Portrait of a citizen.

[Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi]

One polluted evening, she is seen sitting on a bench in Lodhi Garden, under a tree, facing the centuries-old Sheesh Gumbad monument. Instead of looking around at the beautiful sights, she is absorbed in a book. Next evening, she is again sighted, sitting on the same bench, reading the same book. Following an exchange of greetings, Umang graciously agrees to become a part of our Proust Questionnaire series, in which citizens are nudged to make “Parisian parlour confessions”, all to explore our distinct experiences.

What is the principal aspect of your personality?
Being alone and enjoying my company. After my parents passed away, I came to the realisation that in the final analysis we all are alone.

What do you appreciate the most in your friends?
They should back me at all events.

Your main fault.
I may look very chupchaap, but I’m impatient by temperament, and can quickly get irritated.

Your favourite occupation.
To be a librarian, and stay surrounded by books.

Your idea of happiness.
Taking myself for shopping.

Where would you like to live?
I live in Shahdara, in east Delhi, with my brother. But I spent my childhood years in a house on Hanuman Road, near Connaught Place. I’m fond of that place because of the memories.

Your favourite authors.
Murakami, Khushwant Singh, Kiran Desai.

Your heroes in real life.
My maasi, Dr. Abha Singh. She is like my third parent. I call her Maa.

Your favourite food and drink.
Since I’m a Bihari, I love dal-bhaath with aloo chokha. The drink has to be Old Monk.

Your favourite names.
My own name, I find it very uncommon.

What do you hate the most?
When people don’t communicate well with me, keeping things in confusion.

The talent you’d like to be gifted with.
The ability to write poems.

What is your present state of mind?
Calm.

Faults for which you have the most tolerance.
When people are indecisive.

What would be your greatest misfortune?
I’m always haunted by a constant fear of my loved ones leaving me.

Your motto in life.
Stay content.