India, March 30 -- Here, everyone's watching, hoping to be watched in return. Khan Market isn't a mere market; it's a mirror of how Delhi sees itself and wants to be seen. Shops and cafes in this bazar come and go, each new name slipping into the place of an old favourite. Established in 1951, the market's centrality hasn't been dented by the invasion of shopping malls.

At the centre of the front lane stands one of the market's oldest landmarks, since 1953. Bahrisons Booksellers is run by a longtime couple. Anuj Bahri Malhotra sits upstairs in the shop; Rajni Malhotra downstairs. Their joint portrait is part of a series marking the market's 75th year.

Those who know them say Rajni is the more genial one. Anuj heartily agrees, describing...