American Idioms
Professor Charles Bordogna
CHAPTER 13: After the Movie
(Scene: Sejal, a young woman who recently arrived from India, sits with her brother Dakesh, who has been in the United States for several years).
Sejal: American movies are very different from films in India. The stories here are very diverse. Most films in India have the same story.
Dakesh: This is so true! In the three years that I have been here, I have seen dozens of films, and many were amazingly interesting. By the way, if you would like to go out with Kumar, the young man who works with me at the store, I can fix you up. He is very up and coming.
Sejal: I should like that, but would he want to have a date with me?
Dakesh: When he saw you the other day, you made his head spin. He'd love to take you out but he believes that it's out of the question. He's still only a clerk, and you've only been here for a few months, but he was quick to fall for you.
Sejal: Arrange for him to come to your house. Once we've spoken together, I will be able to tell if I really would like to go on a date with him.
Dakesh: You could always back out. In fact, if you're still not certain after meeting him, leave it open. I'd like to see you go out and loosen up. Here we do not have our parents watching over us like mother hens.
Sejal: You date without notifying our parents?
Dakesh:When in Rome.... If they found out about half of what I've done here, they would be shocked, not that I have led a wild life! Here, dating is your own thing. Parents step aside and mind their own business.
Sejal: You lie to them?
Dakesh: I simply throw them a curve.
Sejal: What do you mean?
Dakesh: Simply this, I've adapted some American styles. There are ways to date without making waves or stirring up the waters!
Sejal: And our parents don't know?
Dakesh: What they don't know won't hurt them. Certain things are better left unsaid. I am becoming an American!
Sejal: That I can see, but what about me?
Dakesh: That is up to you.