“Pheroze, you’re late. I’ve been waiting outside the Cathedral for a while now. I decided to move here ever since the caretaker began to get suspicious after he heard a few odd sounds, all thanks to my best attempts to tiptoe across the pews and benches. Anyway, what happened? Why so long?” Lady Flora was her usual impatient self, Sir PM noticed. “Well, I was at the fire temple, you see. You must’ve heard about the reopening of places of worship. So I was there, overseeing a few arrangements that needed to be done,” he answered, hoping to show off that he was in the know, and perhaps, his friend wasn’t aware of this most recent development. He was wrong, of course.

 “Old news, my dear. I’ve been hearing murmurs throughout September. I’ve got my sources, too,” she replied, cheekily.  That statement was partly made because she enjoyed chiding her friend and waiting for his almost immediate reactions. It was always fun, she chuckled, under her breath. “Pheroze, so tell me, why were you at the fire temple?” Lady Flora prodded. Her curiosity would’ve put even Sherlock Holmes to shame, Sir PM thought. “You see, I am on the advisory board. It involves a lot of managing of affairs…ensuring we are ready to welcome back worshippers,” he replied. “You mean as a “silent” member,” she laughed. Sir PM managed a half-smile. “But it’s a positive sign, don’t you think? After the tough year, and the second wave, this will bring a smile to the faces of the faithful. The missus is happier to finally return to the fire temple,” and then he lowered his voice to add, “…plus, she is thrilled to meet all her friends after ages, and that too, in the same space.” Almost as if he imaged Mrs. Mehta would overhear his rant.