There was a time when most neighbourhoods were tightly-knit - where everybody knew everybody. Long gone are those days when people counted on their neighbours to stand by them through thick and thin. With the growing sense of insecurity and the introduction of 3G Internet, which keeps us glued to our smart gadgets all day and night, we hardly know our neighbours by their faces, let alone their names. But there are still some vicinities that practise the good old common courtesy of touching base with one's neighbours, and if you happen to be part of such a community, this list of different types of Bangalis in the neighbourhood will come in handy.
The Achaar Aunty
She’s the one who shows up at your doorstep with a small jar of achaar as soon as you move into the neighbourhood. She may come off as super nosy, trying to get the scoop on how often the husband fights with the wife, or why their teen daughter hangs out with so many boys, but she actually means no harm. She loves to gossip but if you're down with a fever, she’ll be the one offering you a cold cloth therapy.
The borrower
Everyone has that one neighbour who always has one excuse or the other to borrow a pair of eggs, half a dozen of potatoes or sometimes, a pinch of salt from you. Either her refrigerator mysteriously breaks down or a rodent comes in, out of nowhere, and steals all her groceries.
The gloating duo
The couple who cannot stress enough on the fact that their child is the chosen one. Whether you run into them on your way to an important meeting or may have a few minutes to spare, they’ll engage in detailed conversations about the superpowers their kid is bestowed with. Math, physics, bio-chemistry – he has straight As in them all. Good grades, good at sports, plays piano or any other musical instrument for that matter – there’s nothing she can’t do.
The secretive uncle
You all see him getting in and out of his expensive cars every day, but no one knows of his whereabouts or what he does for a living. This person is not interested in being friends, so don’t bother inviting him over for some gorom chaa.
The pasher barir shundori
Every time she walks by, your heart skips a beat. Her skin glows like purnimar chaad, her hair long and sleek. And doesn’t it smell like lavender infused jasmine oil when she passes by? “One day I’ll make a lot of money and buy her a diamond ring,” is what you tell yourself at the mere sight of her. Sigh!
The chyangra pola
Ever wondered who the mysterious artist is behind all those random "K3wl BoYz" or "LoneLy H34rTzz" graffiti art on the walls around your hood? He is the philosophical chyangra pola from right next door. He dedicates his mornings bunking classes and sleeping in and is often found on his rooftop later in the day, playing "Nothing else matters" entirely out of sync. Budding musician by day, and graffiti artist by night, his talent knows no boundaries.