Suspended!

After 346 blogposts in as many days, it is time to take our annual break – to recharge our batteries (so to say) and reflect on the year gone by, take stock of our strengths and weaknesses and identify the areas where we could have done better.
As you would no doubt appreciate, the success of any blog depends upon the eyeballs it attracts. Maybe, we need to become more inter-active and reader-friendly, perhaps reduce the clutter on the pages, change the colour scheme, introduce new features… Towards these ends, should you have any suggestions to make, please feel free to post them by clicking ‘comments’ below.
Meanwhile, we leave you with an everyday picture of our morning exercise session. We will be back after two weeks, hopefully, with a new look (subject to your suggestions and advice) on July 11, 2011. Till then, this blog remains suspended.
Anonymous says:
This is a wonderful blog. I love it.
--Anon
Harish Wadhwa says:
Blog Monster, missing your blogs and daily masala. Morning sessions have also become mundane and soona soona without you. Today Shekhawat-ji maaroed a phunti and turned up just towards the end of the exercises. Missing you.
--Harish
Renu Babani says:
It was just another mundane Wednesday (29/6) morning. The menacing dark clouds above were ready to burst any moment. We decided to get into our exercise routine closer to the Chinese Hut in case the rains made us scurry inside for shelter.
Mr Shekhawat arrived when we had finished the routine. (Just imagine, the Principal walks in when school's over!) He mentioned that his son and daughter-in-law were all praises for our group. They felt we knew how to have fun and make the most of any situation. Mr Kishor decided to add to the merriment by stating that he thought since we were liked, Mr Shekawat was planning another party.
The other person amiss was Mr Bose with his cheerful smile as he would greet everyone with a smile each morning. But I am sure he and his wife are having fun and enjoying their well-deserved vacation.
--Renu

PIC(S) OF THE WEEK: 36

VIGNETTES FROM LAST EVENING: Memorable Moments


Yesterday's party was nice. Everybody was cheerful and enjoyed the special Rajasthani dance and Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheela ki Jawani songs. Shekhawat became "Chulbul Pandey". He always enjoys dancing as he is a nice and simple man. We had nice evening snacks and soft drinks with gulab jamun, tea and pauwwa. The photos are also nice: Neelam's dancing, Shekhawat's family with winning trophies... Really, when we all meet, we always enjoy with jokes, dance and songs. Every month there should be one such party like kitty women do.
--Dilip Babani
Najma-ji's gulab-jamun were awesome. If there is to be an award for the best gulab-jamun in town, hers would get the trophy!
--Bhaswati Bose
Kudos to Mr Shekhawat and his family for such a great time. The pictures prove that everyone had a blast. We were like one big happy family and everyone surely made themselves comfy. Congrats once again to Mr Raghuveer Shekhawat for his achievements and may he continue to attain success in whatever he does.
--Renu Babani
* By the way, did Najma-ji make the gulab jamuns herself? If so, we can give her more orders on a regular basis?
* Ramila-ji is confessing in the picture that she ate four gulab jamuns at Shekhwat- ji's home and no one saw her...
--Harish Wadhwa

Cultural Fiesta

The party this evening promises to be a cultural fiesta, replete with Rajasthani folk songs, dance and a variety of home-made delicacies to go by. Our host, Hari Singh Shekhawat will himself be taking the floor along with Neelam Garg, a trained danseuse. (He was seen trying to convince Kiran Sajjan also to join.) Swati, a member of the Yoga Group will be bringing dhoklas while Najma Sayed will pitch in with gulab jamuns. The Club music system has already landed at his place, ahead of the gala event.
Much as members have been advising Shekhawat to keep things simple, he is in no mood to listen. Quite clearly, he wants to make it an affair to remember -- all for the sake of his son Raghuveer, who has earned a name as a dialogue writer of note (see post of June 22) in the television industry. The way Shekhawat has been calling members, inviting them to bless his son, makes it obvious that he is a very proud man today.
Even this morning, he was busy giving everybody directions to his place, lest some people lose their way. When Ramila Mistry, his sparring partner (of the slow-‘n’-fast laughter round) joked about “having high tea in a high rise”, Shekhawat kept insisting she could use the lift. “Lift hai building mein, koi taqleef nahin hoga,” he maintained, quite missing the joke. But as the host, he is already concerned about his guests.
Incidentally, these days, we are having a charming young guest from Delhi, Vinod for our morning exercises. For some reason, he has taken a fascination for Srichand Arora – to the exclusion of everybody else. The emotional connect they have established in a short time is clear from the picture above.
Renu Babani says:
Looks like the High Tea at Mr Shekawat's place will be a great event. Waiting to see the blog tomorrow as it will be quite an interesting one.
--Renu

