From: raj@news.cs.odu.edu (M. P. Krishna Raj)
Subject: Privom Santhipom Episode 2
Originator: raj@opium.cs.odu.edu
Organization: Old Dominion University Dept. of CS, Norfolk VA
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1992 23:20:40 GMT



                   PRIVOM  .....   SANTHIPOM
                     
         
                             Part II
                            Episode 2



(Last episode: Raghu was awaiting for someone whom he never met before to
pick him up from JFK at night. Meenampakkam, then Bombay..and now
this this great Newyork airport.)

  Airport itself looked like a city.  From terminal to terminal shuttle
buses were droping passengers with hydraulic doors. Outside the glass walls
cars were chasing cars by cars. The side planes are stashed as in toy shop. 
Lamps  are piercing like diamond needles. Free telephones for hotels
are awaiting for callers all over the wall. Marble eyed kids wearing
"I LOVE NEWYORK" T shirts sitting on the perambulator. Flame haired 
White female walking with pointed heel. Threaded haired, black female in
male dress walking with a bushy dog. People in all colors of the world.


  Raghu was sitting embracing his suit case. Outdoors may be chilly.
In a distant tall tower cars are stacked as  grocery. Horizon was well 
lit by the City.

" Neethanappa Raghupathi"
(Are you Raghupathi)

Raghupathi turned. " I have identified you momentarily. How are you?.
Is it raining in India thrice a month? How is Indira Gandhi? What about
MGR?"

Raghu stood on his legs. He may be around forty. Adjusted his bald held 
by combing. Wearing T shirt which proclaimed him as ET with Jeans and 
snickers.

" I am Mohan Ram. I have worked with your father. How is Govinda raj?"


"He is fine Sir. I have troubled you much"

"Driving car in America is not a trouble. Even if it is strain, so what?
Don't embarrass me with your formality. Hurry up. I have parked the car in
a wrong place. If I park in a lot it will take half an hour"


His car was long with light emitting on all the sides. Mohan threw the
luggage on the back seat. "Good heavens!Police didn't notice the car
 luckily otherwise it would have been towed.
We should not park here. Wear the seat belt"

Raghuapthi saw the odometer showing 60 miles instantaneously

"Where you got your admission"

"NewYork University, Sir. Graduate School of Business Administration."

"Business Admistration. Fantastic.! What about assistance?"

"Nothing, Sir. Not yet. They have told that they will give. Father will
manage for one semester."

 
"It will be tough. Will be very costly. Fees will be less in Texas"

"Here also, it is not much. There are chances for assistantships too.
Besides I will work in campus"

"Will you do dish washing"

" Sure"

"What you are looking at. This is  NewYork"

Raghu unable to see the top of the buildings even leaning  from the car.

"Amazing ,Sir"

Neon lamps were dancing, 1000 lights in squares. Indigo blue sky pierced by
concrete spears. Six lane traffic at 60 mile speed touching bumper to
bumper.

" Feel nervous , Sir. Right side driving and this much speed."

" But it is easy to drive car here than in India"

"What will happen if tires burst"

"Instant Heaven! Don't worry. We have fit good tires. Where is your
school."

"Church and Thames Street. Do you know that"

" we can enquire about that. It is within NewYork. (I doubt) What you are
going to learn here"

"Why ?"

"This city has so many dangerous things. See there.. She is awaiting"

One female was standing, wearing bright dress and smoking cigarette.

"Hooker"

"Whatdoes that mean"

" You need that very first day"

" Where are you residing?.Sir"

" Across the Statten Island. Govinda Raj's son going to study
Business Admn. Very good. Very good. I also joined in that project
like your father. If I have continued, I would be still junior engineer
with salary of 700 rupees." He laughed." Some months I pay 700 $ for
telephone"

Green lights flashed the entrance and Mohanram slowed the car.
"We have to pay toll. Dollar and quarter! NewYork city is popper...
They will demand money for everything. I need to cross this everyday.
So I purchased token". Car entered into a great bridge. 


" Verasona bridge. World's longest suspension bridge. 4260 feet"  

Raghu looked with awe ,express way, through way, parkway...

"You will accustom with this in few daca. You y?n drive.
Even Mammies (orthodox tamil ladies) are driving.

" Are there lot of indians around here?"

" Many, Gujarathis, Sardarjis are numerous."

" tamilians"

" They are. As usual formed three tamil sangams. Pillaiyar (Ganesh) temple.
Seshagopalan concert. Bhagyaraj films in Video. .. and quarelling happily.   
Do you know anybody"

Raghu told himself, I know only one female, but said, "None"


  Mohanram's house was located in serene outskirt area. 
" Sit down. Do you want scotch or something . or
thayirsadaham (curd rice) straight away."

" No sir .. OK sir".

" No for what ,Yes for what"

" I will take rice"

" Good! But get used to meat quickly. This is hell for vegetarians.
If you eat pizza always you will get mad"

Large house with big hall,basement,bed room , guestroom etc,. Entire
house is carpetted. Big television, kitchen ...
" First Curd rice for you. What are you looking at."

" House is very large.Sir"

"Yes. It is too much for one person. You may stay here until you get into
dormitory or apartment."

"Are you living alone, Sir"

"Yes, Raghu, For the past one year"

Mohanram was calm for some moments. Raghu don't want ask further about his
personal life.

"Good! Let`s have Thairsadam and OOrkai! He served in china ware.
Raghu relished it very much. "You like it".


"Divine, Sir!". A photograph of two smiling kids on the fridge.

"Selvam and Neena, My lovely children"

"Are they out of Station"

"No, They are with their mother! will come to me
only in the week ends."

His eyes moistened. He smiled and then said " I am glad you 
called me ..I got bored staying alone..This house is very large
for myself. You may stay as long as you wish. Sure.. Don't want some
scotch?...." .

"Hmm.. Now you feel better. How is your father? He is a very good man.
How he is surviving in India. May We (U.S settled indians) return to India.
What is your plan after finishing your M.B.A.?"

" I will return.Sir"

" Are you going to get commensurable job. Settle here. This is a land of
opportunities...Money..Fun"

"Father had strictly told me to return after completion"

"You won't return if you live here for two years..Take my case..
Every year I am thinking about returning.. For the past 12 years.
I didn't go. This nation is like drug. Once  accustomed it is difficult
to leave. When I am watching silly shows on T.V at midnight I feel
like returning to MutharaNalloor, I earned enough ,let me take plunge in
Kaveri.. Next morning. My mind will change. U.S is like that. Millions
of people are coming every year.. Very few are returning.This city has
every heaven..Every gutter.. But it is difficult to leave this"


"Let me see. Sir. I feel the Jet Lag"

"Are you feeling  sleepy"

"Is it Day or Night now?"

"Mid Night..Watch T.V for sometime. Want some milk. .. I am going
to make a directory of Tamilians in America. How shall I pass the
time. I have to forget the misery.

He emptied the glass of whisky in one gulp. "See .What is your name?
I have forgetten"

He emptied the glass of whisky in one gulp. "See .What is your name?
I have forgetten"

"Raghupathi, Sir"

"Have you ever loved someone?"

                                        (Thodarum)


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