Sunday 10.00 a.m.
“Aiyyo, I have an exam tomorrow!”
“So?”
“I don’t remember anything. I am sure to fail!”
“Oh c’mon! It can’t be that difficult!”
“You don’t understand! Ennaku mandayylaye yera maatengarathu!” (“I just can’t get this into my head!”)
“It’s ok. Show me your notebook, I’ll help you.”
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Sunday 12.00 noon
“Aiyyo, it’s all so confusing! Why did I join this stupid course? I am not going to use any of this ever in my life!”
“Not everything you learn has to be used in your life. Besides, this is going to be useful, you just don’t realize it.”
“Poda! I don’t want to write this exam. I don’t want to pass this course. I just hope everybody will leave me alone.”
“Stop putting nadigar thilagam style drama! Why are you getting so worked up over such a silly exam?”
“Precisely my point! It is a silly exam! And I will end up failing in that too!”
“Listen, your performance in this exam does not in anyway reflect the kind of person you are. You are the best, irrespective of whether you pass this stupid test or not.”
“Kadavule, pazhani aandava, enna indha kodumai lerenthu kaapaathu appa!” (“Oh God! Lord of Palani, please save me from all this misery!”)
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Monday 9.30 a.m.
“Did anybody see my pen? Where is my pen?”
“It’ll be where you put it after writing your notes last night!”
“I can’t seem to find it. Don’t just stand around passing wise comments, help me search for it!”
“Inniki exam nu theriyum illa? Nethikke pena ellam eduthu vechurkalam illa?” (“You knew today’s your exam. You should have kept everything ready yesterday itself!”)
“Aiyyo, onakku vellayaata irukka? Unna, vandhu pesikiren! Ippo, just help me find it!”
(“All this is a joke to you? I’ll get back at you once I get back.”) [Sorry, couldn’t resist the translation pj]
“Ok, ok...”
“Hiyya! Kedachuduthu! Poitu varen.” (“Aha, got it! Ok, I’m leaving”)
“All the best. Bhayapadaama paathu ketu ezhudungo, Amma.” (“All the best. Don’t get nervous, and write carefully, Mom.”)
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PS1: When I suggested to my mom to enroll in a computer course, I never imagined that it would lead to so much drama in the family!
PS2: I never thought I’d use “my Amma” and “cute” in the same sentence. But this episode was just that! Too cute! And yeah, role reversal is much fun!
PS3: The "exam la paathu ketu ezhudhu" is literally the most misleading advice one can give to youngsters. And yet, I have seen (and heard!) most relatives using this. Of course, yours truly was really honest in exams!!!
PS4: Back from the home trip which included the mandatory social visits to ageing relatives. Why don't they ever realize that “when are you settling down?” is the most unsettling question one can ask a 26 year old?
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