Ditto Yesterday

Today was no different from yesterday. Slowly, but surely, we are drifting into a state of ennui, which can be variously attributed to the vagaries of the weather, erratic attendance and the simple fact that we come in expecting every morning to be eventful and entertaining.
And then we leave the Garden, disappointed.
The only action witnessed today was when the skies spluttered briefly during the laughter session, forcing us all to rush into the Chinese Hut and continue with the exercises there. Within minutes the rain subsided and we were out in the open again.
Earlier Kishor Babani made light of the gloomy situation by describing the sky as human, who had its peculiar moments of joy and sorrow. “When the sky weeps, we get rain,” he explained in all seriousness, only to correct himself moments later by drawing upon the analogy of other bodily effusions.
Bapu Rane also made an attempt to bring about some cheer by narrating an incident at his village involving a huge, burly woman and a thin, spindly man for a husband. Apparently they had got into an ugly fight in public and in no time, the man was flattened to the ground under the weight of his domineering better half. Rane found this incredibly funny.
Unfortunately, there’s a spot of tragic news from Renu Babani (right). She came in looking pale and pulled-down – the reason being she has lost her grandmother in Hong Kong. She was nudging 100 years and Renu can only console herself that her dear gran’ma, she had visited last year, is now in a better place. We commiserate with her in her hour of grief.
Bhaswati Bose says:
Dear Renu, sorry to hear about the passing away of your grand mom. Do accept my condolences. May her soul rest in peace.
--Bhaswati
Says Renu Babani:
Thanks for the heartfelt condolences. At least she is not suffering. And may her soul rest in peace. Someone sent me a nice passage regarding death and a new life which I would like to share with all:
"I know that all of our minds have been programmed to feel a sense of loss and remorse at a time like this. However, I would just like to also bring to the forefront that this is also a very beautiful time. This is when we need to stop what we are doing and just take a step back and look at the lives we are living because the ultimate truth is that tomorrow, without a doubt, it will be one of us. We are not humans trying to have a spiritual experience. Instead we are souls that have come down here to have a human experience and so it’s time to look deeply into the kind of human experiences we are having and which direction it is taking us. The ultimate goal is to bring everything into our lives in line with love and compassion. We all have our struggles and problems (which is a huge part of the human experience). However, we have to find a way to transcend beyond that because if not, that is what will ultimately keep us bound to this plane. Let us start to fill our lives with unconditional love, peace and compassion and witness divinity in everything and everyone around us."
Harish Wadhwa says:
Dear Renu-ji, very well said. My sincere condolences too. In fact, I also lost one of my uncles just day-before-yesterday and I can understand the pain. Anyway, life has to move on and our spiritual self will keep experiencing this human side of life. May God bless each one of us with the courage to face this hard reality of life and be able to overcome the bereavement. By the way, Kishor-bhai made up for all the gloom today with his nice jokes. He picks up some really good ones to cheer everyone.
--Harish
Anonymous says "Good article".
Dilip Babani (left) says:
Life is like bulbula, a tiny bubble. Any second it may burst. And the world is like a lodge. One comes here, stays and goes away. Nobody is a permanent resident. Everybody comes with a return ticket. But memories remain -- of love, kind deeds, unselfishness... for God lives in our heart. Be ready to help. That is real life. Otherwise we will be like other creatures who come to this world and do all sorts of things and go away. I will not write any more. Or else you will soon call me Dilip-baba!
--Dilip Babani
Harish Wadhwa responds:
Satya Vachan, Sri Sri Baba Dilip Babani!
--Harish
Big Laaf says:
Don't miss the saffron T-shirt and halo on Baba's head!

Mere Formality

There are days when so much happens at the Garden that it is hard to keep track of all activities and highlight the main events of the morning for this blog.
And then there are the days when time stands still. Nothing much seems to happen and getting around the exercises becomes a mere formality.
Today was one such day.
With Srichand Arora, Gopvinita, Harish Wadhwa and several other key members not turning up, we were left with only Kishor Babani’s music and Nahid Khan’s wisecracks to enliven the morning.
Some like Nazma Sayed, who missed Shekhawat’s formal invite yesterday, were briefed separately on the reasons for his Saturday house-party. He beamed with obvious pride as he recounted his son’s achievements as a dialogue writer for television. Such moments are a joy to behold.
Harish Wadhwa says:
Hum oonchi chai par Shanivar ko toh ayenge hi, Raghuveer bhai, apun ko ek hero ka role bhi mangta hai apke serials mein! Apun ke liye bhi ek role likhne ka... kya?
--Harish

