Suzie is stunningly beautiful.
With luscious black locks which fall down to her waist in waves, a golden face with sharp features, a brilliant smile and a gait that gives away her wealthy upbringing, she is a head-turner among all my friends here in Muscat.
When I met her for the first time, I asked her, "So which part of India are you from?"
"I don't know" she said impishly and waited for me to say something.
I, in turn, waited for her to provide an explanation.
From her appearance, I had taken it for granted that she was from India. Anybody would.
Then she laughed and said, "Well, to be honest, I was not born in India. I am from South Africa. My ancestors from India had settled in South Africa years ago. So long ago that I do not know where they were from. In my bones I feel more South African than Indian."
"Have you ever been to India?"
"No, but I plan to do so soon. I just might bump into a rich great grand-uncle who has hidden away all his gold under a temple" she winked.
We were soon joined by Suzie's friends. It was her birthday.
After the customary hugs and kisses, she introduced me to them.
"Hi, meet my new friend - she is an Indian Indian."
...
Since that episode, I have met many Malaysian Indians, Australian Indians, and even Indians from Trinidad and Tobago.
When they ask me where I am from, I join my hands in the 'Namaste' gesture and say,
"I am an Indian Indian".
With luscious black locks which fall down to her waist in waves, a golden face with sharp features, a brilliant smile and a gait that gives away her wealthy upbringing, she is a head-turner among all my friends here in Muscat.
When I met her for the first time, I asked her, "So which part of India are you from?"
"I don't know" she said impishly and waited for me to say something.
I, in turn, waited for her to provide an explanation.
From her appearance, I had taken it for granted that she was from India. Anybody would.
Then she laughed and said, "Well, to be honest, I was not born in India. I am from South Africa. My ancestors from India had settled in South Africa years ago. So long ago that I do not know where they were from. In my bones I feel more South African than Indian."
"Have you ever been to India?"
"No, but I plan to do so soon. I just might bump into a rich great grand-uncle who has hidden away all his gold under a temple" she winked.
We were soon joined by Suzie's friends. It was her birthday.
After the customary hugs and kisses, she introduced me to them.
"Hi, meet my new friend - she is an Indian Indian."
...
Since that episode, I have met many Malaysian Indians, Australian Indians, and even Indians from Trinidad and Tobago.
When they ask me where I am from, I join my hands in the 'Namaste' gesture and say,
"I am an Indian Indian".
(Picture courtesy: Google images featuring the Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai)
