At Wit’s End

Hari Singh Shekhawat (right) is a much harassed man. After the Chokhi Dhani proposal came up yesterday, he has been running from pillar to post making arrangements for the trip on January 8 (see last post). He has since spoken to the transporters and short-listed Neeta Travels and Tour India for the bus. Neelam Garg was to speak to the management of the resort, but has not got back yet. Shekhawat-ji tried calling her number, but she’s not responding.
Today he comes to the Garden and finds that the ladies are no longer inclined to go to Chokhi Dhani. “It is too far,” grumbled Geeta Sardana (below, left), who was not present yesterday. This became the trigger for others to voice their reluctance. “Who says the entry fee is Rs 300?” demanded Mrs Singh. “The papers say it is Rs 500 per head.” A quick calculation revealed that together with bus fare, the trip would cost between Rs 700 and Rs 800 per person – hardly the value for money members had bargained for a New Year bash.
Various alternative options were thrown up, while the men stood around blinking in disbelief. This was a case of ‘woman proposes and woman disposes’. Somebody said that going to a hotel nearby on January 1 for lunch/dinner would be appropriate and cost us less. Mention was also made of a restaurant, Blue Waters where unlimited lunch (both veg and non-veg) is served along with six starters, welcome drink, dessert… all for Rs 350!
Now Shekhawat-ji is at his wit’s end. All his efforts for Chokhi Dhani appear wasted because of the ambivalence of the ladies. As Neelam-ji did not turn up today, he cannot be sure of a discount on bulk bookings. Even if a discount is negotiated, surely it won’t bring the entry fee down to Rs 300, as originally estimated. In effect, there is every possibility of the Chokhi Dhani trip getting cancelled.
Seeing how dejected Shekhawat-ji had become, Srichand Arora (right) offered to bring a box of luddoos tomorrow and be done with the "moonh meetha", as per the original plan. Then, as an afterthought, he dropped the idea. “After keeping late-night today, who knows if anybody will show up tomorrow morning… or else, I’d have to be alone at the gate distributing luddoos to passersby,” he quipped.
So, as of now, the New Year “moonh meetha” is fixed for Monday morning – January 3.

Chokhi Dhani Revived

The New Year party this Sunday is off. The idea, which was so well received yesterday (see last post), has suddenly fallen into disfavour. Money was collected this morning and within minutes, returned. In its place, Chokhi Dhani has emerged as THE place to celebrate New Year’s – on January 8.
Travelling to this quaint Rajasthani village resort near Kalyan is Neelam Garg’s (right) brain child. She had come up with a similar proposal about six months back, but it was dropped for some mysterious reason – despite Shekhawat-ji’s personal interest in taking us there. Some say that the food served there was of dubious quality as yellow worms (or was it cockroach?) were detected in a rice plate. Everybody panicked.
Neelam-ji now assures us that quality standards at Chokhi Dhani have since improved and at least, yellow worms will no longer be found in rice plates. (She will not be going with us though!) “Besides, isn’t it a fact that in the best of hotels and restaurants, worms, even flies and cockroaches are found in the food?” she argued.
The logic appealed to the ladies, who have lately developed an aversion for parties in the Chinese Hut. As Mrs Harbans Singh (left) put it: “It will be the same old routine of being handed packets which would eventually end up with the building watchman or household bai. It's a sheer waste!” The idea was seconded by Santosh-ji and formally ratified by Arora-sah’b.
Likewise, the Goa trip for January has run into rough weather. The discounted hotel rate of Rs 1,200 per person, as quoted by Nazma Sayed today, appears to be prohibitive for many – more so, when another Rs 1,500 approx. is required for to-and-fro train fare. Besides, there are no tickets available in any decent train for January, according to Kishor-bhai. Furthermore, Sitaram-ji put his foot down on two trips in the same month. “Either Chokhi Dhani or Goa,” he insisted. “We cannot have both in January, since there are expenses involved.”
Motwani (right), a silent spectator in these deliberations, came out with the last word: “If only the ladies had not objected, we could have the New Year party in the normal course and everything would be fine. Now they are talking Chokhi Dhani and that too on the 8th of January! Chances are, this too would go for a toss – like the Goa trip.”

