It was one of those rare days when Sir PM and Lady Flora decided to meet before sundown at Oval Maidan. She hoped that, being a public holiday, they wouldn’t be bothered by curious stares, or tourists and sportspeople who throng the open space, given how starved the city is of such locations. They were right. It was a delightfully pleasant crowd-free sight that greeted them as they met by the Rajabai Tower entry to Oval Maidan.

But what they weren’t expecting was the energy-sapping humidity as soon as they began their slow walk under the shade of the tree cover that lined the maidan. The trees were a blessing. Their quaint hand fans had no chance against the rays of the setting sun that pierced through the gaps created by the grid-like Art Deco ensemble of buildings that faced the maidan. “Thank goodness, the visionary architects and planners of these apartments also ensured the Arabian Sea’s breeze flowed into the island city,” lauded Lady Flora, as she wiped the perspiration off her temples. “This 22-acre space was popular among citizens back in the day for this reason, plus before these buildings emerged, they could enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea. Importantly, this maidan is home to 540 trees till date. I was thrilled when, all those years ago, it was included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprised the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble. At least such global stamps will ensure that these green gems are protected in our neck of the woods… can we actually say such things in today’s times?” she asked, sarcastically.