A Kindness at Katpadi (721 words)

 

At Katpadi Junction, the first departure bell had just rung.

An elderly woman, nearly seventy-five, sat clutching a small cloth bag. She turned to the passenger beside her and asked him in a trembling voice,

“Son, this train goes to Bangalore, doesn’t it?”

The man looked at her in alarm.

“No, Patti (Grandmother)! This train goes to Mangalore, not Bangalore. Be quick, where’s your luggage? You must get down right away. Come, let me help you.”

Before she could gather her thoughts, he had lifted her physically down, along with her cloth bag and a small suitcase, onto the platform. The whistle blew, the engine roared, and the train pulled out, leaving the old woman standing bewildered with her luggage on the long  platform.

Her heart sank. Her grandson had, by mistake, put her on the wrong train. Never in her life had she travelled alone. Now she found herself stranded in an unfamiliar station. The platform grew emptier by the minute. Fear rose in her throat, and her eyes blurred with tears.

Just then, a young porter approached, his voice gentle.

“Pattiamma, shall I carry your luggage to the waiting hall? Are you expecting someone to meet you?”

She shook her head and spoke in panic.

“No… a mistake has happened. Instead of the Bangalore train, my grandson put me on the wrong train. My son-in-law would be waiting for me at the Bangalore station. Is there another train right away? Please help me onto it, God will bless you abundantly.”

The porter’s face softened.

“Pattiamma, there is no Bangalore train just now. Don’t worry. I’ll inform the Station Master. Till then, sit here. You are wearing gold jewels. Keep your jewels covered as much as possible, don’t talk to or follow any strangers.”

She nodded weakly. “I’ll wait here.. Please go quickly.”

A little while later, the Station Master himself came walking towards her. His voice was calm, reassuring.

“Amma, you seem to have boarded the wrong train and landed here. At your age, such journeys are not to be taken alone. Do you have your daughter’s number in Bangalore? Or your son-in-law’s?”

With trembling hands, Patti opened the small pouch tied at her waist and handed him a folded slip of paper. On it were her daughter’s address and phone number.

The Station Master, Mr. Manickam, took her to his room, along with the porter. He called the number immediately and spoke to her daughter about her mother’s safe presence at the station, explaining how he had planned to resolve the problem. “Please hold the line and listen.’

He turned to the old woman and spoke. “Amma, you are pretty lucky despite the goof-up by your grandson. By God’s grace, you are in safe hands. My own son and daughter-in-law are leaving shortly in their car for Bangalore. Since they live in Banashankari, they will drop you safely at your daughter’s home in Jayanagar. Don’t worry. If you agree, I’ll send you with them.”

On the other end of the line, her daughter was moved to tears.

“Do such good people still walk this earth? I don’t know how to thank you, sir. Truly, God Himself has come in your form. My mother doesn’t eat outside food. Can you please buy her some bananas and a bottle of water? She will pay you. And may I speak to her for a moment?”

When Patti heard her daughter’s voice, her eyes brimmed again.

“Amma, the Station Master has spoken to me. Don’t worry. Come along with his son and his wife. I’ll be waiting for you. Give him money for fruits and water.”

From her pouch, she pulled out a hundred-rupee note and handed it to the porter, who helped her initially.

She turned to the Station Mister and said, “Be well, my son. May your life be filled with blessings. Kindly accept the cost of the fruits and the water bottle,” as she opened her purse.

But Manickam shook his head gently but firmly.

“Amma, as you said, I am like your own son. I want no money. Go freshen up. In ten minutes, my boy and his wife will be here. By evening, you will be home, safe in Bangalore. Ask your daughter to inform me about your arrival. Truly, by God’s grace, all has ended well.”

 

A journey not made (728 words)

 

Amrita had long cherished a wish to visit the Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur. She had a vow to fulfil and had often heard her friends speak of the enchanting idol and the serene atmosphere of devotion that filled the shrine. After much delay, she finally booked tickets for the whole family two weeks in advance. They had not taken a vacation in over two years, and she even hoped they could visit a few scenic spots before returning to Bangalore.

Her husband, Ananth, though buried in work, yielded to her earnest pleas and managed to secure three days of leave. The children were ecstatic. Amrita, too, was brimming with anticipation as she carefully packed traditional clothes for everyone, mindful of the dress code at Kerala temples.

