Small story 143.

Small Story 143: Acceptance of Reality Ragunath had come to the airport to see off his friend, Ramnath, who was heading to Sydney for an official visit. After checking his baggage, Ramnath was waiting for Ragunath. As soon as Ragunath arrived, he greeted his friend with an apology. "Sorry I’m late, heavy traffic," he said, handing over a small packet to Ramnath. "This is for my nephew; he will receive it at Sydney Airport. Have a nice and safe journey." With the short duration of Ramnath’s flight, the two friends parted ways. Ragunath headed out of the airport to his car, and as he was leaving, his wife, Shreya, called him. "Have you given the packet to Ramnath?" she asked. Ragunath nodded in response. "What’s in the packet?" he asked again. "My nephew Sudarsan is doing a pooja for Sri Ramanujar, so I bought some saffron for him," Shreya explained. After hearing this, Raghunath said, "Okay, I’ll go straight to the office now. I’ll see you in the evening." Both Ragunath and Ramnath worked at the same company. While Ramnath was in charge of export operations and traveled frequently, Ragunath was the Administrative Manager for the entire group. Ragunath had a daughter, Vasanthy, who was in her final year of B.Com. She was smart, intelligent, beautiful, and had a respectful, god-fearing nature. Shreya was humble and simple, and together they made a happy family. Ramnath, on the other hand, had only one son, Arjun, who was studying and working in the U.S. Ragunath had always hoped that Vasanthy would become Arjun’s wife, and the two would live in the U.S. for a few years before returning. His wife, Shreya, also liked this idea. However, the course of events would soon take an unexpected turn. That evening, when Vasanthy came home, she brought good news. "I got a job at a leading audit firm in Jayanagar," she said excitedly, referring to the company where she had participated in a campus interview. The family was proud and happy about her success. The next day, Ragunath received a call from Ramnath in Sydney. The news he shared was a shock. "Arjun is proposing to his colleague, Sophia, for marriage," Ramnath said. Ragunath was stunned. "What’s your opinion on this?" he asked. Ramnath explained, "Pankajam and I never expected this, but after hearing about Sophia, we both like her. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by her uncle, Davidson, a well-mannered, respectable man who follows the ISKCON principles. Sophia is also aligned with these values. Even if she were a pure American, Pankajam and I would still agree to this marriage. Our son’s happiness matters most, and we cannot oppose his wishes." Ragunath listened quietly. Ramnath continued, "We believe that understanding, respect, shared sentiments, and mutual compatibility in food and faith are essential for a successful marriage. Arjun and Sophia are aligned on all these points. So, we are accepting this relationship." Ragunath, who had initially hoped for Vasanthy to be Ramnath’s daughter-in-law, realized the wisdom in Ramnath's acceptance. He understood that ultimately, it was God’s will that had guided things, and sometimes, one must embrace what is meant to be. The situation showed him that life often doesn't unfold as planned, and it’s important to accept reality with an open heart. K. Ragavan 1-2-25

Letter.

Letter Published in The National UAE 31Jan 25 Maha Kumbh and the lessons in crowdJan management The National UAE, Middle East and world breaking news, stories and analysis January 31, 2025 In reference to The National report Maha Kumbh Mela: Nearly 40 feared dead in crowd crush at Indian festival (January 29): It was saddening to read about the casualties of the crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand festival held in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The incident that occurred on Wednesday was unfortunate and heartbreaking. While millions of devotees from various parts of India and abroad were able to participate in the festival in previous days, the crowd crush marred an otherwise peaceful gathering. Despite the massive crowd, the local government, had till then managed the festival well. But this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges of ensuring safety at such large-scale events. The Indian prime minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of those injured. The Maha Kumbh Mela, a once-in-a-lifetime event for many, marks the convergence of sacred rivers and is considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Despite extensive safety measures, such tragic events can still occur when crowd numbers become overwhelming. I pray for the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery and I hope for peaceful days ahead for the remainder of the festival. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Small Story 142.

