This is a true story, and was related to me by the friend about whom I wrote yesterday. Needless to say I found it hilarious.

My friend M was to present a paper in a nearby city (in the US, presumably) and was put up at a hotel there. While waiting in front of the lobby for his vehicle to pull up, he noticed some guests who had checked out, loading luggage into their car.

Being the person that he is, he helped them carry their stuff and load the car. They thanked him and left, while he continued waiting. Just then a husband and wife walked out of the hotel and the man turned to M and told him, yes told him, to carry his suitcases to his car.

My friend quietly did the man’s bidding. The man then fished out ten dollars out of his wallet and gave it to M. Without a word, he pocketed it. Too troublesome to explain I was not who he thought I was, he told us, explaining himself. It was easier to take the tip and thank the man.

So the couple left, and M’s car pulls up. He promptly forgets the whole thing and leaves for the venue for the presentation.

Looking down from the podium whom should he see gracing the front row other than the man from the hotel who graciously tipped him, and his wife! Their faces were a study in bewildered confusion. Was he the person from the hotel, or a look-alike, a carbon copy? One can only imagine what went through their heads.

When M’s presentation was over, the man stood up, and so did his wife, confusion still writ large on their faces.

“Yes, it is me, the same person!” M said with a broad smile, putting all doubts to rest.

The man, embarrassed, tried saying something. My cheeky friend interrupted him.

“No, no, no! Don’t ask for the ten dollars back!” he declared. “I am not going to return something I honestly earned. I have already declared it as income and will be paying tax on it too!”

His response lightened the mood making the couple break out in laughter, forgetting the awkwardness they were feeling. I bet it made you smile too.

©️ Shail Mohan 2025