This morning, I got into the bus at my usual stop, and I spotted the only empty seat, next to this girl I've seen on the bus before. She is most definitely from the subcontinent, and, most likely, Indian. I went over and thought, "this is good - finding a seat and seizing an opportunity to make a new friend - well done me!". I smiled warmly and she did smile back - great start. She began to look away, outside the window. I was killing myself trying to think of something to say to break the ice and then I spotted the perfect pretext to chat. She was carrying a beautiful dark red leather bag - the one I've known to be available in handicraft shops or the likes of Delhi and Calcutta; the ones printed with flowers or a pattern of some sort, with contrasting colours. It did look absolutely lovely.
The conversation went something like this:
Me (Saying): That's a beautiful bag you have there
Girl (Saying): Thank you, it is from Australia".
Me (Thinking): Score! We have Australia in common! This is going remarkably well!
Me (Saying): Wow - it really is lovely!
Girl (Half-smiling, turning to look outside the window, and probably thinking): I love my bag. I am so cool.
Me (Thinking): Uh oh! She's probably a woman of few words. She didn't say anything further so there go my chances of Australia bonding.
Me (Saying): Erm....did you buy it here or online, or in Australia?
Girl (Not smiling and saying): No. It was a gift from Australia.
She then proceeded to clutch her bag really tight and physically turn to the window to reinforce the message. I was left feeling like a right numpty!
Girl (Probably thinking): That'll teach me to smile at strangers!
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10 comments:
I've had the random desi stranger grin at me and kick up a conversation about my teeshirt or book I'm carrying on the bus in Champaign. Twice. And both times, they were recruiting for the Amway/Quickstar pyramid scheme.
Were you drinking from an unbranded carton of chocolate milk when you tried?
Uhmm...i thought I left a comment here ages ago, but now can't find it.
What I wanted to say was:
I tried that with a desi stranger at a salon and we exchanged emails and she never replied.
And now I wonder if I sort of reek of desperation....sigh.
I find that I have found more non-desi friends from chance meetings than desis. weird.
By the way, that red printed stuff is called Santiniketan leather.
@Ajith: Just so you know, I was carrying a red Dior handbag. I'm going to put it down to handbag envy.
@Me: I empathise. Dot says I come across as intimidating to people I don't know and that may be why they probably think "wonder what she wants from me...I had better lose her as soon as I can."
@J: Thank you! I have never heard that term before.
First time commenting here. Came here from ET's blog.
Wow that girl sure thought you were the Amway variety or a purse snatcher.
I have the same problem. 5 years here and no desi friends good enough to hang out with!
I'm looking for Desi friends to hang out with too. Wanna come to Chicago?
@Shilpa - Welcome! She doesn't know what she missed, that girl. At least we can try and hang out virtually, what say?
@Mint Chutney - If you're asking me, I'd love to! Though I think Shilpa is closer to Chicago than I am :(
Hehe I like the virtual hang-out friends idea. To tell you the truth, I have found better friends online/among bloggers than in real life!
Aw, what a shame. I promise to be friendly if you ever visit Shrewsbury! :)
@Shyam - Thank you. Beware, I might actually take you up on that one!
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