Caught In Hindi Now

The driver didn’t look up. "Panch minute."

I looked at the constable. "How much is the fine?" I asked, still in English. caught in hindi

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." The driver didn’t look up

Instead, I smiled. "Chandni Chowk."

I understood fragments. Father. Owner. Know. But the rest slipped through my fingers like water. caught in hindi

I had meant: Don't fine him. But what came out was: Don't give him. I had accused the driver of something. I had become the enemy.

Then the police whistles started.