There you are, Pheroze! You’ve found a new space to read,” remarked Lady Flora, as she spotted her friend poring over a book on a bench inside the Horniman Circle Garden. “It’s rather quiet here, My Lady. I never imagined it would make for a blissful experience in the heart of buzzing Fort. As it is, the missus keeps telling me to step out more often, and get some fresh air, away from those musty bookshelves at home, which dare I say, I’ve neglected by not giving a thorough dusting. I’d better get to it before Navroze this year,” he reminded himself.

“Pheroze, perhaps, we could head to Kitabkhana together? I spend hours there. I had attended their 15th anniversary recently,” she revealed. It elicited a surprised glance from Sir PM. “It was last-minute; the owners had extended a personal invite-only affair,” Lady Flora shared, attempting to soothe Sir PM’s frowned expression. “Some of the city’s most acclaimed writers and poets attended, to support this key cultural and literary space. As I wafted over the mezzanine floor, I overheard two writers in conversation; that exchange made me think about our city’s serious plight. Both appeared genuinely concerned about the lack of independent bookstores in south Mumbai. Most shuttered for a range of reasons, from redevelopment, to lack of funding.”