‘OMG! The way the prices of essential groceries and veggies etc., are rising, we will have to find an alternate word for skyrocketing,’ I said on returning from the market.

‘The bhajiwala has stopped giving free dhania and mirchi with the vegetables. Imagine! I paid ₹ 25/- just for masala. It is scandalous!’

Hubby handed over chilled chaas to cool me.

‘I wish to meet the  External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar,’ I announced.

‘ Shri Jaishankar? Why? You want to give him tips on the Russian-Ukraine war,’ hubby was amused.

‘Do you know the prices of veggies and groceries? Even the milk vendor has increased the milk cost by ₹ 2/ litre.’ I angrily spoke.

‘I don’t understand how your meeting with Jaishankar will solve the price rise?’ Hubby was perplexed.

‘I want our Minister to play his cards properly when he meets Putin and his counterpart in Russia.’ I continued.

‘Russia is famous for roulettes, not cards,’ he quipped.

‘I am discussing something serious, and you are so flippant, I said.

‘Sorry, you looked so serious that I wanted to ease the tension. Will you share the strategies you wish to suggest? I still can’t understand why you wish to meet Foreign Minister for a price rise. You should meet the finance minister,’ hubby suggested, trying to figure out the connection.

‘The whole world is wondering why India is supporting Russia. Sorry, I mean, for not supporting either nation and taking a neutral stand. Right?’ I began.

‘Jaishankar Ji is a typical Indian and more so a South Indian. We people don’t know how to ask for help. Even less, how to strategically extract help by making the right moves.’

‘Hmmm. Please clarify. I am foxed,’ hubby said, scratching his head.

‘Even big nations like the US, France,  Ukraine etc., are requesting India to speak to the two counties and bring the war to an end. So, when Shri Jaishankar talks to Russia, I want him to inform Russia that they should be happy to have India on their side. He then should ask them to reciprocate by supporting us,’ I declared.

‘I am sure Russia will support us if need be,’ hubby added. ’Is there any specific support we need now?’

'Why did Shri Jaishankar clarify to all and sundry that we are importing only 9% of crude and petrol from Russia? He should have first signed an agreement with Russia to import more crude.' I commented.

‘How does that affect us?’ hubby wondered aloud.

‘Well, we are importing crude from other nations. These nations will now raise the prices. A rise in crude prices will mean our import bill will go up.’

‘The Govt will then increase the petrol and crude prices.’

‘The Petrol prices will increase the cost of groceries and veggies and fruits.’

‘The household budget goes for a toss.’

‘And I have to ask you for more money to buy groceries and veggies.’

‘ So, Mr Jaishankar should have taken a commitment from Putin and his counterpart in Russia. to supply more crude to India.’ I explained.

‘So, this is why you wish to meet the minister. Got it!’ Hubby nodded to my point of view.

‘You must learn to adjust and manage. My grandma would say a good housewife can fry vadas in water,’ hubby suggested.

‘Ha! Ha! Ha! If she had told me, I would have asked her grandson to drive his car with water and then ask for vadas fried in water.’ I growled in anger.

‘In fact, all the problems are because of petrol and its inflationary impact. 'The Government announces a rise in petrol price, and, immediately, the bhajiwala, the milkman, the grocer and even the maid ask for a rise.’ I wailed.

Hubby dear, the economist spoke thus:

‘My dear. Remember inflation is a transitory term.’

‘It is active when you go to a petrol pump, grocery shop and bhajiwala;

It is inactive when you go to a multiplex shopping mall or a restaurant;

It is dead when you go to a liquor shop.'

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