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. The two ladies have a "chokhi" smile in this blog!
2. Well, I am not going to be around on the 8th and will be on leave from 4th to 9th Jan. The venue, lunch, etc. do not matter much. But the people who attend do make the difference. Have a great time folks.
--Harish

Back to Pavilion

Srichand Arora (left) returned to a rousing welcome, looking refreshed and more cheerful than usual. He had been away for almost a fortnight on an extended vacation to Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar with family and very thoughtfully, brought back boxes of chikkis for each one of us. As mentioned in an earlier post, his son is down from Singapore to usher in the New Year with him.
No sooner had he settled in than things started to gather momentum on their own. Jokes began to flow freely during the exercises. Nahid Khan was back to her chirpy self with quick comments on the lyrics of songs playing – which were met by some equally sharp repartees from Arora-sah’b. With no interruption or delays today, the two laughing rounds and exercise session were wrapped up with clockwork precision.
Soon afterwards, Shekhawat-ji asked all present if they were interested in having a New Year’s party. According to Harish-bhai (below), parties are always welcome and do not really require an excuse or occasion. Everybody shared this feeling, only that there was some dispute over when to have it. New Year’s eve sounded inappropriate (“How can we have the party before the New Year?” asked Mrs Singh), 1st Jan would be impractical (“Everybody would be sloshed and flat in bed after the 31st December night,” predicted Shekhawat), 2nd Jan is a Sunday (“Hardly three or four people would show up,” said Bapu Rane)… And so the earliest available date would be 3rd January.
“But that is Monday, a working day,” Grover-sah’b (above) pointed out. “Why not Sunday? If members are informed in advance, they’d all turn up for the party!”
That made sense to everybody. The party is now fixed for January 2 morning, at the Chinese Hut. Shekhawat-ji said it would be held entirely on voluntary contributions (no compulsion on anybody to pitch in) and on his part, he would put in Rs 500. Instantly Arora-sah’b committed Rs 11, amid all-round laughter.
That’s the kind of humour we were missing for some time!

Harish Wadhwa says:
Small impromptu celebrations, even if it is just a cup of tea, is as welcome as the big and organised celebrations!
--Harish

Curioser and Curioser

Bapu Rane started with the laughing round and Nahid Khan conducted the exercises. Two others clapped for company. Before long, the group grew from four to 12, evenly divided between male and female – but way, way below our normal attendance of 20-odd every morning.
Morning fog, late sunrise and the chill factor are reasons for the erratic attendance these days. Of late, another factor has come to play. This being the wedding season, many members are keeping late nights and unable to wake up early. As Shekhawat-ji (below,left) observed, “Shaadi-vyah ka time hai, sab soh rahey hain abhi!”
There are just a couple of days left for the year to end and some people have only now woken to having a New Year’s bash in the Chinese Hut this week-end. Sushma Gupta’s husband offered to make a contribution, in case we are on. In the absence of some key seniors, no decision has yet been taken on this count.
Significantly, Bapu Rane (left) expressed his displeasure (for the first time) over “meaningless” parties and celebrations, when the time and money spent on them can be utilised for more worthwhile purposes. He is keen on creating a corpus for free medical aid to members in times of emergency. Dilip-bhai tried to reason with him that his is an expensive proposition, since a simple medical check-up costs Rs 5,000 nowadays. “But why can’t we get sponsors to underwrite the expenses?” argued Rane. “To start with, why don’t we at least approach Kokilaben Hospital ?”
Bapu Rane has an issue with the Goa trip also. He wants to take a day-time passenger train, join the group in Goa and on his return, break journey at his village 200 km away. But then, he is not alone with his peculiar demands. Some members want to extend their stay beyond two nights at the Goa hotel, rather than “rush back”. For many, even two nights away from home is a day too long. Others want to make their own travel arrangements because the railway concession for senior citizens would not apply to “juniors” in the family who would inevitably tag along. Above all, everybody wants to know what the trip would cost per head and Shekhawat-ji doesn’t have even a ballpark figure yet.
Indeed, things are getting curioser and curioser.

Harish Wadhwa says:
I am wondering what Grover-saab is up to in this picture. Looks like he is going to jump!
--Harish

Anonymous says:
Hey, I was checking this blog using the phone and it appears to be kind of odd. I thought you'd wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless. So do not mess that up.
--David

