My Mercedes Benz

Umbrella With Premium Insignia!

It was a perfect day to leisure around due to a public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. I woke up a little late, and after a quick breakfast and a glance through the newspapers, I

decided to get my wardrobe organised. You know, a thrilling way to spend a holiday.

Suddenly, behind heaps of clothes, I came across a fourteen-inch-long barrel wrapped neatly with several layers of

newspapers that appeared almost like a grandmother's parcel! Curiously, I unpacked the stuff and discovered it was the Mercedes-Benz pocket umbrella which I had hidden from sight ever since I bought it at the eleventh Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in January 2012.

The reason for keeping it off from public view was primarily due to the guilt of purchasing it at a prohibitive price

unknowingly, which I realised only after scrutinising the bill and the SMS on the transaction sent to my mobile by my bank upon reaching home. Ah, the joys of impulse buying! 

For the first time, I took a close look at it and examined it from every angle. The two-fold telescopic umbrella is definitely made of high-quality spokes, designer waterproof fabric, and an elegant polished wooden handle. Who knew umbrellas could be so fancy?

The wooden handle sports a black square metallic button on the side that enables the umbrella to open up with a press and a big logo of Mercedes-Benz at the tip. Holding the umbrella gives a premium feel and appears to have been manufactured with utmost precision, just like its range of automobiles. It's almost as if I'm holding a miniature version of their luxury cars, without the risk of a fender bender.

At the Auto Expo, there were several pavilions set up by almost all major global automobile manufacturers. The Mercedes-Benz pavilion was one of the topmost attractions, drawing

maximum footfalls. During the seven-day event, I made several attempts to visit this pavilion but gave up due to the serpentine lines. It was like trying to get into a popular nightclub, but instead of bouncers, there were shiny cars.

On the final day, I decided to arrive at the venue early in the morning and squeeze in some time to visit this pavilion in particular. To add extra spice to the event, dozens of international models were flown in, each standing beside different Mercedes variants on display. It was like a car show and a fashion show had a glamorous baby.

After viewing a variety of sedans, off-roaders, sports cars, hybrids, and concept cars, I moved across to a stall selling Mercedes-Benz memorabilia. From cufflinks, tie pins, caps, keychains, badges, bags, jackets, umbrellas—everything had the Mercedes-Benz logo on it. The counter was crowded with fashionable young men and women, and a couple of models walked past, encouraging me to do some quick photography. Who knew buying a souvenir could feel like attending a celebrity meet-and-greet?

I spotted an umbrella and asked the price. The salesperson responded with an accent and a smile, "Sir, this is 378/-..." Although I thought it was slightly expensive compared to such

varieties found in the open market, I felt it was fine considering I was buying it at an event like this. Plus, I would hardly get time to go shopping for an umbrella. I mean, who needs practicality when you can have prestige?

Having made up my mind, I flaunted my debit card at the counter, and within seconds, the amount was debited, and the umbrella, inserted into an elegant paper bag, became my new possession. It was only after reaching home late in the evening

that I realised the blunder I had made—the original price quoted for the umbrella was in four digits, and I had missed the last one! This drove me to hide the umbrella completely from public view, the best way to forget about the episode. Out of sight, out of mind, right? 

But today, I realized that this is a wonderful piece and a remembrance of my visit to one of the world's best premium car manufacturer's pavilions. Even if I can never own a four-set of wheels of this brand in my life, who cares—I have at least a Mercedes-Benz umbrella. Let the Delhi monsoon rains start, and I am surely going to flaunt it! I might even start a trend with my stylish rain gear, becoming the envy of every pedestrian caught in a downpour. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—who wouldn’t be curious about an umbrella with such a backstory? Now, every time it rains, I’ll have a reason to smile, knowing I have a piece of automotive luxury right in my hand. 

So, here's to hidden treasures in wardrobes and the joy of rediscovering them. Next time I feel the urge to tidy up, who knows what other forgotten luxuries I will uncover!

Video clips related to the Auto Expo:

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