Years ago, when Kolkata was Calcutta, there was an unsaid rule in Bengali-owned businesses -- never step inside their shop and dare to buy, post lunch. Those four hours were strictly siesta time.

I didnt know, nobody warned me. So i went to this corner store that sold handicrafts, at 3 pm. the man looked up at me and said with a tired drawl -- ki chaaaai? (what do you waaaant?) i pointed to the dokra frog in the showcase. without looking at it, he said, "not phor shale".

i point to another kitschy piece. same answer. 

i ask him to show me something that's for sale, and he says listlessly to come after 5 pm. when siesta's done and he has had his cup of tea and wiped his sweat on his gamcha.

that's changed...

in singur, the workers really want to work. and now, thankfully that mamata didi has seen light of day and other unmentionables, they will get to work.