In Chennai’s throbbing vein that is Anna Salai, still referred to by many as Mount Road, history has marched on with twists. Institutions, commercial and recreational establishments were all set over decades. Some lasted, others withered and while change is part of evolution, a city is also an amalgamation of memories.

Recently, Geetha Cafe, a corner hotel near the bustling Ritchie Street, lapsed into silence. The shutters are down, and the sprinkling of water on banana leaves before customers tucked into their idlis, dosas, and meals, has stopped. This was a restaurant that lacked the hype of its neighbouring rivals, and yet there was good food at reasonable prices.

The waiters unfailingly remembered customer preferences and regulars were acknowledged. Quaintly on the wall, there was a

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