Chandaal Chaukdi

Early birds to the Garden cannot miss these four gents every morning – (l to r) Bapu Rane, Grover Sah’b, Kishor-bhai and Bose. Seated together on a bench close to the gate, they look like shadowy figures in the pre-dawn darkness while discussing some of the world’s most weighty issues before the exercises. Snatches of their conversation:
* “I switched on the TV and Rahul Dravid got out. So I switched off the TV.”
* “How big was the snake that came out last evening? Was it very big? How big?”
* “Onions cost 70 rupees a kilo, but in Behrambagh, you get them for 50 rupees.”
* “Shekhawat is laughing a lot nowadays. His medicines must be having double effect!”
* “Did you go for the musical programme in the other Garden? How was it?”
So on and so forth. The discussions often over-shoot the 7.00 a.m. deadline for the exercises, much to the annoyance of Sunita Jajodia (she’s always in a hurry!), who would start clapping “Ram Ram bol” on her own at a distance. It was she who had designated the four “Chandaal Chaukdi”.
Monthi Serrao (left) did a Santa Claus this morning by spreading the Christmas cheer among members with confectionery and cakes in neatly packed boxes. Since she did not come on the 25th, many could wish her only today, belatedly. Some had of course, wished her on phone or with text messages the day-before. It was nice of her to personally acknowledge and reciprocate every greeting.
It was also nice of our new member, Nazma Sayed (right) to volunteer her son’s hotel in Goa, only that she’d require some advance notice for making arrangements. Shekhawat-ji hasn’t yet discussed the trip with the rest of us, but seems inclined to go by train and time it around mid-January for a minimum of two nights.
Bapu Rane wants us to take the morning train so that we could enjoy the “scene-scenery” on the way. Some want A/C sleeper – which means no “scene scenery”. Some want night train so that time is not “wasted” on travel. Some want day train one way and night train the other… Verily, the fun has just begun!

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. This early bird Gossip Club of Four seem to be enjoying -- which is evident from their broad smiles.
2. Monthi-ji's gesture of distributing goodies for Christmas was great. Made us feel like members of a big family and that someone cares.
--Harish

PIC OF THE WEEK: 10

What is our BANTA CLAUS saying?



SANTA CLAUS IN TOWN! But where are the gifts? At least he's got something to do since Mrs Claus is away on holiday! --Renu Babani

Am I not doing an equally good job like Santa? I don't have to give gifts...my smile is enough to spread cheer and happiness!--Bhaswati Bose

Kishor-bhai is looking great in this Santa attire. But what is Santa Claus without the sack of gifts and goodies? One needs to be a real Santa and generously gift to one and all! --Harish Wadhwa

Tees Maar Khan

Normal people pay and watch a film they want to watch. Not us. We pay for the film we want to watch and watch another we don’t want to watch. Why? Because we love to laugh at ourselves. And secondly, today’s the day to be holly-jolly.
Merry Christmas everybody!
But Sunita-ji was livid. So was Santosh-ji. How could Yusuf-bhai unilaterally decide for everybody to go for Tees Maar Khan when he had collected money for Band Baajaa Baaraat? Grover-sah’b took a refund for the tickets he had booked for his family. What nobody had reckoned was that Band Baaja Baaraat had already run its course in the past four weeks and had been pulled off from most theatres yesterday. Even more surprising was that Tees Maar Khan, the latest Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif starrer had opened to virtually empty theatres.
So on Christmas Day, the “baaraat” jingled all the way to 24 Karat, a run down multiplex at Jogeshwari on S.V.Road. Like last time, Zayan and Shayan had come with their parents and grand-mom, Razia Khan; Sitaram-ji was with his wife; Nazma Sayed had brought her grand-daughter; Yusuf-bhai was with wife and grandson… With family members and kids scampering around, the Group of 22 looked a merry bunch of movie buffs out to make the most of a holiday.
It was just that we were at a wrong place on a right day for the wrong reason. For Tees Maar Khan was a pain. The cornball comedy on a demented conman (and his dumb-looking foil) staging a great train robbery was so over-the-top that our earlier two outings, Dabangg and Golmaal-3 look like Oscar winners now. Even the much-hyped 'Shiela ki jawani' item number was a washout – a disappointment. Nothing at all made sense. Yusuf-bhai simply held his head in exasperation and muttered aloud: “Puk gaya!”
Bose too couldn’t take the onslaught for long and did his own version of TMK. He slunk out in the darkness midway through the movie and returned after two hours, his head properly shorn. He had “utilized” the time by having a haircut at the barber’s close to the theatre!
Merry Christmas, once again to ALL -- and Monthi Serrao, in particular.

