My Indianness

and what I miss about HOME...

I still like dahi and pickles with my food. Food that I eat with my hands
I am still a sucker for formulaic Bollywood movies
I still like to massage my hair with hot oil the night before and I still use Parachute coconut oil
I still wish there weren’t many driving rules and that I could stop and quickly turn around if I happen to miss a turn instead of waiting for a darn exit.
I still prefer threading over waxing
I still crave for a ‘bai’
I still prefer to stop in the middle of the road and ask for directions rather than not or rely on the GPS.
I still miss having a 'dhobi'
I still miss 'home delivery'of basic groceries
I still prefer 'mitha paan' or 'supari' over any fancy dessert

OK I gotta stop.

I took the oath to the flag of my new country yesterday. Yes I am NO longer the owner of an Indian passport. A decision I made after much contemplation and deliberation. A decision I came to after I realized that the pros outweigh the cons. It hasn't sunk in as yet but soon will.
This new status will perhaps make my life here in the US a little less complicated but it will not take my identity away. My individuality which is a result of my upbringing, travailties, experiences, interactions and associations. My essence- who I am, fundamentally.
It defines me and my core, my Indianness and no official documentation or formal ceremony will take that away from me.