"Pheroze, tell me all about it! Did you win any money?" Lady Flora was excited. After all, her friend Sir PM had done the unthinkable. Such was his love – a secret one – for horse racing that he sacrificed his languid Bhonu and Dhansak-laced weekend plans to head to Pune. The city's racing season had to be moved out due to the pandemic and the ensuing hurdles that came with it. Of course, Sir PM was equally surprised to observe his friend's passion for the races.

"Lady Flora, it was nice but somehow, it didn't feel like the real deal. In fact, I wasn't aware that the Poona Racecourse is actually older than aapro track at Mahalaxmi. We were not even allowed inside the venue. I went there just for the sentiment, to catch up with the old gang. One of us, Sohrab is very savvy with these new gadget-type things, where you can watch the race on a tiny device. Over Scotch and chips, we reignited those days and our big wins. I missed the cheering from the packed stands, and yes, the fashionable Sunday dressing. I guess, this is what it is like to exist in the new normal," his voice dropped as he uttered that last sentence.