The diamond stud, prestigiously called vaira thodu in Tamil is a real item of pride. Even parents of bridegrooms, who magnanimously (!) say 'No' to dowry used to add, "of course Vaira Thodu you have to give". That diamond stud became the bone of contention when the family management decided not to buy the Air Conditioner (AC) because it was felt to be extravagant and costly.

"It is not costly. It is cheaper than diamond stud. In summer I am dying. Not able to study. Many of my friends have it". The teenaged boy of the house argued. His sister though inclined towards this argument was a silent observer as, though she wanted the AC, she was also aware that her ears are going to be planted with the stud soon. It was the mother, who reacted with sarcasm and anger towards her son. "Why? You also can wear if you wish, like the dancers in the TV coming with one ear studded. AC is a waste. Who will pay electric charges" she repeated without any argument. She believes in intuition and emotions more than logic.

"Stud is also a waste. It is also risky". The boy argued and went on quoting instances of chain snatching and even dragged a remote relative who lost his life fighting dacoits somewhere in Bihar.

But we are in Tamil Nadu the mother countered.

"Yes. Tamil Nadu having three climates. Hot- Hotter-Hottest. So buy AC."

"We are not born with AC. Same climate we have lived with for ages". The mother too did not relent.

"We are also not born with TV. Why you are glued to the Chittis, Marumagal and Mamiyar serials."

The mother, ever clever to escape from a losing battle, repeated "AC is costly. Who will pay electricity?"

This annoyed the boy who applied his little knowledge of investments into practice. "If you keep the money without buying diamond stud it will fetch enough interest to pay electric charges of two ACs. Even all your silver vessels in the locker if sold will earn interest instead of consuming locker rent."

It was a trump card that hit like a missile on the mother, who in retaliation hardened her stand. " No. No means no. No AC in this house."

The memories and cultural values attached to each of the silver vessels in the locker were unknown to the boy. His only consolation and support was his sister who glanced at him with a helpless yet supportive look. He stopped the argument as it entered the futile arena but went with a feeling that perhaps in the years to come his nephew may not struggle to have an AC at home.