Fried or Boiled

Gopal went to the mental hospital to inquire about one of his relatives undergoing treatment there. He waited in the visitors’ room until the attendants could fetch his relative. A man came and joined him on the bench he was sitting on. “Have you also come here to meet a patient?” asked Gopal.

“I’ve been here for the last four months,” replied the man. “My relatives brought me here saying I was mentally deranged.”

“But you look quite normal,” said Gopal, trying to put him at ease.

“I’m afraid the treatment here has only worsened my condition,” the man added sadly. “Could I ask you something? Do you prefer wooden sandals or leather slippers?”

“Of course, leather slippers,” replied Gopal.

“And how would you like them, fried or boiled?”