Cambridge Book Depot
The Mall, Mussoorie

The day after we waved at Ruskin Bond, we couldn’t help paying another visit to Cambridge Book Depot. It is located quite conveniently in the most happening (relatively) part of town. Mr Sunil Arora, the owner, is always ready for a chat…

We excitedly related the previous evening’s incident to him and he confirmed its very much we waved at the real Mr Bond. Although, he sadly informed us, that Mr Bond was currently very ill and had failed to make his official weekly visit to the bookshop last Saturday. And missed even unofficial visit on Tuesday and well, it was Wednesday, maybe he’d come today? A short phone call later we were sadly informed that it was unlikely he’s visit even today.

We looked at some books…there were four that were already autographed. We had almost selected one when the owner informed us that we could, if we want, buy an unsigned book and he’ll get it signed for us, and then courier it to us. So did we want to do that?? WHY YES OF COURSE DUH-UH!

We (one of my bookwormy friend, seen above in the photo, and I) selected a book each—in fact, both of us took a collection of his ghost stories…having errrr…imagined seeing ghosts in an unrelated incident the previous night. We paid, left our addresses and happily trudged of for a walk on Camel’s Back Road, which btw, can be accessed by a lane right next to the book store.

What a day!

Last wednesday, the books finally arrived, all nicely wrapped up, along with a phonecall from the kindly Mr Arora confirming if we’d received them. What excitement!! What had Mr Ruskin Bond written for us?? Like personally! With his own hands!!

Well he told me “To your happiness and success” and my friend, “Every good wish”.
Excuse me while I go shed another happy tear or two. :’)