High Tea

A supremely exultant Hari Singh Shekhawat (right) today extended a formal invite to all members to visit his home on Saturday, June 25 at 5.00 pm for high tea. This will be the first get-together of its kind (outside the Garden) for the Club in a long time.
Explaining the reasons for "a small celebration”, he informed that his son, Raghuveer Shekhawat (below) has recently won not one, but two prestigious awards for penning the dialogues of a popular tele-serial, Na Aana Iss Des Laado on Colors TV.
“I would like you all to be present at my home and give your blessings to my son,” said the proud father with folded hands.
At the request of some members for clarity on what “high tea” entails, Shekhawat reeled out a menu of mouth-watering savories, including hot home-made samosas. Jokingly, Srichand Arora insisted that an extra samosa be kept aside for him.
We take this opportunity to congratulate Raghuveer on his latest achievement and wish him the very best for all his endeavor in future. May he attain greater success and make his parents even more proud.
We shall remain content basking in the reflected glory!
Harish Wadhwa says:
Congratulations to Raghuveer for this achievement. Well deserved. How about scripting a serial, Kahaniyan Lokhandwala Garden Ki? I am sure there is enough masala to make it a success.
--Harish
Dilip Babani says:
The rainy season is on. Now Shekhawat-ji should organise a picnic in a resort where we can all sing and dance, have nasta, lunch, daru and evening snacks, before coming back home. We require some fun in the rainy season. So we must have our own loud speaker (with good quality speakers) so that the singers can be heard clearly and all must sing one song. Kishor-bhai's jokes can also be heard. And when loudspeaker will be there, all will try to sing. Nobody will be shy. We all should contribute towards the loud speaker and speakers so that our members can enjoy the picnic.
--Dilip
Renu Babani says:
Congratulations to Raghuveer. May he always achieve his goals and with His Blessings, may all his dreams come true. Yea, couldn't make it this morning to the Garden. Got up late as usual, but am trying to get up early. Hopefully it will happen one morning.
--Renu
Anonymous says:
Good article!
--Anon
Srichand Arora says:
Congratulations, dear Raghuveer, for this achievement. We all pray that YOU KEEP ON GETTING SUCH AWARDS YEAR AFTER YEAR. May God bless you.
--Arora
Dilip Babani adds:
Congratulations Raghuveer! God bless you. Keep it up. Quality work deserves many more awards, which are on the way.
--Dilip

Cornered!

Hari Singh Shekhawat (right) got cornered this morning. Spoilt silly by frequent birthday treats, everybody was expecting him to come in with a big box of sweets to celebrate his wife’s (left) birthday today. Instead, he walked in empty-handed, grinning innocently from ear to ear. Instantly Sunita Jajodia, Nahid Khan and others pounced on him. “Where’s our party?” they demanded.
Taken aback, Shekhawat tried to excuse himself with “Hoga, hoga, party hoga… aisa hai ki…” only to find Srichand Arora joining the ladies: “Kab hoga? Maine blog mey bhi likh diya – ‘When is the party?’” (see comments of June 16).
Aisa hai ki… Shekhawat started once again and went on to announce that his son, Raghuveer had recently won the Telly Awards as ‘best dialogue writer’ for a daily soap, Na Aana Iss Des Laado. “I have been planning a party for this at home, just that the approach road to our building is under repairs,” he explained.
“But you can have it anywhere else,” the ladies insisted. “Even Chinese Hut will do.”
“But you will not be able to see the trophy in that case,” he said.
Arora, still hoping to find a box of sweets hidden, perhaps on a Garden bench, urged everybody to raise an extra laugh for Mrs Mohankanwar Shekhawat and wished her many happy returns of the day. “Ab aap unko yeh pass-on kar dena,” he directed.
Shekhawat promised to announce the party date tomorrow – after consulting his family.
Dilip Babani says:
Happy birthday, Mrs Shekhawat! God bless you and Mr Shekhawat. We are not in any hurry for the party. The jodi of Mr and Mrs Shekhawat is very nice. They look young. Since they exercise regularly, they are so fit and fine.
--Dilip
Srichand Arora says:
Mrs Shekhawat, Happy Birthday and Many Many Happy Returns of the Day.
Shekhawat-ji, no one in our group is really eager for the party. It is just to pass time with some good and funny comments on each other. No one really wants a party, but to have a good get-together. So please don't take it otherwise!
--Arora

Good Cheer

Another happy morning – neither sunny, nor cloudy. Occasional gusts of wind provided much-needed relief from the stuffiness of a muggy night indoors. As it turns out these days, the pleasant weather conditions are proving to be an important factor in not only boosting attendance, but also infusing a degree of positivity in those who show up for the exercises at the Garden.
Today, it was Nahid Khan’s turn to give us a surprise -- with luddoos. Yes, it was her birthday. Srichand Arora cheekily asked how many summers she had seen while Renu Babani (in one of her rare appearances) almost made away with a luddoo box. Good sense prevailed on both as we gathered to wish Nahid a happy birthday, long life, good health and the blessings of the Almighty.
Significantly, Harish Wadhwa (left) will have no reason to complain this time. He got his share of luddoo today!

