The Maturity of Old Age - By Yegeshweriy Arumugam

Written By: Yegeshweriy Arumugam

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a touching entry titled "The Maturity of Old Age," Yegeshweriy Arumugam, writing under the name Muthamaiyin Mutharchi, presents a poignant flash fiction piece for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This narrative explores the emotional journey of an elderly woman named Suppuletchumy, as she navigates a day filled with memories and reflections. Set against the backdrop of a simple ride, the story captures the essence of nostalgia and the complexities of familial relationships with warmth and depth.

About the Work

Yegeshweriy Arumugam's "The Maturity of Old Age" is a heartwarming exploration of memories and human connection. Through vivid storytelling, the narrative delves into themes of nostalgia, familial bonds, and the bittersweet nature of growing old. The story is rich with imagery, painting a vivid picture of Suppuletchumy's journey, both physical and emotional, as she revisits significant landmarks from her past. The narrative's gentle yet impactful style invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of home and belonging.

Muthamaiyin Mutharchi

Original Submission by Yegeshweriy Arumugam

MM

MUTHAMAIYIN

MUTHARCHI

~The Maturity of Old Age~

AN EMOTIONAL TOUCH BY

YEGESHWERIY ARUMUGAM SERVAI

@

a-gesh servai

SCENE 1: THE UNSPOKEN JOURNEY

A Grab ride arrives at the gate of a luxurious house. The driver, Mr. Murthy, steps out, takes a deep puff of his cigarette, and rings the doorbell. Moments later, the sound of the door unlocking makes him turn around. An elderly woman, carrying a heavy suitcase, steps out.

Murthy (quickly stubbing out his cigarette): " Vaanga amma, naan help panren.." (He grabs the luggage and places it in the trunk before opening the back door for her.)

Once she is seated, Murthy starts the engine and begins driving.

Murthy (checking the booking details on his phone): " Amma, unga booking oru old folks home-nu potruku. Correct ah?"

Granny (smiling faintly): "Aama, aiya. En puthu veedu”

Murthy (feeling a slight pang of sympathy but quickly brushing it off): "Oh... Seri, ma."

As he drives, Granny keeps looking out the window, lost in thought.

Granny (softly): "Entha route le porom, kanna?"

Murthy (glancing at her through the rearview mirror): "Highway la povom ma. Adhu dhan fast vum easy vum irukum."

Granny (firmly): "Illa, illa! Highway venaam, ya. Palaya road leye poo."

Murthy (raising an eyebrow): "Ille ma, palaya road le neraya traffic lights and kaadi jam ah irukom. Neraya time edukum, porethukule uyir poirum.”

Granny (smiling gently): "Please, kanna. Ennakaga anthe palaya road eh edunge.”

Murthy hesitates, concerned about losing time and his next bookings. Before he can protest further, Granny speaks again.

Granny (encouragingly): "Naan venum na kude kaasu kudukuren aiya. Thayavu senju, kanna…oru karanama tha solren."

Murthy (sighing, calculating the potential loss, but finally nodding): "Cheri ma, neenge aasaipatthe matriye naan palaya road leye pooren"

As the Grab ride changes direction, an unspoken understanding fills the air—a journey that is becoming more than just about reaching a destination.

SCENE 2: A DETOUR OF MEMORIES

After winning the argument about the route, the elderly woman smiles and introduces herself.

Granny (gently): "En peru Suppuletchumy, thambi peru enna aiya?"

Murthy (nodding politely): "En peru Murthy, ma."

Their conversation begins, flowing naturally as the car moves forward. Suddenly, as they stop at a traffic light, an unusual silence fills the cab. Murthy hears a child's laughter from the park and glances at the rearview mirror and notices tears rolling down Suppuletchumy’s cheeks.

Murthy (concerned): "Ennachu, amma?’’

She doesn’t respond immediately but slowly lifts her trembling hand to point at a theme park by the roadside.

Suppuletchumy (softly, lost in memories): "En veethukarare mudhan muraiya inge tha parthen… Enga valkaiye ingetha arambichichu.’

