Small Story 203.

Small Story 203 The True Friend – Muthu and Krishnan Muthu was completely disappointed that his friend Krishnan hadn't helped him with the job recommendation, despite Krishnan's uncle Pattabi being an authority figure in a company where there was a vacancy. Muthu and Krishnan had been close friends and understood each other well. After graduation, Muthu had managed to secure a job in a private company with a meager salary, which was barely enough to support his family. He had a sister waiting to be married and parents to take care of. Krishnan's uncle, Pattabi, was a consultant for various companies, and one of them had a vacancy for a marketing executive with excellent perks. Muthu had told Krishnan about this opportunity and asked him to recommend him for the job. But that day, Muthu learned that the position had already been filled. In the evening, Krishnan called Muthu and invited him for tea at their usual restaurant. Muthu arrived at exactly 5:30 pm, where Krishnan was already waiting. After exchanging greetings, Krishnan shared some good news—his marriage had been fixed to an IT professional, and he would be relocating to Bangalore due to a transfer at work. Muthu was genuinely happy for his friend and promised to attend his wedding. As they were about to part ways, Krishnan led Muthu to his car and asked him to get in. "Muthu, I’ve known you for more than six years. I admire your honesty, sincerity, and sense of family responsibility. When I mentioned you to my uncle for the job, he said that he only recommends candidates who are willing to pay a huge sum of money, as the company administrators are corrupt. So, I couldn’t recommend you for that job. But my fiancée, Vasanthy, said that her office needs someone with your background, and I’ve already given them your CV. You’ll receive your appointment letter in a day. Plus, you’ll be in Bengaluru with me soon." Muthu’s eyes filled with tears as he listened. "Krishnan, you’re a real friend," he said, touched by his friend's gesture. Two months later, Muthu, Krishnan, and Vasanthy were having tea at a popular Rameswaram cafe in Bengaluru. Muthu and Krishnan’s bond of true friendship had stood the test of time, proving that honesty and sincerity can build lasting relationships. K.Ragavan 2-4-25

Small Story 202.

Small Story 202 A Serendipitous Encounter Ram, transferred from Chennai to Mysore for his job, finds himself enjoying the city and settling into his new life. Living in a single-bedroom apartment near the CFTRI campus, he enjoys the short bus ride to work each day. Ram, a 26-year-old, well-mannered and charming young man, works as a Regional Manager at a company that manufactures automobile parts, and his hard work is being recognized by the management. One day, while traveling to his office, Ram meets Vasanthy, a graceful and elegant lady working in a bank. She asks if she can sit next to him on the bus, and they strike up a conversation. They find out they work in the same building, and this chance meeting turns into a growing friendship as they see each other on the bus every day. Over time, Ram begins to feel a connection with Vasanthy, something he’s never felt before with another woman. Meanwhile, Ram’s parents, Suganya and Swamy, visit him in Mysore. His father mentions that they have found a potential match for him, and Ram is reluctant, focused on his career ambitions. However, Ram is soon caught off guard when he realizes that the girl they are referring to is none other than Vasanthy. It turns out that Vasanthy’s family had received a horoscope match through Ram’s relatives in Madurai, and the two are surprised and overjoyed by the coincidence. What started as a simple friendship blossoms into love, and after a two-month courtship, Ram and Vasanthy get married in a grand ceremony in Chennai, surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues. The story reflects the unexpected ways life can bring people together, guided by destiny. K.Ragavan 1-4-25

EID Mubarak.

"Eid Mubarak to all my friends and UAE Leading Newspapers friends ! Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous Eid Mubarak!" K.Ragavan

Small Story 201.

: Small Story 201: Memories Cannot Be Erased Upon seeing the beautiful environment and kind-hearted people, Desikan's heart filled with joy. The journalism he studied, with Mummy's love and blessings, has truly made him happy, but not surprised. Every piece of advice that Mummy Padmaja gave him, especially about how to treat others with love and kindness, will guide him as he starts his first day in the new office. After settling into his new seat, he began writing a letter to his loving Mummy: "Though I am not far away from you, being apart from you feels a bit difficult. But, as per your wish, I will grow to become a great journalist. Even though your separation affects me deeply, receiving your loving and encouraging words every day will keep me motivated. Once again, your words will help me move forward and keep me going without being affected by the distance. I may miss your beautiful food, nutritious snacks, and the short stories you tell me, which have shaped me into a better human being. After Dad's departure and still not knowing his whereabouts, you have struggled and made me into a good person with a journalism background. Take care, my loving Padmaja Mummy, and always follow your advice. Loving Son, Desikan." K.Ragavan 31-3-25

Tribute 864.

A Tribute to Producer and Director Steven Spielberg 864. Today, I would like to pay tribute to one of Hollywood's most iconic filmmakers, the legendary producer and director, Steven Spielberg. With over four decades in the film industry, Spielberg has gifted audiences with numerous unforgettable movies, each showcasing his unparalleled directorial skills and technical brilliance. His remarkable ability to blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology has made him a giant in the world of cinema. Spielberg’s influence on the industry is immeasurable, especially with his groundbreaking science fiction and adventure films. Movies like Jaws (1975) and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) revolutionized filmmaking in their time, setting new standards for suspense, thrills, and visual storytelling. Jaws, for instance, is often regarded as the first modern blockbuster and was a major milestone in the way films were marketed and distributed. Raiders of the Lost Ark, on the other hand, introduced the world to the beloved character of Indiana Jones and became a template for action-adventure films to follow. In recognition of his tremendous impact on cinema, Spielberg was awarded the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on Schindler's List (1993), a film that left an indelible mark on audiences with its poignant portrayal of the Holocaust. His films, whether historical dramas, science fiction epics, or family-friendly adventures, often explore deep emotional and philosophical themes, making them not only entertaining but thought-provoking as well. Among the films that have stood the test of time, Jurassic Park (1993) remains one of Spielberg's most significant works. A cinematic achievement that combined cutting-edge visual effects with heart-pounding action, Jurassic Park was not only a massive box-office hit but also became a cultural phenomenon. I personally remember watching it twice, completely mesmerized by its innovative use of CGI and animatronics. As I reflect on the career of this great cinematic legend, I’m reminded of how Spielberg's films have shaped the way we experience cinema and continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. His legacy in Hollywood is not just about the incredible films he has made, but also about his influence on the industry as a whole. Before I conclude, I am writing this column to the best of my knowledge, and if any errors are found, they should be overlooked. K. Ragavan 31-3-25

Small Story 200.

