Valentine Spirit

On a day meant for couples to make merry, not a single jodi from the Club could be seen. Mr and Mrs Arora, Dilip-Kajal, Mr and Mrs Shekhawat, Bose-Bhaswati, Mr and Mrs Garg… were all conspicuous by their absence. Even Renu Babani, regarded as one of the most regular of members, left Kishor to his devices this morning.
Eventually it was for the Club’s senior-most member, Tara Chand Seth to celebrate the Valentine spirit by presenting a rose to the young and charming Divya (left). The TV starlet, who happens to be a paying guest with Hari Naraiyani, had dropped by unannounced to take part in the exercises. She was rewarded by the red rose.
It was also the birthday of Mumtaz Jahan (below, left) today. She showed up rather late and was greeted with the usual round of applause and an extra laugh. Tara Chand was keen on making it a double celebration ( with Valentine’s Day) and wanted to gift a rose to her “Shah Jahan” (as he referred to her husband) also. But that was not to be. She had to make do with lots of wishes, love and fresh air.
Amidst all this celebration and merriment, there was one rankling issue: the absence of Srichand Arora (right). Yesterday, while having tea after the exercises, he had complained of “excruciating pain” in the centre of his chest, such that he could not even bear to touch the region. So this morning, when he did not come to the Garden, alarm bells went up. Worse, he was not responding to calls as his mobile phone had been switched off.
Later, much later in the day, we got word that his chest pain had subsided, but a catch in the back had kept him home bound. He believes it is “not very serious” and would mend itself with some rest. We can only hope likewise and wish him relief and complete recovery, sooner than soonest.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "See what a lovely daughter I have!"
* "Hey, it's my birthday and no one can say I am a year older!"
* "I am trying to smile through the pain..."
Srichand Arora:
CONGRATULATIONS, DEAR BLOGMONSTER! OUR PAGE VIEWS HAVE CROSSED 80,000!!!
Harish Wadhwa:
Arora-ji, tussi saddi shaan ho te jaan ho. Apna khayal rakho. Missed you at the Garden today. Asaan tahanwanji tandurusti je laye, prarthna kayoontha (We'll pray for your good health). Tahanwanji jaldu chaku bhala thee wanjon (Get well soon).
Srichand Arora adds:
I am really very thankful to you all for your concern. Since yesterday, I have developed a little backache and been advised complete bed-rest for 3/4 days. Hope to see you all on Monday.