Murthy remains silent, realizing she is reliving something deeply personal. As the conversation grows heavier, he quickly turns on the radio to lighten the mood. But fate has other plans, the song playing is an old love song, one that only deepens her emotions. Suppuletchumy closes her eyes, swaying slightly as if the melody is pulling her back in time. Murthy immediately regrets his decision and turns off the radio.

Murthy (awkwardly): “Sorry ma, naan ethirpakele…"

Suppuletchumy (smiling through her tears): "Parawale aiya. Nalla paathutha, eneku neraya nalla ninaivugal ulle paathu."

As the cab moves again, Suppuletchumy suddenly makes a request.

Suppuletchumy (hopeful): "Konje neram inge nikke mudiyuma, kanna? Naan kadaisiya oru nadai nadanthuthu vaaren."

Murthy (glancing at the time, hesitant): "Amma, namme already palaya route le poithu irukom. Eneku athuve rombe late agirum. Nikkiruthu lam kastham ma, late agirum."

Suppuletchumy (insisting): "Verum 5 nimisham tha thambi. Naan inge vanthe pala varusham achu aiya. Inime thirumbe varuvum vaipe ille."

Murthy (firmly): "I’m sorry ma, en polepe ithuletha iruku. Eneku ovuru nimishamum kaasu. Eneku sila rules vere iruku, naan athulam follow pannitha agenum."

The gentle old woman suddenly turns feisty, her voice filled with determination.

Suppuletchumy (raising her eyebrows): "Rombe neram lam venam aiya. Konjum periya manusu pannu aiya uneku punniyama pogum. Padaiyapa Shivaji matri oru thadava matthum poithu vantherene. Naan venum na kude kaasu kudutheren aiya."

Murthy sighs, knowing he is losing this battle too. With a reluctant shake of his head, he pulls over near the park.

Murthy (grumbling): "Cheri, Cheri ma. Rombe neram ille, sikirima poithu vanthurunge please."

Suppuletchumy steps out, her slow steps carrying the weight of years gone by. But as she walks further into the park, something magical happens her eyes light up, and a childlike joy spreads across her face. She touches the flowers, watches the children play, and lets the cool breeze embrace her like an old friend. Murthy leans against his cab, watching her in amusement. At that moment, he realizes sometimes, a small detour isn’t about losing time, but about gaining memories.

SCENE 3: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

As the cab continues its journey, they pass by a beautifully adorned temple. Suppuletchumy's eyes glisten with emotion as she gazes at it, lost in memories.

Suppuletchumy (softly, with a nostalgic smile): "Tho munnuku teriyuthe oru kovil… Athutha naan kalyanam panne kovil."

Murthy immediately senses that another emotional flashback is on its way. Not wanting her to get too overwhelmed, he quickly makes a decision.

Murthy (casually): "Ma, naan nippathuren neenge poi samy kumbithuthu vaange."

Suppuletchumy (pleasantly surprised): "Oh… unmaiya kanna? Rombe santhoshama pa!”

Murthy pulls over near the temple, allowing her to step out. As she walks inside, he leans against his cab and lights a cigarette, taking a deep drag while watching people go in and out of the temple. Minutes later, Suppuletchumy returns, holding a small packet of vibuthi. Without a word, she gently presses some vibuthi onto Murthy’s forehead, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Suppuletchumy (gratefully): "Nandri thambi. Unnale tha ennale iniku samy kumbede mudinjuchu. Nee eppothume kudumbathode nalla irukenum kanna."

Murthy, caught off guard, quickly puts out his cigarette and nods respectfully, feeling a strange warmth in his heart. Without saying much, he opens the car door for her, and they continue their journey, a journey that is slowly becoming more than just a ride.

SCENE 4 : A RIDE FULL OF MEMORIES

Murthy drives on, trying to focus on the road while Suppuletchumy continues her endless stream of flashbacks. Every small thing she sees outside such as an ice cream vendor, a park, a street corner reminds her of something from her past.

Suppuletchumy (excitedly pointing): "Oh! Ange irukule anthe ice cream vandi, athule durian ice cream nalla irukom… Inthe pakkam varepelam marakame en veethukarar enekaga vangithu varuvaaru. Athu oru kaalam!"

