Mid-month Merriment

Record turn-out this morning, prompting a lovely photo-op. Kishor Babani’s pocket player woke up after a long time to belt out some good old evergreen hits. Shekhawat came in looking dapper and debonair, striped black T-shirt tucked into dark chocolate-brown trousers. His wife was there too, dressed in a pretty salmon-pink Rajasthani outfit. On an impulse, he plucked a flower from the Garden and much to everybody’s surprise, walked up to her and planted it neatly in her hair. The V-day hangover from yesterday has obviously not left this adorable couple (above, right).
The famous foot-tapping Lata-Amirbai duet from Samadhi (1972) was playing in the background: “Gore Gore, O Baanke Chhore, Kabhi Meri Gali Aaya Karo…” Seeing how frisky and absent-minded Shekhawat was getting, Kishor kept teasing him as “Baanke Chhore”. But Nafisa Sayed took things to a different level. In the course of the exercises, she started singing in tune: “Gore Gore, O Baanke Chhore, Kabhi MHADA Aaya Karo…” MHADA is where she stays, the acronym deriving from the apartments of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority close to Lokhandwala Circle.
Santosh Tyagi did not quite like the parody. “Kyon MHADA mein gorey chhorey nahin miltey?” she asked.
“Nahin,” Nafisa replied straight-faced. “Isi liye, main inko bol rahi hoon…” she said pointing at Arora, who happened to be conducting the exercises in the middle. Quick on the uptake, Arora ran up to her with folded hands and asked: “Kyon, jootey khaney? Mujhe jootey nahin khaney MHADA mein jaa ke!”
The high point of the morning was however, the birthday bash hosted jointly by Vasudev Bhatheja, Santosh Tyagi and Mumtaz Jahan (right). Their birthdays were on the 1st, 10th and 14th of this month respectively. Mrs Chandra (in spectacles), a ‘friend’ of the Club, also pitched in to celebrate the birthday of her son. So as usual, we all trooped into the Chinese Hut and wished them a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling life ahead. The unusual part was the servings from a new confectioner, Anupam – hot, divine samosas, jalebi, dhokla, gajar ka halwa, chiwdas… and tea. In all, a very rich and sumptuous offering.
Renu Babani says:
It was great being back at the Garden after a break of a few days. I got a warm welcome from everyone and it felt like one big family once more. The party was fun, no doubt. As usual, everyone was in their element and nobody was spared. I guess, that is the norm with us. We have learnt to take things in our stride and somehow just laugh it away as usual. Hoping to see the new group photo soon.
--Renu
Dinesh Sharma says:
I have known of this Laughter Club phenomenon from its inception (when it was covered by the U.S.media) and observed it in person last Saturday. While I was circling the park, the laaf energy was infectious. It wasn't odd. I wonder if others feel the same way. The best part was when I was asked to join the inner circle and I was able to let it out. Felt great. Such mindless laaf, but it was therapeutic. Keep it going.
--Dan Sharma