My Usual Dilemma

During my morning walk today, I was introduced to a new member who, after exactly two lines of courtesy, shot the most Indian ice-breaker of all time : “So… what are your children doing?”

Now, I have two versions of that answer, one for the harmlessly polite, and the other for the overly investigative variety. While my mind was quickly evaluating which format this gentleman belonged to, it instantly took me back to an incident from my banking days.

About a decade ago, I had just taken charge as Regional Manager, 50+ branches, endless staff greetings, and a chauffeur who, within 24 hours, had already established himself as the unofficial intelligence bureau of the entire region. Exceptionally social, relentlessly curious, the kind who knows before HR knows.

End of day two, while I was silently decompressing in the car, he casually lobbed the familiar grenade:
“Sir… your children?”

I thought,  why waste this golden opportunity for some entertainment?

So, with a straight face, I began:
“First daughter, settled in the US.” He nodded respectfully.

“Second, doing her Master’s in Chemistry at Central College.”  Even more respectful nod, upgraded to semi-admiration.

“Third, 2nd year Pre-University, Maharani’s College.”  At this point, his neck had begun turning more towards me than the road.

“And the fourth… currently in 8th standard.”  Brake. Micro-swerve. Mild honk from behind. One auto driver abused him on my behalf.

We reached the traffic signal. That’s when he finally turned fully, eyes gleaming with investigative triumph, and asked with childlike hope:
“Sir… Is the last a boy?”

I nodded solemnly like a Netflix patriarch. He was over the moon. For the remaining drive, he radiated the victorious glow of a man who could now educate the rest of the office about the new boss’s entire genealogical layout.

Next morning, he arrived uncharacteristically subdued,  borderline repenting.  “Sir… apologies if I asked too much yesterday… I was told you are unmarried.”

I realized, he thought I had taken him for a ride.  I realized, I absolutely had.

Cut Back To Present 

So today, when this new walker fired the exact same question… I found myself genuinely torn. Should I give the official, minimalistic government-compliant answer? Or bring out the legendary 4-episode children saga?

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 8, 2026 at 2:56 PM

    Are you planning for the 5th 😂

    ReplyDelete

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