Monday, June 25, 2012

Intermission

TIME FOR OUR ANNUAL BREAK...
We'll be back in a fortnight. Please don't go away!
Renu Babani:
Let's just say, we shall meet soon. Have a safe trip and make the most of this vacation.
Harish Wadhwa:
Blog Monster and Monsterni, Bon~Voyage! Will wait desperately for your return to hear all the gossip, aaknon dekha haal, mirch masala, rangeen shaamon ki kahani... Have a great time.
Anonymous:
I reckon something truly special in this site.

To Son With Love

In line with the battery of birthdays this month, Kishor and Renu Babani had a little celebration for their son in the Garden this morning. Dr Prakash Babani is at present in Canada, pursuing his medical studies. But until recently, he was with us on an extended holiday and had won the hearts of all in a very short time. It was only natural that everyone should rejoice with feeling and bless the boy today. The ‘extra laugh’ was raised as usual and there were jumbo packets of biscuits (right pic) for all those present.
The best part though was when everyone danced and clapped, singing “Happy Birthday to You” and Renu recorded the cacophony on her mobile. We will never know if Prakash would be able to make sense of that noisy recording; but surely he cannot miss the voices of Srichand Arora and Harish Wadhwa rising above the rest. Their efforts at making themselves heard to Prakash in Canada ought not to go in vain!
The other reason for us to rejoice this morning was the return of two prodigals. Both Ram Shankar Shukla (left pic) and Nahid Khan (right pic) had disappeared for more than a fortnight without as much of a by-your-leave. It turns out that Shukla had taken his lota-kambal on pilgrimage to the higher reaches of the Himalayas, beyond Haridwar – to Gangotri and Jamunotri (from where the Ganges and Jamuna originate). And Nahid was doing Ho-Ho Ha-Ha inside the Gol Gombuz of Bijapur. She had been holidaying with her friend, Lakshmi in a nearby village. We welcome them back into civilisation with open arms.
Renu Babani:
Yesss! I sent the voice recording to Prakash via e-mail. He received it and was really touched. He would like to thank all of you for your best wishes and sends a big Hi! as well.
PICSPEAK:
* "Is this an advertisement or promotion of sorts?"
* "We are back with a bang. How can we forget you?"
Harish Wadhwa:
* I liked the phrase "welcome to civilization" in the blog! Happy Birthday Prakash. I hope that amid all the studies of psychology, you will celebrate your birthday and psychologically know that we all remembered you today. Thanks to the ever-smiling Kishor-da, Renu-ji and family for the tasty biscuits.
* Special greetings to Ram Shankar-ji for the teerth yatra to Gangotri and Jamnotri. May the good God bless you and your family with good health and prosperity. The sweets (distributed) show that you remembered and prayed for the well-being of all the members of Big Laaf during your visit to the holy shrine.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Day 692

Pic of the Week
Ooops! How could someone be so clumsy in front of Geeta Sardana?
Renu Babani:
OOOPS! Talk of big butts, this guy doesn't even know what a disaster he is causing!
Dilip Babani:
Madame Geeta-ji is looking equal to Madhuri Dixit and more than Hema Malini!
Harish Wadhwa:
What is Geeta Sardana-ji doing amongst the artefacts? The photographer should be clicking her and not ass-kick the vase behind. Nice one!
Kishor Babani:
I think Geeta-ji is looking a real politician -- who can erase poverty from our country. She should be our next prime minister.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Saturday Surprise-2

After Santosh Tyagi’s treat last Saturday (see post), Yusuf Rassiwala came up with a mega surprise today: the birthday celebration of his grand-daughter, Jamilla. In the presence of close family members – including the girl’s parents and grandmother – the Club's 40-odd members and guests were treated to a lavish spread of freshly-made samosas and mutthis, muffins, biscuits and other savouries, topped with probiotic fermented milk. Tea was on the tap.
The surprise element about the party was however, lifted early morning when Yusuf-bhai showed up with the little girl cradled in his arms -- thus putting to rest weeks of mindless speculation within the Club. He had deliberately kept the suspense going for a reason. He was against accepting presents. Rather than respect his wishes, some members pooled in to gift the child a ‘baby rider’. Others like Razia Khan and Sushma Gupta individually gave the girl presents in keeping with the occasion. How they had learnt about the birthday shall remain a mystery. However, beyond all these niceties and symbolic gestures, the event shall be remembered for the opportunity it afforded the Club on meeting one of the most cultured and respected families of the Bohra community in the city. It was indeed a privilege to get up and close with them for the first time. Our good wishes go to all of them, in particular to Baby Jamilla for ushering in her first birthday with Big Laaf.
Thank you Yusuf-bhai for making us part of your wonderful universe.
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Jamilla Baby! Best wishes also to Yusuf-bhai and family. The party was very nice, especially the way it was organised by the full family. The photos were nicely taken. I particularly liked the one taken outside of Chinese Hut. All members enjoyed the party.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
This is what family is all about. These priceless pictures need no words!
Bhaswati Bose:
Top picture dekh ke lagta hai ki nature is also wishing little Jamilla 'Happy Birthday' with a huge bouquet!
Harish Wadhwa:
What a lovely picture, with the lush green hibiscus plant and red flowers. The beauty is that it is radiating outwards. I am sure Yusuf-bhai would love to treasure this picture by getting it enlarged and printed to adorn a prominent wall of his home!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Wild Bunch