Small Story 142 The Principled Principal After checking her luggage, Swapna waited for her elderly neighbor, a 75-year-old retired college principal who had boarded the flight from London after visiting his daughter. During their conversation, Swapna discovered that he lived on the next street over from her. She offered him a ride home, but he was delayed due to needing a wheelchair. Once he arrived, he apologized for the delay. "No problem, Sir. Everything is fine," Swapna reassured him as he explained that his luggage was being handled by the porter. They both exited Bengaluru’s Terminal 2, where they were struck by the dramatic increase in passenger traffic in such a short span of time. As they made their way to Swapna's car, she asked, "Who do you live with here?" "I live alone. My adopted daughter is settled in the UK," he replied. Swapna was surprised. "What about your wife, sir?" "No, I’m a bachelor," he said, and Swapna was taken aback. At 75, with such a dignified presence, he lived alone by choice. His house came into view, and Swapna dropped him off, exchanging contact information before leaving. Later that evening, after taking a long rest, Swapna’s son returned from his office. "How are you, Mummy?" he asked, giving her a hug after 45 days. "How is Dharini?" he added. Dharini was the elder sister of Anil, Swapna's husband, who worked as an architect for a leading consulting firm in Bengaluru. That night, as they enjoyed dinner prepared by their cook, Damodaran, Swapna recounted her experience with Professor Ramnath. She shared his story of being a principled man who never married, despite being deeply attached to his late brother, and how he adopted a girl from an orphanage and helped her become a successful IT consultant in the UK. When Swapna mentioned the name Ramnath, Sandeep, her husband, exclaimed, "He lives near our house! How do you know him?" Swapna nodded. Sandeep explained, "He was my friend’s brother. My friend had an accident and couldn’t marry the woman he loved because her parents wanted her to marry a relative. Ramnath, who was very close to his brother, chose to live alone after his parents' passing and never remarried." Swapna admired his decision to live by his principles, and the next day, Sandeep invited the principal over to reminisce about old memories, while Damodaran prepared a delicious meal. K.Ragavan 31-1-25

Small Story 141.

