Her friend was silently amused at her intent and applauded her level of enthusiasm. Sir PM had also done his bit. He was near his vantage point by Victoria terminus, as trains halted and joined in the salute with the blaring of horns in unison. "I saw some pretty rare scenes, Lady. To witness an emptied out terminus was a reminder of how the city is taking this seriously. I am glad."

Both friends knew that the days ahead would be a different ballgame altogether what with the lockdown called till March 31. "Now that we've thanked all the people who are helping India fight this virus, I'd like to see more initiative and support from the state and central governments, including from an economic standpoint. Our daily wage workers and street vendors are suffering; many have had to rush back to their hometowns fearing their inability to sustain themselves in Bombay," Sir PM argued. "You're absolutely right. We should learn lessons from Italy that is facing a surge in numbers because of a delay in testing, and from countries like France, where our friend Viegas tells me, the government is offering sops and economic support across income groups. Yes, our economy has already been facing a steep challenge but this is a question of saving lives. I do hope we also hear some reassuring news soon enough to protect people so they don't panic when it comes to thinking of their future, apart from of course, being safe during this lockdown," Lady Flora explained.

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"Singapore and South Korea's populations, I am told, were also very disciplined. It played a huge role in keeping the spread under check. Our government should take lessons from there, quickly and smartly," sighed Lady. She was clearly worried. "We've shown our intent as a country; now it's only up to us to be serious about this," summed up Sir PM, echoing what was going on in his friend's mind.

Both said their farewells and promised to stay in touch with a little help from good old Percy, the pigeon, who agreed to play messenger during this inexplicable time.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana
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