However hard anyone might try instilling discipline in the Club, it isn’t going to work. Talking of correctness, decorum, punctuality, remaining silent during exercises, etc. all for our own good, is like pouring water on a duck’s back. For it’s a wild bunch out there that can never be tamed. (In any case, it is too late in the day to be reformed by anyone.)
Unfortunately, Shekhawat (below left) has had to take the blame for all the waywardness because of his childish nature and penchant for pranks. He cannot defend himself. It is time he took some tips from Kishor Babani (above left), the true mastermind of masti-mazaak. He is the kingpin, the guru of all gone cases. That look of a Laughing Buddha is a deceptive facade for a hyperactive brain crackling with the wackiest jokes and teasers, though not altogether misplaced.
For instance, it is he who now prods Shekhawat to ‘shoot’ at a public toilet (in the Slow-and Fast round), pulls up Arora for coming in late or talking too much, gets people to abruptly dance to his mobile, warns everybody of a jaasoos in our midst…
Today, Kishor had Hari Naraiyani’s (above right) knickers in a twist by suggesting that he contribute Rs200 towards gifting a sports cycle to someone’s grandchild. Hari-bhai heard him silently, didn’t utter a word, but got so disturbed that he abstained from the exercises. He loitered aimlessly and then confronted Kishor: “Today, you want to gift a sports cycle. Tomorrow, you will gift someone a sports car. And then a sports plane… At this rate, I’ll have to sell my house and be on the streets, just to pay for the gifts!
Hari-bhai is no less a naughty old man, just that he is not as effusive as Kishor. His jokes and wisecracks are legion. And bringing up the rear is Harish Wadhwa (above right) – the catalyst who would never let go off an opportunity at leg-pulling. Along with Bose, Yusuf Rassiwala and Bapu Rane, they know how to make merry, spread joy and also laugh at themselves.
Without these gentlemen the Club would scarcely be such a happy place -- all their indiscretion, idiocy and madcap antics notwithstanding.
Harish Wadhwa:
By the way, all these notorious men are founder members of Badmaash Company too (except Shekhawat-ji and Yusuf-bhai). Yepeee! We are gaining popularity each passing day. Even the women have joined the gang and are NO less in their satires and leg-pulling. Two of them (names withheld intentionally) left no opportunity today to add to the chaos and madness. How does one forget Arun-bhai, the silently smiling prankster of a highest degree? Have fun big boys! The ones who don’t appreciate all this need only a big, tight jadoo ki jhappee to melt them like butter. We know it as they are all our very dear and loved ones. After all ‘dil to bachcha hai ji'!
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
"We are the merry men of the Club who keep the fun and amusement alive!"

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Irregularly Regular

Till recently, you could slot people in the Club into two neat categories. First, there were the regulars – Hari Singh Shekhawat, Nahid Khan, Ved Prakash Grover, Kishor Babani… people you could trust and count upon meeting every morning. As surely as night follows the day, they were there in the Garden daily, before time, without fail.
And then there were the irregulars – Dilip Babani, Nafisa Sayed, Kiran Sajjan, Mumtaz Jahan… people who showed up once in a blue moon. The standard greeting for them has been “Eid Mubarak!”, so rare has been their sighting – almost like Eid ka chaand. You can never say about them.
Now, of late, a third in-between category has emerged. They are people who follow a certain pattern about their attendance. Some like Neelam Garg show up only on Saturdays. And then you have those like Bhaswati Bose who is not to be seen on Mondays. So predictable has this practice become with them that they would ideally qualify for being ‘irregularly regular’. They are not strictly regular. Nor can they be called irregular.
Today Shekhawat added Yusuf Rassiwala, Razia Khan and Sitaram Hivarkar to this fast growing tribe of ‘phunti masters’. According to him, these are people who have become pathologically tuned to alternating every day of attendance with a day of absence. Their on-off presence, he says, has become a routine – something that defies all logic and comprehension.
He did not make a big issue of it though, because his own wife, Mohankanwar Shekhawat (pic above right) was absent – today being her birthday. We nevertheless raised the “fourth laugh” for her after the exercises. And like we did for Nahid Khan in absentia yesterday, this is wishing her many, many happy returns of the day.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "...and S-T-R-E-T-C-H!"
* "I am so happy and want to share my joy with everyone."
Harish Wadhwa:
Here is another culprit. Early morning is ideal to get real REM sound sleep. Everything else can wait... Ask all the lucky ones who keep themselves tucked in a cozy bed. Aap regulars kya jaano iss ka mazaa?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Sunshower

