My city is considered the buzzing lonely city. Most Mumbaikars, especially the young, barely know their next door neighbors. We come together in crisis; we are always willing to help if need be, but on a normal working day we are a rather indifferent lot, engrossed in getting through our hectic schedules. There are days I find this social disconnect a little odd. However, one short conversation with a quirky neighbor and I am forced to rethink.
On the occasional morning, when I am not rushing and late for work, I do stop to say a quick hello to my neighbor. Boy do I regret it later! Within 5 seconds of exchanging pleasantries, the ugly question pops up- “So, turning twenty four soon, parents started looking for a partner for you? Its best to start early” As I squirm awkwardly trying to steer her away from the topic before she starts relaying her ready knowledge of available prospects, the second bomb lands. “So I heard you’re studying for MBA. IIM next year?” Yes Ma’am I say in my head. IIM isn’t really all that big a deal. In fact, I have them calling me everyday just begging me to study with them. My mental dialogue is what helps me to smile through this charade. Then, I have to hear about how her third cousins’ husbands sisters sons friend is studying for MBA in “Amreeka”. Of course, if its “Amreeka” the name of the university is of little significance but God forbid you stay back in India, nothing short of IIM is acceptable.
By this point, my head begins to hurt from all the mental comebacks I can’t express. I want to pull my hair in despair but I smile weakly trying hard to not do anything that would belabor the conversation. As I begin to excuse myself, pretending to be late for work, the third unnecessary question is asked- “Why do you look so weak these days? Don’t you eat?” I begin to wonder if I really should get into explaining what a 15 hour work day and a stack of nutritiondeficient food can do to you.
One hour into the morning, I’m barely coherent and yet in a ten minute conversation with a lady I hardly know, I am already discussing my matrimonial prospects, my academic goals, my health and am left feeling inadequate on all three fronts!
At times like these, I can only thank God for the indifference of most Mumbaikars. Of course, there is always the occasional weirdo.