Small Story 141. Cricket Magic: A Ball That Changed Everything Shekar had been waiting at the Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand for more than 15 minutes, but his friend Aravind hadn’t shown up yet. Just as he was about to call, Shekar's phone rang. It was Aravind. "Hey, I’m stuck on the way in my auto. The police stopped me for a check. They got a tip-off about some illegal goods being transported in my auto, but after ten minutes of searching, they found nothing. It was a false report with a different number plate. I’ll be coming by bus. Please wait." Shekar was relieved when Aravind finally arrived ten minutes later. The two friends greeted each other, both familiar with each other from their days of playing cricket together in their apartment complex. "So, any good news?" Aravind asked. "No," Shekar replied with a sigh. "The director is out of the country and isn’t expected to return until the 15th." Shekar had been waiting for a final confirmation on his job application from a multinational company, where he had been selected by the branch manager. The decision, however, was pending approval from the company’s director, NaraHari, who was currently abroad. Aravind worked as a newsreader for Doordarshan, and it was through his reference that Shekar had landed the interview. Shekar’s father was a senior manager at a leading bank in Bengaluru, and their apartment in J.P. Nagar had become a landmark in the area. Aravind’s father worked for RAW as an officer based in Bengaluru. It was a high-profile building, with only 220 cozy apartments, each with top-tier amenities. Two days later, on a Sunday, Shekar and Aravind were playing cricket again in the apartment courtyard. Shekar, known for his hard-hitting shots, hit a tennis ball that soared into the air and landed on a balcony on the third floor. "Hey, here’s your ball!" a sweet voice called out. Shekar turned to see a young woman standing at the balcony. "Thank you," Shekar called up, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry about that." "No problem," the woman replied. "It happens when we play in the apartment playground. It’s not a cricket ball, though." Shekar walked over to the base of the building, where the woman had come down to hand him the ball. "Thanks for your sportsmanship," he said. "We’ve finished our game, but I hit the last ball a bit too far." "I’m Yamini," she introduced herself. "I live in apartment 303 and work in the IT sector." Aravind smiled. "I’m Aravind, and this is my friend Shekar. He’s about to join a new company." Shekar shook Yamini’s hand, feeling a bit nervous but appreciative of her polite and courteous nature. Later, after Shekar had received a call from his dad, he learned that he was about to receive the letter confirming his job offer. Fifteen days later, Shekar reported for his first day at the company. It felt surreal, as he met all the executives and was taken aback by the smooth process. He couldn’t help but wonder how he had been selected without a second round of discussions. His thoughts were interrupted when Yamini walked in. "Congratulations, Shekar! I just joined the company today as well!" she said with a smile. "Thanks," Shekar replied, surprised. "How did you know I was joining?" Yamini looked at him with a smile that held a secret. "Well, ever since I moved into this apartment, I’ve had a crush on you. The other day, when you left for your dad’s call, I overheard that you were waiting for the company director’s approval. I also found out that the director’s name was NaraHari, and he’s my dad." Shekar stared at her in disbelief. "Your dad?" "Yes," Yamini confirmed, "He doesn’t like recommendations, but when he saw your credentials, he was impressed. He not only approved you for the job but also gave his blessing for you to be a part of this apartment family. He sees you as his son-in-law." Shekar couldn’t believe it. Yamini’s father had unknowingly played a role in his success. It was a true twist of fate, and it was all thanks to that cricket ball. As they sat down to chat, Shekar realized that luck had truly smiled upon him. Their marriage was celebrated in a grand fashion, with Aravind happy not just for his friend’s success but also for the way that one wayward cricket ball had changed everything. K.Ragavan 30-1-25

Small Story 140.The Magic of PeriyaKulam.

Small Story 140 The Magic of Periyakulam Shenbagam sat quietly in the bus, lost in thought. Her grandson Venu, sitting beside her, gently reminded her, "Pati, be careful when the stop comes. The conductor will help you get down." Shenbagam nodded, her voice soft as the bus began to move. "Okay, Venu. You go ahead; your office time is nearing," she whispered, a small smile forming on her lips. As the journey continued, her mind wandered to the past. Her husband, Sundaresan, had retired from TVS, and their daughter Bhagyam had settled in Periyakulam, while Sumathi worked in a cooperative bank there. Venu, following his grandfather’s advice, had joined TVS after completing his automobile engineering. Shenbagam was immensely proud of her children—Venu working diligently in Madurai, Bhagyam thriving in the serene town of Periyakulam, which sat gracefully beneath the cool winds of Kodaikanal. Their other daughter, Visalam, lived in Dindigul with her husband. Shenbagam often heard from her childhood friends about their children who had moved abroad, but she was content knowing her children were nearby, close to home. Periyakulam, though small, had a charm of its own—peaceful, clean, with a lovely temple and friendly shops, only a short distance away from Madurai. Her musings were interrupted by the conductor’s voice: "Amma, Periyakulam has come!" Excited to see her granddaughter Sumathi waiting for her, Shenbagam smiled with both pride and joy. They made their way home, where Bhagyam greeted her warmly, followed by a tight hug. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, Bhagyam shared some family news. "Yesterday, an alliance came for Sumathi, but she refused it," Bhagyam said. "Why, Sumathi?" Shenbagam asked, concerned. "Grandma, the boy works in Singapore, and I wasn’t interested," Sumathi replied thoughtfully. "Parents are nice, and they follow our traditions," Visalam added. Shenbagam nodded wisely. "If they follow our traditions and culture, then you can think about it, Sumathi." The evening passed with a visit to the local temple, where Shenbagam was delighted to meet her old friend Amirtha. "Hey, how are you? It’s been so many years!" Shenbagam exclaimed. After catching up, Amirtha invited Shenbagam and her family to visit her home in Chennai. The next day, Amirtha arrived at Bhagyam's house, and after a warm welcome from Bhagyam, they settled down for coffee. Amirtha shared some surprising news: "A family friend brought a horoscope and a girl’s picture for my grandson. I was immediately impressed and decided to make him my grandson’s bride. I sent the picture to him." Shenbagam, curious, asked, "Where is your grandson working?" "He’s on deputation to Singapore but loves this town and wants to settle here. He’s a Global Business Consultant and a Gold Medalist," Amirtha replied. Shenbagam, pleased by the background, asked, "Do you have the girl’s picture?" Amirtha showed her the picture from her gallery. Shenbagam was taken aback when she saw that the girl in the picture was none other than her granddaughter, Sumathi. Both families were overjoyed, and the marriage was soon fixed. The wedding was a grand affair in Periyakulam, with both families celebrating joyfully. After the ceremony, Shenbagam, along with her family, visited their family deity, offering prayers and blessings for Sumathi’s future—hoping that her wishes would come true, with her bridegroom by her side, in the town she loved. K.Ragavan 29-1-25

