You rock my world!

There are 8 families living in our apartment building. An Afro-American couple, a single white guy, a Chinese couple, two college students, a white family, a Nigerian with his blonde wife, an elderly Indian who lives alone and us-Together we  have representation from all age groups and race.

 We exchange smiles if we happen to meet on the stairs but we are not overtly friendly with each other. The Nigerian is quite friendly. He maintains a vegetable garden and distributes vegetables to everyone. But overall we just mind our business. This suits me fine. I find it very taxing to fake friendliness. If you live in an Indian-dominated area, you will be constantly invited to kitty-parties, get together parties or you are expected to be friendly with everyone around. I think that’s a fun life…but I don’t have the temperament to live that way.

 Yesterday evening, when I was just heating the tava to fry some eggs…the apartment started shaking- An earthquake! Saif and I look at each other…and then Saif immediately ran out to check what’s happening. I turned the gas off…and followed him. The Nigerian guy was running out with the kid. Near the steps, I saw the scared faces of all my neighbors. We looked at each other with worried faces….and then giggled self consciously. The single white guy took a look at my pink fluffy slippers and gave me a smile. We were too scared and self-conscious to make small talk.We all stood there in silence. Many people had come out of their apartments and neighbors were meeting for the very first time.There were people on the streets asking whether everyone was ok and I could hear a few excited voices making uncomfortable jokes.

 
I suddenly remembered reading about the San Francisco 140 yr earthquake circle. Every 140 years SF is hit by a major earthquake and we are due again for a big one. Two weeks ago I had laughingly told my mom about it. She had replied “Be careful!”…and we both had laughed at how ridiculous that advice was! When the earth beneath you shakes… you just can’t be careful!

 I ran back into the house to get a coat. Saif came back. It was over. Saif hugged me and quipped “There is an earthquake and memsaab is worried about her new coat!”

 
I called my mom. It felt great to listen to her calming voice. I was shaking. My first earthquake was over.

 Later I thought about the scared faces of my neighbors. Maybe I should get to know them better.