Tripping Time

Teja Singh Bhambra

Within weeks of the Lonavala trip, the travel bug has surfaced once again. The Club is witnessing a good deal of restlessness and mobility, starting with Teja Singh Bhambra showing up today after a road trip to Goa. He returned last night and for the first time was rather late to report for the exercises. Otherwise, there is no one to match him on punctuality.
Ramila Mistry was also there to inform that she would be away till August 7. She is leaving for Indore, Srichand Arora’s hometown and sure enough, he gave her a long shopping list along with loads of advice on the must-dos during her visit. Shekhawat mischievously slipped in his demand for some bottles of wine. “Wine, not whiskey or rum,” he reminded her. And then there’s Santosh Tyagi also packing her bags for an extended trip to Delhi, beginning August 5.
Meanwhile, plans are afoot for undertaking a ‘long distance’ trip around October-November from the Club.

Ramila Mistry comes to say her goodbyes

Shekhawat is confident that in the next three months he should be fully fit and fine (see yesterday’s post) to endure the rigors of travel – just that it may not be Kerala this time as originally planned.
He said that his passport is in the final stages of making and it ought to reach him any time now. All the necessary formalities, including police verification, are over and done with.
Should all go well, Shekhawat would now be able to make good his promise of taking the Club to ‘Pattawah’ (read Pattaya) this year. He said that he had to do a rethink on Kerala because somehow, it did not find favour with most members. Still, he is prepared to review every possibility (including that of a third destination) after holding discussions and obtaining a consensus from interested members.
In the meantime he would draw up a feasibility plan and budget for the trip to Pattawah (Bangkok included) in consultation with a travel agent. Any suggestion, anyone?
Harish Wadhwa:
It seems a week later the exercises will miss the usual chatterboxes and Arora-ji /Nahid-ji may not find anyone to scold. Bahut khali-khali lagega!
Jagmohan Papneja:
A mix of physical activity, laughter, pleasure trip, enjoyment and fun are crucial in creating a worthy lifestyle. This is the abiding theme of Big Laaf.

In the Flow

Shekhawat, today morning

Hari Singh Shekhawat is fast getting back into the flow of things. From a time when he used to walk into the Garden with measured steps, detached, short of breath and unable to speak, he has now become more purposeful in his gait and confident of himself, cracks jokes at random, gives cues during the exercises and participates in all the mischief-making around. What is more, he does not need to rest in between the exercises – although a vacant chair is kept ready next to him at all times, should he require a breather.
And yet, Shekhawat is not happy with the progress he is making. “It is now three months since I've had the heart surgery,” he says, looking around for reassurance. “Why do I get tired so soon? Why do I have the feeling of my insides being stretched (‘khichav’)? It is painful. Maybe, I am not really cured. I cannot wear the clothes I used to earlier. They have all become loose. Look at these trousers. I need a belt to keep it place… or else, it will slide down my legs!”
Indeed, Shekhawat is no longer seen in his old shorts and T-shirts and for the better part, shows up in the morning dressed in formal dark trousers, tucked-in full shirt and black shoes. His rainbow umbrella is the only constant from his pre-surgery days.
Just to cheer him up, Srichand Arora keeps taking little digs off and on: “Bun-thun ke kahaan ja rahe ho? Have you pataoed some ladki? Let us also know…” Jibes like these have a magical effect on Shekhawat. With a twinkle in his eyes and blushing from ear to ear, he is back to his jolly self, laughing and joking all the way.
For all his weakness and self-doubts, Shekhawat is getting around to accepting that in the monsoons, any healing process takes time. This is what his friends and well-wishers in the Garden have been telling him -- that he should not expect a miracle overnight, that he has to be patient with himself and that, in good time, he shall be back to normalcy. He is already half-way there.
Meanwhile, let us pray for Shekhawat’s speedier recovery.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Shekhawat-ji, the pain you feel today shall be the strength you feel tomorrow. No pain, no gain.
Harish Wadhwa:
Shekhawat-ji is absolutely fine. Unhe kya hua hai? He is walking-talking, has sweets, holds a nice colorful umbrella to woo women if and when it rains, enjoys our jokes, Arora-ji's musings, plans picnics, laughs loud, has a very loving and caring family, puts up with Badmaash Company... Sab kuchh toh bhala-changa hai, chinta kiss baat ki hai? As for pahuwa-patawa-patakha, they will all start sooner than we think.