Whoever coined the phrase, ‘fox’s wedding’ should have visited the Garden today. It was nice and windy there. The sky was clear except for clumps of white cumulous clouds floating about. Only Bapu Rane noticed a huge, dark mass approaching menacingly from the north-west horizon. “It will rain heavily,” he pronounced.
Before he could complete, it had begun to splutter. Not wishing to take chances, we suspended the laughter round and hurried towards the Chinese Hut (right pic). We had barely got in when the skies opened up and it poured. The winds howled, throwing the blue canvas flaps asunder and showering us with water sprays while we continued with the free-hand exercises. All hell broke loose for about 40 minutes. Magically, just when we had finished, the dark cloud passed away and it was bright sunshine once again!
This was no fox’s wedding. This was madness. This was one big, fat gorilla's wedding!
POST SCRIPT: In all the hullabaloo over the sudden downpour, we had clean forgotten that it was Nahid Khan's (left) birthday today. This never happens with us. But then she too is to blame in a way. She has been keeping away from the Garden for long without letting any one of us know. Well, wherever she is, this is wishing her a long life, good health and all happiness.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
"We shall follow each other where ever the road leads!"
Harish Wadhwa:
Nahid-ji is frowning because we forgot her birthday. Don't worry, Nahid-ji, we are waiting for the month-end party from the people born this month (irrespective of the year) to wish you a grand Happy Birthday!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Club Coup!

Whether it was a case of being more loyal than the king or sticking to the letter of the law is hard to say. But one thing was clear: The men of the Club were caught napping today as the women, in a rare show of strength, trooped into the Garden en masse and started the exercises at the dot of seven. By the time the men woke up to being upstaged, the ladies had already reached the fourth exercise of the Laughter Round!
Only Shekhawat was appreciative of the ladies taking the lead. He came in late and was quite amused at seeing only the ladies exercising. The others like Yusuf Rassiwala, Ved Prakash Grover and Kishor Babani who followed meekly behind, tried to hide their embarrassment by mumbling something about waiting on the bench for Arora or Shekhawat to show up, as has been the practice so far.
“But weren’t we told to start the exercises at seven sharp?” demanded Sunita Jajodia (right pic) who had engineered this coup of sorts. “It is past 7:10 now. How long are we supposed to wait while you men keep on talking and talking on the bench? We will not wait. We are as much capable of starting the exercises on our own!”
Sunita had the support of Santosh Tyagi, Razia Khan, Renu Babani, Bhaswati Bose and Mrs Harban Singh, among others. Clearly outnumbered, the men had to cut a sorry figure. Their prerogative on deciding when to start the morning’s proceedings had been snatched away summarily. In any case, they happen to be a minority in the Club. At this rate, the day is not far when the women become more assertive and start taking the men to task – even forcing them to stand on their heads or to turn cartwheels in the Garden. That would really be the day!
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Oh dear me, how am I going to walk past these ladies without being noticed?"
* "I am equal to 10 ladies. So don't dare defy me anyone!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Brolies Are Out

The umbrellas are out. A fairly wet week-end established the onset of monsoon. With the newspapers also raising a “heavy rain alert in the next 48 hours”, nobody took any chances today. Luckily we did not have to open our umbrellas. And the exercises passed off peacefully.
Srichand Arora brought along copies of the minutes of the Managing Committee meeting held last Saturday. He informed (left pic) members of the discussions held – a review of the Club’s finances, need to generate more revenue, cultural evenings to improve interaction between members, etc. He also raised the issue of discipline (post of June 16) and appealed to all to be serious about the exercises and remain sensitive towards the Club’s image.
Jagmohan Papneja proposed introducing “guest charges” for future picnics and excursions, which would augment the Club’s coffers. Arora welcomed the idea and requested members to think along similar lines and come up with suitable suggestions. The suggestions would be taken up at the general body meeting scheduled for June 30 in the Chinese Hut.
It was also the birthday of Kiran Arora (right pic). Much as we missed her presence in the Garden today, at Shekhawat’s instance we raised the customary ‘fourth laugh’ for her after the exercises. Through this blog, we wish her many happy returns of the day – a wonderful life ahead, robust health and complete calm and contentment.
Harish Wadhwa:
Arora-saab, aaj Kiran-bhabhi ka janam din hai. Many happy returns of the day. Coming to the main issue: "Kuchh mitha ho jaye". Sirf mithi chai bhi chalegi! Her blog pic has come up nice.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Now that I have everyone's attention, these are my views..."
* "I feel and look great... Isn't that evident?"

