"Pheroze, what's with the black shades? Did you finally take my advice and get that cataract operation for your left eye? No wonder I wasn't able to locate you at our usual meeting spot for nearly a week. I hope Dr Dastoor did a good job," Lady Flora was her usually inquisitive self; a volley of questions always ready to roll out in a flash.

Sir PM took a while to collect his thoughts. Despite their centuries-old friendship, he was never quite sure of what to expect from his chatty friend. Then again, she took great pleasure in surprising him with her amusing, sometimes downright embarrassing banter. They had just crossed Victoria Terminus and were headed down DN Road, towards her pedestal.