Small Story 200. The 200th Day: A Sweet Memory of Love and Sacrifice Chander returned home from the office and saw his mother, Vasanthy, cutting vegetables. He handed her a packet of assorted sweets with a smile. "For you, Mummy," he said. "Today is my friend's birthday, and he gave this to our family." Vasanthy nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Oh, nice! All the sweets are lovely and tasty. You take some too," she offered, showing him the packet. After spending some time together, both mother and son went for a walk. Vasanthy, fond of old Tamil songs, started humming along to her favorite one, Mayakama Kalakkama. She loved the classics, and her husband, Pawan, shared the same fondness. Pawan was currently on deputation in Odisha for one year and had been away for 200 days. This long separation from her beloved husband was unlike anything they had experienced before. Vasanthy at 54 years old, cherished her memories with Pawan, while Chander, at 27, kept track of the days. Every day, Vasanthy made a note on the calendar, crossing out a day she patiently waited for Pawan's return. Today marked the 165 th day left for him to come back to their home in Bengaluru. As she walked, memories of her time with Pawan came flooding back. It was the first time she had ever missed him so deeply. When they returned from their walk, Chander reminded his mother, "Mummy, today marks 165 days until Dad comes back, right?" Vasanthy nodded, smiling. "You're always right, my dear." Just then, the phone rang. It was Pawan calling from Cuttack. "Hey, how are you both? Today, our bank's accountant had a birthday, and I got a box full of sweets thinking you’d be with me." He chuckled. "I told him that my wife loves sweets and doesn’t want me eating out without her. I can manage, but she won’t!" Vasanthy's eyes welled up with tears of joy. "Oh, dear, you’re truly amazing. Today, Chander's friend’s birthday also brought us a box of your favorite sweets. What a beautiful coincidence on the 165 th day of your return to Bengaluru!" After a few minutes of reminiscing about the old days, Pawan and Vasanthy ended the call. Chander, filled with love and admiration for his parents, realized the true meaning of sacrifice and affection. His father had chosen not to bring his mother to Cuttack, knowing how much she valued staying home with him. On this special 200th day, Chander felt the bond of love between his parents more deeply than ever. It was a day marked by sweet memories, and as Vasanthy and Chander looked at each other, they shared a moment of quiet reflection on the sacrifices made by both parents, and the love that would always bring them together. K.Ragavan. 30-3-25

Small Story 199.

Small Story 199. Merit Finds Its Way" After five years, Sindhuja landed at her grandparents' home in Udupi. Having settled in Sydney with her parents, she came to visit her beloved grandparents, Sanjay and Pankajam, both in their mid-seventies. They were managing well, blessed by their family deity, Lord Krishna, who was known worldwide. Sanjay lived in an independent house, equipped with modern facilities and a beautiful garden, while Pankajam, a versatile writer, was known for her works on female liberties, admired by thousands of readers. Sanjay and Pankajam greeted their loving granddaughter, Sindhuja, who was now in her forties. Sindhuja worked as a Consultant Architect Engineer for a prominent Sydney-based firm. Her son, Siddharth, studying in the 8th grade, was a chess prodigy, winning numerous awards at various tournaments. Her husband, Ram, a multi-talented consultant, worked with the pharmaceutical industry, offering innovative ideas for new startups. After gifting her grandparents some homemade sweets, especially Badhusha and Mysorepak—Sanjay’s favorite treats—Sindhuja reminisced about the past with them. Later, she took a stroll through the garden with her grandma, admiring the newly planted roses, carefully tended by Sanjay's hands. In the evening, an old friend, Smitha, visited after five years, and the two were delighted to catch up. Smitha, also an architect engineer, worked for a Bengaluru-based company and had come to visit her parents. Smitha's daughter, who was in the 8th grade, was the same age as Siddharth. After spending a couple of hours together, Smitha asked Sindhuja if she could help with something. She mentioned her cousin, Vinod, who had completed a BPharma and was looking for better prospects. Vinod was a brilliant student with excellent credentials, and Smitha was hoping Ram could assist him with a potential opportunity in Sydney. Sindhuja promised to speak with Ram about it that evening. The next day, Smitha emailed Vinod's CV to Sindhuja, who promptly forwarded it to Ram. A week later, Sindhuja received an email from Ram. One of his clients, based in Sydney, had seen Vinod’s CV and recognized him from their time at the same pharmacy college. The client mentioned that Vinod was an outstanding student, often praised by their professor. He offered to bring him on board once the project formalities were complete. Sindhuja was thrilled with the news. Three months later, Vinod joined Ram's client’s company in Sydney with a great salary package. Smitha was grateful to Sindhuja for her timely help, which had made a difference in Vinod's career. To their surprise, Ram later learned that Vinod was actually a close relative of his good friend Aravind, making the connection even more meaningful. Everything had fallen into place, thanks to merit and the right people recognizing it at the right time—people like Sindhuja and Ram, who had given Vinod the opportunity he deserved. K.Ragavan 29-3-25