This is a story about my exit from malls. Before 2020, my lifestyle was different in the sense that my demands and expenses were higher. During the lockdown, I, as well as everyone else, was restricted from going out. What happened after March 2020 is history.
But today, 22nd July 2023, I am a completely different person who finds malls a place to show off, a means to spend more than needed, and a stage to show others that I, too, can pay. Because we belong to a middle-class family, our expenses depend entirely on the money we earn.
Going back to the era before 2020,
I still recollect the mall experience. With a purchase list of groceries and other items, I enter a mall. The air-conditioning there gives great relief to the ones entering. It gave me one, too. Be it summer, rain or winter, people enjoy air-conditioning there, as it is free of cost. Soon, my list was out of my purse. As I head towards the section with the items on my list, my eyes drool over the cosmetics section. But cosmetics are nowhere on my list, as I have enough lipsticks and Kajal pencils. Yet the bright focus light on the cosmetics section drew my attention. The word ” discount ” was the first one I noticed.
Sometimes, I purchase from this section just because someone noticed me entering it. Now, what if I exit the section without buying anything? It’s such an embarrassment. Unplanned cosmetics take first place in my cart. Next, the smell of food from the left side drives me crazy, as I am already hungry. It’s at 12 p.m.
A pastry
which ends before it starts costs around 300 rupees. I happily bought it. Instead of savouring it there, I decided to eat it at home. But along with the pastry, there are other things to get my heed. My senses are now focused on garlic bread and fruit cake. Mind you, none are on my list. Yet they have a place in my cart, despite their unreasonable costs.
As I head towards the kitchen items section, I fixate on colourful dresses hanging to my right. My feet effortlessly get carried away there. Checking the price tags, I swipe through the dresses one by one. A T-shirt in the local market near my home cost around 200 rupees, but here, the deal was for 450. Never mind; after all, it’s a mall. Cool environment, variety to shop from, and a bunch of rich people around—what a time!
Blinded by the magnificence,
colorful visions, and bright views. 3 dresses make their way to my heart and later to my cart. What? The items on my list are yet to be purchased. I rush to the concerned sections, pick those and look for the most petite payment queue. Finally, I found one. There, too, comparing my cart to others, I was ashamed of my cart and my tight budget. But wait. What is peeping in my neighbouring lady’s cart? The latest brand of biscuits tempts me to buy them. I leave my cart there, rush towards the biscuits section, and get three packets for myself. After payment, I left the mall with 7 items on my list and 15 in my carry bag.
This was a ritual
whenever I visited a mall. But after the phase of lockdown, I ponder over my stupidity now. I have spent thousands in the malls. Believe me, I regret spending my hard-earned money. Many things with a minimal cost were tagged for a lot of money. In the local market, we get similar ones of the same quality at reasonable rates. Not only my cart but my mind is also trained now to have only the things needed now.
The entry of the lockdown period became a reason for my exit from the eye-pleasing but pocket-draining malls. Now I am happy that I don’t pay extra for the idli sambar, the popcorn, and too much extra for the so-called discount sections of cosmetics and dresses. In fact, I learned to make fantastic idlis during the lockdown. Check the recipe here. You won’t regret it.
My exit from malls made way for a simple, satisfying lifestyle. When are you planning such an exit?
https://blogbyhema.com/2021/04/22/they-were-passionately-in-love/
Fortune Premium Kachi Ghani Pure Mustard Oil, 910G PET Bottle (Weight May Vary)
₹299.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
The Health Factory Zero Maida 100% Whole Wheat Bread 350g | Clean Label, Not Brown
Now retrieving the price.
(as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Aashirvaad Salt,with 4-Step advantage, 1kg
₹12.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
FORTUNE Thick Poha, Source of Fibre and Protein, 500grams
₹44.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bingo! Mad Angles Achaari Masti – Desi Mango Pickle Flavour Crunchy Triangle Chips | Tasty Snack for Any Time Cravings, 64g/60g (weight May Vary)
₹18.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Fortune Sugar, 1 kg
₹65.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Tata Sampann Unpolished Moong Dal (Split), 500g
Now retrieving the price.
(as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sunfeast Dark Fantasy Bourbon, Classic Biscuit Made With Real Chocolate, 108g
Now retrieving the price.
(as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Quaker Oats - 1 kg
₹154.00 (as of 3rd May 2026 07:14 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Honestly written. Its true in my case too. Sis, nicely written. God bless….luv you…😘😘
Thanks dear one♥️🙏😘
Very true… It happens with everyone.. and m one one them.. 😛 but yes we have to control our extra expenditure…
Absolutely dear one🥰 Thanks so much for the response sis😘♥️🫶