This post was written on Jan 12, 2020 while basking in the sun outside the halls of World Book Fair 2020. Read Part 1 here
I somehow managed to get ready in time. Yes, I was forcing myself a lil bit about the time, so that I could return before it starts getting cold outside.
The journey in the metro train was a quiet one. I was a bit nervous about being able to visit the stalls by myself. But as usual, there was this little child whose innocence made me feel calm. I find a lot of cute children during my metro journeys.
Once I was entered the Book Fair, I felt good. It wasn’t strange. With all the books around me, I felt myself. Browsed through all the halls and a lot of stalls. Not all of them, of course.

When I was done with my books shopping, I realised the sun was shining bright. The winter sun. I don’t know the time when I sat down to enjoy this warmth. Been an hour propbably?
So many people are here. Buying, reading, eating, drinking (water, soft drinks), clicking photos, relaxing. I always thought there aren’t many people like to read stuff in print. It’s the age of internet and videos. But no.. this place is full of people- kids, youngsters, elderly- every one is here. (I have visited the fair in the past, but never given a thought the crowd coming here.)
Someone just asked where’s the Penguin stall.
I wanted to look for one more book. I had thought that I’d go when the sun’s done.. but now I just feel lazy. Next year probably? Because I need to study many more books (for my exams) other than today’s buys. And I need to make space for these in the shelf too. (When I have my own home, I’ll have the biggest room as library 😂)
A kid came by.. telling his parents where the bin is.. he threw an empty water bottle in it.
Another kid is telling his father that he has seen the Science centre in videos. Kids are so tech savvy these days!
A cold breeze.. the sun is still here but.. it’s time for him to get ready to leave..
I’m in the metro right now. It’s so hot inside.. A quick update… While walking back to the metro station, I bought two more books from road side stalls. Desi-ness of bargaining never leaves you 😂

Now I’m like… I NEED MORE SPACE TO KEEP ALL OF THESE BOOKS. I NEED MORE TIME TO READ EVERYTHING. I NEED A LOT OF MORE.
Another update from home: It was a good day. I feel relaxed. It was not that bad to spend time with myself. I felt teary-eyed sometimes but it turned out to be good overall. The time I spent alone basking in the winter sun was something that I needed… to get lost in the crowd outside me and feel the storm inside me.
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Let it Bleed Weekly Prompt Challenge 39
The prompt for this week is- “Life” Read the post to participate. Also check out last week’s round-up here Continue reading Let it Bleed Weekly Prompt Challenge 39
I haven’t read the Harry Potter series as well. No you are not alone.
The subtle art of not giving a f*CK is a good book. Especially the last chapter. Happy reading
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Thanks. I’m glad I’m not the only one 🙈🙈
Looking forward to the subtle art… Have heard a lot about it
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I know another blogger, who is planning on reading HP for the first time this year.
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Yayyy! I’m not alone! Have you read it? Or are you that “another blogger”?
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Yes, I’ve read it a while back.
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How did you find it? Better than the movie versions?
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I read the books first. Then, I saw the first movie and absolutely hated it. Since then, I refused to watch the rest of the movies.
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🤣
When did you read the books?
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When it first came out.
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Woah!
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train to pakistan was amazing! and no, I haven’t read any harry potter books either!
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Glad I’m not alone. Have been wanting to read train to pak since my grad days. But always been delaying it..
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I love going on dates with myself. The first time I did it, it was Valentine’s Day about 4 years ago. I took myself to a coffee shop, splurged on a fancy drink, and wrote poems. I do that a lot now, but back then it was revolutionary.
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That’s something I’m really scared of doing. I eat my lunch alone in the canteen. And I’m done with it in 10 mins. After that, I just browse through the phone for 20 mins before going back to work. I really don’t know how to eat alone
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Any tips to do that?
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Well, I must admit that it was weird at first, but you come to realize that you don’t have to be self-conscious because everyone is so focused on themselves that they won’t be judging you or anything.
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So aren’t people really bothered that you’re alone doing nothing? The servers don’t think that you’re crazy?
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No. 🙂
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Then why do I get bothered by them?
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Hmm…I don’t know, I’ve never had an issue or had anyone call attention to the fact that I’m alone. Maybe it’s a cultural thing (I’m not sure where you live). What is your experience like?
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I live in India. I’ve not been out alone much. Just stayed by myself in classes and people always taunted me for not mingling with everybody. I was never a part of any group. Even in office, I’m always by myself. I feel some people try to get over friendly, and there are others who are somehow scared of me.
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I’ve not read Harry Potter yet either.
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Oh great! 😂
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“How can you expect anyone else to enjoy your company when you don’t enjoy your own company?”
I think it’s brilliant that you took yourself on a date 😁😁😁 It is a form of self care, and self care is VITAL to one’s happiness.
I do this all the time, because if I wait on others to make an effort with me, I will wait until doomsday.
I happen to love Harry Potter 😊😊
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Yes, you are right. I’ll be doing this more often. 🙂 What all do you do when you’re with yourself?
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Treat myself to solo lunch or dessert dates, I love workouts so I joined a gym, I live close to the sea, so regular walks along the promenade when the weather is nice, I take myself to the movies and stand up comedy shows… Trying to do things I love
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That’s lovely! 🙂
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