Crossroad

If you could guess the contents of this post from its title, I'd bow down to you and forever be your chela trying to learn a trick or two about solving cryptic crosswords. Why this cryptic fascination all of a sudden you ask?

They say old habits die hard. And I nod away at jumbo speed. I used to compete with my Aunty back in my childhood days in solving the Quick Crossword that appeared in the Telegraph, Calcutta. That was one of the things I sorely missed upon leaving the city. Almost a decade later, when Telegraph India came up with its online edition, it somehow filled a big void in my soul. But it was not until recently that they introduced their Quick Crossword online (which they publish by arrangement with the Daily Telegraph, UK).

I found it only recently. And the joy was boundless. Come storm or sunshine, a constant part of my day is solving this crossword online. Add to it, the daily circulating pulse of the regular participants from all over and it is a wonderful feel to be able to complete the crossword and hit the Submit button. You too can hop in. Here : The Telegraph India Quick Crossword.

The only downside of this exercise is that somehow I cannot help but feel I am better equipped now than a decade ago, in tackling the Quick crossword. I still enjoy it but manage to solve it pretty easily and maybe that is the reason it doesn't seem as challenging or exciting as it used to. Not entirely sure but I certainly do not want to jinx it.

I promptly called up my Aunty to inform her of this renewed love interest of mine. She had already solved the day's puzzle. She also gave me an update: she has long since moved on to the Cryptic Crossword. Ah, different game altogether. Unfortunately, Telegraph India does not publish the cryptic crossword online. So again I stand, like I did a decade back, looking up to the Telegraph, at the crossroads. I really hope they publish the daily cryptic Crossroad soon. Oops, I meant the Daily Cryptic Crossword.