Uh-oh! I just happened to glance up when another Indian woman walked into the restaurant. Now she caught me looking directly at her. This is awkward.
I was honestly just trying to get the waiter’s attention. She entered my field of vision at that exact moment. Great, now she probably thinks I am one of those people who likes to stare at other Indians. I get so irritated when people turn their heads to scan me, so I hope she knows I wasn’t doing that to her.
Why do Indians love staring at other Indians, anyway? They aren’t even subtle about it. No matter where I am, I can feel the gaze of random Indians, like they are dissecting me, trying to figure out who I’m related to, or who gave me this fabulous blow-dry. Either way, it makes me feel so uncomfortable.
I mean, there are over a billion Indians on this planet, is it really so fascinating to spot another one of us in the wild? It’s not like we’re a rare breed. I definitely will not be someone who perpetuates this kind of stereotype…
Wait! Is she seated at the table directly opposite me? Now I’m always going to be looking in her direction. Should I ask to change tables? I can already tell she is annoyed, thinking that I’m being nosy about who she is. But why do I feel compelled to keep glancing over at her? Didn’t I just vow not to partake in this behaviour?
What’s the protocol now? Should I smile and nod at her to acknowledge that we are both Indian? Do Thai people do this? Do they think, “I spotted another Thai, I must stare until I figure out which plots of land they own!” That seems like it would be tiring.
Maybe I know her from somewhere. She does look familiar. Did we meet at Kiran’s wedding last month? Actually, I wouldn’t remember anyway because that whole wedding was one big, sloppy bar.
Maybe if I quickly peer over at her, I’ll figure out who she’s related to.
Uh-oh!
She caught me looking at her again. I’ll pretend I’m reading the menu so we don’t keep making eye contact.
Did we go to school together? What if I know her from that night I stayed up late stalking random people on Instagram? Although I guess that’s what I do every night. That would be so weird that I think I recognise her, but not from real life.
Or do I think I know her simply because she’s… Indian?
Oops, she noticed me staring again! This menu is so small, it barely shields my face.
But really, who is she? Why is she wearing so much makeup for a Wednesday night dinner? Who are those people she’s sitting with? I’ve never seen them before. Are they from out of town, or am I just out of touch?
I probably shouldn’t pull out my phone because she might assume I’m texting people to gossip about her. This is so uncomfortable, why did she have to come to this restaurant? I didn’t even notice anyone else but suddenly my radar went up instinctively because another Indian is here.
Maybe I’ll go to the bathroom and get a better look when I walk by her table. It’ll be more discreet if I try to catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye.
Uh-oh, now her friends caught me trying to peer at them. They must all think I’m so meddlesome.
Wow, now they are all turning their heads and looking directly at me. I can’t read lips, but they are obviously whispering about who I am.
Gosh, I really hate when other Indians stare at me.