Small Story 139.The Deserving Pair.

Small Story 139. The Deserving Pair Ramu visited his dad’s friend Vishnu’s house, where he was warmly greeted and offered tea and pakodas by Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi. As he enjoyed the treat, he couldn’t help but look around, hoping to see Mridula. But there was no sign of her. Vishnu, sensing Ramu’s curiosity, asked, “So, what brings you here at this hour?” “I’ve sent my application for the Training Officer position at your firm,” Ramu replied. “Dad asked me to speak with you, as your word holds weight. He would really appreciate your recommendation.” Vishnu nodded thoughtfully. “I see. You know, Mridula asked me to put in a word for her too. I was planning to meet the CEO later today.” “Oh, in that case, Uncle, you recommend her,” Ramu said quickly, not wanting to impose. “I’ll make a move now.” That evening, Ramu received a call from Mridula. “Hey, you could have waited for me,” she said softly. “I never knew you wanted it. Dad got me the job. He thought it was a great opportunity—good position, good company, great package.” Ramu’s heart sank. They were classmates, and he had always dreamed of marrying Mridula after they both found stable careers. But now, she had landed the job through her father’s recommendation. “Don’t worry, dear,” Ramu said, his voice steady but full of emotion. “If our love is genuine and sincere, somehow, I’ll find my way.” He hung up, trying to calm his nerves. The next day, Ramu headed to a club to play carom, a game he was skilled at. There, he was greeted warmly by friends, including Somu, a fellow carom enthusiast. Somu had a good news for him. “I’m leaving for the US next Sunday to join Google as a Project Head in a new division,” Somu said. “The management here likes me, and they asked me to recommend someone who can deliver. You’re a perfect fit, Ramu. I’ll put in a word for you.” Somu’s words filled Ramu with hope, and he agreed to meet Somu the next day. He didn’t want to tell his parents just yet, choosing to keep it a secret until the outcome was certain. The following day, Ramu visited the office Somu had mentioned. Somu greeted him and took him to the third floor, where the Director, Mr. Swamy, awaited them. After a brief discussion and a review of Ramu’s credentials, Mr. Swamy smiled. “You’re a deserving candidate for this position. I’m pleased to offer you the job.” Within 15 minutes, Ramu was thrilled to receive an appointment letter. “Today is an auspicious day,” Swamy said. “You can start tomorrow. If your previous company requires you to serve a notice period, don’t worry; we’ll take care of it.” Ramu’s eyes filled with tears. “Somu, you’re amazing. I never expected this.” Somu smiled. “You deserve it, Ramu.” As they walked through the office, Ramu was thrilled to see Mridula sitting at her desk. She whispered, “Ramu, come here.” He introduced Somu to Mridula, and she, too, was amazed. Both Ramu and Mridula had landed their dream jobs, thanks to the unassuming friend, Somu. Somu promised to attend their wedding when it happened. “Take your time,” he said. “You deserve to enjoy your success first.” A year later, Somu kept his promise and attended Ramu and Mridula’s wedding, which was a grand affair with a special performance by the famous singer Shreya Ghosal. Ramu and Mridula’s love, coupled with Somu’s selfless support, had led them to a happy, successful future. K.Ragavan 28-1-25

Small Story 138.

