Every road has story of its own. Mine too had. The roads I took to walk led me to knowledge, wisdom and maturity. I miss the roads which once led me to bookshops. Though the distance from my home to the bookshop was bit far, the urge to buy books never dampened my spirits. I used to cross a bridge to reach the other end of city filled with bookshops. Along with my uncle and younger brother, I used to hunt for the best comic books. My favorites were Indrajal Comics, Diamond Comics and Amar Chitra Katha Books. My passion for reading started with comic books. As I grew up, I used to search for several bookstores near my home. Every month, I used to buy one or two books to fill my mind with adventure, romance and thrill. That was the magic of books. Unfortunately, my walks to the book stores was cut short by the relocation to a new home. Though we got a new home, the roads to bookstores were out of reach. I missed the walks to the old bookshops where I purchased comic books of my choice. Today, after several decades when I search for book stores, it is hard to find book stores in cities. People are more engrossed in their smartphones than books. Due to lack of readers, bookshops had to be closed down. The old bookshops that once were crowded with readers are now non-existent. Now I only see more mobile phone shops nowadays.
Like Ruskin Bond, I too loved exploring bookshops and libraries, The Crossword Bookstore in Nirmal Lifestyle Mall was one of the best destinations for bibliophiles. It was very extensively big store filled with collection of countless books: novels, comic books, short stories, novella etc. I recollect buying several books from this place. Sadly, when Nirmal Lifestyle Mall closed down, this Crossword Bookstore branch had to move away to another place. Due to professional commitments, I am unable to hunt for the books as I used to do in my childhood times. I miss the roads that connected me to knowledge and imbibed a passion of reading in me. Some roads can never be forgotten that led you to happiness. I would love to embark on that road again, searching for the treasure of knowledge.