India, April 22 -- Eyeglasses cover a good part of his shirt. He is also holding very many of them in his right hand. Citizen Shaan is a street hawker of eyeglasses. This afternoon, while on the job, he graciously agrees to join our Proust Questionnaire series, in which citizens are nudged to make "Parisian parlour confessions", all to explore our distinct experiences.

What is your present state of mind?

I'm thinking about how to leave Delhi for good.

Where would you like to live?

I'm 48, too old to keep walking the streets all day. I want to return to my village in Saharsa, Bihar. Delhi is no longer a good place to live. Too much noise, pollution, and tension.

Your favourite occupation.

What I do every day-selling eyeglasses. There...