India, Feb. 21 -- In the olden times, when the Sunday Book Bazar of Mahila Haat unfolded every week along the long Daryaganj pave, it was the 'Lohe Wala Pul' - the iron bridge - that marked the market's last point. The foot overbridge was dismantled more than a decade ago.

That was the area's first loss.

The next landmark to go was barber Baldev Raj's long-time pavement establishment at the foot of the bridge. Baldev Raj hasn't been seen for three years.

And aloo paratha vendor Abdul Rehman, who would set up his stall next to Baldev Raj, wasn't seen for months until he returned a day ago. He was unwell, he explains.

In brief, the opening segment of David Street is permeated with a feel of absences.

The Old Delhi lane, however, become...