Profound thoughts (all of which were in Hindi) of a Thursday morning Cabbie in Delhi that would not let me sleep:
“Madam, you are late.”
“I know”
“You are not from here”
“I’m from the US”
“But you are Indian”
“Yes”
“How funny. A foreigner that is late for her cab. I mean if you were Indian, I’d expect it. But a foreigner that is late? Good thing the company told me you are a loyal customer. Otherwise I would have left.”
“Thank you.”
“So where are Mom and Dad?”
“Back in the US.”
“Well, this is the greatest thing about life! When our children see our homes. Indian children coming back to India… I’m telling you, when you see this place, you understand your roots. That is the greatest understanding. I bet you do not want to leave. I am sure your parents have known this all along.”
“Yes, haha”
“Madam, no matter where you are from or where you go, the love you will discover in Hindustan, you will never find anywhere else.”
“Yes”
“Do you have a brother? Sister?”
“Not here.”
“Family?”
“I’m alone”
“Never say you are alone. You are not alone. I am here. [pointing at his chest] I am your brother. Do you know what I mean by that? If you need anything, ANYTHING, at any hour, do not get worried. I will take you. I tell my wife and son this everyday. Don’t you celebrate Rakshabandan? As long as we have our brothers, we are never alone. Anything you need Madam, I am here. Never say you are alone.”
