November 4. “Button, President Obama’s visit has turned the city of Mumbai topsy-turvy!”

“Even I don’t seem to understand what’s happening.”

“I mean—why should Mumbai be scrubbed clean only because he’s coming? Why is Mani Bhavan being given a make-over? Why is the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus being scrubbed clean? Why are drab road dividers been repainted in SoBo? Why are roads being cleaned and repaired? Why are more plants being dumped along the route he’s going to travel? Why can’t all these things get done on a regular scale?”

“And how will President Obama get impressed by all that’s happening?”

“I don’t have the faintest clue.”

“I just feel that if they can do all these and much more for a dignitary’s visit, the authorities can do this on a regular scale so things don’t have to be spruced up only when someone visits!”

“You are absolutely right? Do you know why he is visiting us?”

“Some work. Some pleasure. Even though he’s here for just a day.”

“Is he a friend of India?”

“No idea.”