The Princess and I

Today was a pretty awesome day. It started with me waking up at an appropriate time (read: not too early, not too late), getting dressed and going to the library. I got to read some absolutely wonderful Iqbal and drank the mango juice that I love. Then, 5pm rolled around and I grabbed my books, bag and coffee, hailed a cab, and went to the Asia Society.

Now, if you know me, or have read RFS thoroughly, you'll know that a lot of my work focusses on Hindu Nationalism. I'm in the process of determining my thesis topic, but it'll focus on a specific aspect of the phenomenon during the time of Partition. So, when I found out that the BJP's (a Hindu nationalist/fundamentalist political party) ex-Minister for External Affairs/Defence/Finance was going to be speaking at the Asia Society on his book on Muhammad Ali Jinnah, I jumped with excitement. I'd always liked Jaswant Singh the most from all the BJP politicians, and was excited to hear him live.

There was a book signing after the event and I stood in line with my book (that I'd purchased when it had come out, unlike almost everyone there who'd just bought it that evening). When it was my turn, I gave the lady behind me my camera and asked her to take a picture of Mr. Singh and me. I went up to the ex-Minister and told him I was working on Hindu nationalism during Partition. He smiled, pointed at the book as if to say - well, read this then, and asked me what my name was. The lady didn't get the picture (don't trust old women with an iPhone!) but it's ok.

All excited, I left the building and went to hail a cab. No-one would stop. Finally, this black cab stopped. He asked me where I was going, and I told him. He told me he was going that way and to get in. I asked him how much, and he said - for you, nothing. I got a bit creeped out and refused. Then he said, I'm serious. I'm going to see my girl and I'll drop you off on the way. But if you want, you can pay me for gas. Anyway. I figured, why not? And got in.

We started talking. His name was Jerry. Jerry told me that he was a driver for a Saudi princess, and that he'd just finished work and was heading home. He then proceeded to tell me that he worked 12hour shifts for a black cab company, earned at least $1000 a day (not including tips) and once got paid $800 for going to the Hamptons and back to get a CEO's sneakers that he'd forgotten at home. He also told me that I was sitting in the spot that the Saudi princess sat in usually.

Anyway, so Jerry dropped me home and I asked him how much the gas had cost, to which he turned around, looked at me and laughed. He said, hey don't worry about it. It's my good deed of the day. It was late and you were alone. Here's my number and if you ever need a black cab, let me know.

I said thank-you, asked him to give my regards to the Princess and to have a great evening, and went home exhilarated at having just had a pretty sweet evening. Jaswant Singh and a great conversation with a nice person.

Only in NYC folks, only in NYC.