UFO Sighting

Is it a bird? Or is it a loaf of bread? Or a dead rat? A piece of sh**? Or a bomb?
Like the ladies you see on the right, everybody appeared more amused than intrigued by the tiny Unidentified Fallen Object (UFO) lying close to where we exercise in the Garden every morning. Only Santosh-ji (below right) looked repulsed by its sight and held her neck for a while, lest she threw up.
Others walked up to it by turn, peered down and then turned back, shrugging their shoulders. Sunita Jajodia (below left) concluded it “must be something dead”, wrapped in white polythene. Geeta Sandhana walked up and bravely spat on it: “Jab gandi cheez hai, toh iskey oopar hi thhookungi”
Somehow, the men did not seem to be bothered as much. From where they stood, the object looked like a little piece of white rock, only that something fuzzy moved up and down over it, every time a breeze blew across.
When Monthi-ji came, looking cheerful as usual and wishing everybody with folded hands, the ladies signaled her to watch her step. Her eyes fell on the object next to her feet and instantly, her expression changed to horror. Watching her, Shekhawat-ji finally decided to relocate enmasse and we ended up doing the rest of our exercises under a tree.
All through, the little white shapeless object lay innocuously on the ground, scarcely drawing attention to itself. It did not let out a stink. It did not detonate. It did not attract flies. Even the stray dogs gamboling in the Garden took no notice. Only to us, it had become a source of distraction.
Once the exercises and surya-namaskar prayers were done, the men gallantly went to inspect the object up-close. Turned out that the cause of so much consternation for the ladies was a half-eaten burger in tissue paper, stained by ketchup. It could have dropped from the beak of a careless crow, perched overhead.

--Renu Babani says:
Hi there, everyone! Managed to sneak some time in to catch up with the blog. I am really having fun and enjoying every moment of it. Oman is such a peaceful and beautiful place and so different from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The weather is beautiful, cool and pleasant and guess what... no mosquitos! Of course, nothing like family and that is the beauty of being here and I know I wouldn't exchange anything for this trip!
--Renu

On Popular Demand

In the shadow of a monster Bollywood release, Yusuf-bhai (below left) is out to flog a dead horse. But there’s little he can do about it. Tickets are not available for Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan this week-end. And on popular demand, he has no choice but to take everybody out for the, by now four-week-old comedy, Band Baaja Baaraat day-after-tomorrow (Saturday).
The delay shall no doubt take the edge of the excitement that marked our last two movie outings – Dabangg and Golmaal 3. Dilip Babani had tried to talk Yusuf-bhai out of this by arguing that Band Baaja... is already a “joona picture” which many members would anyway have watched by now. Instead, it would make more sense to go for Tees Maar Khan while 'Shiela ki jawani' remains fresh!
As it turns out, most members have actually been biding their time for Band Baaja..., ever since Yusuf-bhai came up with the idea two weeks back. Many of them like Santosh-ji and Grover-sah’b, who have their roots in Delhi, do not want to miss the film for its unique Janakpuri flavour. Some others have already watched the film, but want to go again with the group. So Band Baaja Baaraat it is, on Christmas Day.
Sitaram-ji (right) showed up today to announce that he was in forced confinement at home for the past 12 days, since the lift to his seventh floor apartment has been out-of-order. At his age, he finds it difficult to take the stairs. Still, he took courage this morning and day-after again, would attempt the staircase in order to join everybody for the movie.
Meanwhile, Kishor-bhai is attracting much sympathy from members who are worried how he is managing for food in the absence of his wife (Renu-ji). His assurance that there’s his mother at home, somehow, does not seem to convince anybody. To be doubly convincing, he says food is never an issue because there are any number of people in the Garden who would feed him generously. What remains unsaid are two things: One, he is a past master at this and two, he is past cracking biwi-saali jokes.

Bhaswati Bose says:
Renu left just yesterday and our Gyan Guru Kishore-bhai has already become so romantic! He's missing her so much...
--Bhaswati

Moonstruck!

