The Mingy Grandmother!

Stingy, mingy, parsimonious, frugal, prudent, thrifty—there are so many words for ‘miser’! We must be prudent in using a suitable word for our lovely grandmother who just had the habit. We decided upon ‘mingy’, but definitely ruling out the possible interpretation of ‘mean’. Hard core misers are hardly enjoyable! Those who are rather habitual ones with lots of confusion and contradiction are really amusing.

In a particular neighborhood there had been a grandmother who got the reputation of being a little miserly, but most of the times she was not taken seriously and was only laughed at. Further, she was never mingy to family and close relatives. Only when ‘others’ were concerned she behaved differently.

For all the ceremonial functions including a few weddings held in her household our grandmother always insisted on visiting the neighbors to invite. She used to meet the head of the family saying, ‘Please do come!’ and then adding in a low tone, ‘Only you…alone…okay?’ Afterwards when she found somebody attending whom she did not expect she used to accost him/her too warmly, ‘Hey dear! I am so happy you came!’ and then adding in an undertone not quite audible, ‘Would’ve been happier if you didn’t!’  

That afternoon grandmother was alone in the house with all members going out on different errands. Her youngest grandson rushed in home from school with a pal a little earlier than usual. Grandmother looked askance at the other boy!

‘Oh grandma, I am ravenously hungry! Give me something hot and tasty, quickly!’ Her grandson demanded.

‘Sure, my little darling! I’ll make you a steaming plate of noodles, two minutes…okay?’ the doting grandmother then turned to the other boy asking, ‘Dear me! You must be very hungry too, no?’

‘Yes…grand mom…!’ the boy said hesitantly.

‘Right! Then do me favor, honey! Run home quickly, have a good fill and join back here nice and cozy! Okay?’