Saturday, November 11, 2006

Cell phone conversation

Those of you that know me in the real world know that I don't have a cellphone. Now, being without a cellphone in 21st century India puts one in funny situations at times. Here is one incident that happened when I had just joined my present job.

Receptionist (Opening a register of employee contact information): Sir, can I have your cellphone number...in case someone wants to contact you

Moi: No, sorry, I don't have a mobile phone

R (Incredulous look on his face): Sir, but we'll keep it confidential...won't give it to anyone

M: No, really, I don't have a mobile phone!

R: Sir, but we need it for our records...
(At this time a 'worker' walks in carrying a heavy case. He keeps it on a table nearby, fishes out a mobile from his pocket and dials...)

R: Sir, even *he* has a cell phone...

M (big smile on my face): Well, OK...what you mean by that!?

R: Sir, you *really* don't have a mobile?

M: No, *really*, I don't have a mobile...do you want to check my bags now to confirm it?

R: No...sir, sorry...

(Moi walks out of the door...the 'worker' suspiciously follows me out, staring at me most of the time...)

4 comments:

Stier said...

Ha ha ha...really funny one. That was how even i was looked at when i joined my first job. I saved myself from further embarassment by buying a mobile

kattricker said...

wow!! Gops, you are absolutely funny kano!! what in the world prevents you from buying one?? Is it oversensitivity to microwaves? Or is it just the fantasy of living in the past?? I tend to agree with the latter! :)... oh btw I might make a trip to blr in dec, we shud meet up!

Gops said...

Stier,

Yeah...
I just love the looks I get from people when I tell them that I don't have a cellphone.

Karthi,

I'll take that the "absolutely funny" comment refers to my story, and not to my dislike for mobiles! :)

No microwave sensitivity is not the issue - after all, I had a mobile when I was in the US, it is just that I don't like being available to people 24 X 7. December nalli bartyaa!? Cool! We should meet up!!!

Sandeep Karanth said...

This is funny :) I have observed that you have moved on since then...