Grand Reunion

Normally attendance is marked by presence. Today we had to look for those who were absent – so overwhelming was the response to the party hosted by seven senior members in the Chinese Hut.
On a rough count, we were around 40 during the exercises and by the time the celebrations began, the number had swelled to way beyond 60. In what appeared to be a grand reunion of sorts, old friends like Abbas Bhai and Arun Patil were also there.
Those missing (eventually reckoned to be six only) were said to be out of station – barring of course, Dilip Babani. His absence remains unexplained yet.
For Hari Singh Shekhawat and wife Mohankanwar (seated, right pic), it was time to commemorate a major milestone in life: their 52nd marriage anniversary.
Our heartiest congratulations and good wishes go to them, as also to the five others who joined the couple to celebrate their birthdays which fell on different dates this month (standing from left to right) – Vasudev Bhateja, Mumtaz Jahan, Zarina Khan, Mohar Singh and Santosh Tyagi.
And what a celebration this was!
Never before had the Club been treated to such a fine assortment of appetizing and lip-smacking savories sourced from a relatively unknown shop at Four Bungalows – all thanks to Vasudev Bhateja who had personally hand-picked the crispy dhoklas, spring rolls, samosas, potato chops... So irresistible was the fare that most people, for once, wiped their paper platters clean on-the-spot, rather than pack the food home (as has been the polite practice).
Towards the end, Rehana Sheikh tried to organize tea to wash down the eats; but by the time it arrived, it had become too late. People started leaving. Nevertheless, she treated those who cared to accompany her to the chai shop with piping hot tea and biscuits.
Harish Wadhwa:
* 'Happy Marriage Anniversary' to Shekhawat-ji and his wife, Mohankanwar-ji on their 52nd milestone. May you jhelo each other happily and merrily for many, many years and janams to come. 'Happy Birthday' to the ones who celebrated their birthdays today with such goodies. May you all have a very long and happy life, and keep treating us the next and the following years.
* It was nice to see the celebrities dressed in style for the occasion.
Renu and Kishor Babani:
* Wishing the Shekhawats A Very Happy Wedding Anniversary -- a milestone indeed and goes to show that it is possible for two people to be together for so long. God bless them always!
* Birthday wishes to all those who celebrated together at the party. We are sure it must have been fun having a huge crowd sharing such a special occasion.
Dilip Babani:
* Wishing Shekhawat-ji and Mrs Shekhawat a happy and loving long life on their marriage anniversary. God bless you both.
* Wishing Happy Birthday to the other five members of the Club. God bless all of you.