Low Key Celebration

The long-awaited phapda-jalebis happened today. Srichand Arora kept his promise of April 19 (see post). Hari Singh Shekhawat also kept his promise, as he joined us to usher in his birthday at the Garden. Of course, he had to be picked up from home. And Arora did the running around, after lugging in the eats from Andheri Station early morning. Put together, it made for a wonderful but low-key celebration, befitting the mood of the moment.
The idea was actually to see Shekhawat – after his discharge from Kokilaben Hospital earlier this week. He is suffering from a heart condition and will have to be hospitalized again. But far from being bogged down, Shekhawat looked gung-ho as usual– even as all efforts were made to ensure that he did not exert himself in the least. He was supposed to be with us for ten minutes (as Arora put it delicately, “We want your darshan only”) but Shekhawat happily went on chatting and joking for more than half an hour.
After the initial formalities of greeting him with a bouquet and singing “Happy Birthday” in chorus, it was only a matter of time before Shekhawat brought up the subject of a tour to Kerala in October-November. He had even brought along details of a Kerala package from a tour operator and passed it around. Much as we tried to distract him and focus on his treatment instead, he was determined to discuss whether to go by air or train – in which case, a full rail bogie will have to be booked!
Now here is a man who will have to go under the knife any time and doctors are sending him (and his family) on a merry-go-round, running up huge bills, his admission at Asian Heart Institute is in abeyance again, an MRI scan needs to be done today itself at Bandra… We are worried for him, but he is as carefree as a lark.
Keep it up Shekhawat-ji and here's wishing you once again -- a long, healthy and happy life.
Jagmohan Papneja:
You are a great friend with a great heart. May you sail through all the obstacles and challenges that come your way. I wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Srichand Arora:
Happy Birthday, once again, my dear Shekhawat. I have never come across another BRAVE person like you. Keep it up my friend. I know God is going to help you at every stage.
Kishor Babani (from Canada):
Good to be with friends, Shekhawat-ji. Always keep smiling like this. May the Almighty God give you a long life. Best wishes from Renu, Harsha and Prakash as well.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Shekhawat-ji, Aap jiyo hazaron saal, saal ke din pacchas hazaar. Happy Birthday once again. Will have a party at your home to celebrate when all is well and okay!
* A well-timed picture capturing Mrs Bose, as she steals some phapda from Arora-ji while he comforts Shekhawat-ji with a tummy massage. LOL.