Election Day

Big day for the Bombay Municipal Corporation. Many members did not make it to the Garden as they had to cast their vote. Some like Jagmohan Papneja and Hari Naraiyani abandoned the exercises midway to be in time for polling to start at 7:30 a.m. Others rushed out soon afterwards in order to avoid the long queues outside polling booths during the day. Harish Wadhwa tried gallantly to waylay Monthi Serrao to join Badmaash Company for tea, but failed. She too was in a hurry to vote. Earlier, Nahid Khan and Ramila Mistry dashed out of the Garden in different directions, anxious to keep their appointment with democracy. In effect, no sooner were the exercises over than everyone was seen making a beeline to one polling centre or the other.
But this was after they had all said their goodbyes to the Babani couple, Kishor (above) and Renu (right). They are leaving this afternoon on a 12-day trip of northern India, covering Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Amritsar… right up to the Wagah checkpost on the Indo-Pakistan border. The running joke in the Club is that when they return and Shekhawat would learn that they had a great time, he is bound to organize the next picnic not just at Wagah, but in Pakistan itself. And Kishor and Renu would have to go again, just as they are on to Goa in March – all because they had truthfully reported that they enjoyed their stay at Calangute Beach last month.
So this time around, we won’t be surprised if Kishor scares Shekhawat with horror stories of surviving sniper bullets and having to take shelter in BSF bunkers on the border. Yes, we look forward eagerly to their return this month-end.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Yes, I hear you and understand what you say. I shall do my best to fulfil your wishes."
* "Got a private coupe in Rajdhani Express for the two of us. Guess I will have to climb up to sleep. Hope my poor old joints don't fail me!"
Harish Wadhwa:
* Monthi-ji was curious to know where the chai-wallah was and has promised to join us in the near future. We know, all ladies need vehement persuasion to believe that not all men are "badmaash", before agreeing to join the B-Company.
* Kishor-da and Renu-ji are both striking a very thoughtful pose in the pics. Will miss you guys. Have a great time on this Valentine trip!
* Renu-ji, do get me the blessings of Babaji -- a handful of prasad, from the Golden Temple.
Renu Babani:
Yes Harish-bhai, prasad is definitely on its way.