"This is a sign of my utter shock, anger, helplessness and regret of the possible end of an era. What a shame that this city cannot save this unique building. I will wear this for a while to make a statement as a fellow heritage site. The tourists will have to make do with a different looking Lady Flora. I think all of us should show our solidarity with this heritage landmark. People of today can't even imagine what this means because they are not even aware of its uniqueness," she rattled off. She was clearly upset by this development, Sir PM could tell.

"But Lady, what do you think tilted the scales in favour of this awful decision? I still thought the building had a chance at revival. This, especially after the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag that this sub precinct was honoured with, which the site is a part of," enquired Sir PM. By now, Lady Flora decided to give the black robe a break. After all, it was the middle of an unbearably muggy May in Mumbai, and she had never realised how uncomfortable it felt to wear black. Until now, of course.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.79%

AAP 42.62%

INC 24.59%

Submit

View All In Poll

"See, Pheroze, it has always been very clear from where I stand and what I have been privy to. The tenants wish to stay on after the place gets restored and sensitively renovated but the landlord — I am very confident of this — is hand-in-glove with the babus and other gods, and is looking at making a hefty sum of money by giving it up and allowing some new building — an eyesore — to rise in its place," reasoned Lady Flora, seeming quite convinced of her theory. "This new explanation floated by some reputable institution to say that it cannot be restored is humbug. All bogus talk, I say; it's just another way of joining hands with the land sharks who are eyeing this prized piece of property."

Sir PM nodded. He had to believe her. She must have been a spy or an investigative journalist in another life, he thought. "Lady…I am with you in full solidarity. We must support and show our displeasure at this act. In my heyday, I would have turned up in my black robes to save the mansion. Today, I can remove it from my almirah and don it at least for this cause," he assured her.

They made their way, albeit in silence, to this one-time impressive, now sealed landmark. The place resembled an eerie reminder of its glory days. It was pitch dark. A couple of stray cats ambled around near the entrance. They were probably displaced with the shuttering of the space. A loss of home. Much like what will happen if this demolition were to go ahead. Bombay, too, will lose some of its soul and character.

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
Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates