Only I missed you but not my heart ❤️
1
The train, which had been traveling at a steady pace, came to a halt at the Bommidi railway station.
Balamurugan, who had been dozing in his seat, woke up with a start.
"Do you need anything, Sir?" asked Vasanth, who was sitting nearby.
Balamurugan shook his head. "No, thank you."
"Vasanth."
"Yes, Sir?"
"Which station is this?"
"Bommidi, Sir."
"What’s the next station?"
"Salem, and then Erode."
When Vasanth mentioned Erode, Balamurugan’s eyes brightened.
"Vasanth, if you don't mind, may I ask you something?"
"Oh, please don't say it like that, Sir! Just tell me what you need, and I’ll get it done."
"It’s nothing much... could we get down at Erode to see someone before heading to Coimbatore?"
"Is that all? We can certainly do that, Sir," Vasanth replied, making Balamurugan smile.
"Sir, when was the last time you visited Tamil Nadu?"
Balamurugan smiled wistfully. "It has been twenty years."
"Have you been living and writing from Delhi all these years, Sir?"
"Yes."
"Shall I set out the food for you, Sir?"
"No, I’ll eat later. I’m not hungry right now."
"Alright, Sir," Vasanth fell silent.
Balamurugan gazed out of the window as the landscape rolled by.
Today, Balamurugan was one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated writers. Publishers competed to print whatever he wrote. People pre-ordered his books in droves. Wherever he went, crowds would swarm him, calling him "Ayya" (Sir), rarely leaving him to his own devices. Despite the constant attention, his smiling face never faltered.
He had settled in Delhi twenty years ago. Though he had declined many invitations to events in Tamil Nadu over the years, he hadn't hesitated when Vasanth asked him to be the guest of honor at his college graduation ceremony. Vasanth had requested him to share his life experiences and guide the students on the values they should uphold. Even his wife, Kamalam, couldn't quite wrap her head around his decision.
"So many dignitaries have invited you and you refused to go to Tamil Nadu. But when a college student asks, you immediately say yes. Why?" Kamalam had asked many times, but Balamurugan only ever responded with a smile.
Unable to believe his luck, Vasanth had called all his college friends to share the joyful news. Vasanth was in his first semester of his MBA. Tall and dusky-complexioned, he had a talent for speaking firmly and getting things done—traits that were his biggest strengths.
As the train crossed the bridge over the Kaveri River, Balamurugan watched the water with the wide-eyed wonder of a young child.
"Sir, Erode is here," Vasanth said.
A wave of nervous energy surged through Balamurugan. He tried to stand up.
"The station hasn't quite arrived yet, Sir. Please sit," Vasanth said, surprised by the older man’s restlessness.
Vasanth’s respect for Balamurugan grew. Is this really the man who holds thousands captive with his words? he wondered. His soft-spoken nature, his humility, and the way he sought permission for everything were deeply moving.
The train pulled into the Erode platform and let out a final hiss of steam.
"Come, Sir, let's head down," Vasanth said, reaching for Balamurugan’s bag, but the writer gently stopped him.
"It’s alright, Thambi (young man). I’ll carry it myself."
"Alright, Sir."
"Thambi, which area is your college in?"
"It’s on the road leading to Marudhamalai, Sir."
"Should we take the train back to Coimbatore, or go by bus?"
"I’ve already informed the college that you’re stopping at Erode, Sir. They’ve arranged a car to pick you up from here."
"Why, Thambi? Why trouble them unnecessarily?"
"Sir, please don't take this the wrong way, but everyone is so happy that you are coming. No one sees this as a trouble."
Balamurugan offered a silent smile.
"Where do we need to go here, Sir?" Vasanth asked, but Balamurugan didn't answer.
He hailed an auto-rickshaw and climbed in. Vasanth followed without a word.
"Where to, Sir?" the driver asked.
"Transport Nagar."
The auto passed the Bull Statue and went through the railway underpass. As they passed the Kollampalayam Railway Colony Municipal Higher Secondary School, Balamurugan turned to Vasanth with a smile.
"Thambi, this is the school where I studied."
He closed his eyes for a moment and let out a long sigh.
The auto took the Kollampalayam bypass, reached Solar, and turned into the path toward Transport Nagar. Within five minutes, they arrived.
"Whereabouts here, Sir?" the driver asked.
Vasanth and Balamurugan stepped out.
"Driver, please wait a moment. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes," Balamurugan said. Without waiting for a reply, he started walking. A startled Vasanth hesitated for a second, then quickly ran to catch up with him.
After a five-minute walk, they reached a house with an adjacent garden. Balamurugan’s face lit up with emotion.
"Kumar!" he called out from outside.
A young man stepped out of the house. "Who is it?"
"Kumar?"
"Sorry, my father has gone out of town," the young man said.
Balamurugan felt a wave of disappointment.
"And you are...?" The young man paused, studying him. "Are you... Writer Balamurugan Sir?"
