A couple enjoys the chill in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Jan. 2: Barring a few, the New Year party was over for most even before it began. Cold winds played the spoilsport, compelling people to retreat to the comfort of their homes.

Most markets and restaurants wore a deserted look, as people preferred to spend the first Sunday of the year indoors.

It was cold.

Only the call of love brought out some couples. They could visit shops and restaurants today without the fear of being recognised.

It was a warm outing.

For Saurav Kumar, a student of NIIT, Delhi, the first Sunday of the year was a lazy day. He said: “I had many plans but I have postponed them. It’s too cold outside.”

Saurav, who is on vacations, said he had asked his mother to cook special dishes for him. “I will be spending some quality time with my family,” he added.

Homemaker Anu Singh too had postponed plans for a lunch at a restaurant. “We had planned to go to a restaurant but it is too cold to go outside,” said Singh.

But all did not “catch cold”. Some residents of the capital were willing to go out despite the cold winds.

“There is no point in complaining about the weather. If it is not cold now, when will it be cold?” said infertility specialist Neelam.

Newly opened parks found few takers in couples who dared to brave the cold to meet their beloved.

“It is better when less people are around. I can meet my friend without fearing that someone will recognise us,” said Kirti, one of the couples at a city park.

A super Sunday for some, too cold for others.