Delhi celebrates Valentine’s Day with flowers and frills

NEW DELHI - An overcast sky laced the romantic air of Valentine’s Day Monday for Delhi’s youthful and young at heart who made the most of it to celebrate love.

Although Monday being the first day of the working week, many pushed their plans for later in the day, others, including college-goers, made it point to convey love to their beloved ones.

In the Kamla Nagar market, which adjoins the college campuses of Delhi University in north Delhi, the coffee shops and restaurants were brimming over with couples cosying together in celebration of the day of love.

Shaheen Khan, a student of St. Stephens college, said: “I was busy burning a CD with love songs for my boyfriend until late night, got up late and couldn’t make it to the class on time. We were to meet up for lunch, but now we are meeting right away!”

For Varun Singh, another student, the day meant bringing up a whole lot of surprises for his girlfriend.

“She loves to go the spa. So, I thought why not surprise her with a session in one. She was absolutely thrilled. In the evening, we are going for a movie and then I have planned a special dinner with her,” he said.

For the working professionals, the beginning of the week meant pushing back their plans.

But that did not deter those like Shammi Shah.

“I got married just a few months back and it’s our first Valentine’s Day. So, I surprised my wife with a bunch of roses at midnight and then ordered another bouquet to be sent to her office. She was thrilled to bits,” Shah said.

Radhika, Shah’s wife, said: “I am not a big believer in Valentine’s Day, but what my hubby did was downright romantic. And I am all for romance!”

On social networking sites like Orkut and Facebook, several people posted messages for their loves ones, including family and friends.

“Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. I am single, so I am celebrating the day with my family and some friends…we are all going for a grand dinner tonight,” said Richa Das.

Cashing in on the day, florists hiked up prices of flowers a week before Valentine’s Day.

“A stem of red rose usually costs Rs.10, but on Valentine’s Day it was priced at Rs.50 or even more. As they say, make hay while the sun shines,” said Rajiv, a student.