"You're late, Pheroze; were you still working on your speech for the October 2nd function, or am I missing something?" enquired Lady Flora in her usual speed-of-lighting pace. Unlike most occasions, this time, her ever-unprepared friend, Sir PM, wasn't afraid or hesitant to reveal his whereabouts or the reason for his delay. "I have such wonderful news for you, Lady. It's bound to make your heart sing," he teased, barely able to hold back his excitement. It was a half-moon night sky, and the monsoon clouds had made it even darker, yet she could spot his wide-grinned face. "Out with the news, Pheroze. You're not helping," egged on Lady Flora.

"Do you remember where we tasted possibly the most delicious scones in Bombay all those years ago, to celebrate India's silver jubilee of Independence?" he quizzed. Sir PM was in one of those moods. After a long pause, Lady Flora's eyes widened to spill out her reply, "Tea Centre?" Sir PM did a silent, slow clap to announce that she was right, and to ensure that the stray dog that was fast asleep by the pavement they were walking on, wasn't disturbed. "Guess what? They are back! Viegas and I went around the spot to check if the news was true. And thank heavens, it is," Lady Flora could nearly visualise her friend do a virtual jig with the news. "Some actor from the Hindi film industry was at the opening, so we didn't go too close for a better view. But my word, this development has made me so happy amidst all the grim news around us," shared Sir PM; quickly adding, "So, I hope you can come along for a spot of tea sometime soon," he asked his dear friend. It was an offer she couldn't refuse. "That's not even something to ask me, Pheroze. You know what a fan I was of the place." For the next 10 minutes, the two hit rewind mode, and went on to recall the many occasions they had celebrated inside the tea house that had been the toast of the city's cultural and intellectual minds for nearly six decades.