"The Mechanics of Happiness" by Manuk Mnatsakanyan, summary Automatic translate

The work of Armenian writer and engineer Manuk Mnatsakanyan was published in 1982. The text formed the basis for a screenplay depicting the lives of Yerevan residents burdened by routine concerns but still holding out hope for a better future. The film adaptation of the same name, directed by Nerses Oganesyan at the Armenfilm studio in 1982, won the State Prize of the Armenian SSR. The film won audiences’ hearts thanks to its sincere portrayal of everyday difficulties.

Housing disputes and everyday work life

Sona Markaryan is raising three children alone: Karen, Anna, and little Lilit. She spends hours in the reception offices of the city and district councils. She wants to rent out her two-bedroom apartment (34 square meters) and her mother’s one-bedroom apartment (20 square meters) to the state in exchange for a single apartment of 65 square meters. The official responsible, Danielyan, constantly finds bureaucratic excuses. He demands proof of the family’s actual composition and the absence of cooperative housing. In reality, Danielyan expects personal gain from the attractive visitor.

That afternoon, Sona returns to her design office. Her boss demands the calculation coefficients from the tool shop be brought to her immediately. Sona complains about her enormous workload, but her boss is adamant.

Ruben Badalyan works as a safety engineer at the plant. The workers openly ignore his comments. An electrician welds a pipe, throwing sparks, and refuses to even place a bucket of water nearby. The shop foreman accuses Ruben of sabotage and drags him to the chief engineer. Badalyan explains that the electrician failed his professional exam. The chief engineer supports the violators in order to meet the installation plan.

Ruben has become accustomed to his quiet little room. He brews coffee on an alcohol stove and humbly endures his colleagues’ jokes. His friend Vardan regularly brings girls to him to show off Badalyan’s automated apartment. In the engineer’s quarters, the lights turn on automatically, the curtains lower at the touch of a button, and the garbage is removed by a built-in conveyor.

Meeting and the beginning of a relationship

The chief engineer instructs Ruben to show Sona around the plant while the manager, Manukyan, is away. Badalyan explains the production processes to his guest in detail. Sona is surprised why such a competent specialist is holding such a lowly position. Ruben admits he doesn’t like yelling at people.

That evening, Badalyan calls Sonya to explain the details. The engineer suggests meeting near a flower shop on Barekamutyun Street. Sona arrives, picks up the papers, and announces that she’s married and has three children. Ruben is upset. Then Sona claims she was joking when she said she was single.

Danielyan invites Sona to the Dvin restaurant. During dinner, the official bluntly offers to approve the exchange, bypassing the lines, if Sona agrees to be his friend. Disgusted, Sona rejects the cynical offer and quickly leaves the establishment.

Later, she calls Ruben. The couple goes to the engineer’s apartment. Badalyan turns on stereo music, and the lamps light up in all the colors of the rainbow. Sona stays until morning. Waking up, Badalyan discovers that his guest has already washed his socks and ironed his shirt. Ruben says, "Like a pure spring… Your smile, like a spring."

Sona takes out photos of the children and reveals the truth. Badalyan is genuinely delighted with the pictures. At home, Sona is greeted by an offended Karen and Anna, as well as her stern mother. The family already knows Sona didn’t spend the night at her friend’s.

Difficulties in intimacy and protecting the family

Sona brings the children to Badalyan. Karen immediately breaks her umbrella and starts smashing the tape recorder. Little Anna knocks a Viennese porcelain cup onto the floor, cuts her finger, and cries loudly.

Ruben quickly stops the chaos. He gives Karen a slap and then gently dabs Anna’s finger with iodine. Badalyan calms the girl, offering to blow on the wound together.

The engineer picks Karen up from Krupskaya School. The boy boasts about his victories in fights. Ruben promises to show him automatic doors and a conveyor belt.

Gradually, they become friends. Badalyan fixes the washing machine at Sona’s house, brings milk, and sets Karen’s daily schedule.

One day, the neighborhood kids start spreading dirty rumors about Karen’s mother. The boy runs into the apartment and, in tears, hits Badalyan, demanding he leave. Ruben immediately goes out into the yard. He grabs the main bully by the ear and sternly warns, "I’m Karen’s dad, just so you know!" The engineer promises to rip off the ears of anyone who offends him. Karen gains respect for him.

Career growth and the end

A mercury regulator breaks at the factory. The shop foreman gives up. Ruben grabs a tester and a soldering iron, and brilliantly repairs the device.

The shop foreman is delighted. Soon, the director appoints Badalyan deputy chief engineer for new equipment. He is given a separate office with air conditioning.

Sona and Ruben register their marriage. In the fall, they visit Danielyan at the district council office. Sona places the documents on the table. The couple intends to combine Sona’s two rooms, her mother’s one-bedroom apartment, and Badalyan’s spacious living space. The difference in square footage disappears completely. The official curtly advises them to submit the paperwork to the general department.

On a sunny day, the family strolls leisurely down a Yerevan street. The children happily collect fallen leaves. Sona plans to set up a cozy office for her husband on the wide balcony. Ruben admits to his wife that he would gladly beat Danielyan, but their family’s happiness is more important than past grievances.