The constable laughed — a short, dry sound. "Angrez chala gaya, desi reh gaya," he said to the driver. The Englishman has left, but the native remains. Then to me, in slow, cruel Hindi: "Aap ghar bhool gaye, sahab?" Have you forgotten your home, sir?
A constable materialized from the dust, mustache bristling. He didn't look at me. He looked at the rickshaw’s missing tail-light. "Challan. License." caught in hindi
He nodded. And for the first time, he didn't hear an accent. He just heard a destination. The constable laughed — a short, dry sound
At the next light, the driver glanced back. "Kahan jaana hai?" The constable laughed — a short
The constable cut him off. "Bolna mat. Paisa ya jail."
Five minutes. I could do five minutes.
Instead, I smiled. "Chandni Chowk."