Small Story 721.

 Small Story 721

Life Is Beautiful – 66

For the next two days, Ram continued to attend the Channel office and slowly began to understand how it functioned. He carefully observed how the different departments worked. The professional atmosphere, the spirit of teamwork, and the disciplined and dedicated manner in which everyone carried out their responsibilities greatly impressed him. This experience gave him a good understanding of how a television channel operated behind the scenes.

On Sunday, Kaathambari had arranged a Desert Safari for Ram. Ram eagerly set out on the adventurous trip and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The vast stretches of golden sand, the thrilling drive over the sand dunes, and the spectacular evening views created unforgettable memories for him. After tasting delicious Arabic sweets and dates, Ram returned to the guest house at around 10 p.m. Although he was physically tired, his heart was filled with immense happiness.

The next morning, Monday, Ram went to the Channel office as usual. However, a surprise was waiting for him. Atkinson had arrived at the office earlier than usual and was waiting for Ram in his cabin.

“Good morning, Mr. Atkinson,” Ram said warmly.

“Good morning, Ram. I have some very sad news to share with you,” Atkinson said in a serious voice. “I received a phone call from Madhavan’s son. He informed me that his father passed away yesterday due to a sudden and severe heart attack. At first, I simply could not believe it. Today, the news was confirmed by one of his publishers.”

Ram was deeply shocked when he heard the news.

“Madhavan has passed away? It is very difficult to believe, Mr. Atkinson. He was not only a great writer but also a good human being,” Ram said with profound sadness.

Atkinson nodded quietly.

“Yes, Ram. His passing is a great loss. No one can predict how life can change in a single moment,” he said.

A little later, Kaathambari arrived at the office after attending an interview conducted by the Dubai Education Department. As soon as she entered Atkinson’s cabin, she learned about Madhavan’s passing. She was deeply shocked and saddened.

“I knew him only through his writings. I had immense respect for him. This news is truly heartbreaking,” Kaathambari said.

Before they could continue their conversation, Atkinson’s phone rang. He answered the call.

“Hello, Atkinson speaking.”

A voice came from the other end.

“Mr. Atkinson, this is Sulaiman speaking. I am one of the leading publishers in Dubai and also one of Madhavan’s publishers. The sudden passing of my dear writer friend has left me deeply shocked. He passed away yesterday in his hometown. I still cannot believe that he is no longer with us.”

Atkinson listened carefully.

Sulaiman continued:

“Two days ago, Madhavan sent me an email. In it, he mentioned your Channel and Mr. Ram. He spoke very highly of both of you. I would like to meet you at your office tomorrow. Would that be convenient for you?”

“Certainly, Mr. Sulaiman. We will be happy to have you here. I will be very pleased to meet you tomorrow,” Atkinson replied.

“Thank you, Mr. Atkinson. See you tomorrow,” Sulaiman said before ending the call.

Atkinson slowly placed the phone on his desk and looked at Ram.

“This is an unexpected turn of events, Ram,” he said softly. “In Madhavan’s last email, he mentioned you and our Channel. Now his publisher, Sulaiman, wants to meet us tomorrow. Let us hope that something good comes out of this unexpected meeting.”

Ram listened carefully. Although his heart was still heavy with sorrow over Madhavan’s passing, Atkinson’s words created a small sense of hope and curiosity within him. What had Madhavan written about him in his last email? Why did Sulaiman want to meet them? These thoughts kept running through Ram’s mind.

Meanwhile, the office became busy with its usual activities. Ram continued to look after the work of the editorial department and also discussed some new ideas with the team. Although the sad news that morning had deeply affected him, he remained fully focused on his work.

At around 5 p.m., Ram left the office and returned to the guest house. Throughout the journey, his mind was filled with mixed emotions—the shock caused by Madhavan’s sudden passing, memories of the events of the past few days, and the unexpected meeting with Sulaiman that was to take place the following day.

Somewhere in his heart, Ram had a feeling that Madhavan’s final message might open a completely new chapter in his life and writing journey.

What had Madhavan actually written in his last email?

Why was his publisher, Sulaiman, so eager to meet Atkinson and Ram?

Ram would have to wait until the next day to discover the answers.

To Be Continued...

K. Ragavan

2-9-26