Brands
Crossword Plays Cupid with Blind Date Book Romance
Wrapped mysteries tempt readers till 28 Feb in Valentine’s bookstore twist.
MUMBAI: Swipe left on dating apps, Crossword Bookstore has a far more reliable matchmaker in store this February. Who needs algorithms when a wrapped surprise can spark the perfect connection? For Valentine’s 2026, the popular Indian book chain has rolled out “Blind Date with a Book” across all its outlets, running until 28 February.
The concept is delightfully old-school with a modern wink, no peeking at covers, no author names, no plot spoilers. Shoppers pick from neatly wrapped bundles, guided only by cheeky clue cards that tease the mood, genre and emotional vibe waiting inside. Think “slow-burn romance with a side of mystery” or “heart-racing adventure that’ll keep you up all night”. The rest is left to chemistry and a healthy dose of trust.
It’s part gamble, part thrill exactly the kind of leap that makes the best stories (and perhaps the best relationships) memorable.
To sweeten the deal, Crossword has layered on a curated Valentine’s gifting edit, think elegant hardbacks, quirky journals, literary-themed mugs and other thoughtful extras perfect for pairing with that mystery read.
The promotion turns a routine bookstore browse into something playful and a little romantic, inviting even casual browsers to embrace the unknown. In an age of endless scrolling and predictable plots, there’s something refreshingly bold about handing over control to a wrapped book and hoping for sparks.
Whether you walk out with your next favourite novel or just a good story to tell, Blind Date with a Book proves one thing: sometimes the most exciting endings start with not knowing what’s coming next.
So this Valentine’s season, skip the apps and head to the shelves your next great love story might already be waiting, beautifully disguised in paper and ribbon.
Brands
SpiceJet’s recovery takes flight as market share doubles
Domestic market share jumps from 1.9 per cent in September to 4.3 per cent by December
GURUGRAM: SpiceJet has staged a sharp domestic comeback, more than doubling its market share in just three months as rapid capacity expansion restores the airline’s presence across key routes.
India’s low-cost carrier lifted its domestic market share from 1.9 per cent in September 2025 to 4.3 per cent by December, driven by a 56 per cent rise in capacity during the third quarter following the induction of 16 aircraft.
The capacity surge translated into a broader network, tighter schedules and stronger passenger traction, helping the airline regain lost ground in several high-traffic markets.
Momentum has continued into the current quarter. SpiceJet doubled its available seat kilometres (ASKMs) from about 55 crore to 105 crore, marking a significant strengthening of its operational footprint. Over the full year, the airline plans to more than double capacity again, targeting 220 crore ASKs by winter 2026 and operating over 300 daily flights.
To support the expansion, SpiceJet is working to scale its fleet to around 60 aircraft through a mix of wet and damp leases, alongside the phased return of grounded planes. The airline has also signed a memorandum of understanding for the induction of 10 additional aircraft.
SpiceJet chief business officer Debojo Maharshi, said the rapid rise in market share reflected steady progress in rebuilding capacity and restoring network depth. The airline’s focus, he added, remained on improving reliability, strengthening connectivity and scaling operations in a measured and sustainable manner.
