The dreams are two-toned: braided earrings, bamboo patterned bangles, rhodium coating surfacing here and there on the jewellery, we must choose elite neck wear, those Khazana types are so passe says the friendly voice that floats overhead. L wakes up to an early sunrise; the sun is in a hurry too. Fresh filter coffee is offered to the husband and purchasing plans are slyly weaved into the first conversation. Or the plans are explained bluntly, I shall go and make my selection. Will you come along later or shall I swipe the add-on to your card? Or independent woman L announces, I am going jewellery shopping today. Let me see if I find a matching ring for you.

Traffic jam at 7:30 in the morning. L swears softly and waves aside passers-by in impatience. Or L smiles and waits patiently, dreaming of diamonds; but wait, isn’t the auspiciousness only for gold? When in doubt one must call an expert and who better informed on market trends than grandpa. Of course the pick of the year is platinum. Don’t you read The Hindu? fumes grandpa as she disturbs his morning newspaper reading ritual. I don’t know why you and that grandson of mine insist on reading The Indian Express. L thinks of saying suda suda news or something equally cheesy in defence of The New Indian Express but she lets the urge pass. So many patterns to keep in mind, so many shops to walk in and out of. And the crowds! Good Lord, she mutters as she finds the road packed with policemen. I am sure The Hindu would have mentioned special bandobast. She hurries in the direction of GRT, oh no, not that crowded one in Usman Road, but the new one in North Usman. Maybe, just maybe, after buying the rhodium coated bangles she will cross the road to Sundari Silks and find a matching saree to wear it with.

You should always walk and shop in Usman Road, someone had warned her years ago. Never catch an auto just outside a jewellery shop, another had said. Always remove the cover bearing the shop logo and tuck in the gold in the handbag a third had taught her. She ran through her warning list as she walked to the GRT entrance. Good Morning madam, what would you like to see?

Good Morning madam, are you going to get up or not? Give me good filter coffee please, I have an early meeting. L wakes up to an early sunrise; the sun is in a hurry too. Maybe an early meeting Mr.Sun she whispers in sarcasm as she goes to make coffee. Today is Akshaya Tritya, did you know? he asks from his favourite seat in the living room. Yet another marketing gimmick, says L, do you want it stronger? Early meeting and all… she adds.

Maybe the post should be titled Rewind ? Akshaya Tritya is being celebrated back to back these days. Sigh!