Both friends had deliberately decided to arrive later than usual for their nighttime stroll. The biggest cultural extravaganza in the city at Kala Ghoda had just begun, and they didn’t want to miss out on the goings-on. They had also taken the wise decision to avoid their usual hangout, and instead planned to meet by the Apollo Bunder promenade. “Pheroze, I am right here!” exclaimed Lady Flora, waving vigorously to catch her friend’s attention. He didn’t miss her cheery disposition, and waved back.

“My Lady, what did you think about the festival so far?” Sir PM enquired; he always preferred that she set the tone of their conversations. “Pheroze, its scale is magnificent. And it’s lovely that there are more venues. I managed to catch the Snow Lion dance performance, presented by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts at the Horniman Circle Garden. It was such a delight, and the place was packed, given that I had to wrestle my way to find a discrete corner to catch proceedings,” shared Lady Flora, doing a little jig; Sir PM could tell she was trying to remember a few steps from the dance, and smiled. “They’ve made quite an impression on you. I decided to walk around the stalls, and soak in the buzz; listen to the voices of visitors. It’s a handy observation exercise that I look forward to, edition after another,” he added, pleased with his immersive adventure around the Kala Ghoda sub-precinct.