All Indian parents who see their children off to the Western world have a few fears and the following orders:

Do not eat beef. (The sacred cow is your mother!)

Do not get too friendly with foreign people; you cannot trust them. Remember what the English did to us.

Cook at home; there is no reason to eat out and waste money.

Save money.

Save money.

Save money.

DO NOT FIND YOURSELF SOME FOREIGN MAN/ WOMAN TO MARRY.

Even though the “do not marry a foreigner” order would usually be last on the list, it was the most important one on the list. Any of the other sins the parents could live with; a foreign daughter- or son-in-law was blasphemous.

“If they try to get you married to some nice Indian boy, remember that there’s no such thing and you’re engaged to a nice American man who dotes on you,” Nick joked.

“According to them you’re just another corrupt Westerner and I’d be better off with a nice Indian boy,” I countered.

“I’m sure you’ll convince them otherwise,” Nick said, and then hugged me. “You’ll be fine. They’ll yell and scream for a while and then… What can they do? You’re a grown woman.”

“Maybe my plane will crash and I won’t have to tell them at all,” I said forlornly, and he kissed me, laughing.

Nick waved when I looked back at him after I crossed security and entered the international terminal.

I waved back, the brave soldier that I was, and walked toward the plane that was going to take me home to India, mangoes, and hopefully HAPPINESS.

Part One – Raw Mangoes

Avakai (South Indian Mango Pickle)

5 cups sour mango pieces (medium sized)

1 cup mustard seed powder

1 cup red chili powder

1 cup salt

a pinch of turmeric powder

1 teaspoon fenugreek seed powder