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Day 685

Pic of the Week
What's so funny?!?
"Lamboo-ji, Lamboo-ji...", "Bolo Tingu-ji!"--Kishor Babani

"Let me size you up... think I'll need a ladder to do that!"--Renu Babani

"Bade Miyan toh Bade Miyan, / Chhote Miyan Subhan Allah!"
(What a nice pic of two lovely and mature people engaged in mutual admiration! Being tall and short in height, have both their advantages and disadvantages!!!) --Harish Wadhwa

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Saturday Surprise

Yusuf Rassiwala started it – announcing a party (see post of June 14) without revealing the reason. Now Santosh Tyagi has beaten him to it. Yesterday she announced a treat for today, but did not disclose the reason. “Let it be a surprise,” she had said.
Well, it did come as a pleasant surprise this morning when she announced that her son, Manoj (a filmmaker and renowned scriptwriter) had completed 19 years of matrimony yesterday. As a proud mother, she wanted us to also partake in the celebration with a box of pedas. On behalf of the club, Srichand Arora conveyed our best wishes and blessings to the young man and his wife.
Another cause for collective joy was Razia Khan’s grandson, Zaiyan scoring 85% marks in his SSC exams. She plans to celebrate next week as she has not yet recovered from a nasty fall that left her with a badly bruised face (pic right). Nevertheless, she was in high spirits and took active part in the Managing Committee meeting for which club president Hari Singh Shekhawat had expressly sought her presence today.
The meeting was conducted along predictable lines with the five biggies taking stock of the club’s finances and exploring avenues for augmenting the revenue stream. Treasurer Monthi Serrao (left pic), very generously put in an advertisement cheque of Rs4,800 for her company, Roshan Packaging Industries.
Secretary Arora raised the issue of enforcing discipline among members, whereby it was decided to initiate a process of periodic ‘membership review’. Those not falling in line, despite warnings, would come under its purview and invite ouster by the general body through secret voting. Effectively, their names would be struck off the membership rolls.
The next meeting of the general body has been fixed for Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Renu Babani's (right pic) PICSPEAK:
* "Yes, everyone please help yourselves... There is plenty."
* "My poor nose, but still I keep my spirits high!"
* "I am part of the Managing Committee, don't forget that."
COMMENTS:
Regarding disclipinary action against members after repeated warnings, what I do not understand is: In what way are these members causing any problems or issues? Everyone has their own personal reasons for coming in late. Walking the track and joining after the first round of the laughter session -- as long as no one is being disturbed during the exercises, why is it a problem? So far none of the members have ever complained that the late comer(s) is causing a disruption. With due respect to the Managing Committee, I understand yes, chatter should be controlled so everyone can concentrate on the exercise routine. We come to the Garden to have a bit of fun for that one hour. Once everyone goes home, it is back to routine. So aren't we entitled to a little enjoyment of just being in each other's company and having harmless fun?
Srichand Arora:
Yes, I do agree that late-comers are not causing any problem to anyone; but this is a request to all members to join the laughing session when they are already in the Garden in time. My intention is to maintain some discipline and to show people moving around what a big group our Big Laaf is. Of course, no one is being forced to join the group in time, but if we reach the Garden in time, we should join both the laughter and exercise sessions. I also agree that we come to the Garden for FUN. But then, what about the exercises?
Kishor Babani:
I think rules should be made by all members. If elected members only make the rules without consideration of other members, the club will lose its importance. So I have a request with the Managing Committee: Please take the opinion of all members henceforth. Long Live Arora-ji!
Harish Wadhwa:
While Bhaswati-ji can barely speak with her over-stuffed mouth, Renu-ji on the other hand cannot resist the temptation of quickly gulping in a big peda. On a closer look Khatoon-ji is giving both of them an envious look, as she waits her turn. The host Santosh-ji is glaring aloud with a murmur (read gali!) at the member who stole away three of them right under her nose. There are some anonymous hands wanting to steal away one more... Wah kya pic hai! LOL

