When you order something online in India, you’re not just buying a product—you’re embarking on a roller-coaster of delivery quirks that could rival any Indian television show.

Online shopping is not just about the purchase. It’s about the proper selection of items from myriad options provided by the sites. All you have to do is type your search word and then you see a plethora of options of all shapes, sizes and costs. After much deliberation, you decide upon an item and place your order

Now the long wait starts. From one day to a few days delivery, your order may fall into any category. If it’s one day delivery chances are you’ll not need to track your package at all. But if it’s on a longer delivery schedule you’ll find yourself checking your phone for updates every few hours.

And then, comes the day of delivery. The status for your order has been updated to “out for delivery”. You are waiting and waiting when the phone rings. It’s the delivery person.

He wants directions even though your address not only included your house number, building name, locality, neighborhood details, that temple from where you have to take a turn but he still wants more directions. So you explain in detail how to reach your gate and a few agonising hours later, you receive your package.

Ah! The happiness.

Now you can open the package and admire the carefully picked item that you have purchased and waited for so long to hold in your hands. If it’s something nice you can flaunt it on Instagram or if it’s some household item you look at it with all the joy of having received an early Christmas gift where you are your own Santa.

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.