Something that started off as a bemused reaction to chatty auto drivers in Bangalore who curiously wanted to know my family history, has now become an amusing past time of sorts. Living in a city where no one knows me, I have the liberty of giving myself different names, creating different pasts, and weaving stories around myself.
I strike up unexpected exchanges on the tube, while in a park, or while on a night walk to soak up the fog.
Usually begun with a smile that says nothing except a curved line of the lips, at times it goes to a nod and a 'Are you ok?' (That's how they say 'how are you' here). Then possibly we exchange details of where we are headed, what we are doing, how it is in India right now (most constant topics are the population and bollywood), and so on. And i strangely relish the joy of creating an illusion me.
Sometimes I am Catherine.
Sometimes Margaret, born and brought up in lush kerala
Sometimes I am Amritha.
Sometimes a Kamala that loves going out for a dinner with granny.
Sometimes I am Radhika.
Sometimes I am just no one who blots away from memory within 5 seconds.
I strike up unexpected exchanges on the tube, while in a park, or while on a night walk to soak up the fog.
Usually begun with a smile that says nothing except a curved line of the lips, at times it goes to a nod and a 'Are you ok?' (That's how they say 'how are you' here). Then possibly we exchange details of where we are headed, what we are doing, how it is in India right now (most constant topics are the population and bollywood), and so on. And i strangely relish the joy of creating an illusion me.
Sometimes I am Catherine.
Sometimes Margaret, born and brought up in lush kerala
Sometimes I am Amritha.
Sometimes a Kamala that loves going out for a dinner with granny.
Sometimes I am Radhika.
Sometimes I am just no one who blots away from memory within 5 seconds.
