Grocery Addiction

People are addicted to various things – chocolates, speed, and everything else which can do irreparable damage to the constitution. But my case seems unique; I am addicted to visiting the grocery on a daily basis. Lunch meetings which eat into time spent during these precious visits leave me jittery and disgruntled.
Visiting the Food World outlet opposite our office is not one of the most pleasant experiences, really. I bitterly look at the security personnel who lost - infact gave away my fish bowl – fish, decoration, food et al to someone else. The manager did fire the guy, but since them I am granted entry without leaving my belongings in their custody.
But that’s not the point. Food World sucks! The Pickwick wafer packs have gathered a solid layer of dust sitting on the counter for over a year, although it’s ‘Best Before’ date was 6 months ago! Vegetables and fruits are outrageously priced, especially for the ill-chemical smells they emit.
Then why do I go to a place I detest so much? Just to soak in the abundance of things I can buy, but won’t. Ok, I admit…I buy a little something from one of the alleys at the end of each visit. But that’s restricted to chewing gum or a magazine.
On holidays, or long weekends I make sure I visit the less-conveniently placed grocery stores. I recently discovered a branch of Nilgiris tucked away near Coles Park when I had gone to visit a poly-clinic across the road. Needless to say, I popped inside, all for 5-minutes, as the store was shutting in the evening.
Then there is Thom’s Bakery, a landmark of sorts in the city where every second shop sells food or booze. It instantaneously brings back my earliest day in B’lore. My dad and I were scouring the streets down from Commercial to Wheeler’s Road, meeting estate agents for my accommodation. Whenever I feel like a stroll from office before heading home, I walk down to Thom’s and stack up my supplies for the remainder week.
And if the stroll seems like a tiring proposition, there is Fab Mall on Mosque Road. No better than Food World, it’s just as boring and non-friendly atmosphere. My most recent discovery is Spencer’s Daily on MG Road. I was joyfully lost in the long alleys for over an hour, going through everything from stationery to flavoured tea (which I abhor!) to ready meals to their variety of breads and the water-purifier system for taps. I even bought little clips for my little tufts of hair.
Closer on the home turf is Mini Bazaar, a Nilgiris and Thom’s rolled and squeezed into a Zip-Pouch after squeezing out the air. On most days I walk home, and make a stop here to pick up bread-cheese for dinner and a bottle of drinking water. After ticking these priorities off the list, I linger around aimlessly hunting for something to catch the eye. I occasionally pick up something, turn it around pretending to contemplate a purchase, nod my head as if a conclusion has been derived, and place it right back.
Last but not least addictive is the Health & Glow chain, especially the franchisees in Garuda Mall and on Coles Road. I give a damn for the cosmetics or products they sell for beautification; I am hooked onto their imported chocolate counter.