A huge full-moon hung over the Garden this morning. Bapu Rane said it was Margasheersh Poornima last night. But the effects of the golden orb in the pre-dawn sky were already evident from the behaviour of some of our members as they trickled in one by one.
Hari Naraiyani (below right)looked unusually sprightly while twisting and turning his wiry frame like a bharata- natyam dancer and matching steps with the music playing in Kishor-bhai’s pocket. It was a sight to behold. For an 80-year-old, Hari-bhai is exceptionally flexible in the body and nimble on his feet. Besides he has grace and fluidity in his movements and a brilliant sense of rhythm. Later, he did a repeat performance, this time going through the paces of a garba dancer!
Actually, much of this light-heartedness is triggered by the music that accompanies our exercises. Kishor-bhai has an extraordinary collection of re-mixed numbers from yesteryear films (that often sound better than the original) which he has been playing for the last couple of days. Shekhawat-ji does not normally comment on film songs, but he too had to say, “Gaaney achche baj rahe hain.”
At one point when the song, Pehli pehli baar milata hai yahi… was playing, Nahid Khan (left) turned the key phrase, Dil toh pagal hai into Bambaiya Hindi – “Dil toh yeda hai!” Thereafter, every time the line played up, everybody would burst into laughter. Not to be outdone, Razia Khan (below right) added her line to rhyme with Dil toh yeda hai: “Tu kyun teda hai?” And so it went on with Yusuf-bhai also chipping in… if only to prove that even in such crazy moments, members don’t lose their creative spark.
Yusuf-bhai however, had to bring some unpleasant news – which probably explains his coming today. After the exercises, he informed that Zarina Khan (of the Yoga Group) lost her husband last night and his body has been brought to their residence at Building No 19, Millat Nagar. The jokes session was suspended and instead, a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for the departed soul.

Called Off

Shekhawat-ji dropped a bombshell this morning. The Lonavala trip for January 8 stands cancelled. The announcement -- which comes close on the heels of our movie plans for December getting scuttled -- was oddly enough, greeted with approval by all present.
“Since most of the members who had been to Lonavala in September are reluctant to go a second time, there is no point planning a trip there again,” Shekhawat-ji said. “Those who had not accompanied us are also not very keen. In the circumstances, it is better to drop the idea. The trip stands cancelled.”
The credit (or blame) for this cancellation should go to Kishor-bhai who had sensed the mood of the members earlier. Although he was the only one to have paid up for the trip in advance, he had gathered that it would be difficult to enlist enough participation to break-even on costs.
“If you are not inclined, it is better you tell Shekhawat-ji right now,” he urged everybody. “It would save him the trouble of making arrangements. He is under the impression we are all keen on going and is accordingly making repeated calls to the guest house and transporter. Later on, when he discovers there are not enough people interested, he might feel let down.”
Luckily Shekhawat-ji got the message in time and made the announcement instantly. It was only thereafter that members like Mumtaz Jahan started voicing their reluctance on going to Lonavala again. “Aapne achcha kiya cancel kiya, kyonki main toh jaane wali nahin thi,” she declared. Like most others, she was afraid of saying this earlier lest it would offend Shekhawat-ji.
Shekhawat-ji has an alternative plan up his sleeve, though it is still at a nascent stage. He intends to check with Nazma Sayed on the chances of a concession on bulk bookings in her son’s hotel, should we make a trip to Goa. Tentatively, he announced that it would be organised around a longish week-end, allowing for at least a two-night stay. Quick to figure out that only Goa could better the enjoyment of our Lonavala trip, Khatoon Baig (above) pleaded to keep things on hold till she returns from Dubai on January 12. She is leaving tomorrow to visit her niece there. Renu Babani (left) is also leaving tomorrow, for Muscat to celebrate Christmas and New Year with her sister.
We wish both cross-armed ladies Bon Voyage.

Renu Babani says:
Yes, I'm off tomorrow as planned and shall return in the new year. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the new year bring with it peace, love and happiness. Have a safe and happy year ahead. I shall definitely try to check out the blog whenever time permits and also post my comments. Take care everyone and God Bless!
--Renu

S.V.Arora says:
All the best, Renu, for your trip to Muscat. We too wish you the BEST OF CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS AND WONDERFUL 2011 / 2012 / 2013 AND SO ON. But how come you are leaving our (dear to all) Kishor alone? I think it is unfair -- CHHOD RAHI HO USKO.
--Arora

