The sound of the oil burning,

Orange, glistening with ghee

You could see the craving in people’s eyes

For the hot jalebis

They were yearning

Some women in black

some are in red

The cost of that saree

Is less than

What has been said

To buy that pair of jhumkas

You would have to walk miles,

Which could take a while

But it’s all worth it

Because after wearing them

You will be all smiles

From cycle rickshaws

To rashly driven motorcycles

This narrow lane

Comprises of them all

No wonder the space to walk

Is so small

From rich to poor

Foreigners to teenagers

Families to Wanderers

Everyone is here

To say a different prayer

I see the overhead wires,

Unconscious and unaware

Finding order in disorder

Buzzing with liveliness

This place never sleeps

Crammed in chaos and commotion

It’s fascinating to feel so many emotion

Hidden stories and dreams

There is magic in the way

This street gleams.

By:

Himani Chhabra