'How much is it?' I asked as I checked the reading on the cab's electronic meter. 'दो सौ पैतालीस' said the cabbie. ' दो सौ पैतालीस? मतलब कितना'. I said in a puzzled tone. The driver looked at me as if I am from another planet. 'Is it two hundred fourty five or two hundred thirty five?' I asked again. Now it was his turn to get puzzled. Oh dear, 3 years of Hindi in school wasn't helping me here. ' दो सौ पैतालीस मतलब दो सौ पचास में पांच कम या पंधरा?' I asked in desperation. 'पांच मेडम' he said. I handed over the money and got down wondering if he was the illiterate one or I was.