All Set To Go

Shekhawat is saddled with a problem of plenty. He had initially estimated a contingent of around 35 members for the picnic to Harshgiri on Sunday, i.e. tomorrow. Till yesterday, total confirmations marginally exceeded that number. This morning, following last-minute payments from members like Rehana Sheikh, Sushma Gupta, Dilip Babani and Harish Wadhwa, the number has suddenly swelled to an incredible 49 – with perhaps a few more (like Neelam Garg) to follow.
Now, this promises to be great fun. After all, the more the merrier... But on the flip side, it would be a cramped 52-seater bus that could make things difficult on the three-hour journey. Those on the rear seats will have to put up with a particularly hard ride as they would be the first to be tossed up on every road bump. How the seats are to be allotted, without displeasing anybody, should challenge Shekhawat’s organization skills.
The other contentious issue – that of providing light refreshments enroute -- has been resolved. Shekhawat clarified that as breakfast would be provided immediately on reaching the resort, it would make no sense incurring expenditure on this count during the journey. Members were also told to carry along their drinking water bottles.
Meanwhile, a mysterious Manasi has become the cause of much hilarity for the past two days. This morning also, Shekhawat brought up the name, as though we were already acquainted with her. “She will be coming home today at 11:30 a.m.,” he announced, thereby prompting Yusuf-bhai to take a dig: “Why your home? Why not any of our homes?” Turns out that this Manasi is a representative of Harshgiri Lake Resort, who would collect the advance money for the picnic from Shekhawat’s place today.
Dilip Babani says:
This picnic will be really nice because the weather is not-too-hot and everybody will be able to enjoy in the swimming pool and the rain dance. If possible, somebody should bring a big ball so that we can play catch-catch in the pool. Drinking gentlemen will drink whatever they want to. There will be a lot of enjoyment because Sitaram, Rane and the ladies will sing and dance. Hope Kishor-bhai will bring his camera and Bose, please do not forget your camera and keep the batteries fully charged (or bring the charger with you). Everybody should bring some farsaan or biscuits to eat in the bus. Carry a bottle of water also. Everybody should pack in the night itself so that nothing is missed. We all must enjoy the picnic!
--Dilip