TRANSLATED FROM TAMIL BY THE AUTHOR
It had been a long-cherished dream for Vani—to visit a five-star hotel with her family. She hesitantly shared her wish with her husband, Murthy.
Murthy was a man who always tried to fulfil Vani’s desires, but this one came with a price tag that would stretch his monthly budget uncomfortably. Adding to that, they couldn’t go without their two daughters, Malini and Ashmita. Still, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As always, Murthy turned to his trusted friend, Jambu, whenever he faced a dilemma seeking his advice.
Jambu paused for a moment and then asked, “Murthy, have you seen the security guard at the entrance of that hotel? I’ve heard he doesn’t let anyone in without shoes. What are you going to do?”
“Vani really wants this, Jambu,” Murthy replied earnestly. Jambu considered Vani like a sister.
“Alright,” Jambu said thoughtfully. “We’ll handle the shoes. But don’t go four-up on your two-wheeler like usual. The guard might not even let you past the gate.”
“Jambu, it’s Vani’s dream,” Murthy repeated, almost pleading.
“Okay then. We’ll arrange a rental car. But can’t you go without Malini and Ashmita?”
“No, it has to be all four of us.”
“One more thing,” Jambu added. “You’ll have to eat using a knife and spoon.”
“We’ll manage, Jambu,” Murthy assured.
“Then go. I’ll lend you some money. Pay me back whenever you can.”
Vani was overjoyed. They decided to visit the hotel on the eve of Ashmita’s birthday.
A new dress was bought for Ashmita. Vani and Malini selected the finest clothes they had. Murthy took a half-day off. Vani trained the girls thoroughly:
- No shouting.
- No running around.
- No throwing cutlery.
- Behave like grown-ups.
When the rented car stopped at the hotel gate, a smartly dressed security guard opened the door. Another stood at the glass entrance, dressed almost like a palace guard. He saluted stiffly and ushered them in with a respectful nod.
Murthy led the way, followed by Ashmi holding his hand, and Vani with Malini behind. Jambu hadn’t told Murthy anything about tipping the security guards—and frankly, Murthy’s budget hadn’t accounted for it either. So, they walked in, tipping no one.
Inside, two smiling young women greeted them at the reception.
“Restaurant,” Murthy said.
They were asked to wait and guided to plush sofas with foot cushions. Vani took in the elegant ambiance with wide-eyed awe. Malini sat quietly, mature beyond her years. Ashmi, full of energy, bounced on the sofa, bringing a smile to Murthy’s face.
Vani leaned toward Murthy and whispered, “It’s not a buffet. We’ll have to order from the menu.”
Murthy replied, “Buffet would’ve been safer. Fixed price. Now we need to watch the cost of every item.”
“But Murthy, we’re doing this just once,” Vani said with a soft smile. She only used his name like that when her heart was full.
Murthy nodded.
A courteous assistant appeared as if on cue.
“Buffet?” he asked.
“No, restaurant,” Vani answered confidently.
Murthy glanced at her, surprised. Clearly, she had done her homework before coming.
The assistant, nearly bowing as he walked, led them to their table. From soup to dessert, Vani ordered carefully—each dish chosen with excitement and purpose. She ended with ice cream for everyone.
While Vani placed the orders, Murthy’s eyes scanned the menu, mentally calculating the growing total.
At one point, the chef himself came to their table. “Madam, I hope everything was to your satisfaction?”
Vani smiled and nodded. “Very much.”
Later, the bill was brought in a sleek leather folder. The assistant handed it to Murthy discreetly. He opened it, sighed inwardly at the amount and settled the bill. He clearly remembered Jambu’s instruction—Give only 2–5% of the bill amount as a tip.
As he counted the change, Ashmi tugged his sleeve, “Appa, are we taking the car back home too?”
Vani pulled her closer, “Shhh,” and gave her a gentle hug.
Murthy placed a ₹50 note in the folder as a tip. The assistant bowed but didn’t take the folder containing his tip. He led them to the door and held the door open as they left. The receptionists waved to Malini and Ashmi with warm smiles. The gatekeeper with the big moustache opened the main entrance for them, but his eyes showed mild disappointment—he hadn’t received any tip.
Outside, Malini and Ashmi walked ahead, happy and full. Murthy and Vani walked behind, hand in hand.
Vani whispered, “Murthy, it was just like a movie. But wasn’t ₹50 too much for the bearer?”
Murthy waved it off, “Let it be. It’s okay.”
They hailed an auto and returned home. As they stepped inside, Ashmi ran up to Murthy and gleefully said, “Appa, you forgot this at the hotel!” and handed him the ₹50 note.
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