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