Faith - Written by Aleya Jung
Faith Written By: Aleya Jung (Read about Aleya on contributor section) Paresh Bhai looks at me quizzically; I have close-cropped hair, earrings, a tattoo of a dragon on my forearm, dark brown complexion, minimal accent and I am reasonably well built. I correctly assume he cannot place me. “You from India” he inquires while nodding his head from side to side, I nod in an affirmative. “From Where, Dilli”? “Bombay” “What cashte” he shoots through gutka infested teeth “No Caste” I reply “Meanz” again quizzically, in utter disbelief, stupefied! “Well I have a Muslim Background,” I say resignedly Paresh Bhai’s fears are allayed. “It is ok to be Mohammedan” he signs off. Among Indians, it is unheard of not having as they say “cashte” I know what they mean, they mean to ask what religion, but are used to saying caste due to its existence that goes back many centuries. I believe my Father had a big row with the authorities at the time of my school admission- he was not allowed to leave the