Summary

In “Neech,” Rajiv took a trip as a test of his Hindi skills and of his blood (66). Carrying his grandfather’s autobiography with him, he traveled to his ancestors’ village. He was shocked by how welcoming everyone was. Aware of his family’s history in the region, they had been waiting for his visit. Finally he felt “he had come home” (73). However, when they showed him a picture of a man they believed was his grandfather, Rajiv was crushed. The man was not his relation. They insisted he was mistaken, inviting him to return for an extended stay. Rajiv had lied to them about his caste, and now felt like an “ill-begotten” imposter (79). He left knowing he would never return.

In “Ganga Water,” Rajiv “had so many questions” he wanted answered before leaving India (84). Shortly before departing, he turned in his theses...