During a recent group discussion with my school batchmates, I recalled a lighthearted anecdote from my college days in the 1980s that never fails to make me smile. It was about a relative of one of my friends who had visited Delhi from Kolkata and, like many out-of-towners, was intrigued by the idea of Delhi’s markets, known for their vibrant energy and the art of haggling. This relative’s experience at INA Market turned into a memorable lesson in humility—and humor.

A Visit to Delhi: The Bargaining Experience

This relative, fresh from Kolkata, where bargaining is a routine skill, was prepared for his trip to Delhi. In his mind, the first rule of survival in Delhi’s markets was simple: haggle hard. After all, everyone in the capital was supposedly out to squeeze every last rupee out of you!

During his stay, he realized he had forgotten to bring a pair of slippers and decided to venture out to the well-known INA Market to purchase some hawai chappals. The market, with its endless rows of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to household items, was the perfect place for such a simple purchase.

The Art of Bargaining Gone Awry

The relative found a shop selling the slippers and, after eyeing the pair he liked, asked the price. The shopkeeper, with years of experience behind him, quoted a very reasonable price: “Rs 24 for a pair.”

But armed with his “Delhi-market wisdom,” the relative wasn’t going to take that at face value. He decided to counter the price with what he thought was a smart offer. “How about Rs 12?” he said confidently, feeling like a seasoned bargainer.

What followed was a moment of pure market humour.

The shopkeeper, without missing a beat, took one of the two slippers, wrapped it up neatly, and handed it over to him. “Sure, here’s one slipper for Rs 12. Two cost Rs 24,” the shopkeeper replied with a wry smile.

A Lesson in Good Humour

It took the relative a moment to realize what had happened, but as the shopkeeper’s words sunk in, he felt both amused and slightly embarrassed. Understanding the playful jab, he quickly laughed it off and paid the original Rs 24 for the full pair of slippers, walking away not only with his footwear but also with a story he would be sharing for years to come.

This delightful incident left everyone in our college group chuckling back then, and it continues to amuse me to this day. It’s a perfect reminder of how markets, especially in places like Delhi, aren’t just about transactions—they’re about conversations, wit, and sometimes, a bit of self-awareness.

Bargaining in Indian Markets: A Timeless Tradition

Even in the 1980s, bargaining was an essential part of Indian market culture. Whether you were in a small local bazaar or a larger market like INA, haggling over prices wasn’t just expected, it was part of the experience. But as this story illustrates, there’s a balance to be struck. While bargaining can save you a few rupees, it’s important to recognize when a deal is already fair—and when the humour of the situation might outweigh the savings.

For many of us, the thrill of getting a lower price is almost a sport, but every now and then, it’s worth taking a step back and enjoying the exchange for what it is—a shared moment between buyer and seller, sometimes laced with humour.

Nostalgia and the Joy of Shared Stories

Remembering this anecdote during my recent chat with old friends from school was a heartwarming moment. It reminded me not only of the cultural nuances of bargaining but also of how such small, seemingly insignificant moments can turn into lifelong memories. We all laughed, recalling our own similar experiences from the past, realizing how much joy such stories still bring us after all these years.

Even today, the local markets across India continue to create moments like these—where the price of an item becomes secondary to the interaction itself, and where humour finds a way to remind us that life doesn’t always need to be taken so seriously.

So, the next time you find yourself haggling in a market, remember this: it’s not just about the bargain; it’s about the experience. And if you can laugh at yourself along the way, you’ve already gotten the best deal of all.