One Sunday afternoon, from the other room, I heard the kid and Sidharth Kuncalienker discuss.
Kid with a gasp, “Pappa, just see this. Rs. 750/- for only 3 gms.”
“Show” says the father, who I am sure (though I am not in the room) is stretched out for his afternoon nap and will not crane his neck, even at the slightest angle to see.
They probably see in great detail, whatever it is that costs so much for so little.
“Hmmm….What to do? It is purchased now. I have never seen it earlier though.” – Father
“Wait. There is more,” says the kid. “Little better. Same rate for 5 gms. Whats so precious about this? And this one here, more than a thousand.”
The father now has got his attention. I hear him set aside the Sunday supplements and sit up.
” Sagle haad hanga ani dhaakay mhaka aata.” (Get me everything here and show)
Some shuffling and they have got the treasure it appears.
“So many of them, hardly used. And this one does not even appear opened. Since when are they here?” – Father
Kid : “Mhaka kide khabar” (What do I know?)
Father : And all are almost the same. Why would someone need so many of the same type? One is more than enough and then we can purchase the next one , after using the existing.
I am beyond curious to see what they have discovered , which I don’t seem to be aware of. But I also feel the urge to educate the kid of economics, so sitting in the other room, I shout out back, ” See, kiddo, one should only buy what is needed, and at good value. Money is important. Its meant to give us good value. Now, since both of you have understood this, please implement.” My MBA-self is so proud of a live case-study. Saying this, I enter the room.
“Show what is so costly. You should never buy these type of things, okay?” I demand.
“Your lipsticks.” They both say , in chorus and break into laughter.
I am still thinking of a good response. What to do you think I should do? Buying more lipsticks seems to be the most sensible response.