Friday, June 15, 2012

Taking To Task

While Yusuf Rassiwala was conducting the exercises today, Kishor’s mobile broke into a peppy number and immediately Shekhawat and Bapu Rane began clapping with the beat. Soon Grover joined them. And then Bose and Kishor followed, thereby creating a rather odd spectacle of five gents clapping in unison while the exercises were on.
Arora gave them one cold look and the clapping stopped!
Coincidentally, the question of taking such liberties with our daily routine had to come up today itself. Soon after the exercises, Arora gave Shekhawat an ultimatum to stop his “goli maarna” antics during the Slow and Fast laughter round. He also demanded that everyone be punctual and report for the exercises at the dot of seven. Being irregular will not be tolerated. Members like Mumtaz Jahan, Mrs Harbans Singh and Renu Babani must desist from taking their rounds on the walking track once the laughter round starts. Also, everyone must wear the club cap every morning without fail.
Arora explained that these steps were necessary in the interests of maintaining order and decorum in the Club and that tomorrow the issue would be discussed threadbare in the meeting of the Managing Committee. In other words, we should be prepared for a Code of Conduct sooner than later. What fun! Just like school days!!!
Dilip Babani:
Really, Mr Arora is well-wisher. He wants all members to be fit and fine. For that, we must follow the strict rules. Masti-mazaak bhi karo, lekin rules mut break karo. Health ke mamle mein mazaak nahi hona mangta. Health is wealth!
Harish Wadhwa (right):
Hey guys, nice that you broke into an impromptu dance and clapping. Please do it more often. Feeling good and peppy is what the Club is all about. So why a code of conduct? We are not school kids after all. But yes, we do respect the guru.
Srichand Arora:
Hullo, everyone: I never say 'chhodo masti-mazaak'. Even I, myself cannot do without it. I never say we should be treated as schoolboys. But during the physical exercises, we should be a little serious. If you notice, whosoever conducts the exercise gives us a couple of seconds to catch our breath and indulge in masti-mazaak. But when we move to the next exercise, we must be serious. Moreover, I never wanted to hurt anyone. If knowingly or unknowingly someone has been hurt, I offer my apologies.
Harish Wadhwa:
Yes Boss! Arora-saab you have not hurt anyone. I do agree that some level of discipline is needed in every walk of like. Morning exercises is the opening class of the day for most of us. The degree of discipline varies from person to person and situation to situation. Don't worry, we are with you.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Back ‘Home’

Sardar Tohba Singh (in pic) is back. He arrived last evening from Faridabad and the first thing he did today was report for the exercises at the Garden. From the open-armed welcomes he received (especially from Ved Prakash Grover and Srichand Arora) and the way he greeted everyone with folded hands it appeared as though he always belonged here. Within moments he had made himself at home.
This was however, not the case when we met this gentleman for the first time last November. He used to sit quietly on a bench at a distance, observing us exercise and occasionally mimic our movements. What caught our attention was his unusually frail body and Santa Claus-like countenance. So when he joined us, many actually called him “Jingle Bells” (see post of November 8, 2011). In time though, his quiet and comforting presence had become a habit for us and many would look forward to his sermons after the exercises. And then one day, he simply left.
Today, we saw a much more ebullient Tohba Singh as he kept chuckling at Bapu Rane’s antics and jokes. He cracked up when Ramila Mistry suddenly addressed Arora as “Mota Bhai” and Arora, taken aback, retorted with “Nani Ben”. Shekhawat’s late-coming today sparked another round of wicked jokes and as usual, there was Pratap Bhatt on his “Kem chho-Bhaloo toh?” trip.
Later, Shekhawat was to announce that Yusuf Rassiwala (right pic) would be hosting a party on June 23 -- for reasons best known to him. (It is supposed to be a secret!) As a result, the joint-party being planned for this month by the June-borns would have to be shifted to June 30 – the following Saturday.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Namaskar everyone... So great to be back with the family."
* "Yes, I have a secret and will not tell you... So don't keep asking."
Harish Wadhwa:
* Topi-wale Panduranga Baba... without the topi? You look handsome Yusuf-bhai! Is Mrs Rassiwala reading this blog and admiring her husband's picture?
* Sadde Punjabi pirah noo wekh ke khushi oyee! Twada swagat aye! (Nice to see our Punjabi brother joining us. You are welcome!)

