Surprise in store
Moving into a new locality can have its share of uncertainties as well as light moments as a friend discovered recently. Having shifted to his new rented flat in New Friends Colony, the friend along with his roommate was just beginning to get used to the new surroundings and new neighbours when he noticed an elderly lady walk into the house opposite theirs.
Thereafter in the course of the coming days the friend noticed the same elderly woman often entering or leaving the house and one particular elderly gentleman always answering the door. Observing this pattern, the friend sadly concluded that living next door to an elderly couple, his loud parties would have to come to a standstill.
However, while discussing his apprehensions with his landlord, the friend realised how off the track he was because as it turned out that the old lady seen visiting the house was not the aged gentleman's wife but actually a cook for three elderly bachelors living in that flat. Relieved on hearing this news, the friend couldn't help smiling and it was then that the landlord said: “Instead of worrying about keeping your volume levels down during your house parties you can probably invite these three gentlemen over to join you in your revelry. They would only be glad to!”
Manisha Jha
Food destination
Dilli Haat opposite INA Market is fast becoming the favourite destination of not only souvenir hunters but also foodies who want to try out the cuisine of different States.
A friend from Bhubaneswar, who has been staying in the Capital for the past three years, had been unsuccessfully scouting for authentic Oriya food in the city until someone recommended him to try out Dilli Haat.
Braving the cold weather over the weekend, he landed at Dilli Haat and within minutes his search ended. The second last food stall in the food and crafts bazaar had traditional Oriya cuisine.
Oriya cuisine is an amalgamation of spices and local ingredients. Manager Deepam Shah informed him that sea food had come all the way from the famous Chilka lake in Orissa.
While savouring Chingudi malai curry (prawns with rich Oriya spices) and kukuda jhola (chicken cooked with spices and egg), the friend soaked in the atmosphere and was transported back to the sight and smell of his native place.
Madhur Tankha
New buses, old ways
The new low-floor buses are a blessing for the citizens of the Capital. However, a friend discovered much to her chagrin that in some aspects a few of these buses are not much different from the Blueline buses which are now a rare sight on the roads.
The friend was travelling in a green low-floor bus and had not managed to get a seat for herself. Luckily for her, she had a pole for support since the bus was taking dangerously sharp turns and was progressing at a breakneck speed. With every swing and turn of the bus, the standing passengers fell on each other. The friend made her way to the front of the bus when she saw that the bus stop she was to get off at was drawing near. To her utter surprise, the driver showed no signs of slowing down and had to be yelled at by the passengers to stop. The driver slowed down somewhat so that passengers could get down, however the bus remained in motion. The angry friend yelled at him as she was getting off. There was no response from the driver as the bus zoomed off on its dangerous course.
Urvashi Sarkar
