Bomb Blasts

Saturday was a terrible day for New Delhi. Beginning 5.45 PM, three blasts tore through the city in an hour. One of those was in a DTC bus and the rest in busy markets packed with Diwali shoppers.

One of the blasts occured in Pahargunj, about 2 to 3 km. from where I stay. When the blast occured I was listening to a Geography class in Karol Bagh. Being a busy market place like Pahargunj, Karol Bagh was lucky not to have seen a blast in one of its packed 'gallis'.

The next day, Sunday that is, was a dull day. Markets saw a sharp drop in business. Police were everywhere, wearing bullet proof jackets, helmets and carrying rifles, fully geared to meet any eventuality. There were electronic scanners installed everywhere. I had to walk through one myself. I was carrying two large keys in my pocket. I expected an alarm but thankfully there was none!

By Monday, everything was normal. It was business as usual. Karol Bagh was packed. I think Diwali always starts one or two days in advance of the actual day for Delhiites. It was woosh – bang – pat pata patpat everywhere. The bangs were more frequent and they were LOUD!

The latest death toll is 61. Hundreds more were injured. There's chaos at the hospitals where there are being treated as information on who is dead and who is still alive is not being released by the hospital authorities. Other than this, all is well.

New Computer

Yes, finally. And it's a notebook – Compaq Presario V2324. Rocks. Absolutely! The widescreen is just too good.

I went shopping yesterday to Connaught Place. Before this, when anyone asked "Howz Delhi?", I'd say, "Not so different from Hyderabad". After going to Connaught Place, I realized that was a stupid statement. It'd be plain ridiculous to compare Hyderabad and Delhi. Delhi is too good.

I'm wondering what to do today. To burst crackers or not. To have a hell of a dinner or not. My neighbours have left, one to AP and one to Noida, leaving me alone. I have to come up with something innovative to see that I thoroughly enjoy my favourite festival.