Double Bonanza

Geeta Sardhana cuts the birthday cake

It was worth the wait. For, Geeta Sardhana today more than made up for the vanishing act on her birthday (see post of July 27). She came in loaded with boxes of savories that included wafers and chips and luddoos. There was also a huge chocolate cake (naturally, egg-less) which she cut ceremoniously after blowing a candle. And then there was a ripe banana to go along for every person. It seemed, as Jagmohan Papneja pointed out, that she was paying back ‘with interest’ for her lapse on Saturday.
If that was not enough, Santosh Tyagi too had a good reason to celebrate today. She had organised a puja last weekend for moving into her new house and she came in with a boxful of pedas. In effect, we had two celebrations this morning – one, for Geeta’s birthday and the other, (as some members chorused) for the ‘birthday of Santosh’s home’. The double bonanza came on a day when none was due.
Oddly enough, Tara Chand already had a hunch that “something was in the offing” because the first question he asked members entering the Garden early morning was whether they had washed their mouths properly.

Pedas from Santosh Tyagi's housewarming

Most of them missed the point, and Ved Prakash Grover even pointedly sought a clarification: “Why are you asking? Will there be something nice to eat today?”
“Who knows?” Tara Chand replied mysteriously. “Let us wait and watch.”
It has to be said though that there were a few like Tara Chand who knew that their long wait for Geeta on Saturday morning was not in vain and that she would after all, celebrate her birthday belatedly. Nahid Khan was the last to leave the Garden at 10:00 a.m. and was quick to counter Geeta’s accusation that we had all let her down. The arguments notwithstanding, what emerged ultimately was that our patience had paid off and in that spirit, here’s once again wishing Geeta many happy returns of the day and for Santosh, much happiness and luck in her new address.
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Good things come to those who wait. Patience may be bitter, but its fruit is sweet. This has been proved by Mrs Geeta Sardhana today. Once again, a Happy Birthday.
* Santosh-ji, thanks for sweet pedas. Best wishes on your new life in your new flat.
Harish Wadhwa:
I second every word of Papneja-ji... ditto-ditto!

Day 1075

Pic of the Week

The things people must also do to make ends meet!


'Buy One, Get One Free' and the other hawker has put up his entire cart 'On Sale'! -- Bhaswati Bose

These 'social activists' have launched a new outlet to counter the inflation in vegetables prices. They are selling at subsidized rates to help the aam aadmi. After all, when our rulers believe in doing one-two-ka-forty, the common trader is entitled to do at least one-two-ka-four! --Jagmohan Papneja

Papneja-ji, hamara haal aapse chhupa nahin hai. Papi pet ka sawal hai. Part-time yeh dhanda bhi karna padta hai, rozi-roti ke liye! Aap kuchh kharidiyega? Lehsun 100 rupye kilo hai aur bhopla 60 rupye... --Harish Wadhwa

High and Dry

Happy birthday, Razia

Happy birthday, Geeta

Rarely do we have two birthdays overlapping in a year. But then, Ramzaan is on and there was no question that Razia Khan would break her roza and visit us in the Garden to celebrate.
That left Geeta Sardhana. Early morning she had come, all decked up with sandalpaste markings on her forehead, just as we were warming up for the exercises. She left within a minute, telling us she would be back by the time we were through. An urgent puja had to be performed at the ISKCON temple in Juhu and that nobody must leave till she returned. Obviously, her god could not wait.
As usual, we were done with the exercises at 7:45 a.m. and raised two extra laughs – one for Razia and the other for Geeta. And then we hung around.

