Shopaholic's Diary

Today I rediscovered the hidden treasures and earthly delights of good, ole, under-rated MG Road. I definitely spent more money here on one long expedition than I have in any mall or superstore.

First, I found parking immediately. Maybe because it was the unearthly hour of 3pm. Most of Main Street was still shut. That was a damper. I mean, people STILL take off for their siesta??? Apparently Pune hasnt changed all that much!!!

First stop, CT Pundole. ( actually that's coz I was parked just besides their store)and 'hello' to Robin's class mate Hormaz Pundole. Then Half an hour perusing dress watches for my hubby-t-be. I wanted to give him something special, and he's not a jewellery person. Found what I liked within 5 minutes, but did a full chukker to make sure it was 'the one'. Take a peek on D day!!

Fell in love with an exquisite Balmain ladies dress watch but desisted. Control, control, I'm very proud of myself.

Next stop, kolsa Galli. Was actually headed to somewhere on Centre Street, near Mulchand Sweets ( also Robin's classmate and by far the best mithaiwala in town: his ras malai is to DIE for) and Kalidas Gandhi, but stopped opposite my favourite bakery, Persian for a whiff of freah broon and scrummy jam tarts. There stands a little hole in the wall, Lupesh Cloth Centre. My vote goes for it being rechristened "Alladin's cave!!"

Two hours later, and after numerous calls to Rob to get there with the cash ( he had this weird idea that Kolsa Galli accepts plastic, which they don't) I stagger out having purchased a dozen gorgeous saris in a rainbow of colours for all the maids and wives of assistants. There's a deep magenta nav-vari for Susheela bai from #40 Sopan Baug, a bright orange with an exquisite royal rani pink pallu for amma. Carmeline gets deep purple with a haldi coloured pallu. Kumar's new bride get's a pretty pink and purple ( ok, so Im a pink and purple sari person and I have 3 myself). Rust for Sameer's wife. Greens and salmons for the other maids. All in all, a very good haul, with petticoats and fall to match!! I haggle and plead and come away with a darn good deal!

I have also yapped with Sonalie and accomplished much with her on the phone. Who says we cant mulit-task??

I crawl into Persian and regain my energy with a flaky chicken patty from Persian and some pizza base for Alekhya.

I wander back to Pundole, collect the gift, and wave Rob and FIL on their way to buy more booze for the wedding.

I stride towards the mecca of homeware, hans metals and am greeted fondly.The kadhai cannot be repaired. I buy a hardy tawa that the maids wont be able to scrub the teflon coating off. Some steel utensils, a new kadhai on their exchange offer, and wonder of wonders, finally... the perfect flatware. I have been looking for a good set of tableware for over a year, and I finally found a solid german set. AH!!!! What joy!!

I lug the very heavy bag next door to the affable Pradeep at Gulab jewellers and am joined by Rob & his dad. We settle on our wedding bands. K.I.S.S.

Back to the car, depositing more heavy goods onto the seat. The gym bag glares at me and I swear I will rush and get my booty on that circuit.

I call Leila who says she will come in 15 mintues and help me with the upholstery ( I have been desperately trying to get her for the last month or so for this). So I meander down Main street and find:

cotton dresses for nana, from two very frail, sweet old men who spoke in kutchi ( not knowing it's my father's tongue) and they promise to cut the cottons to size and stitich them for me all by tomorrow. They are disappointed I buy only 4.

Flex shoes has white faux leather school keds for Alekhya ( the canvas ones get soaked in the rain , plus we are polishing them all the time). I also peeked into Bata and Liberty but they didnt stock these. I get her white socks, ankle length.

At Dabholkar's I get her what she wants most: a transparent exam board. Yipee!!

I also find her a burberry patterned insulated lunch bag. And munch on a bar of snickers for some energy.

At Yemajee's I gaze at pretty sheer white curtains with girlie pink tulips embroiderd, but give them a pass.

Leila and Ali arrive and we scrounge through Indo- Foreign for new upholstery. I was right, she has exquisite taste and I shall now be 'elegant' instead of good, ole "bohemian". Think teal, taupe, bronze and sand.

We rush to Yemajee's for more fabric. And we're HORRIFIED to find we have FORGOTTEN Ali in Indo - Foreign!!!! ( It's the old case of I -thought-she-was-with-you) Leila dashes back and finds the sprite! Whew!!!!

Left alone, I find more lovely blues and order some more fromthese lovely samples they have. It's a bad, evil place. There s floors of pretty fabrics, in many colours and they have shimmery curtains, deep jacquards, jewel-hued bolts of glistening silks.

I am so happy they give me a huge discount without my even asking for it.


And now I am home and so happy and well- shopped I couldnt do this in a million years. ( I just did one WHOLE DAy with Sheetal....last week)

Tonight I shall dream of my elegant new living room.

Note to self: DO NOT FORGET TO TIE PIGGY UP WHEN I USE THE NEW SOFA COVERS AND CUSHIONS AS HE HAS RIPPED 1 DUVET, 1 BED SPREAD, 1 SHAGGY RUG AND 2 CUSHION COVERS IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS.