Ready to Leave

Faces lit up as Razia Khan distributed chits of paper, indicating seat allotments in the bus for Lonavala tomorrow. For many, this finally lifts the suspense over whether or not we would be able to make it to the hill station -- a mere three-hour drive from Mumbai.
Khatoon Baig looked particularly relieved. “I must say, you gents log have worked very hard in making this trip possible,” she remarked, meaning to thank Hari Singh Shekhawat. “If it were not for you, I don’t think I would have wanted to go on the trip.”
Mrs Harbans Singh regretted she cannot join this time because of domestic compulsions. Monthy Serrao cannot take any chances on the road trip after her recent malarial attack and consequent hospitalization. Sunita Jajodia of course, has been harping upon Karwa Chauth tomorrow coinciding with the trip. For many others, the upcoming Diwali festival demands more attention…
Nevertheless, they were all there at the Garden to wish those going a “happy journey”. Shekhawat announced that the bus will be leaving at 6:30 sharp (which should become 7:00 actually, if we are lucky) in the morning and that we would have breakfast direct at the guest house. There will be no stoppages in between.