An idiot's Insight 4

Ab ki baar...

Mrs.  I was fuming as she returned home,  after her daily vegetable shopping for her strictly vegetarian husband.

Seeing his wife disturbed, Mr. I inquired "Why so upset, my dear?"

"I went to buy vegetables at Crawford market and the vendor told me, 'Behenji, boti khaao ya aachaar, ab ki baar modi sarkar'," replied Mrs.I

"So what's there to be upset about that honey? Mr.  Modi is most likely to be the next Prime Minister of India", explained Mr.I patiently, as he knew his naive wife may not be aware of the facts, as she hardly kept in touch with the news.

"That's not the only reason I'm upset. The cab driver while dropping me off  said, 'Madam Colaba raho ya Virar, ab ki baar modi sarkar' " said Mrs. I.

Mr. I still wasn't able to fathom why she was so upset with a simple slogan that was coined by a political party for the election. He shook his head and advised, " Just ignore it if you don't like it, love"

"But that's not the end of it," continued Mrs. I, "the liftman told me as I was getting off the lift,  'Auntie, ghar ke andar raho ya bahar, ab ki baar modi sarkar"

Mr. I smiled as he nodded, " Now I get it.  You're upset because the liftman called you auntie? "

Mrs I was now even more upset at her husband's idiotic comment. Controlling her anger she managed, "Nonsense.  I'm upset that a bar man is going to be the next prime minister of our country"

"Not bar-man sugar, chai-man.  He used to work in a tea shop prior to entering politics. In fact liquor is banned in Gujarat" corrected Mr. I.

" Then why do they keep saying abki bar, abki bar?"  wondered Mrs. I.

"Abki bar  means "this time" sweetie.... They mean it's time for a Modi government" explained Mr. I patiently.

"But aren't we Indians famous for never respecting time?" quizzed Mrs. I

"What's that got to do with this, baby?" queried Mr. I confused.

"Well, about 10 years back I recall one Mr. Advani, who thought it was time for him to be PM, and I believe, he's still waiting!" replied Mrs.I sheepishly with a smile.