mgsriramiyer, I’m still thinking about the ID of your plant, another “guess” is Berberis. This is a large genus consisting of well over 400 species of hardy shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous. I am really curious about the ID of this plant too.

Laura, I can understand that with such poor photo quality and my uninformed method of showing the plant, it must be difficult to ID it. In spite of this, you have been able to show me the correct direction. I believe this must be Maytenus senegalensis or a close species. I will investigate further. I am still learning how to post photos of plants – the close-up of leaf formation, flower and/or berries etc. Appreciate your great help.

I am guessing only, Chaenomeles is a genus of of three species of deciduous spiny shrubs. There is another spiny shrub or small tree also Maytenus senegalensis, Thorny staff tree.