3 A New Way Of Greeting

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Hint: an expression of greeting used on meeting a person

2:25 AM

Thinking back to the time when he had first met the British officer, in his father's chamber, Prince Devdutt had stopped in his footsteps. He wasn't accustomed to seeing any of the courtiers, even Rajguru ji, make themselves so comfortable, almost at-home, in his royal chamber. King Amarendra was a kind and tolerant man but a towering personality, nonetheless - commanding reverence from his subjects, allies and foes. The royal chamber was strictly a place of business for the King and was off-limits even to his loved ones. Devdutt had wondered why the King had allowed the officer to sit across him, with his legs crossed - unassuming and so sure of himself.

The King, who seemed to be amid a casual conversation with the officer, had heard Devdutt's footsteps and had stood up to receive him. He had smiled and gestured him to come say hello. Devdutt, remembering the look he'd seen in the officer's eyes, had hesitated for a few moments but had yielded to his father's wishes to appear obedient in front of the officer. He had bowed his head, put his palms together and said, "namaste". The British officer had thrust his right hand forward instead.

Devdutt, amused with the officer's gesture, had looked to his father for an explanation. The King had laughed so hard and tousled his hair before demonstrating the proper way to shake the officer's hand. "Open your palm and put out a firm hand. Now look the officer in the eye and shake his hand for a moment," his father had said. Devdutt had dutifully followed the King's instructions and shook the officer's hand.

The officer was tall, well-built and had large hands with hair the colour of wheat or maize beard. His own hands were so much smaller in comparison and the colour of his skin and hair were several shades darker. Devdutt, upon noticing the stark differences between their physical appearances, had felt insignificant, even ashamed for a moment. He had never felt so inadequate before. Since his childhood, Ma and Dai Ma had teased him for having been a few shades darker than them. But it had never bothered him. He was 'gehua' - the complexion of wheat grain, whereas Ma and Dai Ma were like 'malai' - cream of milk (fairer in comparison) complexion.

Devdutt had taken a few steps back and stood behind his father, as if to shield himself from this 'fair devil'. Sure, he'd felt uneasy when their eyes had met outside the court, but the handshake had made him feel even worse. He had tried to leave the chamber without his father's permission, but the King, unaware of his state of mind, had asked him to stay for a while longer. Devdutt had closed his eyes and envisioned Lord Hanuman for comfort. When he opened his eyes, he was amazed at the sight of another white man in the chamber.

Devdutt was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed the Englishman standing in the corner of the chamber. The Englishman's clothes and disposition had seemed mild and approachable in comparison to the officer's. His presence had no impact in the air inside the chamber, yet, he had been there all along, easing both parties into a promising conversation for the purpose of lucrative trade. Devdutt's face had broken into a smile upon seeing the translator. He had put his hands together again, in solemn salutation and the Englishman had mirrored his action.

The King had noticed his son's lack of interest in their conversation and had dismissed him. Devdutt had wandered off to his chamber, still thinking about the handshake. He'd wondered why he was supposed to grasp the hand firmly and look an 'older man' in the eye. Guru ji had always stressed on bowing down or prostrating before an elder, regardless of their status. "One must submit to the greatness of the elder's soul, their stature and their contributions to this world, our world, with utmost humility." Ordinarily, the King would have been infuriated at such impropriety, but on this occasion, he had encouraged it. Was it because the officer was oblivious to Indian customs? Or was it that he had wanted to impose his customs upon us? Whatever the reason, Devdutt had decided to observe them closely to learn more about their culture.

He had then returned to his chamber and practiced the handshake in front of the mirror. It was amusing indeed.