[plorkyeran]

That is exactly why they don't want the "hello". They want to know what the question is before they socially commit to answering it immediately.

[trias]

that's an unusual style of communication. You are coworkers. If you don't know the answer immediately, say it.

Consider too, that i might be blocked as long as i don't have an answer.

[plorkyeran]

Then say that you're blocked and need the answer soon. Communicate what you need instead of making the person you're reaching out to guess.