Small Story 738
Life Is Beautiful – 83
The next morning, Ram finished his morning walk and breakfast and sat watching television. However, his mind was not entirely on the programme. He kept thinking about the lunch meeting and wondering what Kaadhambari’s grandmother was going to tell him. She had deliberately created a suspense around the meeting, and Ram was curious to know the reason.
At around 10:15 a.m., Kaadhambari arrived at the guest house.
Kaadhambari: “Good morning, Ram. I am also eager to know the reason for this lunch meeting. Grandmother has created so much suspense this morning!”
Ram: “I have been thinking about the same thing, Kaadhambari.”
After a few minutes, they left the guest house.
While driving, Kaadhambari said, “Ram, our house is in the Bur Dubai area. It is very close to all the major shopping malls and offices.”
Ram smiled.
Ram: “I remember that one day we went to the Emirates Restaurant.”
Kaadhambari: “Your memory is really sharp. That day, your student Prasanna also came with us.”
Ram: “True. He called me yesterday regarding my departure and conveyed his regards to you.”
Kaadhambari smiled and whispered, “He is a nice guy.”
Soon, they reached a palatial residential building with ten apartments.
As they entered, Ram was curious. He was wondering how Vasanthy would look after all these years and what colour dress she would be wearing. At the same time, Vasanthy was anxiously waiting for the moment when she would see her Ram again.
She had waited for twenty-six years, and now even a few more minutes seemed unbearable.
Suddenly, the calling bell rang.
Vasanthy’s heart started beating faster. She opened the door and saw Ram standing there with his familiar smile. He was wearing his favourite cream-coloured shirt and blue trousers.
For a moment, Vasanthy felt that nothing had changed in him. The same familiar face, the same smile and the same presence brought back a lifetime of memories.
She wanted to hug him, but she controlled her emotions.
Ram smiled warmly at Vasanthy and greeted her.
Ram: “Good morning, Vasanthy.”
Vasanthy: “Please come in and sit down.”
Kaadhambari’s grandmother welcomed them warmly. Juice and snacks were served.
Grandmother said, “We are expecting Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson at any time now.”
Kaadhambari was surprised. It was the first time she had heard that her Chief and his wife were also coming for lunch.
After a few minutes, Atkinson and his wife arrived. Atkinson was pleasantly surprised to see Ram and greeted him warmly. He then introduced his wife to Ram.
Once everyone was seated, Kaadhambari’s grandmother looked at Ram, Vasanthy, Kaadhambari, Atkinson and his wife.
Grandmother: “Dear friends, I am Kaadhambari’s grandmother. I wanted all of you to know about an old story connected with our distinguished guest, Professor and writer Mr. Ram. This incident happened twenty-six years ago, and until today it has not been disclosed to anyone, including his close friends back home.
“The lady standing here, Vasanthy, was a very close friend of my late daughter, Vasanthi. My daughter Vasanthi passed away twenty-three years ago in a tragic accident in Mahabaleshwar.
“At that time, my son was away, and we were all completely shocked when we heard the tragic news.
“The news was also published in the newspaper under my daughter Vasanthi’s name. Unfortunately, Ram, who was in love with another Vasanthy—this Vasanthy standing here—was shocked when he saw the news. He believed that the woman he loved had met with the accident.
“Ram and Vasanthy had been deeply in love and had planned to marry after Vasanthy returned to Mysore from Mahabaleshwar, where she had been transferred.
“But fate had something entirely different in store for them.
“Before leaving, Vasanthy had spoken about her love for Ram and had decided to wait for him. My daughter Vasanthi knew about their relationship.
“One day, my daughter asked Vasanthy to watch a favourite film that Ram and Vasanthy had seen together in Bangalore. Vasanthi had gone to work that fateful day, and Vasanthy was also supposed to meet her.
“But the tragic accident changed everything.
“After my daughter Vasanthi’s death, Vasanthy was heartbroken. She did not want to leave us. She decided to stay with our family and support Kaadhambari until she was settled in life. She had made that promise to my late daughter Vasanthi, and she kept that promise all these years.
“Today, after twenty-six years, Vasanthy and Ram are standing before us again. That is the story I wanted all of you to know.”
Everyone sat silently, absorbing the extraordinary story.
At that very moment, Ram’s phone began to ring.
He looked at the screen, and the unexpected call interrupted the emotional atmosphere.
To be continued...
K. Ragavan
19-9-26
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