I’m pink. And the nation is talking about me
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I’m pink. And the nation is talking about me

Meet the Rs 2,000 note. Love it, hate it, you just can’t do without it.

I’m pink. And the nation is talking about me

Although I’m just a few days old, I’m sure you have heard of me. Hopefully, even seen me.

I was born on November 8, 2016. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I am the new 2000-rupee note. I was born in the printing presses of Mysuru in Karnataka and Salboni in West Bengal.

Right after I was born I had to go on a long journey — from when I was transferred in Z security to the 19 issue offices of Reserve Bank of India in major cities, to the bumpy rides in high-security vans to different currency chests across the country.

 

 

I overheard that these currency chests were managed by banks but I had no inkling where I was going. I was excited about the world out there. How would it be? Would they give me to a handsome young investment banker or to a grumpy old man?

One of the banks (I couldn’t read the name, I was in the chest, you know!) tried to get me into an ATM but I didn’t fit in its slot. I was brought back to the bank and finally found some respite from all the moving around — in a cashier’s drawer. Phew!

 

 

It was exhilarating to be in the middle of all the hustle-bustle of the bank. Although I couldn’t see much — apart from a few peeks I got when the drawer was opened — I could discern a lot of commotion outside. People were really busy and running about; I could hear the news channels talking about me. I felt like a star! And I wouldn’t lie, I could feel myself blushing a deeper shade of pink with all this talk about me.

And then, just like that, I met my owner. He said he was a sales head with a garment giant. Tall, calm-looking, in his mid-30s — perfect.

He took me home (I have no interest in talking about the ride back home in his back pocket, for obvious reasons) and handed me to his wife, who seemed overjoyed to see me. Their two kids were jumping with joy too. “Stop blushing,” I told myself.

The entire family took a selfie with me. First a group selfie, then individual ones, many of them. Just when I was thinking I wanted to see more of the world, the woman of the house, as if reading my mind, took me and went out shopping. I heard her say she was taking the car as people probably wouldn't have change. “When’s the new Rs 500 note due?” I heard her say. Hmm, so I will soon have company, I thought.

 

 

She took me to a supermarket, bought groceries and headed to the cash counter, where I’d be meeting my next owner (I loved those kids back at her place, but I gotta see the world before I settle down, you know).

“Sorry. Ma’am, we don’t have any change.”

 

 

The cashier’s words had the same effect on both the woman and me — disappointment. Unfortunately, the first among many disappointments. The woman used her credit card to pay and I realised my wanderlust had to wait.

Next stop: the vegetable and grocery market. Different place, same outcome. No one wanted me. Everyone wanted to be paid in smaller denominations. They seemed to be really missing the 500- and 1,000-rupee notes, who lost their value on the same day I was born.

Within hours in this world outside, I have realised things are not going to be easy. I’ve heard some people say they don’t like the way I look. Some say I bleed when wet (thank God I don’t need a shower every day). Some say I look like a poorer version of the euro. All my excitement to meet the world has been replaced by this abysmal dejection I feel.

But I’m not going to give up. Someday, I will make my place in the world.