Harish Wadhwa says:
Yes, I had my rightful share of the lovely laddoos. That is one reason I do not like "big" celebrations. Happiness and celebration should come in small installments, but frequently: A laddoo a day, keeps Harish happy and cheerful throughout the day (Wah wah!).
--Harish

PIC OF THE WEEK: 35

What is this famous scene about? * The hero is singing: "O-meri, O-meri, O-meri Sharmilee, Aao na tarsao na..." And the nakhre-wali heroine is saying: "Nahi-nahi, Abhi-nahi, Abhi karo intezaaaaaar!"
--Bhaswati Bose
* HERO: "Tum paas aao, yunh muskaraao..."
HEROINE: "Ab toh hai tumse, Har khushi apni..."
--Renu Babani
* HERO: "Aaa, lag ja gale, dilruba..."
HEROINE: "Ja re ja, oh harjaayee!"
--Kishor Babani
* 素敵なシーン。しかし、なぜ人はとても努力しています？そして、なぜ女性には難しい機能している？多分よりよい運次の時間。
(Translation: Lovely scene. But why is guy hero trying so hard? And why is the lady woman acting difficult? Maybe better luck next time!)
--Anonymous
* "Chhod doh aanchal, zamana kya kahega!"
--S.V.Arora
* Yeh picture konse theatre mein chal rahi hai? Promo bahut achcha hai, poora gana dekhne ka mun hai.
--Harish

Sit-down Breakfast

Today was one of those rare days when everything seemed perfect. The weather was pleasant – clear skies, gentle breeze, mild sunshine. Attendance was healthy – 14 men, 13 women. The exercises were conducted with clockwork precision – no hitches, no delays… Everything fell pat.
To top it all, Srichand Arora threw a surprise party. It was his wife Kiran’s birthday. And without much ceremony, he invited us to a sit-down breakfast of phapda-jalebis – something he has a pronounced weakness for. No take-away packets, nothing in excess, no wastage.
This did take us all unawares as Arora was part of the joint-birthday bash hosted by the June and July borns at Sab Kuchh restaurant last week (see post of June 11). So in a way, he was having a double celebration. He however, explained it away by “putting to use” the refund he got from the last party. But the truth was clearly that he wanted his wife to feel extra-special on her day, rather than be done with as part of a crowd in some restaurant.
We appreciate such sentiments. And in keeping with the spirit of the occasion, we gathered for a keepsake group photo (don’t miss the umbrella Arora is holding over his wife), rejoiced with the couple and wished them many, many years of happiness together. In particular, we wish Kiran Arora many happy returns of the day, good health, peace and everlasting contentment.
Another pleasant surprise was the re-emergence of Sunita Jajodia (above, left). She showed up this morning, as unexpectedly as she had disappeared a week back, to Rajasthan. But she made up for her absence with a box of traditional Rajasthani sweets which were savored by all -- ahead of Arora’s sit-down breakfast in the Chinese Hut.
Dilip Babani says:
Happy birthday Kiran-ji! And God bless you and our beloved president, Arora-ji.
Today was a special day. Our beloved Arora-sah'b had given the party and really the paphda-jalebi were very delicious. In the photo we look like one big family under one very big umbrella. And the head of the family is holding that colourful umbrella. Really, our Laughing Club is 100% one family.
--Dilip
Bhaswati Bose adds:
You are right Dilip-bhai. Under Arora-ji's chhatra chaya our Club is really blossoming. We are indeed one large HAPPY FAMILY!
--Bhaswati

Murder Case

It was a classic case of Murder at Dawn. Eyes still laden with sleep, we were exercising quietly inside the Chinese Hut when Nafisa Sayed let out a sudden scream: “Ek murder case ho gaya!” Instantly, everybody stopped mid-action.
A red-faced Hari Singh Shekhawat meekly tried to explain: “Main bar bar isko bhagaa raha hoon, magar yeh mujhe kaatei jaye, kaatei jaye...” He bent down and pointed at a tiny wasp on the floor, clearly dead: “He bit me twice and I killed it once.”
Everybody heaved a sigh of relief. To an extent it explained Shekhawat’s peculiar antics since the start of the exercises. While everybody matched their movements with others, he was the only one to be doing a wild jig like he had ants in his pants.
Gopvinita (left) was however least amused by the turn of events. A known advocate for protecting all life forms on earth, she has been seen to be single-leggedly clearing the floor of the Chinese Hut of all insects, centipedes and caterpillars, lest they get trampled over accidentally while we exercise.
So minutes after the Shekhawat incident, when Bhaswati Bose shrieked because an ant had apparently crawled up her neck, Gopvinita could not hold herself. “Kya hua?” she demanded angrily.
“Badi chinti thi,” Bhaswati insisted.
“Toh kya hua? Tere se toh chhoti thi!” she reasoned.
As the monsoon progresses, we can expect more of such drama. The Chinese Hut will turn into a veritable menagerie -- home to assorted creepies and crawlies, not to mention flying bugs and confused grasshoppers. Every time we step into their territory, we’d be reviving the age-old war between man and insect.
Renu Babani says:
I guess, insects also need shelter from the rains. It will definitely get more amusing and interesting in the Chinese Hut as unwanted insects decide to join the exercise routine and be part of the Club. Heartfelt condolences to Monthi and Mrs Santosh Tyagi on their tragic loss. May He give the bereaved families the strength and courage each day to help in healing their pain and sorrow.
--Renu

