Small Story 726.

 

Small Story 726

Life Is Beautiful – 71

The next morning, Kadhambari came to the guest house and picked up Ram to take him to the Ajman Independent Studios. As per their plan, Ram had already finished his breakfast and was waiting for Kadhambari.

The traffic was relatively light on the main road to Ajman. Ajman, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE, was once a quiet and tiny Emirate, but over the years it had witnessed dramatic development, with many people settling there.

They reached the studios at around 11 a.m. The receptionist greeted them warmly. Kadhambari had visited the studios twice earlier and knew the Chief, Mr. Rafiq, who was a close friend of Atkinson.

After having tea, they began their tour of the studios. They visited every department and entered several rooms equipped with the latest world-class technology and equipment. Ram was thrilled to see the modern facilities and the professional manner in which the studios were functioning.

After completing their tour, they proceeded towards Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Ram admired Kadhambari's confident driving in her new Nissan Sunny as they travelled along the road.

Suddenly, Ram's mobile phone rang. This time, it was Prasanna.

“Good morning, sir. I hope Murthy sir might have told you about my Germany trip. I am meeting you tomorrow, Sunday, in Dubai.”

“That is good news, Prasanna. Since you are new to Dubai, I will come to the airport and pick you up. Now I am an old hand here!” Ram said jokingly.

“Okay, sir. Thank you. See you tomorrow.”

After the call ended, Kadhambari looked at Ram curiously.

“I wanted to ask you who Prasanna is and why he is coming to Dubai. If you don't mind telling me, please tell me.”

Ram briefly whispered to her about Prasanna's past. Eight years earlier, Prasanna had been a young man whom Ram had helped in his difficult days. Now he had completed his graduation and was working for a pharmaceutical company. He was soon going to Germany for a month's training and had planned a short stopover in Dubai to meet Ram.

Kadhambari was taken aback.

“An amazing story, sir! I admire your simplicity. You never told me about this voluntarily.”

Then she added, “I can come to the guest house tomorrow morning, and both of us can receive him at the airport.”

“Why should you take the trouble?” Ram whispered.

“It is my pleasure,” replied Kadhambari with a smile.

By then, they had entered the premises of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which had been built decades ago in the desert through the vision and efforts of Arab businessman Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.

Ram was impressed by the historic stadium and its surroundings. After seeing the stadium, Ram and Kadhambari took a photograph together to preserve the memorable visit.

Later, Kathambari dropped Ram at his guest house for lunch and departed, saying, “I will come tomorrow at 9 sharp. We will go to the airport together.”

After she left, Ram sat quietly for a while, reminiscing about the previous day's conversation. Yesterday, he had deliberately tried to avoid discussing Prasanna with Kadhambari. But today, circumstances had brought Prasanna's story back into their conversation.

Tomorrow, he would have to face Prasanna once again—and perhaps reveal more about the past.

To be conti-nued...

K. Ragavan

7-9-26