The couple, of Indian origin, had been living in France all their lives and had come to Mumbai last year to get connected to their roots.

“They were in a very upbeat mood when they left our Bandra residence. Tiffin’s was their favourite dining place. We got news from the hotel staff that they were the first to be shot by the assailants. In fact, I was speaking to Loumia when she entered and suddenly the connection snapped. We were still clinging to hope. But after that we were not able to get in touch with them,” said Loumia’s first cousin Goulamraza Amarsy.

For the Amarsy family, the long wait before getting any confirmation was the worst waiting period. “We remained glued to the television hoping to get some details. After more than 24 hours, it is yet to sink in that they are no more,” said Goulamraza.

“The worst part was breaking the news to their three kids. They are in shock and are hardly speaking. It is very unfair on them. But we are a close-knit family and will definitely get through this,” said Goulamraza.

After the evacuation, the couple’s bodies were shifted to Sion hospital. “We want to take their bodies to France as soon as possible. However, the tedious paper work is a problem. We just want to give them a respectful funeral. That’s what everyone deserves,” said Goulamraza. “We are talking to the French consulate to speed up the process and hope the bodies are taken to Paris by tonight or tomorrow morning. Friends in Paris have started making all arrangements,” added Goulamraza.

Incidentally, Loumia Amarsy, whose maiden name is Loumia Hiridjee, is the founder of women’s French fashion brand Princesse Tam Tam. Loumia came from a family of Indian merchants who settled in Madagascar. She and her sister, Shama Hiridjee, studied in France and created the first Princesse Tam Tam collection in 1985. Today, the company operates in more than 40 countries.