Small Story 138. Franklin's Miracle After attending his friend Desikan's Sadhapishekam, Ram made his way to the Mumbai airport to catch his flight to Chennai. His wife, Ambujam, couldn’t join him due to their daughter Vasanthi’s illness. Ram collected his boarding pass, sat down in a chair, and closed his eyes, recalling the function with his old friends. Suddenly, a man sat next to him—an American. "Hey, I’m Franklin from L.A. I’m a freelance film editor," he introduced himself. Ram replied, “I’m Ram, retired from Lintas Advertisement as a top executive." They exchanged pleasantries, and as the flight took off, they settled in with their seatbelts fastened. Franklin shared that his son had recently landed a great job as a cartoonist at Warner Disney, and that his wife, Rebecca, was a nursery school principal. Ram spoke about his own family—his two daughters, Vasanthi and Revathy, both had children, and were hoping to study abroad—one aiming for Sydney, the other for Munich, Germany. He shared that his passion for writing and spending time with friends made his retirement fulfilling. Franklin was impressed with Ram’s writing skills and asked him to narrate a story, as he loved listening to human dramas. Ram shared a touching family drama, and Franklin, being an editor, visualized the story vividly. The two spent a pleasant time chatting, and Franklin was genuinely moved by the story. When the flight landed in Chennai, Franklin took Ram's contact details and offered his own in return. He had only two days in Chennai and couldn’t accept Ram’s invitation to his home, but they parted with a promise to stay in touch. Back at home, Ram asked Ambujam about Vasanthi’s condition. She was completely fine, Ambujam reassured him. Months passed, and Ram received a call from Revathy. "Dad, my son Vedanth has been accepted into a college in Munich! But the fee is 45 lakhs, and my husband is trying for an education loan," she explained. Ram was happy for Vedanth but also troubled because he had recently purchased a new flat and couldn’t afford to help them. That evening, his other grandson, Sadagopan, called with some good news of his own. "My application to study AI in Sydney has been accepted, but the fees are 50 lakhs!" Ram was delighted but worried about how his daughters would manage such large sums. Despite both of his sons-in-law being well-placed, arranging that kind of money within 120 days seemed daunting. Ram prayed daily for a solution. Three months later, while chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam, Ram’s phone rang. It was Vasanthi. “Dad, it’s Franklin. He wants to talk to you!” she said. Franklin got on the phone. “Ram, I have good news. Remember the story you narrated to me? I shared it with one of my clients, and he loved it! He’s willing to buy the rights and will pay you one lakh dollars for it.” Ram couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Thank you, Franklin! I’ll send my details right away,” he responded. The next day, Ram received a message from his bank—one lakh dollars had been transferred to his account. He immediately called Revathy and told her that he had transferred the fees for Vedanth’s studies. "Don’t worry about the loan. This is my gift to my intelligent grandson," he told her. He did the same for Sadagopan’s education in Sydney. Months later, Ram’s story became a hit overseas, and the company that bought it paid him a bonus of 500,000 dollars. Ram, who never expected such a fortune, decided to help few deserving organizations for development to create more jobs for young graduates. Ambujam thanked for her devotion to her goddess Kothai Nachiar. Desikan was overjoyed when Ram shared the news, and Ram whispered to him, “You are Kaliyug's Desikan.” And so, the miracle unfolded—one that seemed impossible, yet came true through faith, friendship, and a story that touched a heart halfway across the world. K.Ragavan 27-1-25