An extension to the Cafe, she leans on his red rocks and quietly sleeps. At 6 am, a man with a semi-turban shakes her to consciousness. She slowly shuffles her curls and lets the sunlight fill her space. Rohtasji, the semi-turbaned legend has taken care of her and carried the legacy of the Dhaba (with a capital D) for the last ten years now. Sitting on the wooden cot placed on her back, I have often let the sunlight flow on my knees and watched the dust particles shine on winter mornings. While Rohtasji's helper works meticulously in the kitchen, our chatters subside and the voices of the vessels dominate the moment. We break our worries and gain an intellectual stimulation for the moments we share with her on the cot.

Now and then, St. Stephen's creates ways to keep the glow alive. Morning Assemblies for the First-years (we call them 'Junior Members'), the out-of-the-box gracious freshers' dinner, the elaborate terminology of the college geography (Hostel= Residence, Canteen=Cafe among others) and an environment that could wake a mind from the deepest slumber are some of the Classics of St. Stephen's College. The last stanza talks about yet another classic, The Dhaba that has lasted long enough to be inseparable from our little lives.

The Dhaba is situated outside our Cafe, near the tree which serves as a catch-up-in-haste after classes point. The little hut in the corner has continued to provide hygienic (hygienic=well-cooked potatoes + tasty spices + not-too-oily yet-crisp crust), inexpensive (merely Rs 6) and one of the most handy snacks to nibble on while we hobble hurriedly to our classes. Nimbu-Pani (Lemon water) in summer and Gulab Jamun in winter are the other favorites available in this shack. The food is quickly served and we are delivered with a smile bright enough to last the entire day. Other packaged items include waffers, chips and kathi rolls.

Thanks