Many of us come across situations which make us feel dumb. When an autowala did not ask for extra money to travel from Tippasandra to WindTunnel road, I never expected to face such a situation.
An year back,I was working in a tech park near Windtunnel road.Quarrelling with autowala over the extra autofare used to be a daily agenda. Tippasandra is a market place in Indiranagar area & its a one way. Most of the autodrivers refuse to use meter in that route & I usually end up paying 50 bucks just for 2KMs.
When one autowala agreed to use meter & demanded only 10 Rs over the fare, I happily got into the auto. The weather was very cold & I was shivering due to the chill wind. Autowala started the conversation which ultimately made me feel dumb.
"Why are you shivering madam? The weather will get worse than this in forthcoming weeks."
"Worse than this??? Ufff.. I am not sure how you manage whole day outside"
"Whole day? Na. I take passengers only during early morning hours. I will go to my home by 9 -9.30 AM & resume by 7 PM night"
"How do you manage your living then?"
"I get double meter fair during these hours & that will suffice. I cannot work all day like you people"
"I have 5 lion cubs at my home & I prefer staying at home during day time"
"U have 5 children at home?"
With this question, he turned back to give a proud smile.
"Am just 30 & I have 5 children. After my 2nd kid,I badly wanted a baby girl. But third was a boy. And my wife delivered a twin boys in fourth delivery"
Somehow I concluded that he was feeling bad for not having a baby girl & wanted to console him. But that was such a bad decision , which I realized shortly.
"You have 5 lion cubs & y do u worry"
" I'm not worried madam. I'm going to become a dad again. Father of 5 boys & 1 girl at the age of 30 itself. Sounds great na?"
I should have kept quiet with this. No one can win fate. Me with my big mouth was no exception.. I shot that epic question.
"What if this one is also a boy"
" Then I will be father of 6 boys & 1 girl. Whats the big deal? My wife suggested that we would stop. I made her understand that not every one can have 5 boys & 1 girl at 30."
" Madam,Have you ever seen a 30 old guy with 6 kids? "
"How old are you madam?"
"25"
By that time, I had reached my office & got down.
"Madam, I got my first kid at 25 & by the time u reach 30, u will not get 6 kids like me".
He was feeling extremely victorious at that moment.
Damn, why would I go for 6 kids? Well,I accepted my defeat with a silent nod.
I felt dumb for the entire day & thats how I started minding my own business.