The day before their departure arrived. Their flight to Cochin was scheduled for 8 a.m. the next morning. At around 11 a.m., the telephone rang. It was Ananth, his voice hurried and flustered.

“Amrit, I just got a call from the senior home where Chinna thatha, my grandfather’s brother, stays. He’s fallen seriously ill and has been admitted to a hospital in Vellore. They contacted me since I’m listed as his nearest kin. He expressed a wish to see me. I’ll leave by car after lunch and keep you updated once I reach.”

Amrita froze, her excitement giving way to anxiety. “Oh no! What about our trip tomorrow? Everything’s packed, and the flight is at 8 a.m. Will you be back by evening?”

“I’ll call once I meet the doctors,” Ananth replied. “He has no children or close relatives, only us. Let’s pray he stabilises. Please wait for my call.”

Frustration surged within her. “After two years of pleading, you finally agreed to this trip, and now this happens. I understand you have to see him, but why can’t you at least assure me you’ll be back tonight?”

“Don’t be unreasonable, Amrit. How can I promise that without knowing how serious he is?”

“What difference does your presence make after you’ve seen him? He’s under medical care, and he has the means for the best treatment. If needed, we can always visit later. I just want us to leave for Guruvayur as planned tomorrow. Promise me you’ll be back tonight.”

“You’re not being fair. Wouldn’t you do the same if it were your grandfather? Let me first meet the doctors. Please, just pray and wait for my call,” he said, and abruptly hung up.

The children were heartbroken. Amrita, too, could neither console them nor quell her own disappointment. As night fell, she clung to the hope that Ananth would return by 10 p.m. Instead, the phone rang at 10:30.

“Amrit,” Ananth said heavily, “grandfather is in the ICU. The doctors are not optimistic, and they’ve asked me to stay overnight. I’m afraid you’ll have to cancel the tickets. I’ll call again in the morning.”

 Tears of anger welled in Amrita’s eyes. “I knew this would happen. Stay there as long as you like,” she snapped, slamming the receiver down. When the phone rang again, she let it ring unanswered.

At 8 a.m. the next day, Ananth called once more. “By God’s grace, Chinna thatha is stable now. I’ll leave for Bangalore after speaking with the senior doctor. I’m sure you’ve cancelled the tickets. God willing, we can reschedule the trip next week.”

Her voice was cold. “I knew you’d say that. I’m making no more plans. Do whatever you want.” She ended the call.

A little later, as she watched television, breaking news flashed across the screen: A Bangalore–Cochin morning flight had crashed. Authorities fear heavy casualties.

Amrita’s heart skipped a beat. It was the very flight they were meant to take. Shocked and trembling, she dialed Ananth.

Her voice broke as she said, “I’m sorry for being harsh last night. It was Lord Krishna’s grace that kept us from this tragedy. His ways are mysterious—He showed His mercy through  Chinna Thatha’s illness. If you’re going to Vellore tomorrow, I want to come with you. Our grandpa, in a way, saved us today.”

“…Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence,

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.”

 William Cowper

The smirk (1088 words)

Her mobile rang. It was from her ex-boyfriend. She ignored the call and deleted the missed call. It rang again and again ​s​everal times. There were five missed calls she had deleted, and he should have known that she was not interested. Then a tinkle for ​a​n SMS message.

 Swetha, I am having high fever and shivering since the evening. Can you please come for a few minutes to help me”? She deleted that also

Arun was living in the adjacent block in the same Purva Mantri complex. She never met him after they broke up. She was happily married to Suresh, both in the same IT line but in different offices. He was aware of Swetha’s past friendship with Arun and why they broke up. Her parents never liked Arun from day one; his parents had separated and married again, and he belonged to a different community with different eating habits. It was only after striking a friendship with him that she came to know he had had many girlfriends and ditched them one after the other whenever a better one came along. She had observed his roving eyes and decided to sever her relationship, much to his annoyance.

He was now pleading sick and needed help. It could be a ruse, but what if it were true, she wondered. Maybe she could go and size up the situation and have a doctor called or have him admitted to the ER. But what deterred her was that it was past 730 pm and he was alone in his apartment. Further, Suresh had gone for a party and was expected only around 11 pm. She gave him a ring, but there was no response.

