Yesterday, I was returning from a temple in Matunga. I got into a cab and the driver said, "Sir, this war is creating a lot of problems." I said, yes, any war will create problems — but we are relatively safe in India.

He went on: "No, sir, hotels are closing down because of lack of gas." I asked which one. He mentioned a hotel in Matunga.

A rumour meets reality

I couldn't help smiling. I had just met someone over coffee in that very hotel, minutes before stepping into this cab. The place was buzzing. And being a South Indian hotel, their........

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