The Comeback Of Swami...

Swaminathan was moving towards the station slowly. He knew he had to leave Malgudi. But the cause of his leaving was more pathetic than the feel of leaving Malgudi. 

His best friend Rajam had accused him of being a thief who stole his cricket bat for which Swami's father had taken this decision. 

Rajam and Swami were very good friends. They used to share their things with each other regularly. Although Rajam was very rich and he had many precious things to share with his friends; Swami took homemade pickles and mouth-watering dishes for Rajam. 

That day Swami was holding Rajam's cricket bat and trying to hit the mangoes with it. But he was equally afraid for the bat is not to be used for such a silly cause. When Rajam called him; Swami went away hurriedly and he couldn't remember where he left the bat. 

When asked afterward Swami kept quiet as he couldn't reveal the fact. He was considered guilty and his father decided that he should go to the town for further studies. 

Swami was very sad and disappointed... He still expected that the bat would be found and he would not have to leave Malgudi. The train was to arrive in a while. Swami thought, 'Oh God! I beg you. Please do something and stop me from leaving Malgudi! I don't want to go. Please help me!'

The train arrived. Swami had lost all hopes. He was sadly getting into the train when he heard someone shouting, 'Swami! Swaminathan! Wait!' Swami stopped and turned about, looking here and there. Then he saw Rajam running towards him. He came to Swami and said, 'Oh Swami! Thank God you haven't left yet. I'm really very sorry. You are such a good friend of mine and I doubted you! I got the bat.' Hearing this, Swami's face beamed with happiness and joy and he embraced Rajam. There was no need to leave Malgudi now! He could stay there with his friends and family happy! He thanked God. Then he asked excitedly, 'But Rajam, where did you get it?!' Rajam replied, 'It was under the mango tree in the garden where we went that day to play! It was kept under the shadow of the tree. So no one was able to see it. Today, I went there as I was thinking of your departure and feeling sad. There, I sat under that tree and found the bat kept there only! You are very trustworthy, Swami! Sorry for blaming you.' Swami told Rajam to stop saying sorry again and again. He could understand his feelings and Rajam could understand his feelings! What else does one need? A trustworthy, loyal friend who can understand his friend's feelings. Swami's father was also very happy to see both the friends reunite again. They asked him for permission to go and play for some time and he agreed. Both the best friends went to play happily, hand in hand.