Without waiting for an answer, his tone shifted to one of awe. "Please come in, Sir. Shall I call my father?"
"No need for that, son. Come, sit here beside me."
The young man sat down with a bright smile. Balamurugan simply looked at him, his heart full.
"Your father and I were very close friends. I don't know when 'another day' will come in my life, but if it does, I will come back when your father is home."
The young man was moved by his words.
"Your mother’s... memorial?" Balamurugan trailed off.
"It’s right there in the garden, Sir."
Balamurugan stood up. The young man led the way, with Balamurugan and Vasanth following. Balamurugan plucked a few fresh flowers from the garden.
As they stood before the mother’s memorial, Balamurugan remained silent, eyes closed and hands folded in prayer. He let out a deep sigh, placed the flowers on the grave, and turned to leave.
"Tell your father I stopped by," he said. The young man nodded.
Balamurugan walked back to the auto in silence. Once they were both inside and the auto started moving, Vasanth spoke up.
"Sir..."
"Tell me, Vasanth. I know what you’re going to ask."
"Who were they, Sir? You’ve come to Tamil Nadu after twenty years, and the first thing you do is stop here to pay your respects. I’m curious to know who they are... please forgive me if I'm overstepping."
Balamurugan looked at Vasanth intently for a moment.
"It would take an hour to tell you my story."
"That’s fine, Sir. We still have two hours before we reach Coimbatore."
Balamurugan looked at him with a smile. "There is one condition."
"What is it, Sir?"
"If you start crying while I tell the story, I will stop right there. Do we have a deal?"
Caught off guard, Vasanth hesitated. "Alright, Sir. I won’t cry. Please tell me."
Balamurugan smiled.
"I haven't stepped foot in Tamil Nadu for twenty years. There was a reason for that. But when you came and asked, I said yes immediately. Do you have any idea why?"
"I've thought about it a lot, Sir, but I couldn't figure it out."
Balamurugan smiled at him. "I’ll tell you. What is the name of your college?"
"Janani Arts and Science College."
"It was for that name. That name changed the course of my life. This Balamurugan, who was once useless and drifting through life without a clue of what to
do next—that name gave my life meaning."
Balamurugan’s voice brimmed with emotion.
To be continued
1
The train, which had been traveling at a steady pace, came to a halt at the Bommidi railway station.
Balamurugan, who had been dozing in his seat, woke up with a start.
"Do you need anything, Sir?" asked Vasanth, who was sitting nearby.
Balamurugan shook his head. "No, thank you."
"Vasanth."
"Yes, Sir?"
"Which station is this?"
"Bommidi, Sir."
"What’s the next station?"
"Salem, and then Erode."
When Vasanth mentioned Erode, Balamurugan’s eyes brightened.
"Vasanth, if you don't mind, may I ask you something?"
"Oh, please don't say it like that, Sir! Just tell me what you need, and I’ll get it done."
"It’s nothing much... could we get down at Erode to see someone before heading to Coimbatore?"
"Is that all? We can certainly do that, Sir," Vasanth replied, making Balamurugan smile.
"Sir, when was the last time you visited Tamil Nadu?"
Balamurugan smiled wistfully. "It has been twenty years."
"Have you been living and writing from Delhi all these years, Sir?"
"Yes."
"Shall I set out the food for you, Sir?"
"No, I’ll eat later. I’m not hungry right now."
"Alright, Sir," Vasanth fell silent.
Balamurugan gazed out of the window as the landscape rolled by.
Today, Balamurugan was one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated writers. Publishers competed to print whatever he wrote. People pre-ordered his books in droves. Wherever he went, crowds would swarm him, calling him "Ayya" (Sir), rarely leaving him to his own devices. Despite the constant attention, his smiling face never faltered.
He had settled in Delhi twenty years ago. Though he had declined many invitations to events in Tamil Nadu over the years, he hadn't hesitated when Vasanth asked him to be the guest of honor at his college graduation ceremony. Vasanth had requested him to share his life experiences and guide the students on the values they should uphold. Even his wife, Kamalam, couldn't quite wrap her head around his decision.
"So many dignitaries have invited you and you refused to go to Tamil Nadu. But when a college student asks, you immediately say yes. Why?" Kamalam had asked many times, but Balamurugan only ever responded with a smile.
Unable to believe his luck, Vasanth had called all his college friends to share the joyful news. Vasanth was in his first semester of his MBA. Tall and dusky-complexioned, he had a talent for speaking firmly and getting things done—traits that were his biggest strengths.
As the train crossed the bridge over the Kaveri River, Balamurugan watched the water with the wide-eyed wonder of a young child.
"Sir, Erode is here," Vasanth said.
A wave of nervous energy surged through Balamurugan. He tried to stand up.
"The station hasn't quite arrived yet, Sir. Please sit," Vasanth said, surprised by the older man’s restlessness.