When she finally went to Arun's place, the door was not locked. She gently opened the door to find him lying on the sofa in the drawing hall. He had a pillow and had covered himself with several bed sheets and a blanket. The light was on, as also the TV on subdued volume.

“What happened, Arun? “she asked

“Since evening, I have been having terrible shivering, body pain, and I think I have a fever”

“Why didn’t you go to the doctor? Have you eaten anything?”

“I took a paracetamol and hoped it would subside. I haven’t taken any food. Tell me if I have a fever.”

She felt his forehead and found it warm. She also noticed an electric warmer by his side to keep him from shivering. “Okay, let me heat some milk and give you along with bread”

She went inside, boiled the milk and came with a tray containing a glass of milk and toasted bread.

He ate the bread and drank the milk. “I am having a splitting headache. Would it be too much to ask you to press my forehead?”

I may have to hurry up as my husband will be back anytime. I will press for a few minutes.” She sat in a chair and pressed his forehead as he kept looking at her with a wry smile on his face.

Suddenly, he said, “I wish we had not broken up. At least you can keep visiting me once in a while”

She abruptly got up and said, “I am leaving. There is no point in discussing the past and that it is best we do not meet. I came only because you said you were unwell”.

 As she was walking back to her block, she saw Suresh coming towards her to her surprise and shock.

“The security in our block told me he saw you walking hurriedly towards the adjacent block. So, I came looking for you. What was it and whom did you visit?”

She narrated to him all that had happened and that she left him as he was feeling better. As they were climbing the stairs to their apartment, there was a beep on her mobile. She turned to her husband and said, “It is again from him asking me to come urgently. We are not going. Let him take the help of security”

Suresh said, “No, let us go and have a look. In case he needs medical help, let us take him to the ER”

This time the door was locked, and after they pressed the bell, he opened the door and said to Suresh with a big laugh, “What a surprise to see you also along with Swetha”

The sofa was clean with no pillows or blankets. There was a beer bottle with a glass on the table. The TV was on. There was no evidence of his sickness, and he was in T shirt and well-groomed hair. Suresh looked at Swetha questioningly.

“Arun, when I came here a few minutes back, you were shivering and said you had fever. You had covered yourself with many bed sheets and blankets. You said you had taken paracetamol. I boiled milk for you and gave you with bread. How come you seem ok in a few minutes? Why did you text me to come urgently?”

“Who's unwell, me? Are you daydreaming? You came to spend some time with me, saying your husband had gone out. You left abruptly, and so I sent a message asking whether you would like to come again if free”

“You dirty liar”, exploded Swetha and dragged Suresh to the kitchen to show the vessel in which she had boiled milk. The sink was dry and clean with no vessels. She was dumbfounded and crying fell on the chest of Suresh, telling him, “Trust me, He is lying to sow a doubt in your mind”

Suresh led her out of the house, even when Arun was having a mischievous sneer on his face. On the way to their apartment, he consoled her and said, “I trust you implicitly. I know he is a scoundrel. Never go to his place again.”

It was two days later that Swetha went to her parents' place on a Sunday. When she returned in the evening, there was a commotion outside Arun’s block. When she went to her apartment, Suresh said, “Do you know Arun had committed suicide? I heard that he did it, possibly consuming sleeping tablets along with beer. Serves him right, isn’t it?”

When she turned to look at her husband, she saw a happy smirk on his face.

Confused, she walked to the kitchen. As she opened the fridge to take milk​ for making tea, she froze. The beer bottle she had at the bottom rack  was missing.

 

A Wrong Number to Mr. Right (1210 words)

 

Rhea was browsing through the matrimonial site during lunch hour. She was proud of her tall bearing, good looks, and her well-paid job. Being 27, she wished to settle down. She wanted someone, preferably an engineer from the IT industry in Bangalore itself. Her requirements were not too demanding. A healthy man under 32, tall to match her height, clean habits and willing to live with her separately without other family members, was enough. To be compatible with her, she wished that he must be interested in films of all genres, light music, travel, eating out and be a fun-loving person. These traits she felt were very reasonable, especially for a lifetime partner.

Most profiles she saw from Bangalore were disappointing-over-aged widowers/divorcees, men in small jobs, short in height or rooted in joint families. A few insisted on horoscope matching. After a long scrutiny, only one came somewhat remotely close to her specifications.