Next Party

Our members are proving to be a restless lot. It is not even a week since we had gorged at Sab Kuchh (see post of June 11) and they are already talking of another party – the logic being that since we are done with all June and July birthdays, it would be one helluva long wait before a party comes up in August. So we might as well have what may be termed as a “club get-together” in the interim.
Razia Khan wants lunch at Blue Waters-- as in yesterday. Sitaram Hivarkar says that Kalinga is good enough. Ved Prakash Grover has identified a new restaurant close to Bombay Durbar (wherever it is). The names of some other eating joints were thrown up as everybody agreed that so long there's a diversion from everyday home-cooked food and all of us have a blast together, any place on earth should be fine.
When it was indicated that this should not burden anybody disinclined towards joining in, Razia suggested that no advance collections would be made. Whoever felt like it would land at a specified place and time and pay for his/ her own food and drinks on the spot.
Mention was also made of setting out to Lonavala to catch the monsoon there. Hari Singh Shekhawat (left) put his foot down saying that in the rains, we would inevitably find ourselves stuck indoors and the whole trip would be pointless. He however, volunteered to host a party at his place, which he says, is long overdue. He has been keeping this on hold because the approach road to his building complex was under repairs.
He promised to announce the date and time soon.
Srichand Arora asks:
When is the party time?
--Arora

Pall of Gloom

A dark and depressing day for the Club with news trickling in about the bereavement in the families of two members. Monthi Serrao (right) has lost her sister who was staying at Borivli and Santosh Tyagi (left) has rushed to Delhi to attend the last rites of her father-in-law. He was 92.
While further details are awaited, our condolences go out to both ladies and their families in this moment of grief. May the Almighty give them the strength and fortitude to cope with the irreparable loss.
Even otherwise, it was a dull and gloomy day as dark clouds hung low over the Garden right through the exercise sessions. On a couple of occasions it drizzled, forcing us all to rush into the Chinese Hut for shelter. Kishor Babani tried to infuse some cheer with the music on his cell-phone and conducting the jokes session. At one point when the rains had intensified, he addressed Arora, Bose and Bhatt as “naujawanon” for insisting on staying out in the open and getting drenched needlessly.
But that scarcely helped in lifting the spirits. To further add to the air of despondency, Rehana Sheikh informed that Arun Patil (left) is fighting a lone battle in hospital to save his diabetic foot. In spite of taking good care, the foot has turned septic and in order to prevent the infection from spreading into his body, doctors are contemplating amputation.
Let us just hope and pray, that does not happen.

Morning Mirth

Bapu Rane returned this morning with stories of giant mangoes, bursting jackfruit and loads of big, black fish showing up at his village near Ratnagiri. The alphonso crop, he said was so good this year that smaller (even juicier) varieties were simply left to rot in the open as there were no takers. “If only I had a gaadi of my own, I would have packed some mangoes in cartons and brought them for you all,” he said.
The fun part though was when Rane had to conduct the exercises (above) in place of Razia Khan (who had to rush out mid-way following a sudden call from home). Till then, Rane kept narrating how, during the past two months, he had not missed a single day doing the exercises in his village – even if it meant having to laugh all by himself under a tree on some mornings.
But today, once in the middle, it became apparent that he was completely out of touch. He not only muddled the sequence of the exercises, but much to everybody’s amusement, was skipping some of the exercises. Twice he tried to excuse himself, but with Sitaram and Nahid Khan goading him continuously, he had to blunder along and keep the morning mirth going.
Actually Rane would not have been in such a fix if the attendance was anywhere close to normal. From an average of 30-odd prior to last Saturday’s party, we were reduced to barely 13 members today. The good thing was Sitaram Hivarkar had brought kaju-barfis (right) to celebrate his younger bahu giving birth to a girl child. This makes him a grandfather, twice over. What’s more, by a strange coincidence, the child was born on June 11 – Sitaram’s birthday!

After-taste

It’s been almost two days since we raided that quaint Rajasthani thali joint called Sab Kuchh on Malad Link Road. But the aftertaste of that experience still lingers. Or so it would seem, going by the discussions that dominated the proceedings this morning.
Many members are yet to get over the sheer quantity and variety of the dishes that were served at the restaurant. While the men marveled at the speed and efficiency of service, the women compared notes on recipes, how the taste of some dishes could be improved, what was lacking in say, aam panna and so on. Somebody remembered that they “forgot” to serve us gulab-jamun for dessert.
By and large though, the feeling was that it was an afternoon well spent and those who missed it have a lot to regret about. Harish Wadhwa explained his absence to a meeting in the office he could not avoid while Pratap Bhatt pleaded that he had to rush out of town on work. Nahid Khan simply shrugged her shoulders and said she still did not know why she could not make it.
Hari Singh Shekhawat had come prepared with the accounts, which were duly cross-checked and verified by Sitaram Hivarkar. There was money to be returned (pic above) and many returned home happier and richer by a few hundred rupees.