Plans Aborted

Ever since Yusuf-bhai organised a movie outing last September, some members have made it their mission in life to watch a film together every month. October went blank. November saw them (mostly ladies) trooping in for Golmaal 3 at Cinemax. And now with December coming to a close, they are once again getting desperate.
Day-before-yesterday, on Saturday, the ladies had extracted a commitment from Yusuf-bhai for Band Baaja Baaraat this week – before Tees Maar Khan opens on Friday. A joint lunch soon after the movie at Shabari restaurant was also on the cards. Today Yusuf-bhai was to confirm the date and show timing. But as luck would have it, he did not show up. In effect, the movie plans for December seem to have gone for a toss.
Bhaswati Bose, the main lobbyist (right) behind the movie programme is however, not giving up easily. Her Plan B is to gather Ramila-ben, Geeta-ji, Santosh-ji, Sunita-ji and some other ladies to meet for the morning show of Band Baaja Baaraat tomorrow. This splinter group intends to avail of a Videocon scheme which allows subscribers a free ticket for every one purchased.
Meanwhile, Shekhawat-ji’s plan for a repeat trip to Lonavala has gathered momentum. Collections have started coming in. It seems the place we had stayed in last time would accommodate up to 30 people only as part of the building is under renovation. There’s been some talk about going to another place, but nobody knows where. Some like Khatoon Baig are even suggesting Goa – after Nazma Sayed informed that her son had opened a hotel there (see Bill Board alongside).
Amidst all the talk, planning and counter-planning, Ved Prakash Grover (left) came in with some distressing news. He has lost his sister. He was on his way to Delhi last week to attend a wedding when a call in the train informed him of her untimely demise. Instead of joining the marriage party, he ended up attending his sister’s funeral. May her soul rest in peace.

Bhaswati Bose says:
I am going ahead with the Vodaphone scheme on Tuesday. No point waiting... at this rate we will miss Tees Maar Khan also.
-- Bhaswati

PIC OF THE WEEK: 09

Just what are these lost-and-found twins up to?



The artist's brush is on Mr. Arora's moustache... Is he actually attempting to make them look identical twins?
--Renu Babani

No, he's going to offer us a bargain deal: BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!
--Bhaswati Bose

Lonavala Again?

The Lonavala hangover hasn’t yet left us. It’s been three months since we had bussed it to the hill station near Mumbai and now, once again, as we are on to firming up plans for our next picnic, we want to go back. Memories of that trip (see post of September 27) seem so compelling that we cannot think beyond Lonavala.
This morning Shekhawat-ji (below) announced that in the absence of any other proposal coming up from members, we have no option but to revisit the hill station on January 8 – the date fixed for the picnic. Like last time, it would be an overnight stay and the damages are Rs 1,000 per head (subject to adjustments on actuals). He however, added that he was still open to a change of programme, should anyone come up with a better idea.
Quite clearly, this trip to Lonavala is mainly for the benefit of those who had missed the last one and have since been regretting. They have heard so much about the fun and games there that it is natural of them to feel deprived. At the same time, to expect a repetition of the same experience is nothing but wishful thinking. Certain things in life can never be replicated. The joy experienced in any trip is one such.
Already there are many disgruntled voices sounding off: “Who wants to go to the same place a second time?” Well, the only answer to this is nobody has yet come up with a suitable alternative. Yusuf-bhai had suggested Alibaug, but nothing came of it. Sunita Jajodia suggested Palghar, but it turns out that accommodation itself works out to Rs 2,500 per head – which doesn’t really make sense, particularly for members who’d want to take their families along.
What could perhaps be considered is to abandon the idea of overnight stay till such time an "economically viable" place is identified. We could as well go and come the same day as we used to earlier. That way, we would at least be assured of maximum participation from one and all.
Of course, the majority opinion would prevail.

Renu Babani says:
Considering no one has come up with any further ideas, I guess Mr Shekhawat is right in deciding on Lonavala as everyone did enjoy themselves. However, if anyone has a better resort in mind, please let everyone know about it. No matter where we go, it is bound to be fun, because we make sure we make the most of it. Tomorrow being Monday, I guess the picnic will be the main agenda and final decision made -- unless the majority decides otherwise.
-- Renu