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Lucky 13th

We were in luck today. Out of nowhere, when no one had expected, Khatoon Baig (pic left) fished out a box filled with the most scrumptious, dental-friendly chikkis imaginable. She had just returned from a holiday in Mahabaleshwar. And like a caring family member, she had brought the sweets for all those missing her in the Garden.
That was not all. Many do not know that today happened to be the ‘actual’ birthday of Srichand Arora (pic below). There is also an ‘official’ birthday he has been stuck with, which is celebrated on January 22 (see posts) every year. But June 13 is the date when he surfaced on earth many moons ago and this fact is borne out by his school/ college certificates, passport, etc. So on behalf of those who came in late, here’s ‘actually’ wishing Arora many happy returns of the day.
But then, he had some explanation to do when confronted with the rather uncomfortable question of turning up late at the Garden these days. The issue is discussed without fail every morning in his absence – all because Arora is regarded (and feared) as a man of discipline who leads by example. Being unpunctual or half-hearted towards exercising is against his grain. It is not his style.
Significantly enough, Arora conceded that he “comes late and deliberately so” because he does not find anyone serious enough about the exercises. He said he was pained to see people “behaving as though they were doing the club a favour by making an appearance”. In this environment, he felt a misfit and would rather distance himself.
This is indeed an unfortunate turn of events. But the good part was that Arora did not need any cajoling to change his mind. On his own, he sportingly declared that he would try coming in time from tomorrow. After all, this is as much his Club and we are all part of one family.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Rarest of Rare

The grandfather had seen seventy-four summers to the day. For the little girl, this was just her first summer. And together they made a big song and dance of what must be the rarest of rare birthday overlaps within a family.
“This is nothing short of a miracle,” announced Sitaram Hivarkar’s son during the joint celebration at GMS Banquet Hall, D.N.Nagar, last evening.
Baby Anaya looked a doll in flowery white frock, sitting ensconced in grand-pa's lap till Hari Singh Shekhawat gave her a momentary scare (in pic above) by thrusting an envelope of currency notes (on behalf of the Club) at her face - which obviously meant nothing to her.
But there were other things to regale her through the colorful and fun-filled evening – from live music and a dance duet, to a mimicry act and tinsel shower to great food… and of course, a huge three-tier pinky-pink birthday cake.
The Club was present in full strength. Led by Yusuf Rassiwala, the members gave a resounding demonstration of laughing out loud – which all but brought the roof down. But Sitaram was pleased as punch and beaming from ear to ear, introduced every member in our midst to his three sons and others of his family. Clearly, this was a momentous occasion for him and he was enjoying every moment of it – as much as we did.
In line with the stream of birthdays this month, today was the turn of Sushma Gupta (right). She came in loaded with chocolates and triggered off a little celebrations in the Garden. Well, here’s wishing her many happy returns of the day and many more years of good life, health and contentment.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "If you think I am going to accept something from a stranger, you are wrong!"
* "Yeay, one year younger today! I feel so happy..."

Monday, June 11, 2012

Playing Safe

Hari Singh Shekhawat may appear to be a man in an incredible hurry. He has about three months still to go to finalise all arrangements for the Kashmir trip. But he wants everything wrapped up here and now (and in any case, before end-June) in spite of repeated advice from everyone to take it easy. It goes to Shekhawat’s credit, his foresight and understanding of the people travelling with him that he is leaving nothing to chance. He has not just booked tickets for all the 36 of them, allotted everybody seats and berth numbers on the train and paired them suitably for sharing hotel rooms. More significantly, he has obtained an undertaking from Mumtaz Jahan (who is overseeing the accommodation and travel at the Srinagar end) on an itinerary for the week-long tour of Kashmir's scenic spots.
Still, certain things are beyond anybody’s control, no matter how hard Shekhawat might try to play safe. For instance, Mrs Harbans Singh today (in pic) complained of having to leave Srinagar “one day in advance” (vis-à-vis those returning by air) for the bus journey to Jammu, in time for boarding the train to Mumbai. In effect, she felt shortchanged by a day, whereas all those travelling back by air would enjoy the benefit of full seven days and six nights stay at Srinagar. Nobody had an answer to this.
On a happy note, Sitaram Hivarkar (left pic) ushered in his 74th birthday at the Garden with all of us collectively and individually wishing him the best. Srichand Arora, Shekhawat and other close friends hugged him in a spontaneous gesture of warmth and bonhomie. Sitaram has a dinner party lined up at a banquet hall this evening, though ostensibly it is to celebrate the birthday of his granddaughter, Anaya. Check here tomorrow for further details.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "I can copy you and do the breathing exercise as well. Standing yoga exercise is it?"
* "I may have turned a year older today, but rest assured, I feel as young as a 30-year-old!"

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Day 678

Pic of the Week


"Steady. No shaking… Arrre, why is she laughing so much?"
* Renu Babani:
"Excuse me, ma'am. Can I be of any assistance?"
"You are funny! That is why I am laughing... but thanks anyway."


* Bhaswati Bose:
Is it because she is the first one to get 'Big Laaf' tattooed on her shoulder?

