[He would have, maybe, but it's a habit at this point-- since he can't really shake a hand that's offered to him, anyway.] The circumstances can't be helped. [But as it is... this might be the only way for him to even meet you at all, if he got it right.]
That's nice of you to say. [He pauses, thinks of something to ask that might make her even more at ease-- and well, talking about something familiar rather than unfamiliar usually does the trick.] Where did you come here from, Miss Maheswaran? If you don't mind me asking.