Murthy, visibly exhausted, sighs and subtly tries to put on his earbuds, hoping to drown out the never-ending stories. But before he can do so, Suppuletchumy catches him and playfully taps his arm.

Suppuletchumy (teasingly): "Enna pa thambi, bore adikirena?"

Murthy lets out a nervous chuckle, tucking the earbuds away, realizing there’s no escape. As they pass by a restaurant, Suppuletchumy gasps dramatically, her eyes lighting up with emotion.

Suppuletchumy (softly): "Anthe sapadu kadai iruku le… En purushanuku sambalam podrepe lam naange inge tha varuvom. Maasathile oru vatti pudichethelam vaangi sapthu, rombe neram kathai pesithu tha povum.…"

She suddenly turns to Murthy with pleading eyes.

Suppuletchumy (excitedly): "Nee sapthiya, kanna? Vaa sapde poolama? Rombe naal achu naan inge sapthu!"

Murthy (hesitant): "Ma, namme kitthe vanthuthom … Maybe next time …Ippo first poiruvume?"

Suppuletchumy (firmly): "Iniyode eneku no next time! Vaa pa oru vai sapthuthu vanthuruvom. Pasiche vayuthuku sapadu podele na periya paavam!"

Before Murthy can protest further, she gives him a stern look, leaving him no choice but to pull over. Inside the restaurant, Suppuletchumy insists on ordering for both of them, treating Murthy as if he were her own son. She carefully serves him food, making sure his plate is full before eating her own.

Suppuletchumy (warmly): "Sapdu pa, nalla sapdu! Elumbum thozhum ma iruke. En paiyanum un vayasule ipditha elumba irupan. Unne partha en paiyan matriye iruke. Avenuyem ipdi force panni tha sapde veipen, yen unge amma unne seriya force panni sapde veikiruthu illeya?”

Murthy moment of silence, then say: “Ellathukum amma vode paasam kedaikuruthu ille ma. Athule naanum oru aalu.”

Murthy, initially reluctant, slowly softens. For the first time in the journey, he listens not out of obligation, but with genuine curiosity. As they finish their meal, Murthy reaches for his wallet, but Suppuletchumy quickly stops him and hands cash to the waiter.

Murthy (surprised): "Ma, naan pay pandren ma. Yen neenge pay pandringe?”

Suppuletchumy (smiling): "Shh… En paiyan matri nu sonnele, neeyum enna unge amma matri nenechuko pa. Ithu amma sapadu."

Murthy is taken aback. A lump forms in his throat as he looks at the old woman in front of him, someone who was once a stranger but now feels like family. For the first time in a long while, he feels warmth in his heart. As they walk back to the cab, Murthy, who once wanted this journey to end quickly, now hopes it lasts just a little while longer.

SCENE 5: THE ROAD OF REMINISCENCE

As the cab continues its journey, Suppuletchumy’s nostalgia knows no bounds. Every passing landmark stirs another memory, and Murthy, though exhausted, listens with a forced smile.

Suppuletchumy (pointing at a school by the roadside): "Tho inthe school… En paiyan padiche school. Innum nyabagam iruku, muthal naal school ku porethuku aven evelo aruvama irunthanu. Aprom pooge-pooge oru arpathame panniruvan school ku pooge sonna. Eneku pothum-pothum nu agirum aven kelapi anuburuthukule. Appove nalla padipan en paiyan, eppothume avan tha class first ah varuven athuvum A class le. Varusham-varusham best student anugerah kedaikom, naan rombe perumaiya vanthu paarpen!"

Murthy grips the steering wheel tighter, suppressing a sigh. He knows what’s coming, another round of endless storytelling.

Murthy (forcing a smile): "Super, Ma. Ungele rombe perumai paduthirukaru pole. Vazhthugal."

