I had just concluded a big Rs. 10,000 crore loan to a big steel company, and they were willing to pay me Libor+3.5% for a 9 year bullet loan. Backed by 3 such transactions in the past 2 quarters, I knew I was headed for a big promotion and bonus. Of course ESOP will also follow.

With my daughter studying in Harvard, and my wife a very senior doctor in one of the top hospitals, life was fine.

I checked in to the first class section of Mumbai London flight and was escorted to the Lounge of the airline. Small perks of being Vice Chairman and MD of a top bank. I had 3 more hours for the flight to take off – I had chosen to come in early and sleep in the luxury lounge.

Suddenly a man with orange robe came to me and said “you work real hard for your bank, do you not”? I was stunned at this intrusion when this man held out his card. It said “Narad”. I was surprised to see a card with no surname, and man clad in orange and in the First class waiting lounge. Somehow things did not fit.

We got talking and I said that after a brilliant school, the mandatory IIT, followed by Harvard, a stint in Goldman Sachs I had returned to India and was heading the biggest bank.

He asked me whether I had a nice career. I said “can’t be better”. I meet the country’s top brass and I have 3 clients with Rs. 50,000 crore relationships. He asked me “have you done any deals with your brother’s company”. That was intriguing. My brother and I had completely different names (being Tambrahm helps) – so not too many people knew about my brother. I said “maybe” but I think it would be too small and far below my view. He then asked me “have you done any deal anytime with anybody that you regret”. I said no. I had dealt with the bank for 17 years, and taken the bank to great heights. I had stock options worth Rs. 300 crores and the vested shares were worth Rs. 492 crores! For a middle class school teacher’s son I had really come a long way.

He asked me “if you get diabetes or stress will your family share it with you”? I found it amusing, how could my family share my illness?

He asked me “If a client decides to create trouble for you will your bank pay for your legal expenses”. I was not so sure, so I said “maybe”.

He asked me “If the bank finds that you have violated some law will the bank sue you”. I said “maybe”.

Tell me will you be able to pay the fees of the 5* lawyers (remember only they can get a hearing quickly, you know that). I said I hope so..but I had no clue how much they charge.

He said “Oh the old men charge about Rs.20L a day + 2 cars+ hotel++++” and importantly they may not stand against your bank – the bank has given some negative mandates, remember?

Oh shit! I remember I had only authorised that secret payment.

I was now sweating….

Suddenly a sweet voice woke me up..saying “sir time to leave for the aircraft..the pilots are here already”.

Shit. It was a dream.

the part of life when one reads Ramayan in the morning and reads tweets by Subra about some bank prosecution….

I got on to the plane and looked at my networth statement…and the impact of 9 years bonus being reclaimed. I was chilled.

I saw my wife’s portfolio.

I sighed a relief. Thanks to my simple lifestyle I thought.

Just then a young boy came to ask whether I needed a blanket. Well, next trip if I were spending my own money I would be travelling economy. Thanks to the dream. I chuckled…at least I have my flat in an unwanted eastern suburb of Mumbai and my wife’s substantial salary and her investments.