Shopping Bonanza

  •   Mon, Jul 01 2024
  •   By Susan D’Souza

July 1, 2024

Shopping Bonanza
It was fun during our childhood,
Way back in 60s, 70s and 80s.
When our parents accompanied us - on a shopping spree for the entire family.
This would be only twice a year,
Especially for school reopening,
And when festival was approaching.

We, as children, hardly gave a thought,
From where the funds would come.
But we were very sure, that dad the only bread earner of the family,
Would provide us the best what we want,
Without listing anything to buy for himself.

The day would arrive to go for shopping,
So much excitement filled the air. Neighbours and relatives too would be welcomed to join us, and the big gang of children and adults, marched to catch the bus to take us to places of Mumbai.
A few to mention - Bandra, Ghatkopar, Dadar, Crowford Market.

At the shops, mothers were at the forefront making the selection,
We as children made a noise,
But soon settled what was chosen by our elders.
Fathers had no other go but to indulge in talking about topics on cricket, their job and political situation prevailing.
Everyone knew to laugh and enjoy,
An outing our mothers all looked forward to from the usual household chores.

When no one could take a decision
To buy from the very first shop we entered. The myth of human nature that the best is yet to come,
So, we keep making a round of shops and sometimes even end up entering the same shop we visited before and make our final purchase.
My witty dad loved to joke at mum
He would ease my mum confusion of which colour material to choose,
He would lovingly tell the shop keeper,
If he has anything in her favourite colour that’s pink, (he would say it in Hindi "Pink Hai?")
As my dad knew well that after all the search my mum would select something in her favourite pink.

Then it was time to fill the belly,
With variety food cooked by the chefs,
Whether it was street food or at a restaurant, we all enjoyed the taste, which was something different - from the daily home cooked dishes, our mothers prepared, which no doubts years later we realised it was the best.

As everything comes to an end,
So also, our shopping Bonanza.
Back we board the bus,
Childlike innocence on our face,
Would love this day to never end.
While each of us reach our destination, back home from where we started our day, yes, we are happy with our bounty of goods which travelled from the shop to our homes.

I would notice the look on my dad’s face, as he only knew the pinch his pocket felt. But yet, he knew how to smile and say - “Enjoy, be happy”, and would spell out loudly “H A P P Y.”

Lastly what he would say to cheer us all is by saying, “what has to happen will happen.”

 

 

 

 
By Susan D’Souza
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Comment on this article

  • Rudolf rodrigues, Valencia, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 03 2024

    Dear Susan, Just a glance of the exclusive pictures exactly reltate with yor thrilling experience when we were in Bombay!! Thanks and expecting more of such content!!

  • Celine Mathias, Melbourne

    Mon, Jul 01 2024

    A very beautiful and sober description of our days of old.. Most of us had only the father as the earning member of the family and yet we used to look forward for a day of shopping at least before Christmas. Shopping was done to fit the budget and make sure we were all happy for the outing on that day. There was this joy and happiness that was visibly palpable on all our faces. Those were the good old days. I am sure all of us as young children enjoyed them. Thanks for your write up Susan. You've chalked it out very well. with a joyful mind. Congratulations and waiting for more of such messages to read. Celine.

  • Alfred Monteiro, Dubai

    Mon, Jul 01 2024

    Susan very well scripted. Hope the next generation too will experience our simple pleasures as we did and the joy in doing the family shopping. May you share many more childhood memories to thrill the elders and bring wow from the youngsters .


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