Mystery Party

Finalising the 'Guest List'

Srichand Arora dropped a major bombshell this morning. Summoning everyone after the exercises, he announced that a luncheon party is being arranged at the nearby Blue Waters Restaurant on Sunday, June 30 at 1:00 pm and that all present were invited. He did not want to elaborate further.
Instantly questions were raised as to what the occasion was and more important, who was the host. Arora refused to divulge any information, except that the host happens to be a respectable member of the Club and that s/he would not like to reveal his/her identity at the moment. He however, added that by hosting the party, this person wants to share "some happiness" and it would be nice if everyone could make it. “I might also assure you that by attending this party, you too will feel good about yourself,” he promised.

Ved Prakash Grover

All the 19 present agreed to attend – barring Sunita Jajodia and Geeta Sardana who had prior engagements for Sunday. While drawing up the 'guest list', Arora repeatedly urged that having once committed, nobody should back out because after making bookings, no refund would be made to the host. Upon being prodded again about this “mysterious benefactor”, Arora clammed up saying he was not at liberty to disclose anything more. “Please be patient,” he said. “The moment you step into Blue Waters on Sunday, the suspense will be over!”
But who was listening? In a frenzy of wild speculation, Ved Prakash Grover became the prime suspect, till he hurriedly declared that he would rather predate celebrating his birthday (which coincidentally falls on Sunday) to Friday. Hari Singh Shekhawat was targeted next for his successful heart surgery… or perhaps his wife’s uncelebrated birthday earlier this month. When someone informed that he was still too weak and would not risk a restaurant lunch, suspicion shifted to Santosh Tyagi. After all, she had just moved into a new house and today significantly, she came in late and wanted to excuse herself from the party and then changed her mind later… All this was very unSantosh-like.
Santosh explained that with 11 guests currently at home, she was in no frame of mind to organize any party. Then Jagmohan Papneja added his bit to the suspense, saying he had two names in mind but did not elaborate after that. Arora’s name also came up. Who knows, he has won a lottery and now wants to have a big bash?
With nobody getting any wiser and excitement mounting, the Club has its agenda laid out for the next three days.