While my wife settled in for her long-awaited nail appointment, I decided to make the most of the time. Since I already had my camera with me, the obvious destination was Rabindra Sarobar, barely a five-minute walk away. Stepping through the gates, I headed east along the pathway that hugs the lake. Rabindra Sarobar has always been one of Kolkata's most beautiful green spaces. The tranquil waters, the towering trees and the abundance of birdlife make it a welcome escape from the city's relentless pace. Yet, as beautiful as it is, I couldn't help but notice that the place could do with better maintenance. Sadly, much of the deterioration is also self-inflicted by the public. Steel dustbins have disappeared, several street lamps are missing, and despite the strict no-smoking rule, groups of youngsters were casually smoking in different parts of the park. It's unfortunate to see such a wonderful public space treated with so little respect. The lake, however, was very much ...
Sunday afternoons are usually reserved for taking it easy, but this one had a different agenda. My wife wanted to get her nails done before the work week began, and naturally, I got drafted into the outing. Apparently, getting a nail appointment these days is harder than getting tickets to a popular concert. Sure enough, when we arrived, we were told that he was free till 5 p.m. Rather sitting down there and getting on with it, we decided to make the most of the unexpected free time. The plan was simple—grab lunch somewhere nearby, after which she could head back for her appointment while I spent a leisurely couple of hours around the lakes. Just around the corner, we stumbled upon ONETON —a takeaway counter with a cosy little dining space next door. With seating for barely sixteen people across three tables and a wall counter, it was compact, practical and inviting. We were warmly welcomed by Biman, as we later learnt his name, and he turned out to be one of those genuinely plea...