Crossing the mark

Crossing the mark

The sun was nice and bright and the neighbours were out, basking in its warmth.

“The electricity bill hasn’t come as yet and we now have just four units remaining. We have switched off everything — all lights and all appliances — and are awaiting him. We would be fools if we let our meter cross the 300 units mark!” [The Punjab government gives 300 units free to every household every month]

“But isn’t it a public holiday today?”

“My friend said he came to their society today.”

“Maybe he will show up.”

Within the next one hour, the patience was rewarded and the official finally arrived.

“C’mon man. We have been waiting for you.”

“Give us your number. We might have to get in touch with you sometime.”

“But the bill won’t be cut beforehand, sir,” he said, not interested in their anxiety.

“You still have 36 units remaining,” he said.

“What?! This young man created panic!”

“I may have miscalculated.”

Balbir Kaur, Mohali