One Phone Call

When I completed my graduation, my father gave me my first mobile phone. He laid down only two rules:

1. I will take his call no matter where I am or how busy I am.
2. He should always be aware of my whereabouts. It shouldn’t come to him as a shock/surprise.

That was his way to discipline his children and I must say he did a fab job. I followed these rules, not out of fear, but out of sheer respect, throughout my life. After so many years, I now answer my phone even in deep slumber when I see as much as ‘Papa’ flashing on the screen. The only disadvantage of this rule is that sometimes my brother calls me from my dad’s cell when I don’t answer his calls. Once I took my father’s call at 2 'o' clock at night when I was deep asleep. I had taken a flight to Mumbai a few hours ago and had forgotten to intimate him of my safe arrival. He kept waiting and eventually called at 2am. I realized how difficult it is to be a parent, promised myself of not doing that to him again and went back to sleep.

A few days ago, I repeated the same episode, except that I was not on any flight. I was not even allowed to take any calls when my phone rang. My instructor stared at me and politely announced 'no phone calls please.' When I saw 'Papa calling' on my phone screen, I pressed the green button out of reflex and also dashed out the room telling my instructor that this call was more important than anything else. I informed my father that I was in a class where phone calls were not allowed and that I will be back at home in a couple of hours.

At home around 4pm:

Papa: So who were you talking to when you answered my call?

Me: My instructor.

Papa: Instructor? What for?

Me: I have joined dance classes.

Papa: That’s an interesting development. Why do you need to learn dance? You are a very good dancer yourself!

Me: Maybe but not when it comes to Salsa.

Papa: What is that?

Me: It’s a partner dance form and I have been willing to learn it for a long time.

Papa: Hmmm! What is it like? Can I see what you learnt today?

Me: I don’t think so... I will need a male partner for that. I will show you my video when I learn a complete sequence.

Papa: Why do you want to learn a partner dance?

Now, that was a question I didn’t have an answer for. So my utterly naughty brain thought of poking some fun.

Me: You are aware of the increasing number of divorces. People divorce each other for no significant reason. I don’t want my partner to divorce me just because I don’t know how to dance with his arms around me!!

I controlled my laughter and waited for his reaction.

He appeared puzzled for a moment and then managed to utter a few words.

Papa: Does that really happen? I wonder what this world is up to.

Me: You never know.

Papa: Alright! Wish you luck with Salsa or whatever is that!!