Summary

The short story “Chameleon” by Ranbir Sahota begins with the main character Rita reflecting on how she has always considered herself white, even though she comes from an Indian family. Rita lives in England and has an English boyfriend named Mark. They both hide their relationship from their parents. Rita hides the relationship because her parents don’t approve of Rita having a white boyfriend who does not share their values.

While visiting her parents, Rita gets a call from Mark, who tells her that his mother is not happy with him dating an Indian woman. Upset, Rita turns against her parents, teasing them about the possibility of having a white boyfriend.

Rita’s parents want her to marry a respectable Indian man, and her mother arranges a meeting with Mrs Methi’s nephew. Initially, Rita refuses and leaves her parents’ house. Rita recall...