Naive in NY

I ran into Naresh at Grand Central Station. He started by asking if there was an Indian temple close-by. That was the first sign. I was in a hurry and wanted to say that I didn’t care but he looked a “respectable” man. Then he asked if I was Indian. This was the second sign. Its very clear that I am, at least to other Indians. Are you from Gujarat? As if all Indians in US are from Gujarat! And did I have any friends in Jersey? He was visiting someone there and had dropped his wallet in the cab…with ninety dollars in it.

What do you want me to do? If you LOAN me some money I will return it tomorrow. Considering that he was living in Jersey and I north of NYC, it would be logistically difficult. But then the guy looked harried and I did “loan” him a twenty, left my name and number and walked on.

Of course there has been no call from Naresh. 10 seconds after giving him the money I knew he wouldn’t call. He wasn’t there when I looked back as I was walking away.