However there was a sweet-meat shop. A small 'para' affair, but they had an Aquaguard. With great hesitation I asked the old man at the counter if I could fill my bottle.
"Abashya" he said. He even filled my water bottle himself. And in a small sal pata bowl gave me two sandesh. I protested. I only wanted a drink of water!!! The old man wouldn't hear of it. They never serve water stand-alone. There has to be a mishti with it. My best attempt at the game of persuasion was a total failure. I had both the sandesh. Very fresh and soft lebu-sandesh. Delicious.
I was bowled over. The fact that such niceties did exist was really long forgotten.
I will not disclose the shops name. The owner... the old man who served me with such grace and much love ...... is called Anath Bandhu Ghosh.
