Mr. Bery had a quaint little store tucked away in the by-lanes of South Delhi . A shop full of Christmas baubles, semi precious stones, beautiful candles, bookmarks , wooden toys , wooden bangles with inlay work, wrapping paper, costume jewellery, the works !

Suchi would walk across from her house each day for a stroll to the market and never miss the chance to visit Bery & Sons. Old Mr. Bery would always have a smile for walk - ins. He had large soft eyes that were serious as well as kind. He would usually look concerned, when children would walk in, but with Suchi it was different . She was quiet and particular and Mr. Bery perhaps perceived it . She would browse around ; sometimes pick a thing or two to buy and was always met with a loving smile as she wished Mr. Bery each time.

Christmas time was especially enchanting at Bery’s . Brand new decorations caught the eye of not only young Suchi but also of many grown ups living in the vicinity of the store.

Time has flown by and Suchi is now a mother of an 11 year old girl ! As she drove past Bery & Sons in a hurry, the other day , she caught a fleeting glimpse of Mr. Bery’s photograph on his work table that faces the entrance door. A sharp sting of nostalgia welled up within her. Perhaps she would one day find it in her, to walk in, Mr. Bery’s store.