The significance of insignificance

The MBA is over; So is my student life. Now, in Kochi - taking a break - I spent the whole week literally on roads, 2 road trips, 2 beaches, 1 Boat ride, 1 dense forest and countless miles of beautiful countryside driving in a state rightfully known as the God's own country. I've of sorts started to develop a taste for road trips and the occasional break far away from the normal routine. I love the uncertainties involved in these trips. The occasional tyre punctures, the breakdowns, having no real clue where ur next meal is gonna be from and of course the highly philosophical discussions & analysis we guys get involved in.
This time around i had no choice but to observe the changed eyes with which the seniors, i.e both my immediate and not so immediate relatives view me. Often ignored as a young insignificant boy within the joint family household in my native, i was used to the 'little boy' image within the family and grown to extreme comfort with my insignificance. Lo behold, things have changed!!!
This trip, I am treated by everyone like a young energetic man ready for the big bad corporate world. During one my extra long breakfast sessions, ( trust me, they are long!! :)), my aunt was telling me how MBAs think about a situation in comparison to a more normal being and why they see the practical side of things. She was saying that MBAs keep emotions and sentiments out and just think practical! "That!" she said," makes you different, Ajju!”. Ya rite, I thot. I nodded gently and was never more 'un-convinced' about a gentle nod.
Wait! there's more. During one of my visits to the numerous relatives houses around my place, i ran into this uncle who has retired as a school teacher and now is gonna invest in the sensex and nifty. He was pestering me with questions on investing in the Indian stock exchange. I could not help thinking," Why is this man desperate to come to the streets?" (By streets, I don't mean the wall street or dalal street! :P) I tried my best to leave every bouncer he posed but boy, was he persistent. Even i thot, enuf is enuf! The next five minutes was pure genius! I started with subprime crisis and I ve no idea what i ended with. After the verbal diarrhea, he looked confused but impressed! :D
A family friend, this chap is in real estate, asked me what my take on the industry was! Another man for the " I wanna sleep on the streets” contest. However, I handled the situation far better this time and avoided another verbal bloodshed!
My only relief was when I met an aunt who thot MBA had something to do with dental surgery! At least I knew more than her :)
The new found importance has assured 3 things for me
1) I strictly avoid any conversation lasting more than 5 minutes
2) I’ ve re started reading newspapers to sound more confident for the pre mentioned 5 minutes.
3) and finally, I am keenly looking forward to my flight back!
After all, importance is not a bed of roses neither is it my cup of tea! :)