Considering the fact that one has seen 48 summers, and that one has led a very impulsive life, there have been a lot of embarrassing moments in my life. I wouldn’t mention those of the wardrobe malfunction type as they have been taken to sublime heights by Janet Jackson and some of our fashion models. This one could have happened in any movie, unfortunately it happened to me.

Time: Circa 1974

Location: Government Colony, 17 Queens Garden, Pune, India.

Male Lead: Callow Youth age 15 aka Vivek now, aka Jakey in some circles and also known by many unmentionable things in a few other circles.

Female Lead: So many of them. Actually a group or gaggle of giggly teens.

Props: Newly bought, straight from the tailor’s shop pure Korean Gabardine bell-bottoms and green check shirt (ouch); one brand new Luna (moped/ tiny mobike).

Situation: Callow youth strutting in new clothes, pinches his sister's moped, sets about to impress the giggly girls, especially the one in bob cut hair do.

The evening is beautiful, with a cool breeze blowing. Giggly girls are impressed with the Luna and the Korean Gabardine bell-bottoms. No need of Honda City's or Tommy Hilfiger. Sigh...those were the days!!

The "special one" looks at Callow Chappie and smiles. Oh my God!! His heart misses a beat but his moped doesn’t miss a bump. Juggle handle, press brakes, nothing doing!! Moped goes down along with "lover boy"! New clothes get newer patterns from mixture of mud and water from a leaky pipe!! Giggly girls, so cruel, giggle some more. Actually they squeal in delight. Romeo picks his Luna and his heart, tries to pick up his pride, but that is too scattered in the muddy waters, and makes a dash home.

Moral of the story: Never steal your sister’s moped. She was in that giggly group, and reminds me of that day even today, especially on Diwali when she presents me with new clothes.

Here is another one that’s funny and not tragic. Also it does not involve me. It was published some time ago in the Times of India. Sue Barker, ex-tennis player and now television commentator for a sports channel, said, "I was commenting while Steffi Graf was playing her last match at Wimbledon. As she left the court I said she is leaving behind beautiful mammaries when what I wanted to say was memories." I hope this one made you laugh!