The Mind Creative APRIL 2015 APRIL 2015 | Page 45

“Heat?” he asked. “Yes,” I said. “You know how things rise as a result of intense heat? Indian summers are dreadful.” He could not control the incredulity that spread across his face as he raised his eyebrows further and realised that his eyebrows had reached their physical limits. Around the same time my mental faculties had also reached their own limits. “Flatulence, possibly? I asked. “Happens to many people.” My yogic neighbour had gone red in the face by then. Before he could reply, a shadow fell across us. It was our Yoga instructor. “Can you please concentrate on the class and not talk during the session?” I apologized and threw a glance at my neighbour. He was scowling at me. I did see him at ongoing sessions but he refused to look at me or take a seat next to me. I continued with my Yoga classes for a while and even did a few sessions on meditation; possibly hoping to float when I combined the two. My body refused to float up but my morale did. Downwards, that is. I gave up Yoga after a couple of months. I am sure my good Indian friend must be floating around by now. Arabs need that floating magic carpet, Indians don’t. One lesson that I have learnt (the very hard way sometimes, I assure you) is that you never ever stop being surprised. The incident that jumps to mind, took place a couple of years ago when I had invited a few of my friends over for dinner. Many people of Indian origin are vegetarians. Based on this rather profound knowledge, I had carefully chosen my guests. Most the chosen ones did partake of seafood if not meat but I was to be proven wrong that evening. 45