Delhi has its fair share of entertainment forms. Of all its offerings, the one remembered most, not for its success in entertainment but for its monopoly in its field, is Appu Ghar.
In those days, when it used to be the ideal day out, the ticket was not affordable for the lower middle classes even. Only few lucky ones got to go and come back exhausted but every nerve satisfied. I have very few memories of those days, let alone Appu Ghar itself, but there is one incident that often evokes in my aimless head.
I was probably about ten and the day was at its near-end. Appu Ghar in those days hosted one of the first (and quite popular) 'Rain Dances'. I was by myself on the last ride of the day and just seconds before it started with its mad round-about excitement, some guy from behind called out 'Excuse me, miss?'.
I didn't respond, for a kid of ten is never a 'miss' and mom's warnings of not talking to strangers knock strong in any kid's head. 'Eh, Excuse me, Miss?'.
I turned around.
The chap sitting few feet away from me retorted, 'Would you want to go to the Rain Dance with me?'
'No'
The first time when I was actually 'asked out', I ran out of sweat in my body. Not knowing what to do (for me, it was worse than a criminal running after me with a blade to cut my neck with), I stood up cautiously. I made my way out of the safety preparations. While the ride manager tried to pacify me into sitting down again (the ride was just about to begin), I ran the fastest I can recall I ever have.
Making my way over the heads of astounded people, I fell right in the middle of my perplexed family.
Never since, have I been asked to a rain dance...
Comments
woah...you were asked out at the age of 10? your beauty smittens me everytime :P.
Appu ghar, used to be my fav. hangout there in delhi. it used to be, very much the only reason, i used to visit delhi.
PS: Do they still have rain dances @ appu ghar? :P
made cooler by Sarthak on July 4, 2004 7:45 PM
Sarthak: On indeed, it often occurs to me as extreme nuinsance on part of the lad. He was probably eighteen or something, man! And trust me, i was UGLY at that age ;)
I won't know about raindances, but you do find it to be a perfect getaway for rickshaw-wallas...
made cooler by Lime on July 4, 2004 7:56 PM
ouch... u missed the opportunity :p.. lol.. just kidding.. hey that must be freaking crazy stuff.. lol.. 7yrs back when I visited Delhi, was planning to visit Appu Ghar, but couldnt as time limit didnt permit.. and already in here we have got Essle World.. so nvr got interest in Appu Ghar.. but hey whenever you come to Mumbai, just give visit to Essle World and Water Kingdom, you will love them both.. but I tell you, dont go to both of them at the same day.. just choose two different days for both of them.. coz many ppl makes mistakes by choosing same day for both the park, and spoil thier enjoyment.. or when u come to Mumbai, just give me a call, and I can guide u through it :p.. but when I will come to Delhi again, I would really like to check out Appu Ghar. :D
made cooler by Dhaval Faria on July 4, 2004 8:36 PM
HALO!
Huh, I'm sure you must have missed my spamming on this blog. Me too. To tell yo the truth, I seriously dislike all of the amnusement parks in and around Delhi. Boring, with a capital B.
I'm literally shocked you didn't make it through St. Stephens. But hey, a lot of 'capable' people I know didn't make it there too. And gosh, it hurts when I hear, that a certain somebody has made it to downtown Janki Devi. I can only hope you make it through the best, and nothing but the very best. And that ain't no flattery miss.
And my spamming will continue shortly after I am able to connect. Enjoy till that happens! :D
made cooler by Rohit on July 6, 2004 3:56 PM
Dhaval: I have been to Essel World - when I was in sixth-grade on a school trip to Bombay. Apparently, I don't recall much of it, but I do know I didn't enjoy it very much. Teachers are too willing to push you into the safe rides and the rides I wanted to go on ... well I was too short :P I still am, so!
Appu Ghar has deteriorated in crowd. Now you see people from all walks of life stepping in. Its quite disconcerting. So I won't recommend it at all :)
Rohit: Oh yea, the topper of my school too never got through Stephens. Infact I did top my school for two consecutive years (except for the boards) - and haven't made it either. so!
I am now into Hindu and I am quite satisfied with knowin that. Although I am kind of scared of the kind of crowd I'd be mingling with. Crossing my fingers for the return of modern school days :)
Thanks for your support - can always count on you for loads of it. Will be waiting for your sensible spam :D
made cooler by Lime on July 6, 2004 7:33 PM