Many years ago, after we returned home from a few days in Bombay, our cook had asked, “Did you see film stars on the streets?” We had laughed. It was not just the cook who was disappointed. Ma, walking down some Bombay street that I don’t remember, had remarked, “Where are all the beautiful women who are supposed to walk around on the streets everywhere? All I can see is spit.”
A few years ago, when I went back home, a neighbour asked my whereabouts. When I told him, he said, “Ah, Bombay. Very nice city. I loved it.”
“Have you been there?”
“Yes, yes.”
“Oh. For how long?”
“Six days. In Juhu. Very good place.”
Right.

***

So, some people’s office moved to a new address. An address that I, till recently, was unfamiliar with. It is only recently that I learnt that the swanky new building is next to a fish market, the road in front lined with stinking trucks, homeless squatters, and piles of rubbish.
And I have a conversation about this.
“So, they have moved. She put up a Facebook message. Wonder why.”
“Maybe she wants others to know that the new office is in a posh building.”
“Posh? It is next to a fish market?!”
“Yes. You know that. That is because you have been there. Those who have not been there, will think it to be posh.”

Ah.