Lest we forget

Bachi Karkaria's Erratica and its cheeky sign-off character, Alec Smart, have had a growing league of followers since 1994 when the column began in the Metropolis on Saturday. Incorrigible foodie, she’d tucked into lavish Parsi lagan nu bhonu in the first sitting and left much earlier than her other Delhi friends; the hotel chefs were creating their magic for her. The first flickered with Sabina’s phone signals emanating from an off-shore island; the second became unequivocal certainty three agonised days later. The fine calligraphy is addressed to ‘Urvaksh and Anisha’, whose wedding reception had been blighted by Kasab & Co – and as unimaginably claimed my friend. Goose-bumps tingle my frame as I read the note inside: ‘Best wishes, Sabina Sehgal Saikia.’ *** Alec Smart said: “Retail mantra ‘Cash and carry’ has become wholesale political winner.” Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.