Suppuletchumy (sighing with a bittersweet smile): "Rombeve perumai padithina, pa… Engaluku orey paiyan, samy vendi poretheven… En ulagame aven tha... Averu ponethuku aproma, aven mathum tha en valkai nu achu…"

Murthy nods politely, but inside, he counts down the remaining kilometers. The destination is close, and soon he will be free from this flashback marathon. Yet, despite his impatience, a small part of him realizes this isn’t just a journey for Suppuletchumy. It’s a chance to relive the happiest moments of her life, one last time.

SCENE 6: A MOTHER’S FAREWELL

As they near their destination, Suppuletchumy suddenly points at a towering building, her eyes filled with a mix of excitement and pride.

Suppuletchumy (pointing eagerly): "Yen pa thambi, ange thoorathile oru uyaramana building teriyuthe le, athu enna building nu teriyuma?"

Murthy (glancing outside): "Seriya terile, ma. Aana etho periya company nu matthum teriyuthu.”

A wide smile spreads across Suppuletchumy’s face as she nods proudly.

Suppuletchumy: "Hhhaaannn, anthe periye company le tha inthe Suppuletchumy ode orey paiyan velai pakuran! Chumma, ille thambi periye pathavi, nalla sambalathule velai seyuran. Aven kile neraya peru velai pakurange. Ange avenuku thani mariyathai.

Murthy, genuinely impressed, nods in admiration.

Murthy: "Wow, semma! Unge paiyan oru matri mass tha, ma. Enna ille unge paiyen kitte? Kaasu, pathavi, mariyathai ellame iruku! Vere level."

Suddenly, Suppuletchumy’s smile fades. Her voice trembles as her eyes well up with tears.

Suppuletchumy (softly): "Ithulam irunthu enna panne, pa? Nalla manasu illeye. Kaasu panam irukuthu periye visheyem ille, muthele nalla manushana irukenum. Konjum achum manusatchi irukenum le."

Murthy frowns, puzzled by her words.

Murthy: "Enna ma solringe? Eneku purile?"

Suppuletchumy takes a deep breath before revealing the painful truth.

Suppuletchumy: "En paiyan nalla vasathiya tha irukan aana avunge amma ve kadaisi kalathule parthukure aluvuku avenuku vasathi pathele, kanna. Avenode periye veethle oru chinna room kude ille avunge amma valdrethuku. Yenna aven podatthi kum pillaingelukum inthe kelavi irukuruthu thontheravagavum sumaiyavum irukathan, atha konjum kude yosikame enna old folks’ home ku poge sollitha. Time kedaicha vanthu parkurenu sonna, avenuku velai neraya irukum le anthe periye company le."

Murthy grips the steering wheel tightly, his heart heavy. The reality of her words sinks in, and before he realizes it, a single tear escapes his eye.

SCENE 7: WISDOM OF THE AGED.

Murthy wipes his tears quickly, but Suppuletchumy has already noticed. With a gentle smile, she reaches out and pats his shoulder.

Suppuletchumy (softly): "Nee yen pa kann kalangere? Athulam onnum ille. Eneku oru perecheneyum ille."

Murthy (voice heavy with emotion): "Aana, ma… epdi ivelo sagajama peseringe? Unge sonthe paiyan.. epdi averuku manasu vanthuchu… ungele ipdi thooki poode?"

Suppuletchumy (smiling sadly): "Ille, kanna. Aven enna thooki podele… Enna thoorama vetchuthan avelotha. Valdre vayasileye en paiyanode santhoshethakaga vazhthen, ippo sage pore vayasile aven santhoshethakaga thooram poren avelotha thambi."

Murthy grips the steering wheel, his heart aching at her words. Suppuletchumy leans back, looking out the window, her voice calm yet filled with unspeakable pain.

Suppuletchumy: "Ithutha en thale yeluthu pole… naan senje pavama kude irukelam le. Itheleyum oru nalla visheyem, pore idathule eneku pechu thunai ku achum aalu irukom. Inge veethele aalu irunthom, pese kude aalu illame thaniya TV eh parkuruthuku ithu evelo better illeya? Sonthe veethleye othuke patthu valdrethu vidhe, old folks home le eneku friends kedaipangele. Athu varaikum santhosham."

