In the Lurch

The absence of one man put paid to our plans on taking out a rally tomorrow in support of Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption. Yesterday, when Srichand Arora suggested that like other clubs and citizens’ groups, we too should collectively express our solidarity with the crusader, everybody endorsed the idea whole-heartedly. Today, Arora did the disappearing act. Leaderless and rudderless, members found themselves left in the lurch.
Nevertheless, the nation-wide euphoria around the fasting Gandhian in Delhi continued to be a major talking point at the Club – next only to cricket. India’s humiliating defeat by an inning and eight runs last night against England (resulting in a 4-0 series rout) has pained Bapu Rane (right) the most. A keen follower of the game, he keeps late nights watching every Indian match down to the last ball and comes to the Garden next morning only to discuss the day’s play. Today, he is convinced that the Indian team had sold itself out to England – particularly Sachin Tendulkar who threw his wicket away barely nine runs short of his long-awaited 100th international hundred.
As for taking out a rally from the Garden, everything now depends upon Arora, whenever he shows up. Members can only derive consolation from the news that he has bagged a Rs2,50,001 bounty from breaking a dahi-hundi put up in his locality, as part of the Janmashtami celebrations yesterday. Quoting (un)reliable sources, Kishor Babani informs that Arora is sitting at home and “doing aish” with the money!
Says Renu Babani:
Yes, we missed Mr Arora today as he is always in the Garden on time. However, am sure he shall return tomorrow morning and conduct the exercises. Anna Hazare has become a cause of concern amongst the public. I am certain his efforts shall not go in vain. Hopefully, he can break his fast and start regaining his strength. Whether we have a rally or not, I can speak on behalf of everyone: We do support the cause!
Says Srichand Arora:
Sorry about today. As reported, I had won this dahi-hundi prize, but all in one-rupee coins. It took me the whole night to count the coins and in the end, I found 35 rupees short. I had to go to the police station to lodge a complaint of cheating. Believe me, to do this, I had to share 50% of my winning with the cops. The balance half went to my group (of Lokhandwala Garden No 4, Laughter Club). This way, I am back to zero. Anyway, I have decided not to bribe anyone in future and this is my resolve. Sure, I am attending the exercises tomorrow morning.
Says Bhaswati Bose:
The Indian team lost very badly. But you can't expect them to win every time. I am sure they will regain the No 1 slot. Give them a break. The whole nation's attention is diverted towards Anna Hazare. Otherwise these guys would get a "dhulai" by the public on their return!
Says Dilip Babani:
I thought Arora-ji must have gone to Delhi to protest with Anna-ji. But he is in Mumbai. No problem. Tomorrow we will make Arora-ji "Mumbai ka Anna-ji". Tomorrow a procession will be taken out from the Garden to Standard Chartered Bank to our chai walah. We will all drink chai there. Then the procession will end at the Garden. Let everybody see that the Laughing Club is with Anna-ji. Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram!! Anna-ji ki Jai!!! Effective Lokpal Bill Lao or Jao waapas apne ghar.