Shopping for one of my first wedding saris at Boyonika (the shops were almost about to close since we could go only after my Pishi could finish work), the first kurta he bought me and I wore the first Puja we went out together, the first and only Chanderi I have, the first sari my mother-in-law bought for my sister-in-law one Puja before she got married (we chose a Maheshwari), my wedding almirah from the Godrej store bought months ahead to grab the best deal. All this and more at the first “mall’ I knew. Tea at Dolly’s, trinkets and knick-knacks at Silence, more trinkets in the stalls outside, dokra and terracotta gifts at Manjusha, kalamkari at Lepakshi, dress materials at Gurjari, photua shirts at Khadi, shoes and bags at Khadim’s or Exclusive…phuchka or alur dum outside, Hajmola tea on the steps or plays at Madhusudan Mancha… Thy name is Dakshinapan.
The green south cotton I wore today is from this treasure trove as well. It belongs to my sister-in-law Sarmistha, a gift from her mother. The blouse (a perfect match with the border) is also from there. It came with a Venkatgiri my Ma had bought me from Lepakshi one anniversary.
The earrings are a favourite. Bought when Fabindia launched its jewellery collection.