PANDEMIC GREETING AND THE INDIAN ROPE TRICK

What I am about to narrate happened just before the government forced the clubs to down their shutters once again and put a stop to wining and dining. So, when I parked the car and was about to enter the club, I noticed the watchman, who had strategically placed himself neither near nor afar from the main door, holding what seemed like the ubiquitous infrared thermometer.

- Sujit Chandra Kumar

I extended my right hand involuntarily, ready to be tested and let in. Then, something unexpected happened. The watchman beamed from ear to ear, extended his own right hand and punched me gently with the back of his palm, in a pandemic variation of the high-five greeting. Pleasantly surprised but a little taken aback, I inquired if he wasn’t going to check my temperature. He, in turn, pointed out that what he had in his left hand was his mobile charger.