In the neighborhood, Rakesh Chacha was quite famous for one particular habit—he suspected something in almost everything. If the slightest thing seemed unusual, he would immediately say, “Something doesn’t add up.”
One day, he asked his wife, “Are we having lentils for lunch today?”
She replied calmly, “Yes, and this time nothing suspicious in it.”
Rakesh Chacha smiled and said, “That’s exactly what makes me suspicious.”
At lunchtime, the bowl of lentils was placed on the table. Rakesh Chacha examined it carefully with his spoon, as if he were a detective searching for clues. After staring at it for a while, he said slowly, “I think there’s something hidden here.”
His wife asked, “Where?”
Chacha replied, “I’m not sure, but I can sense it.”
He tasted a spoonful and said thoughtfully, “The lentils are good, but I feel like there’s some mystery involved.”
His wife laughed and said, “The mystery is that I didn’t add too many spices today.”
In the evening, Chacha sat outside with the neighbors. One of them asked, “So, what’s new today?”
Chacha replied seriously, “I’m trying to solve the mystery of the lentils.”
The neighbor joked, “Chacha, maybe try finding something suspicious in your habit of doubting everything.”
Chacha responded with pride, “Being suspicious is an art.”
That night at dinner, he once again looked at the lentils and said, “I’m sure there’s some secret hidden here.”
His wife picked up his plate and said playfully, “If you want to uncover the secret, finish the lentils first.”
Chacha obediently finished his meal and finally said, “Now I understand—there’s nothing wrong with the lentils. The real problem is that my mind has too many questions.”
The neighbors often say that Rakesh Chacha can find mystery in anything—whether it’s lentils or life itself.
And Chacha himself proudly declares, “Whether something adds up or not, a suspicious mind is always alert.”
RAJEEV VERMA 