Sunday Delegation

Dilip Babani (left) met his match in Monthi Serrao (right) today. As one who enjoys pulling others’ legs (with no offence meant, though), he was on a roll since early morning, taking digs at every late-comer – all because he was on time for a change. So when it came to Monthi’s turn, he hailed her with a loud “Jai Mata-di!”
Little did he (or anyone else for that matter) expect this mild-mannered lady to abruptly give him back in the same coin. Bending her head and with hands folded in respect, she graciously reciprocated his greeting: “Jai Pita-ji!”
Dilip was stumped.
Today was actually Monthi’s day. Turning up in an elegant black-on-black ensemble with printed scarf to match, she initially escaped the recognition of many – including Bapu Rane, whose prerogative it has always been to hurl a full-toss ‘namattey’ at her every morning. Later, after the exercises, she informed that a delegation of 20-odd members from Juhu Laughter Club would be visiting us at the Garden on January 22 and that we are expected to be present in full-strength to receive them, Sunday notwithstanding. Refreshments will be served.
Now, January 22 happens to be Srichand Arora’s birthday. Unlike others, he is a stickler for celebrating on the same day, rather than settling for joint-parties at the convenience of those whose birthdays fall in the same month. This year though, he has been in a slight fix as the turnout on Sundays is known to be abysmally low. With Monthi organizing the delegation from Juhu, he can now be assured of celebrating his birthday with at least 50 people in attendance. Naturally, he would like to foot the bill. But will Monthi agree?
The morning ended with members observing a two-minute silence (above right) in the memory of Ram Shankar Shukla’s elder brother (yesterday’s post) who passed away recently. May his soul rest in peace.