Boil potatoes for minimum of 15 minutes. When they are cooked remove from fire and keep them aside along with the water. Meanwhile heat oil and add the mustard. When they splutter add bay leaves, cardamom and cloves. Mix around for a while and then add onions. Let the onion turn golden brown. Add the rest of the spices except the garam masala. Add chick peas with all the liquid. Cut the potatoes into bite size piecesand add to them. Add garam masala too. Keep stirring the chick peas under medium heat for 5-7 minutes without covering. Check the tenderness of the potatoes. If they are still too hard, add another 1/4 cup of water and cook for another couple of minutes. Salt to taste and serve hot.