" My son is in US : Software. Daughter too doing her MS der"
" My son is in US : Software. Daughter too doing her MS der"
" My son is in US : Software. Daughter too doing her MS der"
I was standing here at my neice's wedding recalling these words over and over again, searching for the uncle who told it once, seated on the sofa in MY house last year. He just couldn't stay putt and be happy for me completing my degree and landing up at a software job. No NO NO. he had to be a pompous OLD MAN who'd wanna top it with an enquiry about my salary and add a - " My son is in US : Software. Daughter too doing her MS der" dialogue giving a precise breakdown abt how much both are earnin and how much change do each of dem save up every month. And here comes the killer part : He does all this money part explaination first in so and so dollars and just for my convenience convert them to Indian Rupees. Just to show that his daughter saves up more doin a part time job der than i doin a regular one here. After crossing a certain age these oldies get a genuine high only from such proud talk abt their offsprings.
But today i was on a mission. The word was VENGEANCE. That explains me fueling myself recalling his words over and over again while my eyes scanned the hall in his search. Der he was - Finally spotted him. "LET THE GAME BEGIN" i said to myself.
"Oh hello uncle, how are you?"
"Oh I'm fine" (Smiles). "U still in Bangalore?" (Smiles : This time sarcastic, a typical MY SON IS IN US smile)
Round One to the oldie.
"Yup still here. Your son's still der or back? The newspapers are full of job cuts going on there" His smile which was previously backed by a genuine happiness still stood der but minus the happiness. Only the skeleton of a smile was still on display.
Round Two ME :)
"Job cuts are everywhere Son" (See the Oldie used SON tactic - which comes only when their chips are down or say real bad. But my determination unfazed.)
Round two definetly to ME :) :)
"Yeah that true. But There in the US they're cuttin jobs on foreigners that bein us, to protect their citizens. a natural thing to do by any country i'd say. The other day i heard offers given to immigrant students doin their MS n MBA der are bein cancelled to the tune of 49k students i.e,. Isn't ur daughter doin her MS there??" (The last sentence gave out a twitch in his cheek and his smile was reduced to half.)
Round Three ME. I'd rather say KnockOut :) :) :)
"Oh yes i read it? God knows where their Economy is headed" Lines on his forehead showed or so my imagination wanted to assure me.
"Uncle i'l be right back. The lunch is being served i guess. Please don leave without it."
Mission Accomplished. 2 long distance calls to the oldie. All Smiles backed with genuine happiness to me. If this were Olympics. India would have had their Second Gold this day. :)
