Small story 727.

 Small Story 727

Life Is Beautiful – 72

The next day, Kaadhambari came to the guest house at 9:00 a.m. Ram had already finished his breakfast and was waiting for her in the reception area.

Ram greeted her with a cheerful, “Good morning,” and Kaadhambari warmly returned his greetings. After a few minutes, they left for the airport, as Emirates Airlines was scheduled to land at 9:45 a.m. Dubai time.

The traffic was light, and they reached the airport about ten minutes ahead of time. The flight also landed a little earlier than scheduled. Ram was quietly repeating the familiar Emirates slogan, “The Finest in the Sky.” He was pleased that the flight had arrived early.

About twenty minutes later, Prasanna came out of the arrival hall. On seeing his mentor, Ram, he waved enthusiastically.

Ram introduced Kaadhambari to Prasanna and explained that she was the person who had helped him come to Dubai.

Prasanna smiled and said, “Sir, I arrived in Dubai because of you.”

Ram appreciated Prasanna's presence of mind and his respectful way of expressing himself.

As they walked towards the car, Kaadhambari observed the polite and humble manner in which Prasanna spoke to Ram. She then asked him, “Where have you booked your accommodation?”

“Initially, it was at the Sheraton, but later it was changed to the Ramada,” Prasanna replied.

“Fine. I will drop you at your place,” Kaadhambari said. “Before that, I have something to give you. My boss's wife and my mummy have prepared some sweets for you. I want to give them to you at the guest house.”

Just then, Prasanna received a phone call.

“Is this Mr. Prasanna? We are calling from the Ramada Hotel. We are sorry, but your room will be ready only at 5:00 p.m. If you cannot wait until then, we can cancel the booking.”

Hearing this, Kaadhambari immediately told Prasanna, “Please cancel the booking.”

Prasanna agreed and cancelled it.

Ram looked at Kaadhambari, wondering what she had in mind.

She smiled and said, “Ram, he can stay with you at the guest house. As you told me, his flight is tomorrow morning by Lufthansa. So, there is no need to look for another place for just one night.”

Ram agreed.

Just then, Murthy called Prasanna. Due to some unexpected VIP guests extending their stay, the hotel could not provide the room on time.

“Where are you?” Murthy asked.

“Sir, I am safe here with Ram Sir and Madam Kaadhambari from the Channel. I will be staying with Ram Sir tonight,” Prasanna replied.

“Fine. I will talk to you both later,” Murthy said and ended the call.

Kaadhambari drove them back to the guest house.

Prasanna was delighted to see the guest house and felt very comfortable there. He opened his suitcase and took out two packets of sweets.

One was Badam Cake, prepared by Mrs. Murthy, and the other was Mysore Pak, prepared by Kothai Mummy, which Ram liked very much.

Prasanna then stood before Ram, bowed respectfully, and expressed his gratitude.

Ram was touched by his gesture.

“These are very nice sweets, Prasanna. Kaadhambari, you take some home with you,” Ram said.

“Sure, Ram,” Kaadhambari replied with a smile.

She thanked Ram and, looking at the young Prasanna, admired the respect and affection he showed towards his mentor.

Just then, Ram received a phone call.

He looked at the phone and answered it.

To be continued…

K. Ragavan

8-9-26