave me for my studies. I am in a position to repay you now, and I would like to do it tomorrow.”

Ram immediately stopped him.

“Prasanna, you need not repay me. Instead, if you come across any deserving student who needs help to build a better future, use the money to support that person. Helping someone rise in life is the best way to repay a good deed.”

Everyone applauded Ram’s generosity, humility, and continuing commitment to helping others.

After this heartfelt conversation, they entered the dining hall and took their seats. Kothai first served everyone the Satyanarayana Puja prasadam, including delicious Kesari. She then served a wonderful dinner prepared with great affection. There were several tasty dishes, followed by two delicious sweets—Mysore Pak and coconut cake.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal and appreciated Kothai's excellent cooking.

Before leaving, Ram, Murthy, and Raj blessed Prasanna and wished him a bright future filled with prosperity, happiness, success, and a good name.

When Ram returned home, he kept thinking happily about the evening’s memorable happenings at Prasanna’s house. He served Tommy his dinner and then settled into his favourite chair.

As Tommy lay peacefully nearby, Ram smiled to himself. He felt grateful that, after so many years, a simple act of kindness had brought hope and happiness to a family.

To be continued.

K. Ragavan

21-8-26