He walked into the HR office to enquire about paternity leave.

“I am expecting a baby; maybe in the next couple of months.”

“Congratulations. This is fantastic news. You can add your earned leaves as well.”

“Actually, I was wondering if I could take a sabbatical for a year. I just got back from a three-year project; been away from home for far too long. I could do with a longish break.”

“It may be possible. Why don’t you send in a formal request on email?”

“Great. My mother will be relieved. She was wondering how she’ll manage alone with my son in the first year.”

“How do you know it’s a boy? I thought sex determination tests weren’t allowed.”

“Yes, they aren’t. But they won’t let a single man adopt a girl.”