I’ve just moved house and guess what, there’s a truckload of stuff that has found its way on to the terrace of my old flat. Beaded slippers I’ve never worn, printed T-shirt and salwar-kamiz that I bought from Delhi never left the wardrobe, diamond earrings that never saw the glitter of any party which I bought during my visit to Phuket, a dusty cookbook on salads and soups, aroma candles in all shapes and sizes with their packaging intact … How in the world did all this stuff find its way into my room!

The only answer I can come up with is that I am a closet shopaholic. I salute girls who can turn their heads and say ‘No’ to shopping with purpose.

My frequent shopping destinations are Thamal and New Road. Whenever I visit these places I cannot leave without picking up gadgets such as rings, bags, denims, earrings, etcetera, etcetera.

Stuffs that I might not use or wear, but pretty things that I like in an instant and forget about the minute my debit card pays the bills. My parents are upset with my habit and they have, time and again, expressed their objection to my shopping fetish. Particularly my mother, who always warns me that I wouldn’t have a happy relationship with my in-laws if I didn’t mend my ways.

I want to change my habit but every time I visit these glittery malls, my determination melts and I succumb to the temptation of indulging myself with one more shopping spree. I believe that every girl must have some or the other indulgence that may give her much joy. My best

friend Swapnil has a fetish for parties. Just the other day, she couldn’t hold back from going to a disco even when she had a leg injury. She could not shake a leg but nonetheless enjoyed the party. After all, we live only once and if we were to spend it doing or being what others want us to do or be, what would the point be?

I love doing all that can bring a smile on my face and put a spring on my steps... Whether it is a weekly spa ritual, a Friday night romantic or thriller movie complete with coke, candy and buttered popcorn, the weekend picnic or get-together with loved ones or just chilling with a large cup of coffee.