Big Bazaar @ Rs.15

A trip to Big Bazaar over the weekend sure proved useful and muscle effective. Useful because I came across my unexpected booty @15! and muscle effective.... have you even been there over a weekend with all the sales on?! Utility meets cost-effectiveness meets trendy look combined with the element of surprise. Seriously, this little denim pocket for just Rs.15 at Big Bazaar, renewed my faith in our desi Wall Mart.

Finally a place where one can buy something from the Home Decor section for that price. While walking up the aisle, climbing the slant, crossing lines of colourful stuff toys and plastic mugs, I was more annoyed than enthusiastic about being there at that time. Thanks to my mom's enthu that we reached the required section. As she went on with her business, I hung back killing time looking at rugs and curtains that I don't need. Trying to hide from the eager, smiling, over friendly staff trying to make a sale, I ducked into the towel/carpet/rug shelves to get sufficient cover. And then.... hidden in the last shelf, neglected by all eyes, snuggled with the bigger and brighter goods was lying there this little denim pocket. I picked it up and instinctively checked the price... it took me a while to believe that it was @Rs15 and it did not have a zero missing at the end. To further confirm, I went up to the salesperson from whom I was hiding so far. She gave me a judgmental look at my inappropriate amount of happiness at finding something so cheap and did not seem too happy that I had found what they were probably trying to hide. Maybe because they want you to buy only that, which is over priced that you think you want.

Bringing it home, this trendy denim pocket conveniently replaced the wall-jhola. The wall-jhola is an ancient, nostalgic piece of art that every Bangali home has. It is so ancient that when and if it would be removed it will have a long black print on the wall. It is characteristically made of cloth and has three huge pockets that are loaded with old receipts, paper bills, pocket diaries, ball pens that never work and other important tid-bits. Some are also pegged on top of calendars with bold numbers (with DEY's written on top) to increase space utility. This trendy denim pocket is washable so one need not worry about ink spilling inside it from leaky pens or rubber bands melting in the heat, which have been collected after every morning newspaper is delivered.

In fact, this would be great to hang behind the car seat when planning a long trip. It can be used to keep the petrol receipts that can be reimbursed by the company that you don't want to lose, or tissues or a goodie bag for survival with feminine essentials-sunscreen, hair brush, tooth brush, STs, deo, mouth fresher, shades, lose change etc. A one pocket solution to all your various needs.

It is true- best things in this world come in small packages. And in this case, at even smaller price!