The One Rupee Tip

Its a lousy Saturday, and I cant stop my mind from traveling down the memory lane. A small incident comes to my mind.

This should have been in my 7th or 8th standard, when I was living with my grandparents in a serene village. Life was about going to school, studying, going for temple festivals, weddings, etc. (There was hardly any eating out, meeting friends, etc). My close friend, Chethana's mom was running a primary school in those days, and she was taking her students out on a trip to Maria park in Cochin (One hour from my place). She was very fond of me, and Che (thats Chethana) and me were (are) inseparable pals. Che's mom asked my grandparents if I could join them on their school trip too, and they agreed. I was really excited about this one (cos it was on a rare occasion that I could step out). I got some pocket money from my granny , around 50 bucks if I remember right, and I was excited at the thought of eating chicken Manchurian at the park.

I remember we sang rhymes (cos the bus was full of primary school kids), chit-chatted (something Che and me love doing), and discussed some school-gossip. At the park, we tried all the rides, we went horse riding, climbed trees (lol), etc. During lunch time, me and Che went to a restaurant in the Park. It was probably very rare that I got the independence of going to a restaurant with a friend. (usually someone accompanied us.) It was a self service restaurant. I went to place the order. After placing the order, my mind started running in the direction of giving a tip to the guy. I've always seen dad tipping the waiters, but I'd never been to a self service restaurant before (not that I could recall then), and I was unsure if I should. Finally I made up my mind to tip him, and gave him a rupee and said "Vechholu" ("Keep it"). I had that air about me when I said that. (lol).
Waiter : "What is that?"
Me: "That's for you. Just keep it"
Waiter: "Aiyaaey.. I don't want it"
Me: "Its alright. Keep it"
Waiter: "We don't accept this"

I quietly walked off :(

It was quite humiliating for me then. Che had a hearty laugh on hearing the story. I avoided going near that restaurant for the rest of the day I spent in the park. Now, when I look back, I feel, One rupee may have been a big thing for me as a child, but I wish he could have valued it like I did... Or, probably, I was meddling with non-corrupt human :)

Whatever be it, this incident is still fresh in my memory, and I invariably recall it, whenever I tip a waiter.