Impromptu Celebration

Today is Eid-ul Adha, or Bakr Eid. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, let us join our Muslim members and their families, wishing everybody health and happiness, divine forgiveness for all mistakes, ease from suffering and acknowledgement of good deeds done. May your prayers be answered.
Partly out of this celebratory mood and mainly on impulse, Srichand Arora decided to treat everybody to phapra-jalebi. For many days he had been complaining that he hasn’t had phapra-jalebi for ages, simply because nobody in the Club shares his taste for this crispy morning snack. Yesterday, he was discussing this outside the Garden gate when Harish-bhai and Bose egged him on to go ahead and give all members a surprise today. Sushma Gupta’s husband, who was passing by, offered to get sohan papdi as an add-on.
However, this morning, Arora-sa’ab seemed to be in two minds, wondering whether there would be enough members attending – today being Eid. The moment Kishor-bhai said that the cat was already out of the bag (as Harish-bhai had mentioned the phapra-jalebi treat in his blog post yesterday), Arora jumped up. “Arey baap re, phir toh jana hi padega,” he said and summoning Grover-sa’ab, dashed towards the Gate. In less than an hour, he was back from Jagruti (near Andheri Station), lugging bags of phapra-jalebi.
It was a well-appreciated surprise for most members, even as Hari Narayiani kept cribbing about Arora not getting a goat along on Bakr-Eid morning. Here is a “ghaas-phoos eater” wanting to start his day with mutton! But it was taken in good humour as everybody knows Hari-bhai is simply irrepressible. He must have his say in everything.
Renu Babani and Monthi Serrao did not look too well this morning. One is running fever and the other has an upset tummy. Both had to take breaks from the exercises and sit on the side bench – which is not their style. Let us wish them speedy recovery.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Arora-ji, so nice of you and Grover-sa'ab to take the trouble. More than the food element, we could see many smiling and chirpy faces. Mission accomplished!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
Hey, I caught Bose "stealing" goodies from Bhaswati's plate (not fair!) despite the fact that he had his own share. Like a journalist I took a 'picture of the moment'Tomorrow, I wish to see the Tehelka expose of that moment on the blog. No sympathies to the phapra chor. Bhaswati-ji, I expect tough action from you for this gustakhi.
--Harish

Bhaswati Bose says:
Old habits die hard!
--Bhaswati

Here's that scandalous picture (right) -- the 'phapra chor' caught in the act.
--Big Laaf

Harish Wadhwa adds:
Did you notice how Ramila-ji took the initiative this morning to serve the goodies to everyone with so much love and enthusiasm? She has an infectious smile with which she does it that made the jalebis a lot more sweeter than their normal taste. Thanks.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds further:
I feel our dear Shekhawat-ji and Monthi-ji need to quickly organise a small picnic in the near future. I am sure this will pep both of them and the others. Wishing them good health!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds still further:
Kishor-bhai's Guru Gyan said it all about today's impromptu celebration theme.
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
Despite feeling under the weather, the impromptu party was welcome and did cheer me up. Just being together in such good company was fun. Hopefully, should feel better by tomorrow to attend in the morning. Otherwise will just be under the blanket till I feel good. I guess due to Eid the attendance was low. Where is everyone? Come on everyone, let's get back to the Garden. It is no fun without everyone around. Mr Bose, how could you sneak a bite from your wife's plate? Not fair! Wish I had seen that. I would have definitely said something.
--Renu