Where are you from?

I hate that question. I really do. I don’t mind answering those typical double-edge questions like “Have you quit smoking?”. But I hate answering that question. Why? Ok lets see the reasons.

1. My mother tongue is Marati. Does that make me a Maharashtrian? I wonder.

2. I was born in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. Does that make me an Andhraiite? I wonder.

3. I have practically lived most of my life in Chennai. Does that make me a Tamil? I wonder.

Now when somebody asks me that simple question “Where are you from?” I start having withdrawal symptoms. My tongue goes dry. I have a lump in my throat. And then I start rattling my history. Half way through the lecture the other person gets disinterested and seemingly kicks himself/herself for asking me that simple question. I do not show any kindness and continue till I have explained my inherited lineage.