Last Blast

Today was the last big blast of the year for the Club. Kajal Babani celebrated her birthday together with Mrs Harbans Singh and Rane Bapu (right pic) with a fabulous assortment of phapra-jalebi, dhokla, crispy mathi and other savories from Jagruti. As expected, we had a full house. Adding to the morning delight was ‘heavenly’ halwa (prepared as kadha prasad) that Mrs Singh had brought from home, thanks to a special request from 'greedy-man' Harish Wadhwa.
In every other way, Harish-bhai played master of ceremonies as he set up his laptop and projection screen (bottom) for the announcement of last Sunday’s “mystery man” (see blog post of December 12). Out of the dozen members who had posted their guesses, only Arora-sah’b (bottom left) was absolutely spot-on at identifying YUSUF RASSIWALA (bottom right). Dilip-bhai came a close second as he dithered over Bose being a likely suspect. Harish-bhai guessed correctly at first, but revised his opinion to Shekhawat-ji at the last moment.
Strangely, Shekhawat-ji garnered the maximum number of ‘votes’, followed by Hari Naraiyani. A perspicacious Renu Babani, who is normally prompt with her comments on this blog, took three days to conclude it was Shekhawat-ji. Ramila Mistry had even “seen” the photograph among Shekhawat-ji’s personal collection of childhood pictures. And what would you say of Monthi-ji and Geeta Sandana who zeroed in on Rane Bapu because “in those days” Maharashtrians used to sport Dev Anand's puffed hairstyle?
But the best had to come from Dilip-bhai. At one point he was so confused that he began confusing everybody by saying that the photograph was not even that of a man! (Mrs Singh got so taken in that she wanted to know if it was a chhakka.) But Dilip-bhai had his theory: Bose had taken a female’s picture, touched it up on the computer, added a man’s hairstyle, somebody else's moustache and is now making ullu out of everybody. “You cannot put anything beyond Bose,” he argued in all seriousness. “He even turned me into a bhoot last-to-last Sunday!”
Amidst all the hilarity, the most touching moment came towards the end. Everybody was leaving when Yusuf-bhai went up to Rane Bapu to thank him and wish him a long and happy life. “This must be your best birthday celebration,” he remarked light-heartedly. Rane looked up, eyes glistening in tears. “I am one year short of 70,” he replied in a choked voice while trying hard to focus at the distance.
Maybe, he should have brought his family today.

Bhaswati Bose says:
Hope this won't be the last blast of the year. We are looking forward to the movie next week. Yusuf-bhai will finalise the date tomorrow. The birthday celebrations were indeed hatkey this time, what with the show on the big screen, the declaration of the winners and the prize distribution ceremony. All thanks to Harish-bhai. Also Mrs Singh, thank you for the home-made halwa... It was yummmmmmy!
--Bhaswati

Renu Babani says:
Today was a blast and the Chinese Hut was abuzz with the constant chattering and laughter. I am sure the outsiders must have been really curious. The picnic is yet on the agenda; so let's hope it does materialise this time. I guess it is going to take place some time in January -- something to look forward to in the New Year. Just a few more weeks to go this year. Let's make the most of it and enjoy our time together. Who knows what tomorrow holds!
--Renu

Jolly Season

This is the season to be jolly. And so it is with all the buzz around about celebrations, setting out on picnic, watching a movie together followed by lunch and so on… only that members are unable to make up their minds. It is not for nothing that this period preceding Christmas-New Year is also known as the ‘silly season’.
Since early morning, Sunita Jajodia (bottom left) has been restless about putting forth her idea of a picnic at Palghar. Her son, it seems, had been there twice and has recommended a nice resort for overnight stay, should we so desire. Shekhawat-ji heard her patiently and suggested she obtain the tariff details and a telephone number of the place. He added that in any case, it is for the ladies this time to decide the place for the picnic and he would welcome all suggestions. Instantly Sunita-ji gave up. She threw up her hands in style and blurted out, “Tab toh gaya bhains pani mein!”
If the picnic is in a limbo, the movie plans for December seem to be doubly mired in uncertainty. Here again, the ladies are the pivot with everybody pitching for a recent multi-starrer, No Problem. Subsequently they changed their minds and the consensus is now for Band Baaja Baaraat. Bhaswati, Santosh-ji, Geeta-ji, and Mrs Singh seem keen to make it this very Saturday (which is day-after) because next week-end Renu Babani would be away. Now Yusuf-bhai, who is to organize the advance tickets, has taken the day off because of Moharram. Moreover, Razia Khan is away in Pune. Waiting for her to return would mean next week – by which time another big blockbuster, Tees Maar Khan would roll in. And Renu would be out. There is also the unresolved question about identifying a restaurant for having lunch together -- before or after the movie. So everybody is confused!
Meanwhile, Kajal Babani (right) has announced her birthday treat tomorrow, together with Mrs Singh and Rane Bapu. Harish Wadhwa has offered to provide the entertainment by beaming this blog from his laptop on a wide screen in the Chinese Hut. The focus would no doubt, be on the photograph of the “mystery man” featured last Sunday. His identity will be revealed on the spot.
Watch this space.

