Life’s simple pleasures

Had a chance meeting with an old friend of mine and had a heavy 3 course meal in a fancy Andhra restaurant on TTK road. Walking thereafter on St. Mary’s road I saw a ‘Soan Papdi’ cart (as seen in the photo above, courtesy: The Hindu) outside a school.

It reminded me of a simpler time. I couldn’t resist the urge to buy some. To the shock of my friend, I quickly dashed across the main road and mingled with the school kids in uniform and soon bought a big paper twist of the popular sweet from my school days.

Even the kids were surprised to see me at the que. I was even happy when one said “Nowrunga Anna!” and pushed me aside and jumped the line! Soon I was happily digging into my sweet by the side of the road, leaning on my friend’s car unmindful of the alarming traffic at the busy junction.

As I was enjoying the simple pleasure of a young/innocent school boy, I noticed people behind branded sunglasses in swanky AC cars looking at me with envy! I wonder what was stopping them from getting down and buying soan papdi!

The meal in the fancy restaurant cost me Rs. 1,350/- for two, the huge paper twist of soan papdi cost me only Rs. 15/- I bet you all know which made me happier