* Dilip Babani:
Yusuf-bhai crow ki s*** saaf kar rahe hain. Ladies ko hamesha help karni chahiye. Keep it up! Real friends always help!!!

* Harish Wadhwa:
"Arrre yeh mungi ne bahut pareshan kiya hua hai. Yusuf-bhai, unko katle aam kar doh!"

Saturday, June 09, 2012

Nosey Parker

Every club or association of people has its share of nosey parkers – meddlesome persons who insist on butting into everything, more so where they are not required. They are unavoidable hazards. But mercifully, we have been saved from such over-suspecting busybodies. The Club functions on the basis of mutual trust and respect, not needless interference.
Pratap Bhatt (right) however, thinks otherwise. He does not have a long nose, but somehow it had got into the way of the club’s managing committee today when he wanted to know why a meeting of its office bearers was being convened this evening. He wanted to know also why a notice of 15 days was not given for the meeting. More specifically, he wanted to know why such modalities did not find mention in the bye-laws of the Club.
Now, the committee members (left) already have enough on their plate to be drawn into unnecessary hairsplitting and standing on ceremony. Nevertheless, as secretary, Srichand Arora patiently heard Bhatt through and explained that there was nothing clandestine or ultra vires in the committee meeting once in a while as a matter of routine. But Bhatt was far from pacified. He went around animatedly, trying to muster support. Most people did not understand what he said and in any case, nobody could be bothered. It is entirely another matter that the meeting has now been postponed to next Saturday.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Can someone please tell me what is going on?"
* "What is this document? It seems to be of interest to the others?"

Friday, June 08, 2012

False Alarm

In anticipation of the rains, we started the exercises today in the Chinese Hut. After all, it had been drizzling all through yesterday and there were droplets in the air this morning. Dark clouds hung over the Garden. At 7.00 a.m., it looked as though the heavens would open up any moment.
But as it turned out, this was all a false alarm. For soon after the laughter round, we had to vacate the vapid confines of the Chinese Hut and continue with the exercises out in the open. The clouds had cleared away by then and the sun was out. All signs of a thundershower were gone.
This will soon become a routine as the monsoon sets in. We would have to continually shift in and out of the Chinese Hut depending upon when it begins to pour. Not that we are complaining. In fact, we count ourselves privileged to have the option of exercising indoor or outdoor, come rain or sunshine, right round the year – all thanks to the Chinese Hut. How many clubs can claim this luxury?
Harish Wadhwa:
Blog Monster, the correct word for either using the Chinese Hut or the Garden is "encroachment" (zabardasti jagah hathiyana"). But thanks to the people there who are as considerate as we are to them.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Hands up and a yawn. So sleepy and lazy today... must be the weather!"
* "Once to the left, once to the right... and stretch!"

Thursday, June 07, 2012

No Relief Yet

All hopes of relief from the summer heat receded when the sun broke through its cloud cover, bathing the Garden in all its blazing intensity. Humidity was however lower than yesterday and a gentle breeze blew across in brief spells. Still, Renu Babani reported unwell and her husband had to rush her home. Likewise, Hem Chand Jain complained of uneasiness and suddenly broke into profuse sweat. Promptly Arun Patil picked him up and drove him home before things got any worse.
Meanwhile, Shekhawat has started collecting money (pic above) for the present to be given on the birthday of Sitaram Hivarkar’s granddaughter, Anaya. Since everyone from the Club has been invited to the party on June 11 (see post of June 5), it was decided to pool in the money and make a common present from the total collection. In all likelihood cash would be given, rather than anything in kind.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
"See I always get things done in an orderly fashion. Everyone is watching me in admiration!"

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

First Drops

Dark morning. The skies were overcast. One drop fell on Nahid Khan’s cheek. Within moments, Shekhawat also announced that a drop had fallen on his head. After that, nothing – but oppressive heat. All hopes of pre-monsoon showers moving in from Kerala (or wherever) were replaced by the exasperating prospect of dealing with maddening humidity and dehydration. To make matters worse, red ants were out to get us with a vengeance. Since the sun had not come out of the clouds, we shifted back to where we normally exercise – only to discover that there too ant hills had come up. Razia Khan kept moving about restlessly, trying to dodge the swarms of ants and at one point, pleaded that we relocate to the Chinese Hut right away.
Before long, Shekhawat left to catch his car to Colaba. Nafisa Sayyad noted that he had come “wearing pants” – as though on other days he was without them. When cornered, she had to clarify that she meant “Shekhawat has been coming in chuddis all these days". Clearly, Nafisa saw no difference between chuddis and shorts.
Meanwhile, Srichand Arora made an appearance after working up a torrential sweat from walking to Joggers' Park (near the Back Road) and back. By then, we were almost done with the exercises. He did not join us, but waited on a side bench and then explained the cause of his absence for the past few days. He had gone to Daman, he said.
Sunita Jajodia wrapped up the day’s proceedings by distributing pedas to all (above left). Today was her birthday and despite the discomfort caused by the humidity and red ants, she was in an unusually exuberant mood. And that is how it ought to be – not just today, but for the rest of her life. We wish her the very best.
Harish Wadhwa:
* What a nice pic of the women enacting chaatak birds. As they say in mythology, these birds gape at the skies with open beaks to directly capture the virgin drops of monsoon rains to quench their thirst. Legend has it that these birds refuse to drink water off the ground.
* Arora-ji seems to be waiting to get his share of peda from Sunita-ji as a greedy man behind is enjoying the looks of it! Happy Birthday Sunita-ji, once again. Can somebody please get some tasty pedas like todays more often?

