Questions we face!!!

When we grow up in our society and socialize with people, we are often faced with questions from elders that often make us uneasy and added to that the pressure to present a pleasant countenance and give a befitting reply that will satisfy the questioner and also lessen the chances of further queries.

Most people especially Malayalis have to face it. I said so coz Malayalis have this over inquisitiveness in other's lives , comparing it with their own and drawing conclusions - a kind of perverted concern.

These questions or should i rather call them "bouncers" are to be countered so carefully that it threatens to rip apart the veils that u put up before others to hide ur desperation. So its important that u dont lose ur cool.

Some of the difficult questions that i had to face during the course of my life till now...

While at School:

Q: What position are u in ur class??
A: Well, maybe in the first 5. We dont exactly have the class rankings.
Q: Oh.. Thats not enough, u have to be the first. (Heaving a sigh of relief that I am not ahead of their children)
A: Will keep that in mind!! (whew!!)


Q: Son, do u have any creative aptitude like singing, dancing etc??
A: Well, no.. I am a big zero in that.
Q: Oh, Our son Rohit (fictitious names) is always away from home.. These inter school competitions, i wish he were not talented... (like you)... he hardly has time for studies... but manages to remain the topper too.....

Questions at school level are as u see much more easier to counter though its irritating...

Vacations after your 12th standards (Post Entrance and Board results):

Q: Wats the rank??
A: 24k
Q: Wat happened??
A: No coaching..
Q: Then wats next??
A: Maybe degree..
Q: Oh.. Who wants these degrees?? Try engineering.. so many colleges round the corner..
A: Not interested..
Q: Oh, no. dont say that!! Thats the way to go... My nephew completed engineering and now in Infy, getting 25k salary, now going to US, see where it can take you!!
A: Ok, will try..
Q: If not merit, management seats. Ur dad has the money, na??
A: ????? (Ur mind (or your parents') has just been split wide open)

While in engineering college:

Q: Which sem??
Q: Wats ur GPA??
Q: Why, so low?? without 70% its a waste doing engineering ( same ppl who said no career without engineering)
Q: Any backlogs??
A: Yes ( Flustering, trying to hide ur anguish)
Q: Oh my god!! Its a difficult journey now. U shud clear it before 6th sem or else no placements (and u r screwed)
A: Hmm yeah!! ( Already looking for the exit door)

After finishing B.tech

Q: Placements???
A: NO

Oh yeah, forgot to add, a big thanks to the Americans for screwing up their home loans, u have just given a new lease of life to the bequeathed souls just managed to squeak out of Engg college.
U have given us the golden word of salvation..... RECESSION!!!!!!!!!!!

A: Post recession, no companies coming to campuses.. (sounding disappointed, but glad to have found a superb excuse)
Q: The situation might improve. So wats next then??
A: Preparing for some tests or higher studies!! Meanwhile got a part-time job in a BPO firm. 5k salary but late night work.
Q: Why u spoiling ur family name by going for such menial jobs??
A: (creaking noise, of dashing hopes, hoping that none of your parents r nearby, or else it might be a big blow to ur hopes of raking up some badly needed pocket money)
Just a temporary job, i quit when i want!!

These questions can be a nightmare for loafers like u and me. But for go-getters (or top notch nerds, as we may call them), these are perfect platforms to get an envious look from others.

I have taken a decision that myself being a victim of these difficult questions, I make it a point never to question the younger generation akin to this, Or will i fall victim to the
"Why-should-me-alone-suffer??" syndrome?? Only time can tell!!!