 "A 31-year-old B. Tech working in a leading IT company in Bangalore with a handsome salary is interested in an educated lady, not employed, adept in cooking South and North Indian cuisine for a gourmet and with interests in home-bound hobbies like Carnatic music, painting, embroidery, decorating the house, gardening, etc. She should be willing to raise a family soon after marriage without imposing any time limit. Should not grudge his relatives visiting the house or nag to be taken out for eating in restaurants or social gatherings. A good homemaker who can take care of her husband and is the main requirement. If interested, you can contact xxxxxxx for a dinner date"

Rhea did not like the emphasis on cooking, being home-bound, getting ready to bear babies and being a homemaker. Though she was quite sure that this would not work out with her being in a cushy job in an advertising company, she succumbed to the mischievous idea of enjoying a free dinner in the company of a guy, making him, in the process, build castles in the air of a wedding with a beautiful woman. She had nothing else to do for the evening and was in an adventurous mood. She dialled his number to hear his deep voice.

The manly voice was mesmerising as he gently said, “This is Naren, I could not catch your name. Did you say Shriya? What can I do for you?”

Rhea felt a thrill pass through her spine. “It is Rhea, not Shriya. I saw your profile on the matrimony site, and as desired by you, I am free to meet at the restaurant for dinner tonight”

“Did you say my profile in the matrimony site suggested a dinner date?” he asked

“You must know better, as you have inserted the ad” she said with some irritability.

“I am sorry I forgot. Maybe a momentary blackout after hearing a sweet, feminine voice,” he giggled and added,” How about meeting at 7 pm today at Grand? Is it close to your place or shall I pick you up from your place?”

“That is not necessary. I have my vehicle. I will be there at the lounge in blue jeans and a dark coat”

“Thanks, Rhea. I will be in a blue striped shirt. I look forward to meeting you. Bye till then”

It was 7 pm, and the lounge was crowded. Rhea was playing a game on her iPhone. When she looked up, hearing a mild cough, she was startled to find a very handsome guy in a blue striped shirt sitting opposite her and watching her intently with a smile on his face.

He stood up and, extending his hand, said, “I am Naren. I was waiting for you to finish your game”, he said with a mischievous grin

“Sorry, I didn’t notice you”

He took her hands in his and led her to the table reserved for them in a corner. drew the chair and made her sit comfortably. She was at once taken in by his easy charm and chivalry.

When the bearer appeared, he said, “Please order whatever food you like. I am open to any kind, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese, unless you prefer South Indian items. What are your favourites?”

“I think our food tastes are similar, though what you had written about being a gourmet and that I should be proficient in cooking South and North Indian stuff baffled me” she said

There was a confused look when he said, “Had I written like that?” he asked

“How strange you're asking me the question. You also wanted a woman who is ready to raise a family immediately and wished a homebound woman knitting sweaters and singing Thyagaraja Keerthanas.“.

When he started laughing, she added, “You also wanted your partner a sit at home type tending to the garden and decorating your home and entertaining your guests”

“My god! Did I say ready to start a family immediately, is it? Let me explain, and your confusion will disappear. I returned from Japan only last night. Maybe my mom had inserted the advertisement on the site. She is particular that I should get married soon. I have no idea of the content, and whatever is mentioned is her idea of a good daughter-in-law. Was there anything else that put you off?” he asked

“That I should stay at home and not nag you to take me out on travel, or for eating out or for parties” she smiled

“Oh my God. This is not the type I would ever wish. On the contrary, I want her to be well employed, be liberal in outlook, fun loving, outgoing, interested in outdoor sports like swimming, gym, jogging and fond of travel every six months to new places. Will you kindly ignore what was all stated on the site? What are you, by the way?”

She told him and said “If what you say is true, I am happy to have found one after my heart”. The butterflies started fluttering in her stomach when he held her hands and said “you are very beautiful.”

They lingered together for a long time and then decided to meet a week later to take things forward, as she had a campaign. They exchanged the cards and parted

As she lay in the bed recalling his handsome face and the striking contrast of his personality to what she had assumed, she suddenly clicked the link for the site and found the phone number different from that on the card. Naren was also not in IT but a VP in marketing.

