"OH MY goodness! We stayed at The Oberoi before!"
That was the first thing my Mom said to me this morning. She'd been watching the Mumbai attacks unfold on the news and, in her confusion, forgot that our stay at the luxury hotel a few years ago was in Calcutta and not India's commercial capital. (I was there for work and my parents had come along for the experience.)
We were still in a state of shock though. Our Oberoi stay had been amazing. The luxury chain is known for its colonial sumptuousness and top-notch pampering. Forget rampaging, armed terrorists. Just imagining the sound of gunshots disturbing the dignified peace is difficult.
My thoughts immediately went out to a couple of friends I know who are stationed in Mumbai. Checking in with them on mobile and Facebook, I am so relieved to report that they are safe.
More than 100 dead. More than 300 wounded.
And it's still not over.
About 100 to 200 are still trapped in The Oberoi. A Singaporean lady is being held hostage by the terrorists right now.
Our thoughts are with them all - and the residents of Mumbai too.
If you have been affected by the Mumbai terror attacks, or know of someone who has been caught in the situation, call us at +65-6319-1066 and share your story. Or leave a comment here.