28 September 2008

They are from Punjab

She was beautiful. As I walked through the market, hurriedly picking out fresh veggies I spotted her and a male companion that I can assume is her husband. She was dressed in her traditional clothes, a knee long blouse that had hand stitched designs and shiny things with a loose pants that matched. She had a long scarf wrapped around her neck that had the same stitching but of a different cloth. Her large nose ring shone in the sun and her long black hair was tied with a ponytail of the cloth of her scarf. I didn't want to stare but I wanted to take her in. She was graceful and intelligent as she showed for produce and I was awestruck. For a moment I wished I was her.

I found the courage to talk to her. I told her I thought she was beautiful and I asked her where she was from. Her accent was thick honey. I want to learn about her world. But it was a breakthrough just to talk to her. Thanks Reema for the advice. Maybe next time I meet an Indian sister I will be able to overcome my shyness and really step forward in friendship. I don't want her and other like her to think that I am rude and prying, because I am sincere.
I googled Punjab... what a place!

5 comments:

Reema said...

That long blouse is called kurta or kameez and that loose pants are called salwar. :) U r welcome dear. I dont think she will think u r prying. We Indians are used to what u call prying and we like doing small talk even with strangers!

Unknown said...

I read your article on sikhchic.com and it warmed my heart.You have written with such sincerity.Yes,Reema is right..prying is a word rarely used in our culture.The third part of the outfit which is something like a veil but generally draped across the shoulders is called a dupatta...an addition to the garment that signifies modesty!

Beth said...

Interesting! How did my article get there? Thanks for pointing out the website to me satinder! Welcome to my blogsphere, I hope to hear more from you.

Thanks Reema, Know I have news words in my vocabulary. I have a Kurta and any time I wear it people always say they love my "Indian Blouse".

I think my timidity comes because many of the Indian people I see are business owners and they seem to be very gruff, but maybe that is because they are busy. Next time I go shopping I will try to strike up a conversation.

Leonardo Melendez said...

Saw your article on sikhchic.com too. Interesting write.

Beth said...

And what, may I ask, were you doing on sikhchic.com Leo? I am very curious...