Comedy of Cards

Sunita Jajodia’s (left) son gets married tomorrow. She has given cards to her friends in the Club, inviting them for the function. Two Sundays later, on December 18, Geeta Sardhana’s (right) daughter gets married. She too has distributed cards, inviting her friends to the function.
Funnily, most of those who received cards from Sunita, have not been invited to Geeta’s function – and vice-versa. Of course, there exists a general invite from Geeta, which was read out in the Garden two weeks back. But that had lost its significance the moment some members divulged that they had got separate invites individually from her.
In effect, two groups of ‘card holders’ have emerged in the Club, both fiercely assertive in the equation they share with their respective hostess. This has been the persistent buzz for over a fortnight, day-in and day-out, with every conversation, invariably beginning with “Card milaa, kya?” And then there are the under-privileged ‘cardless class’, anxious to upgrade their status – only that neither Sunita nor Geeta is obliging.
Enter Hari Singh Shekhawat: He announced that we contribute Rs500 per head for a gift from the Club for Geeta’s daughter. It was instantly shot down to Rs200. Within a couple of days, it was brought down further to Rs zero with everybody saying they would individually pay for their gifts. Then word came in that Geeta does not want gifts. So those attending the wedding would now be carrying cash in sealed envelopes. Also, plans are afoot to book a Tour India bus on the 18th for a full contingent from the Garden to the wedding.
In all this rigmarole and self-inflicted heartburn, we are missing one basic point: To be invited to anybody’s wedding is nobody’s birthright. Expecting this to be so is not only unfair, but impractical. Let us be happy that the children of two of our dearest members have found their life partners and are settling down. We should be rejoicing in their moment of celebration and blessing them with all sincerity and joy – even if it has to be from a distance.
Meanwhile, here's a snapshot (above, right) of the 'Saturday chai session' with the ladies.
Harish Wadhwa:
Missed Kishor-da and Renu-ji today at the chai session as they were too excited to watch The Dirty Picture in the morning show. Surely enough, the members who enjoyed the movie will have grins and smiles to share on Monday. It is different that some might be speechless, not knowing how to describe Vidya Balan to others. Coming Monday is surely going to be 'gossip day'. Thanks Santosh-ji, Ramila-ji and Bhaswati-ji for joining the Badmaash Company. I am sure you have realised that hum yoon hi badnaam hai. We are actually a profoundly decent lot!
Renu Babani:
Just to set the record straight, Kishor Babani had the company of Mr Arora for the movie and he felt that it was a good movie. Let us wait for more reviews as and when others watch it. Regarding the two weddings, let us leave all the uncalled-for criticism and gossip. Our best wishes shall always be with the newly weds as they start a new life together.