India, June 25 -- By Dr. R. Balasubramaniam

Every office has one. Every classroom. Every Indian family. That one person for whom the concept of punctuality is more of a "friendly suggestion" than a social norm. Their internal clock is permanently set to "just missed it." Yet, despite the delays, despite the frustration, you have to hand it to them - they never come unprepared.

No, they arrive armed with an excuse. It is so uniquely crafted and emotionally compelling. It leaves you too baffled - or too guilty - to even be annoyed.

Office Drama: Tardy Tarun

It is 10.12 am. The weekly team sync began at 9.45. Tarun strolls in like he is the keynote speaker at a spiritual retreat.

"Boss, sorry - you will not believe it. My upstairs aunty...