With one eye bandaged signifying the end of an innocent stye and looking like an Indianised version of the pirate Long John Silver, I entered the bank amidst glances of ire, fear, and resignation.

The chief teller came towards me almost bending double and said - I know who you are and what you've come here for. I grinned widely at this unexpected welcome. You've picked a very inopportune moment to do what you've come to do - he continued. Not exactly - I replied. I think I'll be able to stash away a lot of cash doing this. We'll go out of our way to stay out of the way - he said ironically. Don't do that - I retorted; I've come only minimally armed - thinking of the ballpen I carried and if a pencil was required, it would necessiate taking the assistance of this kindly soul.

The air was quiet for a while.

We have taken the liberty - after arrival naturally - of switching off the burglar alarm in case you become - he made an elaborate gesture which I interpreted as nervousness. Yes - I retorted - a man's got to conduct business without these small nuisances interrupting his concentration. Naturally - he said. In fact, at this very moment, the staff is busy opening the vaults for your convenience - he said. Oh! I muttered not wanting to express that small twinge of displeasure I felt at this unexpected delay.

Did you ....er....conduct this....er....operation in Delhi in the recent past - asked my friend hesitatingly. Oh yes - said I confidently, though if the truth be told, my sales figures so deep in the red had the effect of reflecting that exact color on my boss' apoplectic face.

By now everyone had both their arms high up in the air and overwhelmed by emotion at this show of solidarity, I raised a fist in silent acknowledgement and prayed that the management concedes their union's unreasonable demands whatever they were.

There was a long silence all around before the man ventured to murmur - you can start what you came here to do - all the while dumping bundles of thousand buck notes into my reluctant arms. No thanks - I replied removing the Gandhi from my pocket - all I came here to do was open an SB account with your bank.

As I left I wondered why the man looked so relieved.