PIC OF THE WEEK: 34

Some moments are to be cherished...

Thanks. I repost it on my Facebook.
-- Bob Peters, CA

Happy Birthday and God Bless!
Dilip Babani

Grand Feast

For a birthday bash, it couldn’t have got any bigger. Fourteen hosts (right pic) and close to 40 guests, with an unending stream of chapattis, bajra roti, puran poli, samosas, khandwi, white vatanna, turai patra, paneer-capsicum, dahi-papdi chaat, rice, khichdi, daal, aam panna, Rajasthani kadi, Gujarati kadi, chhaas, mango crush, moong-dal halwa… it was verily a feast for the king. Name it and you got it – with dollops of ghee served in authentic Rajasthani style.
Sab Kuchh lived up to its name and for all the ladies who lunch and the men who don’t just munch, there was nothing left for the asking. Indeed, as Srichand Arora had promised (see his comment on post of June 9), everybody had a “great and joyful” time together. Most importantly, it was the birthday of Sitaram Hivarkar (left) today. So it was a happy coincidence that this mega bash of all the June-borns and July-borns in the Club was held on his day. We, once again, wish him the very best on the occasion.
The torrential rains did have a dampening effect on some, but it lasted only till the doorstep of the restaurant. Once inside, we were family. So what if we had to negotiate knee-deep water and slush and come in dripping wet? What mattered was being there and breaking bread together in a spirit of warmth and conviviality – all thanks to the initiatives taken by Razia Khan, Khatoon Baig, Srichand Arora, Neelam Garg and of course, Hari Singh Shekhawat at different stages. Were it not for these people, this joint-birthday celebration would not have happened. We remain grateful to them.
If anybody should have a reason to fret, it was ultimately Shekhawat. He had made the cardinal mistake of discussing his intention to have Thums Up (read, afternoon tipple) in the restaurant. Worse, he had suggested that the women be seated away from the men so that he could drink undisturbed. No sooner had he said this than the ladies ganged together and pulled him up.
“Galti kar di bol ke!” Shekhawat grumbled, beating a hasty retreat.
Dilip Babani says:
Happy Birthday to everybody. The food was excellent -- so-oooo many items to eat... My God! What to eat and what not to eat??? All items were delicious... yummy.
--Dilip

Inside-Outside

As the monsoon kicks in, exercising inside the Chinese Hut ceases to be an option. There has only to be a hint of a drizzle and we would frantically scramble in en masse like frightened children. The exercises are resumed soon afterwards.
Today was the first day we went through this drill. The attendance was initially low and we started out with Hari Singh Shekhawat (above) taking charge in the middle. He could just about get through the laughter round when the skies darkened and a few droplets landed on us. Instantly we packed up and scurried into the Chinese Hut – safe and secure.
There was actually no reason for anybody to turn up this morning, considering that till half-an-hour before the exercises, we had a heavy downpour. But as tomorrow is a big day, people came in expecting a last-minute briefing session. Sure enough, Shekhawat obliged by instructing everybody to gather outside Sab Kuchh at 12:30 p.m. sharp and for those who did not know its location, he had all the details on how to reach the place.
A brief discussion broke out on the question of admitting guests to the luncheon party. The earlier embargo was relaxed to include what Shekhawat described as “relations” – spouses, in-laws, children and grandchildren, etc. However, in all these cases, a nominal guest fee of Rs250 per head would be charged.
Some ladies had an issue with individuals who rarely show up for exercises, but as their names exist in the membership list, they continue to enjoy the privileges of regular members. Mention was made of a few (sorry, no names here) who miraculously get wind of every party or picnic in the offing and turn up, only to disappear soon after. The general drift of the argument was that if these free-loaders were not serious about the Club, they had no business to be on its rolls.
Well, till a call is taken on their membership, we will have to live with them.
Srichand Arora says:
Can we not make separate groups for Laughter Club and Yoga Group? This might take us out of this situation. Please give a thought to this. I appreciate Mr Shekhawat's suggestion to allow relatives -- spouse, in-laws, children and grand-children -- as guests. But here again, we have to think whom we call relatives?
--Arora

