Circumstances??

In this culture, there are just some things you don't talk about.  It gets embarrassing for both parties since this culture is very conservative.

The other day at school, I found myself in this situation where I was breaking the cultural rules before I knew quite what was happening.

Here is a play-by-play of the story:

Me:  (thinking to myself)  Hmm, I wonder where  an 8 year old boy, Gopal, is?  I haven't seen him at school for several days.  I should ask about him.  (to one of the teachers)  "Where is Gopal?"
Teacher 1:  "Gopal has a disease."
Me:  "A disease?  Is he okay?  Is he sick?  Can we do anything to help?"
Teacher  1:  (to Teacher 2)  "Come!"
Me:  (to Teacher 2) "I am wondering where Gopal is.  Is he okay?"
Teacher 2:  "He has a sickness."
Me:  "What type of sickness?"
Teacher 2:  "Hmm.  Do you know the word...circumstances?"
Me:  "Circumstances??  You mean like situations that happen in your life?"
Teacher 2:  "No...you know...like Jesus had?"
Me:  "Oohh!  Circumcision!!"
Teacher 2:  (face is beat red)  "Yes, circumcision."
Me:  (face also turning red and giggling)
Teacher 1:  (embarrassed laughing)
Teacher 2:  Gopal is Muslim.  He will come back to school on Wednesday I think."

Whoops!  Didn't see that one coming when I asked about an 8 year old boy! I guess I was a little slow on the pick-up of "circumstances."