Renu Babani says:
Tomorrow is certainly a big day. Celebration time in regards to birthday treats, hopefully, the secret identity shall be revealed and the movie plans will be finalised. Let's wait and watch. Attendance will be full and it should be fun!
--Renu

Different Strokes

Laughter cannot be synchronized. In a group, people come up with different styles of laughing. Some produce a loud guffaw, some a shy chortle, some let out a startled squeak, some emit hot air (hupffff!), some even sing. There can be nothing uniform or synchronized in the way we laugh together.
But what is our excuse for not synchronizing the physical exercises?
Look at Bose. During the Lion and Lioness growl, he would abruptly clasp his neck with both hands as though afraid that his head would fly off his body any moment. In contrast, Dilip Babani lets his tongue hang out and snarls like an animal on and on and on… long after everybody else has run out of breath. Earlier Shekhawat-ji used to take ages to clear his lungs – the exhalation being slower than a tyre gone phooos. Nowadays, he is not as slow.
And what would you say to those who have no sense of direction? Tell Hari-bhai or Nazma Syed to lift their left hand and be sure, their right hand would come up. Tell them to turn right and they would do just the opposite. (Hari-bhai might not even bother to follow the rest if there’s a good song playing in Kishor-bhai’s pocket. He would much rather stand, arms akimbo, singing along.)
Now, this is not to run down anyone who has physical or health issues. Nazma Syed (right), for instance, has an obvious mobility problem and it is immensely brave of her to try match her movements with us, regardless of the pain it causes her. Likewise, when Mrs Harbans Singh or Rane Bapu and Nafisa Syed refrain from rotating their necks, we understand there’s an issue of giddiness. The same applies to other equally demanding exercises like Kissa Kursi Ka where age and physical infirmity may get into one’s way.
What defies understanding though is when someone deliberately goes off-track, breaking the synchrony. Why must Mumtaz Jahan(left) for instance, stay bent double, refusing to even lift her head long after others are done with the Breathing-and-Stretching exercise? It is not only distracting but disturbs everybody’s rhythm and flow.
The other day, Razia Khan (right) tried emulating the Sushma Gupta act of running to and fro with arms flailing around like a windmill. It was a comical sight, but out of politeness, everybody just sniggered. But Nafisa could not hold herself from genuflecting from the side, as though Razia Khan had suddenly transformed into a dancing dervish possessed by a spirit in a shrine. “Mata, mera kaam kab poora hoga!” she cried out to Razia.
Yes, we find humour, whatever be the situation.

Renu Babani says:
No matter what anyone says, our group rocks! We are fun loving and enjoy our time together. Where will you find such different people come together every morning, just for an hour or so, and enjoy each other's company? The constant banter amongst each other during the exercise, snide remarks, sniggers and silly comments are just for the sake of making the exercise a bit more interesting. I guess otherwise it would get really boring if we were to just exercise in silence. I wonder if everyone would then really attend the morning sessions.
--Renu

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. I completely agree with you, Renu-ji. It is the fun and laughter that binds us as a team/family and keeps everyone enthused to be present every morning.
2. I am no different -- as caught in the camera. While everyone is doing the silent laughter, I am spreading my wings, ready to fly! And Kishor-bhai cannot stop laughing at this while Hari-bhai is giving an amused look.
--Harish

Living it Up

One of the biggest blessings of winter mornings is the joy of being at your sartorial best. Shorts, floaters and tees are replaced by colourful trousers, closed footwear, cardigans, stoles and mufflers. Everybody is in formals. True, the Mumbai chill is not too severe; but still, it provides reason enough to dress up – rather than be dressed down in casuals. Besides, at no other time of the day does this city allow you to be as fashionably indulgent.
Sure enough, our members are living it up in style. Some like Arora-sah’b and Geeta-ji are particularly conscious about coordinating colours and textures, not to miss the understated elegance displayed by Razia Khan, Monthi-ji, Mumtaz Jahan and other ladies. Yusuf-bhai and Shekhawat-ji are also looking suitably dapper, so much so that collectively, our members stand out in the Garden for being the most colourful, energetic and smartly turned out among all the stragglers around.
There are many other distinctive features that mark us out as a Club. Nowhere else would you find so many happy faces, such a strong sense of fellow-feeling and a complete absence of politicking. We have absolutely NO money in any kitty. We have no fees for joining, no penalties for leaving. There are no bosses around, no duties, no compulsions and no expectations. We are not bound by anybody’s rules.
And yet, we have a ball right round the year – whether it is with our daily ritual of jokes narration post-exercise, or while setting out on an excursion/picnic or ganging up for a movie in a nearby multiplex, or celebrating birthdays, religious festivals, anniversaries… Today, Santosh-ji (right) came with a box of gajak (brittle sesame candy) for us from Delhi. She was under no obligation to do so. Nor was there any need to formally thank her. We take such things for granted, as in a family. For that is what we are ultimately – at the beginning of the day.