The Extra Mat

Vasu counted the small paai mats laid on the floor. One, two, three... and one more. The banana leaves for serving were still folded near Paati's bowl. She always spread a leaf only after a person sat down.

"Paati! We are only three today. Why one more mat?" he asked.

Paati winked. "That mat is not empty. It is waiting."

"If no one comes," Vasu asked quickly, "can I get one extra appalam?"

Vasu peeked outside. The street was quiet. Only the flower seller walked by, humming.

One more mat, one more smile.

Just as the sambar bubbled, Appa stepped in from outside. "Rajesh anna is under the tree across the road," he said. "His motorbike chain came loose, and he has been struggling to fix it."

Paati went to the gate. Rajesh stood there with grease on his fingers and a tired smile.

"The chain came off, Amma," he said. "After much struggle, I fixed it. I delivered the last two parcels on foot."

He pointed to the pipe near the veranda. "May I wash my hands before I leave?" Appa nodded. "Of course. The liquid handwash is near the tap," he said, handing him a towel.

Paati gave him a tumbler of cool water. "It is already late lunch time. Will you eat one quick meal with us?" she asked.

Rajesh smiled. "Thank you, Amma. I still have rounds, but I can eat quickly."

Vasu shifted closer to Paati so Rajesh could sit on the extra mat.

One more mat, one more smile.

Paati served hot rice with sambar, poriyal, and one crisp appalam each. The extra appalam Vasu had hoped for went to Rajesh's leaf. Vasu gave a small sheepish smile and began eating. Rajesh noticed and smiled softly. "My little boy at home loves appalam," he said. "I usually pass mine to him. His smile is enough for me." "Would you have mine, Vasu?"

Vasu looked at Paati. She gave a small nod. "Only if you share half," she said.

Rajesh snapped his appalam and gave Vasu half. They both grinned. Then Rajesh finished quickly, thanked them, and stood up.

Vasu walked with him to the gate. "Bye, Rajesh anna!" he called.

Rajesh started his motorbike, waved back with a bright smile, and rode down the lane to finish his deliveries.

One more mat, one more smile.

Vasu ran back inside. "Paati, Rajesh anna looked so happy! I like talking to him. When I grow big, I will ride a bike like him."

Paati patted his head. "Definitely, kanna," she said. "Ride well, work honestly, and keep your heart open."

Then she said the kural:

Vasu understood. The extra mat was not just about food. It was about making room in your heart.

One more mat, one more smile.