The other day I met a school mate (X) after a very long time. We were not too close friends and was my once-upon-a-time classmate. The conversation went on like this….
X : Hi da! How are you ? It’s been a long time since we met. 
Me : Yeah! It’s been ages. I am fine and how are you?
X : I am fine dude ! I work for this big Y
company. Whom do you work for ?
Me : I work for Z
company. Did you get a chance to meet any of our school mates?
X : So, how much do they pay you ?
Me : ( Thinking to myself) , Did I hear him correctly ?
Me : I am sorry ! I did not hear it . Can you come again on that .
X : (Unabashed) I asked how much Z
pays you ?
Me : (with a broad smile) Does that matter to you now ?
X : Come-on man! Do you know how much I am paid in Y.
And he went on boasting about the company he works for, how much he is paid and how he may be sent on a B1 trip to US in a month. All the while, I was uncomfortable and had to listen to him patiently.
X : Ok da! Time for me to catch up with my colleagues for a party. See you later!
Me : (Gosh! I am saved. Thanks to the party host) . 
Ok da! Nice to have met you after a long time. Bye !
X : The next time I meet you, don’t feel shy .
There he went away vrooming away in his bike .
Me : Shy! What the ______ does he think ?
I stood there for a while confused and gobsmacked . 
Why does he want to know about my salary?
Is he gonna help me plan my tax savings?
Is he trying to boast his job status ?
I don’t ask anyone about their salary and I expect others not to enquire mine. What people forget is that
It is bad manners to ask a girl her age and a guy his salary
.
Atleast , three people have asked me this question within the past week. I am at my wits’ end.
P.S. :- Fill in the blank with any swear word.
