Smriti Deshmukh, 34, consultant by day, cynic by lifestyle, was running late from her client’s office in Marol. Her Wadala flat was a solid hour away, even without the traffic.

The clouds have gathered again. Mumbai has been on red/orange alert since yesterday. Soon, the streets will shimmer with rain and possibility. And Mumbai, eternally #AamchiMumbai will once again show the world how to dance in the storm while holding each other steady.