It was Aug 2, a Saturday. I was reluctant to go to office, but was bound to give the status of one clients’ work. The day was boring as I was alone and working. I finished my assigned job by 7 something in the evening and was heading for a BMTC bus. I thought would fill myself with some omlettes and some juice.
There he was. The man without a religion.
Since couple of weeks , I had observed that there were many South Korean trainees who flocked our campus. Deep white complexion, tiny eyes, shiny hair and were speaking “God-knows-what-words”. They were very happy and full of high spirits who always moved in groups and never cared for rest of the world.
But this guy was alone. Was eating sandwich and drinking lassi. He was lanky, hair was lengthy.He had worn red jacket, a low-waist jeans and a boot. It was fun to watch him drink lassi :)
I was done. And I kept myself busy, Big 10 bus, a window seat. Within few minutes bus was occupied. And this lanky dude entered the bus and sat next to me and threw a smile. I smiled back. Yeah, I can work on Saturdays and still smile :).
Within no time we became friends. He introduced himself to be Lee @#$@#$. Yeah I dint get his surname. He also told that he is from @!?@#$, a place near Seoul, South Korea. And I introduced myself in the same format.
Well, I started off. I asked him about India and whether he liked India and Blore. First thing he told me was that, he liked that people here had a religion and he dint have one. He also gave examples Hindus, Muslims, Catholics and religion with turban (he meant Sikhs). He it seems wasn’t aware about who god was before. When ever he said god, he pointed sky that seemed funny to me. I must appreciate Lee had done his homework about Bangalore very well. He had “Google-earthed” for Bangalore. Not just that he even remembered some of neighboring states of Karnataka. We discussed about politics, Farming, Education, English and our enemies.We had lot of things in common. I had to tell him that Pakistan was once our own part and we had partition followed. The similar thing also existed between South and North Koreans. Lee was surprised to know that Indians and they shared Independence Day on Aug. 15. Bus was moving and people were staring at us.
“Anjeng” was their hello, he said to me. And he liked me for pronouncing it right. He asked me to pronounce some more words/phrases which meant “I am cool”, “ I love you”, and “Bye”. In return I taught some filmy words, “ Maa..! main aaya “, “Hey Bhagwaan” and our own “Namastey”. Lee was impressive with pronunciation.
We changed the bus at Silk board to Marthalli. We were seated in last seats of a BMTC bus. He was all smiling and asked me to join for party at M.G.Road, from which point we started chatting about food. It seems he liked Indian food , Parothas with chicken kebabs , Indian Chicken Biriyani. He also asked me if ever I come to their place I should try “Mee-Chi”. It was his favorite Korean dish. I am sure no Indian would like it coz it’s made of dog’s inner organs… I was about to puke: D
“What you guys do on weekends?” I asked for which Lee answered, that they roamed M.G. and Brigade Roads, went for shopping, boozed and of course watched Indian girls. (No matters to what country they belong to, Boys are boys, Rock stars: P) Yeah he liked our girls for their “dressing sense”. “They have certain charm hidden in their eyes, which is lacking in Korean feminine eyes” he commented. He said he recently broke up with his gal and was pursuing his career instead.
“How it’s in India to get married?”.
“Well it’s a tedious one. First of all the couple should belong to same religion, same caste. Then they should be speaking same language. After that, their horoscope should match. And then, parents of the couple on either side should agree. Then extra caution is taken from bride’s side for bridegroom’s behavior, like the latter doesn’t booze or smoke. And bridegroom’s side demands dowry to which brides owe. You know it’s complicated”.
“I don’t understand one thing here”
“What’s that?”
“If such restrictions are there in India to get married, then how come you are leading country for population?”
I am still thinking about it….!