Vasanth’s respect for Balamurugan grew. Is this really the man who holds thousands captive with his words? he wondered. His soft-spoken nature, his humility, and the way he sought permission for everything were deeply moving.
The train pulled into the Erode platform and let out a final hiss of steam.
"Come, Sir, let's head down," Vasanth said, reaching for Balamurugan’s bag, but the writer gently stopped him.
"It’s alright, Thambi (young man). I’ll carry it myself."
"Alright, Sir."
"Thambi, which area is your college in?"
"It’s on the road leading to Marudhamalai, Sir."
"Should we take the train back to Coimbatore, or go by bus?"
"I’ve already informed the college that you’re stopping at Erode, Sir. They’ve arranged a car to pick you up from here."
"Why, Thambi? Why trouble them unnecessarily?"
"Sir, please don't take this the wrong way, but everyone is so happy that you are coming. No one sees this as a trouble."
Balamurugan offered a silent smile.
"Where do we need to go here, Sir?" Vasanth asked, but Balamurugan didn't answer.
He hailed an auto-rickshaw and climbed in. Vasanth followed without a word.
"Where to, Sir?" the driver asked.
"Transport Nagar."
The auto passed the Bull Statue and went through the railway underpass. As they passed the Kollampalayam Railway Colony Municipal Higher Secondary School, Balamurugan turned to Vasanth with a smile.
"Thambi, this is the school where I studied."
He closed his eyes for a moment and let out a long sigh.
The auto took the Kollampalayam bypass, reached Solar, and turned into the path toward Transport Nagar. Within five minutes, they arrived.
"Whereabouts here, Sir?" the driver asked.
Vasanth and Balamurugan stepped out.
"Driver, please wait a moment. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes," Balamurugan said. Without waiting for a reply, he started walking. A startled Vasanth hesitated for a second, then quickly ran to catch up with him.
After a five-minute walk, they reached a house with an adjacent garden. Balamurugan’s face lit up with emotion.
"Kumar!" he called out from outside.
A young man stepped out of the house. "Who is it?"
"Kumar?"
"Sorry, my father has gone out of town," the young man said.
Balamurugan felt a wave of disappointment.
"And you are...?" The young man paused, studying him. "Are you... Writer Balamurugan Sir?"
Without waiting for an answer, his tone shifted to one of awe. "Please come in, Sir. Shall I call my father?"
"No need for that, son. Come, sit here beside me."
The young man sat down with a bright smile. Balamurugan simply looked at him, his heart full.
"Your father and I were very close friends. I don't know when 'another day' will come in my life, but if it does, I will come back when your father is home."
The young man was moved by his words.
"Your mother’s... memorial?" Balamurugan trailed off.
"It’s right there in the garden, Sir."
Balamurugan stood up. The young man led the way, with Balamurugan and Vasanth following. Balamurugan plucked a few fresh flowers from the garden.
As they stood before the mother’s memorial, Balamurugan remained silent, eyes closed and hands folded in prayer. He let out a deep sigh, placed the flowers on the grave, and turned to leave.
"Tell your father I stopped by," he said. The young man nodded.
Balamurugan walked back to the auto in silence. Once they were both inside and the auto started moving, Vasanth spoke up.
"Sir..."
"Tell me, Vasanth. I know what you’re going to ask."
"Who were they, Sir? You’ve come to Tamil Nadu after twenty years, and the first thing you do is stop here to pay your respects. I’m curious to know who they are... please forgive me if I'm overstepping."
Balamurugan looked at Vasanth intently for a moment.
"It would take an hour to tell you my story."
"That’s fine, Sir. We still have two hours before we reach Coimbatore."
Balamurugan looked at him with a smile. "There is one condition."
"What is it, Sir?"
"If you start crying while I tell the story, I will stop right there. Do we have a deal?"
Caught off guard, Vasanth hesitated. "Alright, Sir. I won’t cry. Please tell me."
Balamurugan smiled.
"I haven't stepped foot in Tamil Nadu for twenty years. There was a reason for that. But when you came and asked, I said yes immediately. Do you have any idea why?"
"I've thought about it a lot, Sir, but I couldn't figure it out."
Balamurugan smiled at him. "I’ll tell you. What is the name of your college?"
"Janani Arts and Science College."
"It was for that name. That name changed the course of my life. This Balamurugan, who was once useless and drifting through life without a clue of what to
do next—that name gave my life meaning."
Balamurugan’s voice brimmed with emotion.
To be continued
Author: gavudham
Article Title: Only I missed you but not my heart ❤️
Source URL: Gk Tamil Novels-https://gktamilnovels.com
Quote & Share Rules: Short quotations can be made from the article provided that the source is included, but the entire article cannot be copied to another site or published elsewhere without permission of the author.
Article Title: Only I missed you but not my heart ❤️
Source URL: Gk Tamil Novels-https://gktamilnovels.com
Quote & Share Rules: Short quotations can be made from the article provided that the source is included, but the entire article cannot be copied to another site or published elsewhere without permission of the author.