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Dinner Invite

Sitaram Hivarkar (in pic) today distributed dinner invites for his granddaughter, Anaya’s first birthday on June 11 (next Monday). The celebration, which coincides with his own birthday, is being organized on a grand scale at the GMS Banquet Hall, Sitaladevi Compound (opposite Indian Oil Nagar), Andheri (West), Mumbai.
The indulgent grandpa also requested everyone personally to be present at the venue by 6.00 pm to bless the child and to intimate, in advance, should anyone NOT be able to make it. “We have made arrangements for all, but food should not be wasted,” he explained.
This is the second dinner celebration the Club is being invited to – after Arun Patil’s unforgettable birthday bash (see post of August 3, 2010) two years ago.
Meanwhile, concern is mounting over a number of members who are not to be seen for quite some time. Some like Ved Prakash Grover, Nahid Khan and Pratap Bhatt have of late, resumed after a short break. But there are several others about whom nobody has any information. For instance, it is not in the nature of Srichand Arora to abandon us for very long. He was last seen bobbing up and down at the deep end of a swimming pool. After that, no news. Trust he is alright.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Hey, a tall man behind (in the picture) seems to be still sleeping while standing!
* It is nice of Sitaram-ji to have given personalised invitations to one and all. We'll all be there to cheer him up.
* Razia-ji seems to be waiting for her name to be called out for the card. She is another sporting woman who makes it a point to attend and cheer up the host.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
"I have so many remaining invites... Where is everyone?"

Monday, June 04, 2012

Raining Goodies

The rains may still be some days away. But it has already started raining goodies at the Garden. Two people, on separate visits to Shirdi, have returned with sweets (prasad) from the Sai Baba temple. Another ushered in her birthday early morning. Yet another, a proud grandfather celebrated his grandchild passing with flying colours in the Central Board of Secondary Examinations.
But first, Khatoon Baig’s (below left) birthday. Little did she expect anyone to remember and upon entering the Garden, was visibly shocked when Shekhawat, Yusuf Rassiwala and others wished her in chorus. After the exercises, she stood silently in the centre of the circle, hands folded in gratitude as everyone raised the customary ‘fourth laugh’ and clapped and danced around for her.
Meanwhile, Santosh Tyagi (right) got busy distributing the prasad she had brought from her trip to Shirdi last week-end. There was Najma Sayeed (below, right) also who had gone to the same place around the same time and had huge temple laddoos to show for it. The lady, who has been suffering from severe pain in the joints (especially her knees), apologized profusely for not being able to move around enough at Shirdi and find something more appropriate for those who are diabetic.
But the real hero of the morning was Ved Prakash Grover’s grandson (lead pic) Shrey who has scored a fantastic 96% in his Class 10 board exams. He had also come with a large box of laddoos to break the big news to us. His doting dad, Dharmendra Grover was there to escort him around and for once, we had three generations of the Grover family together with us. Our blessings and good wishes go to the meritorious boy as he sets his sights for the stars. Yes, Shrey is a budding astronomer.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Where would you find such dildaar people who celebrate Shirdi visits, birthdays, success of grandchildren and all their joys with the group? Only at our Laafing Club. And this is what makes it special.
* Hats off to Shrey for passing his 10th board exams with flying colours. Getting 96% is no joke. God bless him for his achievement. Congrats to all members of the family who boosted his morale while he was preparing and studying.

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Day 671

Pic of the Week
Someone is trying too hard to match steps with the rest. But why?
Bhaswati Bose:
He is learning to Cha-Cha-Cha: One-two cha-cha-cha, let's do cha-cha-cha...
Renu Babani:
Charge of the brigadiers, all in step: One... two... three...
Harish Wadhwa:
Sath-sath chalne ka maaza hi kuchh aur hai!.