Two days ago, our lives changed forever. We speak to each other over the phone, give strength and hold back tears. We manage for the most part. Till we chance upon a sight of a much-feared hotelier of 40 years’ experience crying like a baby while his hotel burns on television. Or hear of someone losing their life while helping guests escape in those crucial first few hours. People who we have always seen in charge are helpless — a patriarch of a company, who is frequently ailing, has not eaten since the crisis began.

As we watch these two icons — dream beginnings for so many young hoteliers — try and stand up to this violation, life in a “profession of graces” reminds us to say thank you. Thank you for the valiant efforts of the many security personnel who are risking their lives and thank you to the relentless media that gives us glimpses of people we thought were lost. And above all else, we feel for our guests — guests of these hotels and this country. May the day when we welcome you back, be here soon-Atithi Devo Bhava.

Advaita Kala is a former hotelier who has worked for The Oberoi and The Taj Hotels. She is the author of Almost Single.