You know what? – Toad asked, expectantly.

I’m afraid to ask – said Mrs. Toad, hopelessly.

Nevertheless, USians – boy, pronounce that as a word and all sorts of national characteristics start popping up, don’t they? – anyway,  USians may have a point when aspirants for public office have to open their books, all of them, to public scrutiny. That means we of the inquiring minds get to know, legally, if wives, extra or impaired, are tucked away, children have gotten tattoos and piercings, whether pets ride on top of the SUV, or if First Ladies have substance abuse problems; all this notwithstanding the privacy protection constitutional enshrinements – said Toad, trampling hope.

And what would the relevance of any of that be, especially in Indian Politics? – Mrs. T asked before she could stop herself, her need for relevance, once again, trapping her – Not to mention the Right to Privacy issues – she continued, her tongue betraying her will.

Toad’s joy was palpable. Mrs. Toad tucked her hands into the folds of her pallu. She watched as his pontification glands expand. Rapid response was, she realized, the order of the day.  Toad – she said, raising an admonitory finger – before you start, why don’t we wait and see what how the e-universe responds to your assertion, ok?

Urk – said Toad.