Lady Flora was unable to spot her friend in the crowd that spilled out from the train as it halted at the great railway terminus. Luckily, Dr Viegas’s sola hat was easily noticeable, and there she spotted Sir PM playing catch-up with his friend. His crumpled cotton blazer and khaki work trousers made him look unrecognisable. His fedora hat had lost shape. She pursed her lips to hide a smile. ‘What could have possibly caused this?’ she wondered. “They you are! Thank you for coming at short notice,” exclaimed Dr Viegas. Sir PM managed a half-hearted wave.

“Where did both of you head to?” she asked. “Sir PM groaned, “Sincere apologies to the good doctor who accompanied me to the boondocks. My Lady, I learnt from my sources in my former office that an important minister from the power corridors in Delhi was to board a train from Ghatkopar all the way to Kalyan. Now as you know, I am someone who likes to speak up for the people whenever I get the opportunity in front of authority. From my pedestal, I am privy to countless heart-breaking utterances from commuters who avail of the Central Railway services. They deserve better, smoother facilities, cleaner railway stations; it’s an endless list. I felt it my duty to meet the minister to share these grievances. Little did we realise, it wouldn’t be so simple…” he trailed away.