Small Story 756.

 

Small Story 756

Great Achievement

Karuppiae went to her brother Petchi’s house near Vadipatti to see him, as he had not been keeping well for the past few days. She also wanted to congratulate his daughter, Ranjitham, who had won a medal in the Asian Games while representing Madurai Girls’ Higher Secondary School.

Her sister-in-law warmly welcomed her.

“Come, Karuppiae. How are you? How is everyone at home in Madurai?”

“All are fine,” Karuppiae replied. “Anna, how is he now?”

“He is feeling better. He has gone to the garden and will return only in the evening.”

Karuppiae then handed her a box of sweets.

“Please give these to Ranjitham. They are for celebrating her great victory. I heard that she came home last night and has gone to school today.”

“She is still staying at her grandfather’s house in Arasaradi,” her sister-in-law said.

Karuppiae nodded.

After spending about two hours there and having lunch, Karuppiae left for her home in Madurai.

Karuppiae had been thinking about Ranjitham for some time. She had even wished that her son Muthu could marry her. Muthu was a tailor and had not studied much. His father worked as a peon in a cooperative bank, and the family did not own any property. Although her brother Petchi was willing to consider the proposal, his wife was not keen on it.

After Karuppiae reached home, Muthu asked her, “Amma, did you meet Ranjitham?”

“Yes, but she had gone to school,” Karuppiae replied.

Muthu had always admired Ranjitham’s talent in kabaddi. He appreciated her sporting achievements and also admired the importance she gave to her studies.

Then Muthu told his mother, “Amma, please don’t have the thought that Ranjitham should become your daughter-in-law. Instead, you should feel proud that she is our relative and such a talented sportsperson. She has worked hard and brought honour to our family by winning a medal at the Asian Games.”

Karuppiae listened to her son and smiled.

“You are right, Muthu. That is the correct spirit. Her achievement is something all of us should be proud of.”

She felt happy that her son had understood the value of Ranjitham’s achievement beyond family relationships and personal expectations.

Ranjitham had won an Asian Games medal—and that was a great achievement for the entire family.

K.Ragavan

7-10-26