It was all about a pen

I was in the kitchen cleaning up a few utensils and my dad and FIL (Father in law) were having their evening tea. (Both my Dad and FIL are above sixty years of age).


Where is the “cross” pen that I gave you? - Dad (Eyes searching eagerly in the pocket of my FIL’s shirt)


It’s lying inside in my drawer somewhere - FIL (lazily reclining back on his chair and smiling back. He has woken up from his afternoon siesta and was obviously enjoying the evening tea.)


That answer hasn’t satisfied my Dad. He pursues – It’s not meant to be kept in the drawer! Put it in your pocket and show it off when you go to Apollo* sir! Look at how your status grows in the eyes of everyone around!


(My FIL is a pediatrician* at the Apollo* hospital. My Dad has retired as a very senior official in the bank* that he has served for more than 30 years. Both my dad and FIL have started small - meaning they have had a difficult childhood in terms of financial support. But with their intellect, dedication and hard work they today have semi-retired having achieved everything that a man could aim for. Today they earn the respect of one and all in the society. )


FIL - Yaa.. I will do that. I took it to the hospital a few days back. (Still unfazed and enjoying his tea.)


(Then he continues with a childlike smile)Since I have to write a lot, I don’t want to take it regularly.


Dad - No! No! You shouldn’t write with it! It’s only a status symbol! Put it your pocket and walk with pride. Know what! My friend was saying, it would cost around Rs. 8000 to Rs. 9000 as of today.


( My dad worked in a age, where the best salary one could earn was around 30-35 K. He worked in an age where money was spent prudentially and every paisa earned was saved so that the family could have a good life).


FIL - Really! You shouldn’t give me such costly pens Sir! (That has obviously woken him up.)

(With a concerned look on his face) Hmm.. I think I gave it to my wife a few days back. Let’s see.


(Goes in and looks in his drawer)


FIL - Its there sir. (The relieved childlike excitement in his voice can barely be concealed.) Look! I knew I wouldn’t have misplaced it!

(With a broad smile on his face, he proudly flashes thin golden colored pen which has CROSS written on it.)


Why did you gift me such a costly pen Sir!! (The relief has now worn off.)


Dad – Who says I bought the pen? Someone gifted it to me - I gifted it to you. (Smiling mischievously)


You will need it when you are walking around with the high profile doctors in the hospital. .


You know what! The high price is because the whole pen is gold plated. Use it in conferences when you need to sign on important documents!


FIL (nodding his head) - Hmm . Hmmm. (My dad has managed to get his full attention now.)


...................


A little while later, FIL got ready for his evening duty at the hospital. I notice that he has taken care to wear a white shirt to match the regal of the pen. I can’t suppress a smile as I am working on my laptop.


Just as he is leaving, my husband comes in from office. Places his bag and looks at his dad readying to leave to Apollo and he exclaims - Aiiieee! NEW PEN ! WOoooW ! (He has an ear to ear smile and admiration written all over his face.)


I dig deeper into my laptop as I try hard to hide my broad smile.


My FIL smiles back and goes to Apollo with a embarrassed beam on his face!

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