There aren't just tourists in Midtown...

I was standing at southwest corner of 35th Street and 5th Avenue, heading north after picking up some delectable Maui Tacos. The signal to cross appeared, but before I stepped down from the curb I heard an approaching "Aap kahaan sey hain?...."

So I look up, and a tall broad shouldered "uncle", wearing a light gray turban complementing his deep mahogany complexion was walking right towards me. This time his request was bolder and clearly directed my way..."Aap kahaan sey hain?....Punjab??'

I shyly muttered a "nahi", then he asked where I was from. I said "Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh", and his face popped into an "Ohhhh" expression as he rattles off a list of A.P. cities and towns - all I remember is that he ended with Vijayawada. Random indeed.

He then asked me many more questions in a blend of Hindi and Punjabi, which I had to gently interrupt to inform him that I don't understand very much. So he quickly reverted to English and the conversation proceeded..

Man from Punjab (MFP): You know, I see good luck around you?

Me: Huh?

MFP: There is much good luck surrounding you, it is on your path. What is your name?

Me: (hesitantly shared) Hima.

MFP: Ok. Are you married?

Me: No.

MFP: Ok. You will be married very soon. You will find a good boy and get married. This year.

Me: (smiling and gently shaking head) OK. When this year? (figured if he's going to make such claims, he may as well give specifics!)

MFP: (jumps to another subject by unzipping a dusty leather portfolio with papers packed in) Let me show you, I come from Haridwar. This is where I stay, with these people (he shows me what seems to be a class picture, but at a temple).

He pulls something out of his pocket and opens his palm up..I see a marble sized, delicately -carved rich red bead strung, along bright orange threads..

MFP: Take this, it will bring you all of your good luck. Please can you give a donation to support, all of your good luck will come true.

Ah, there it is. But it didn't matter - although I was a bit intimidated at first, there was something about this man that was compassionate and endearing. As I pulled out my wallet, he explained to me what sounded like their fundraising goal, and rolled out a thin strip of white paper that had "Maha"-someting scribbled on it, with the number "101" jotten down below..

I gave him a ten dollar bill - if you consider that a lot, think about how much folks spend on palm readers, astrology readings, and similar good luck charms or other spiritual devices... - either way, it was the first bill I saw and it felt right..
'
He said thank you, and then immediately remarked "No fifty-one dollars?". I found that so random that I laughed, and said "That's what I can give you now". Didn't explain further.

I turned to depart and he called out again, saying "Hey, say golak". I asked him to repeat, but it sounded the same. On the third go it was clear "say good luck" - perhaps he was requesting positive energy from me, as he had imparted with his matrimonial prophecy?

Again I chuckled, and said "Good luck to you". His smile returned in full force and a resounding "Good luck!" came my way.

The signal to cross returned and I headed back up 5th Avenue towards my place, tacos in one hand, unexpected potential Hindu good luck charm in the other =)