New Year Notes from Connaught Place

Dec 31. Connaught Place. It’s winter but it feels like spring because – it seems – the harshest day is over.  The crowds are swarming, getting set for the revelry ahead.  Pretty young women everywhere, in giggly groups. Some in practiced gaits. Long stockings, large earrings. Gauche, sprightly young men in leather and other trendy jackets, with eager attitudes.  Many move in groups of three or four. Old eateries offer new ware while there are new ones opening just in time to get a good start.  Around the long-pillared Lutyensian corridors there are young evangelists  with leaflets who seem to be proselytizing people to other culinary religions – while some religions embrace the practice of others. Haldiram’s now serves kathi rolls. Café Coffee Day promises large burgers. Is this because a spanking new church called the Burger King has opened down the corridor?

The large tricolor flutters across the circular road in the Central Park, its large flagpole imposing, and here outside the corridor, there is an old beggar standing bow-legged. His legs have white bandages matching the colour of his moustache. Everybody seems to be oblivious to him. Girls with shiny hair, long boots and infectious laughs pass by. “Mujhe balloon chahiye!” one cries out to somebody. Presumably her boyfriend. A little urchin boy in a bright red sweater is blowing a paper bugle, like it was a conchshell. “Uncleji,” he tries to attract one. This is some innovative begging with attitude. Kind of cute.

Yonder the corridor, there is a strange sight. Girl with bright lipstick  seems to  be having a pleasant argument with a Starbucks barista over some tip or something, well outside the café. “There is a short story in this, “ I tell myself.  Did she tip him more than he could imagine because she is in a good mood?

 There is a new-new Sbarro on the other side, with lots of combo offers. I walk in on an impulse to check the menu. The place smells of oregano, garlic and tomatoes. There is a live pasta counter, sizzling with stuff as showman chefs toss up their ware.  And the song brings back decades old memories. This one.

Happy New Year!