Shocked, she rang up the number on the site. A gruff voice answered, “Raju here. Who is it? What do you want?”

After hearing her, he asked whether she was employed and when she affirmed, he curtly said,” I had made it clear in the ad that I do not want an employed woman but a homemaker. I have my old parents to look after.”

She realised then she had originally dialled Naren’s number by mistake, but was happy she discovered her Mr. Right.

Her mobile then rang.”Naren here. Rhea, can we meet again tomorrow itself  , whenever convenient? I hope you understand the tsunami you have caused in my heart.”

She laughed and said,” Surely, I am no better than you”

‘Eight Weeks’ scare (681 words)

 Ambuja wore a worried look as she brought her young and beautiful 20-year-old daughter to the doctor’s apartment on the upper floor of her building.

The doctor, past 70 years, had closed his regular practice and confined himself to advising some of his longtime clients when approached. He charged no fees and kept a donation box marked boldly FOR CHARITY for the clients to drop whatever they thought fit. A highly respected and popular person, he was known for his kindness.

The doctor emerged from the examination room, his expression grim.

“Eight weeks,” he said quietly.

Ambuja gasped. “Oh my God. She’s never been left alone without one of us. She’s such a sweet, innocent child. Barely knows anything! I didn’t even let her watch adult movies. How could this happen?”

The doctor shrugged. “How would I know? There’s an old saying you must have heard, “With dogs around, the bitch is never safe.”

“She never had a boyfriend. She never dated anyone. I’m sure of it!”

“That’s what she told you. Were you following her every time she stepped out?”

Ambuja’s face wrinkled. “She’s in her final year of college. A baby will ruin everything, her future, our family’s reputation. Please, Doctor… do something. I beg you.”

“Alright,” he said, softening. “Send her in. I’ll speak to her.”

A few minutes later, the daughter stepped out and motioned her mother inside.

The doctor met Ambuja’s eyes and spoke gently. “I’ve spoken to her. Brace yourself. It’s your neighbour’s son. They’ve been in love for some time, meeting whenever they could. They didn’t expect this. He wants to marry her. He’s just finished his final management course. I know his family—they were my patients too.”

Ambuja stiffened. “Shakunthala’s son? That wily woman has always been jealous of me, of our wealth. This is her ploy to grab everything through her son! No, I don’t want this baby. You must terminate it. Do whatever it takes.”

“It’s not that simple. It’s illegal at this stage without medical grounds, and even then, I’d need the young man’s consent. Talk to your neighbour, bring them here with your daughter. We’ll see what’s possible.”

He added gently, “And for the record, Shakunthala’s family is quite wealthy. I doubt she’s after your assets. Perhaps she’s just envious that you have a beautiful, talented daughter while she has only a son.”

The next evening, both mothers arrived at the clinic with their children and a basket full of fruits.

“Doctor,” said Ambuja with a nervous smile, “We had a long, honest talk. Shakunthala’s son and my daughter are truly in love. Our families are compatible, and we’ve spoken to our husbands. We’ve decided, they’ll be engaged soon.”

Shakunthala nodded in agreement.

“Wonderful news!” said the doctor. “When’s the wedding?”

“Soon, but only after we take care of the baby situation,” said Ambuja. “They aren’t ready for children yet. They plan to travel, maybe on a long honeymoon. They want the pregnancy terminated.”

“I need to hear it from all of you: is this marriage final and non-negotiable?”

All four nodded in unison. “It’s final.”

Suddenly, the doctor burst out laughing. The two mothers looked bewildered.

What’s so funny, Doctor?” asked Shakunthala.

“You’ll have to forgive me,” he said, chuckling. “I was part of a drama… scripted by your children.”

The women stared.

“They were terrified to tell you the truth about their relationship, knowing the distrust and dislike between you. So, they came to me with a plan. No, your daughter is not pregnant. I never examined her. She just wanted me to say ‘Eight weeks’ to bring a sense of urgency.”

“You mean…” Ambuja stammered.

“I never violated my ethics. I didn’t lie to your daughter or examine her. I simply told you what she asked me to tell you. The rest? It was all you. But it worked, didn’t it?”

There was a long pause. Then Shakunthala let out a reluctant laugh. Ambuja followed, shaking her head.

“Kids these days,” she muttered.

The doctor smiled. “As they say, all’s well that ends well.”