Happy Consensus

The brouhaha over the 'Big Birthday Bash' (see previous posts) subsided this morning with Neelam Garg reading out the menu card of the vegetarian fare on offer at Sab Kuchh restaurant. Luckily, there were no dissenting voices and nobody pitched for Blue Waters either. So Sab Kuchh it is, at 12.30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The address is Siddi Chawl Building, Malad Link Road, Malad (West), Mumbai 400 064. The landmark is Inorbit Mall and telephone numbers are 28764151 and 65187529.
Although this is not the best option, the fact that a lot of time had gone into discussing the venue and that a degree of fatigue has set in without arriving at a consensus, everybody was happy that a decision has finally been forced. Besides, what has obviously tipped the scales in favour of Sab Kuchh is that its lunch comes cheap and there will be a spillover from the collections which would be refunded.
Nevertheless, there were mischief makers who chided the non-vegans for having to settle for the ghass-phoos grub. Dilip Babani found an easy solution for them by suggesting we pick up live poultry and make a feast of it with the extra money in the kitty. Neelam Garg suggested that instead of refunding the money, each of us could chip in with a couple of hundreds and go on a trip to Chokhi Dhani. When this was conveyed to Shekhawat, he put his foot down. But Srichand Arora is still hopeful that Dilip Babani’s plans should work out and he will eventually get his “share” of chicken tangdi and kabab at the end of the day.
Says Srichand Arora:
I am very much sure, everyone who joins us at Sab Kuchh will love it there. Our motto is to get together and enjoy the company of each other. I guarantee also that no one will regret either the hosts or the guests. So be ready to have a great and joyful gathering!
--Arora

Sab Kuchh?

The more things change, the more they appear to be the same. For despite Srichand Arora’s best efforts at breaking the impasse on the party front (see previous post), confusion reigns supreme. Conflicting opinions among members have failed to bring about any consensus. We continue to be no more the wiser than we were yesterday.
What has changed though, is that more money has come into the kitty. But rather than facilitating matters, this has only created additional complications. Till yesterday, based on the collections already made, Arora (along with Garg) had worked out a reasonable deal with Sab Kuchh for a vegetarian lunch on Saturday. It was acceptable to all. At Sitaram’s instance, Shekhawat announced that no ‘guests’ would be allowed. This was also acceptable to all.
However, soon after a couple of members paid their share of money, people began to have second thoughts. Suddenly, Blue Waters has become affordable. Sab Kuchh, which is located near Inorbit Mall on the Oshiwara Link Road, became inaccessible. Some are insisting on shifting the date to a week day, so that Blue Waters becomes even more affordable. There are also a few optimists who argue that ultimately less than 30 people would turn up – which makes Blue Waters all the more affordable.
As of now, the votaries for Sab Kuchh are in a minority; but it is unlikely they would be swayed by majority opinion. Tomorrow, we should know for sure. Meanwhile, a bunch of crows (lead pic) landed close-by to teach us a lesson or two on group dynamics. They cawed on and on, noisily discussing their differences and in 15 minutes, once they were done, flew away quietly.
And here, we are still scratching our heads, not knowing where we stand.

New-found Love

After a long, long time, we had a healthy turnout this morning. We were more than 25. And what’s more, we were evenly balanced gender-wise. When Mumtaz Jahan joined the circle as the 26th participant for the exercises, Srichand Arora pretended to be so upset that he instructed everybody not to even look in her direction. Till the time she came in, the men happened to be in a majority!
However, what does not cease to amuse the regulars is the resurfacing of many old-time members, particularly those who were not known to be regular in their attendance. Even more hilarious is the constant buzz about the party this week-end, much as nothing really has been finalized as yet. Somehow, all those with this new-found love for the Club want to make sure his/her name exists in the membership list. One elderly gent who is not on the list and has never been seen by anybody for the exercises, insists on being a founder member of the Club. Today, when Arora confronted him, he argued that he pre-dates all existing members – Arora included.
But all this is fun – more so, when nobody has any clue when and where the party is to take place. Blue Waters is written off. Arora has recommended Panchwati or Sab Kuchh (see last post). Mr G.R.Garg has agreed to enquire with a few restaurateurs and if possible, swing a good deal. Some are suggesting Govinda in ISKCON, but Gopvinita has warned against any Housie or singing there – not even bhajans by Sitaram. And Nafisa Sayed (right) simply cannot figure out why we should be making such a huge song and dance over feeding a few people…
It will be interesting to see how this finally plays out.

Missed the Bus

Looks like we have missed the bus for the party at Blue Waters on June 11. After days of dilly-dallying and needless delays on our part, we have now been summarily told that the discounts negotiated with the restaurant (see post of May 23) last month are no longer valid. Had we confirmed our booking with a token advance even a few days earlier, we could perhaps have saved ourselves from being at a loose end.
Briefing Hari Singh Shekhawat (above), who had returned today from his 20-day vacation at Rajasthan, Kishor Babani said that last Saturday, when he and Srichand Arora went to confirm our booking at the restaurant, they were told that the best rate available would now be Rs409 per head. This is more than 33% higher than what was fixed earlier. In effect, the burden on paying members would increase by over 50%, given that there are barely a dozen of them and around 40 are expected to attend.
One alternative now is to scout for a restaurant that serves lunch (even if it is vegetarian) for under-Rs 266 per head. The other alternative, as suggested by Sitaram Hivarkar, is to scrap the idea entirely, return the money collected and stick to phapda-jalebi dos in the Chinese Hut. In his opinion a restaurant bash is a luxury many cannot afford and this practice is only driving a wedge in the Club by creating ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ among members.
While Shekhawat asked for time to “manage” the situation, we had one good reason to rejoice today. It was Sunita Jajodia’s (left) birthday. Although she could not be present during the exercises this morning, the blog wishes her the very best on the occasion. We pray for her long life, peace and happiness and relief from all health-related issues. Many happy returns of the day, Sunita-ji.
Dilip Babani says:
Happy Birthday, Madam! God bless you!!!
--Dilip
Srichand Arora says:
I would suggest why not try in Sub Kuchh at Oshiwara Link Road or Panchwati in Infinity Mall. What do you all say?
--Arora

