The story of a 100% Tip

Around 20 years ago, I was on my way to watch a movie at a cinema in the nearest city. It was a 22km bus ride away.

I was a teenager, just about, and it was my first solo trip and it was a big deal for me. So I started early in the morning (I hardly slept the day before). I woke up, wore my favorite T-shirt, and boarded the bus. The plan was to watch a movie, go to a restaurant, and be back home. The key was 'Freedom'.

I reached the city, went to the cinema, and then reached the restaurant. As a child, I liked to eat at restaurants. I wish I had known Food Blogging was an option back then. Anyway, I was thrilled with joy. I am at a restaurant by myself, I can order whatever I want.

So I called for the waiter, which was frkng hard, cause I was way shorter than everyone there. Finally, a waiter stopped and asked me for my order. So I told my order, which I had practiced (Lame, I know). But again, I was 12. I ordered a plate of Chilli Chicken and 2 Parathas. The waiter, in shock and a tone of disbelief, asked: "Are you sure you want a full plate of chicken? It is ₹22!" I was furious and felt insulted. With a voice that sounded like Morgan Freeman in my head, I said: "Yes, of course."

The waiter brought the food, which I obviously didn't finish. He came after a while and asked: "Do you want me to pack this?" I said… wait for it… "No, bring an ice cream and the cheque, please."

I had the ice cream and saw that the bill was some ₹50. I kept a ₹100 note, waited for him to pass by, stood up and left, and said, you guessed it, "Keep the change!" My walk towards the exit was in ultra slo-mo, with background music in my head.

Been 20 years since, and I vividly remember that day. I wonder what the waiter would have thought.

The fact is, I just had enough for my bus ride back home. :)