The treats outside our school

The sweetest sound those days

was that of the gong 

that put an end to the

last stretched hours 

at the school when the 

teachers droned on 

and the keen types 

finished their homework 

and we dreamt with 

the eyes wide open 

of the mouth watering 

treats that were displayed 

on cycle carriers, carts 

and even thelas. 

Treats that were prepared

with not so clean hands and 

ingredients absolutely doubtful, 

but the lure of the tamarind 

and rock salt churan and 

the mango pulp candies

brought out smiles that 

were perfect with 

imperfect set of 

half milk-half permanent teeth. 

The fried papads, 

salted phalsa berries and 

boiled corn cobs enticed

the kids enough to not 

drop their precious rupee 

coins in the piggy banks 

but splurge them all here.

And, as we tried to fit 

those mashed potatoes and 

lemony mint water filled 

 patase in our little mouths, 

it was the unsophisticated 

shaved ice golas infused with 

sherbets in myriad colours 

and flavours that melted the 

hearts of even our mathematics 

and PT teachers who 

were seen giggling 

as they relished the wickedly 

tangy Kala Khatta sorbets. 

- Neha Bansal