What could you do? Nothing, really. Just wash your clothes as you normally would. The slush would leave nice designer dots on your pants, which might even last a couple of washes. No need to feel embarrassed—half the population would be walking the streets with similar "designer" pants.

At some point, I had to graduate from rubber chappals. One of my colleagues, known for his stylish dressing, suggested I try "Pathan" chappals with a cork base. "They’re really good for your feet," he said. Persuading my mom to part with some money, we went to a shoe shop in Parry’s Corner, which made these shoes to order. To be honest, they were super light, comfortable, and stylish. Aside from those "cork chappals," nothing else about me was stylish. But once again, water wasn’t kind to these either. Still, I held on to them for a couple of years before transitioning to leather footwear.

Even as I climbed the career ladder with promotions, I never completely abandoned these convenient chappals. I’d simply go to Bata and buy another pair. There weren’t many brands back then, maybe a few local shoemakers. But these open, airy, and convenient chappals were a perfect fit for my feet. Of course, for weddings and the rare job interview, I’d pull out my least worn, old, and ill-fitting shoes to show some respect for the occasion.

As time passed, peer pressure to wear proper shoes grew stronger. Reluctantly, I transitioned to sandals. Though slightly less convenient than slippers or chappals, they were far more tolerable than shoes. People might give me curious looks, but they usually let it slide without comment. Eventually, though, the day came when I could no longer avoid shoes, heat or not.

And so, I launched myself into the era of shoes.

Was I lucky with shoes?

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Continued in 186. Foot and Inches - Part 3