Newcomer learns to talk the walk
Image credit: Shaojie on Unsplash
By Payal Ahuja
People going to malls for the express purpose of walking with no shopping involved is now quite common in many parts of the world.
Or was, until the pandemic put an end to all group activities. But before that, it’s was a nice way to meet friends in a clean, temperature-controlled venue and get some exercise. Followed by a hearty breakfast at the food court accompanied by a gossip session!
Mall walking, as it’s known, is something my sister and I used to giggle about, seeing the various aunties in our Delhi neighbourhood heading off for one dressed in their finest salwar-kameez – but wearing sturdy walking shoes!
“Today, they’ll discuss various candidates for Kiran,” my sister would say, referring to our friend for whom her family was looking for a husband.
“Nope! Today is the day they talk about how Manju aunty’s maid ran away with Asha aunty’s driver,” I would claim.
When I got married and we moved to Canada, my sister and I continued to chat on the phone frequently.
“We thought Delhi winters were cold, they are like balmy spring compared to what I am facing here,” I’d grumble, telling her about my challenges with our first winter in Canada.
My husband and I, in our enthusiasm to be as “Canadian” as possible, were trying to continue to walk outside for as long as we possibly could. We’d wear several layers, wrap ourselves up in scarves and cover our heads, ears – and most of our faces – before stepping out to brave the elements. It was something I was rather proud of, but as it got more and more cold, we were finding it challenging. I asked a neighbour what she did for exercise. She said she went to the mall for a walk and invited us to come along.
“No, I have not become a mall-walker,” I announced, recalling my conversations with my sister. “I am a street walker.”
A few seconds of silence and a slight change of expression alerted me to my blunder. For a street walker, obviously, has a completely different connotation.