Murthy swallows the lump in his throat, realizing the depth of her pain hidden behind her smile. She isn’t just comforting him but she’s convincing herself.

Murthy (softly): "Enthe oru amma kum ipdi nadakeve kudathu ma. Avelo periye throgam ithu.”

Suppuletchumy closes her eyes for a moment, as if holding back the weight of her tears.

Suppuletchumy (whispering): "Enthe oru amma vum, pillainge kitte kaasu panam lam ethirparkuruthu ille thambi. Engaluku vendiyathulam pillainge santhoshama nalla irukenum. Aprom pillainge manasule oru orathile konjum idam and avunge anbu avelotha aiya. Eneku kuduthu veikele, avelotha."

Murthy's chest tightens, his vision blurring. In that moment, he understands her pain isn’t from being sent away, but from being forgotten by the one she loved the most.

SCENE 8: BEYOND BLOOD, A BOND

At last, they arrived at the old folks' home. Two staff members welcomed Suppuletchumy with warm smiles, carrying her luggage as they led her inside. Murthy stood frozen, unable to utter a single word, he was speechless. Just as Suppuletchumy turned to him and asked how much she owed for the Grab fare, Murthy, without hesitation, bent down and touched her feet, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Overwhelmed by his gesture, Suppuletchumy placed her hand on his head, blessing him with a long and happy life. Then, she gently held his hands and looked into his eyes.

Suppuletchumy (softly): "Aprom thambi, udambe parthuko, nerethuku sapdu athuvum neraya sapdu. Rombe elumba iruke, sapdu konjum udambe thethu. Rombe mukkiyamana visheyem, inthe cigarette eh vidru. Naanum parkuren nikire idathile lam smoke pandre. Ipdina udambe ennathuku aguruthu."

She paused, then added with a knowing smile, "Vazhkai alaganathu inthe kette palakamu kovamu athu vinakirom. Vazhkaiye vazhu, waste pannirutha, pa."

Murthy swallowed hard, his heart heavy with emotion. His voice trembled as he nodded.

Murthy (voice cracking): "Kandipa, ma. Naan mathikiren, ma."

He took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists. He hesitated, struggling with the thought of leaving her here. Then, with sudden urgency, he pleaded, "Amma, inge irukathinge, ma. En kude vanthurunge ma, please!”

Suppuletchumy, however, gently shook her head.

Suppuletchumy: "Kanna, naan petthu eduthe en sonthe paiyane enna barama nenechu inge thallithan, verum konje neram parthu palagiye unaku yen pa naan barama varenum?"

Murthy’s voice broke as he replied, "Naan oru aanathu, ma. Eneku anbu, paasam lam kedaiyathu. Yenna, apdina enna ne eneku teriyathu. Iniku tha muthan muraiya amma paasathe parkuren, unaren… athuvum unge muliyema. Eneku rombe pudichuruku inthe unarvu, eneku innum neraya neraya amma ode anbu, paasam lam venum. Eneku amma va varingela? Enna thathu eduthukonge, ma. Neenge unge paiyan mele evelo pasama irukinge nu, neenge peserethuleye eneku puriyuthu. Konje naal unge paiyana enna vazhe vidunge, please.”

A deep silence fell between them. Suppuletchumy’s eyes welled with tears. She had spent years longing for love, and now, in the most unexpected way, she had found it.

After a moment, she finally nodded. Murthy smiled through his tears, and Granny, with a heart full of warmth, stepped forward, not alone this time, but with the son she never had.

________________

"The true worth of something is felt most by those who have never had it."

"Love isn’t defined by blood; it’s about who chooses to stay."

✍ Written by Yegeshweriy Arumugam Servai @ A-Gesh Servai

a-gesh_servai

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity and expression. This esteemed competition invites writers from around the world to showcase their talents in poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. Participants have the opportunity to share their unique voices and perspectives, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of global storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Yegeshweriy Arumugam for sharing "The Maturity of Old Age" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your narrative offers a touching glimpse into the lives of those who cherish memories of the past while navigating the present. Thank you for your contribution to this literary celebration.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.