PIC OF THE WEEK: 33

Wonder, why they must report her as a 'Missing Person'?
"Is there a REWARD for finding her?"
--Anonymous

A star is born yet again. Whichever way you look, the television proudly presents an actress in the making!
--Renu Babani

Noor Jahan hai Hindustan ki,
Ek anmol nagina hai Hindustan ka...
Aur sherni hai Laughing Club ki!
--Dilip Babani

Aaapan yaala pahilet kaa?
(Trans: Have you seen her anywhere?)
--S.V.Arora

Chandaal Chaukdi 2

Whatever the men do, women can do better – even when it comes to holding a Chandaal Chaukdi in the Garden and pfaffing about till everybody else gathers for the exercises. Ironically, it was Sunita Jajodia who used to curse this odd grouping of gents (see post of December 27, 2010) for delaying the exercises every morning. And now she, along with Santosh Tyagi, have become the fulcrum around whom the ladies gather (above) to form what has become a female version of the infamous Chandaal Chaukdi.
Earlier these ladies had their own corner in the Garden, close to where we exercise. They relocated to their present position, close to the entrance of the Chinese Hut, ostensibly to beat the summer heat under a ceiling fan. But their message was loud and clear: It was no longer the prerogative of the men to delay the exercises while women were kept waiting. With others like Nahid Khan and Bhaswati Bose joining forces, they have succeeded to a major extent. What’s more, they have mercilessly presided over the disintegration of the original Chandaal Chaukdi.
The good news this morning was the little celebration for Khatoon Baig’s birthday. Better known as "Teacher-ji" (because of her academic background), she was taken by surprise when Srichand Arora, towards the end of the exercises, announced that we must raise an extra laugh in her honour. She was so overwhelmed (right) by the sudden attention and with everybody singing for her and individually wishing her turn by turn, that while thanking us she said we had effectively prolonged her life by many years.
But that’s exactly what we want!
Dilip Babani says:
* Teacher-ji, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and GOD BLESS YOU!
* Chandaal Chaukdi Ki Jai Ho!
--Dilip

Aah… What Bliss!

Last night’s unseasonal down-pour had brought down the temperature drastically this morning. Dark clouds hovered in the horizon as a cool breeze blew across the Garden. There was no stickiness, no breath-lessness, no dripping sweat, no hand towels on display, no ants on the ground… After weeks of putting up with intolerable heat and humidity, today was sheer bliss. As Dilip Babani put it, we were experiencing Lonavala in Mumbai.
The mood during the exercises also changed dramatically as everybody was back to their prankish behaviour – what with keeping count of ‘lions’ and ‘lionesses’ among the late arrivals, the witty add-ons to the lyrics of songs playing on the music system, loose comments flying thick and fast, supplemented by sharp repartees – mostly from Srichand Arora and Nahid Khan.
Pratap Bhatt (left) joined in the merriment (so what if the ladies were not exactly keen on calling him a ‘lion’!) with a box of chocolates his daughter had brought from Australia. He has been undergoing treatment over the past eight months for a hole in his lung and is under strict medical advice not to exert himself in any manner. But he assures us that he will make it to THE party on June 11 without fail.
Suddenly Neelam Garg (below) was spotted running full-clip towards us. Arora suspended the exercises to enquire if she was feeling alright. She explained she had just survived an “incident” near Green Acres. On her way to the Garden, she was accosted by two rogues on a motorbike, presumably chain snatchers. They kept accusing her in foul language for staring at them pointedly and braked close to her. When the pillion rider got down and advanced towards her threateningly, Neelam jumped over a hedge and into the Green Acres compound, instantly alerting the watchmen around. Before they could rush in, the goons were gone.
Neelam’s presence of mind, on not getting into a direct confrontation, is indeed praiseworthy. But it was enough to rattle the bravest among us. The only person who looked on amused was Arora’s new ‘friend’, Girdharilal (above). Earlier in the morning, the poor fellow made the mistake of asking Arora the time and in reply was told to throw his watch into the nearby nullah. That’s how they became friends and he got invited to our circle today.