INDEFINITE WAIT: Reception party at the Garden Gate

The Babanis and Harbans Kaur had dropped in, especially to wish Geeta. They too hung on with us. No sign of Geeta. There was no way she could be contacted (her mobile was 'off range') leaving many of us to wonder whether we had heard right and were we really supposed to wait.
When it was well past eight, Ramila Mistry suddenly darted out of the Garden Gate announcing that her daughter had a flight to catch. Before long Shekhawat and then Tara Chand and Ram Shankar Shukla left. Srichand Arora had left earlier as he was not feeling too well. Then Jagmohan Papneja left.
Clearly patience was running out. Soon the yoga session got over and starting with Ved Prakash Grover, one by one everybody trooped out, looking dejected and disappointed. The exodus had begun. And still there was no sign of Geeta Sardhana. The birthday girl had successfully vanished – leaving us all high and dry.
Srichand Arora:
Kiran joins me in wishing Mrs Geeta Sardhana and Mrs Razia Khan a very Happy Birthday!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them. But you know where they are. Happy Birthday Mrs Geeta Sardhana and Mrs Razia Khan.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Happy Birthday, Razia-ji and Geeta-ji. Enjoy your nice birthdays nicely.
* Teja Singh-ji, assi rukiye ya turr jaiye. Mithai di koi kushboo nahin andi payeee.

Still at Large

Fresh look at the photograph on Arora's mobile

Haw! So many moles on the back???

Relaxing the rules of the Pehchaan Kaun guessing game (see July 23 post) has not reduced, but added to the confusion all around. Those who had recently put in their ‘guesses’ are having second thoughts now. And today, in a renewed burst of enthusiasm, everyone wanted to take a fresh look at the photograph on the blog and as expected, ended up pointing fingers at one another.
Clearly, the suspect is still at large.
Since the only sure-shot give-away is a mole in the person's back, Srichand Arora (who returned today after a brief bout of fever) announced that tomorrow, all men must come topless to the Garden. The ladies sniggered, but Tara Chand had a ready retort: “As you say, Arora-sah’b. Why topless only, we will take everything off for your sake. You have only to order us. Nobody can dare disobey you!”
Apart from the missing mole, what seems to be clouding everyone’s perception is the possibility of the photograph being tampered with on the computer. One member even asked if it was possible to employ “computer magic” to regress in time and turn her present-day picture into the way she looked 30 years ago. “Otherwise how did this photo get into the blog?” she argued innocently. She had apparently been influenced by the trick imagery in some of our Sunday pics and believes that “everything is possible with a computer at making ullus of the public”.
Attention turned to Bose Babu – more so, because he has not exposed his back yet (see post of July 17). Teja Singh politely asked Bhaswati Bose if there was really a mole on her husband’s back. She dismissed the suggestion, adding that her husband had a round face whereas the photograph showed a longish face. “That is no argument,” Tara Chand chipped in again. “Before marriage he had a long face and you have beaten him so badly that it has become round now.”
By then Shekhawat had got hold of Arora, the only other person who has not bared his back so far. As everyone crowded around, he lifted the rear of Arora's T-shirt to reveal a forest of moles of all shapes and sizes across the back. “Is it my fault that I have so many moles all over my body?” Arora protested. And here we have been trying hard to find a single mole all these days!
Harish Wadhwa:
Arre, Arre... Arora-ji, public mein Shekhawat-ji yeh kya kar rahe hain? Is Bhaswati-ji amused at some tattoo on your back instead of that deceptive mole? Wise men told us that never 'lose your shirt'. But all of us seem to have lost ours for this blessed Pehchaan Kaun contest!

'Banana-na Party'

Exercises continue as usual before...

Ram Shankar Shukla celebrates with bananas 

There was no escape for Ram Shankar Shukla today. Buckling under the pressure of friends and foes, he had to treat everyone to bananas (yes, bananas) in order to celebrate the recovery of his ‘lost’ wallet on the trip to Lonavala last Saturday.
Surprisingly though, Shukla shied away from uttering the word 'banana' (or its Hindi equivalent 'kela') and instead, for some strange reason, disguised it by saying “banana-na party”. Some red-faced members tried to quibble on bana-na-na and ba-na-na-na-na... but not uttering kela. Ved Prakash Grover even announced that “Shukla-ji would like to throw a fruit party”, making things all the more obvious.
Tara Chand Seth appeared most amused by this verbal jugglery, though pretending not to have heard right. “Fruit party? Leh, we were under the impression that Shukla-ji was busy at home for the past two days preparing luddoos for us. And this is what we get,” he quipped, waving a large yellow banana.
But then, most members agreed that the bananas were a better and healthier option than the assorted sweets and fried stuff routinely distributed after the exercises. Harish Wadhwa, who had come in with an additional bunch of bananas, offered to share his, should Shukla’s fall short!
Jokes apart, Shukla said he was much relieved at having found his wallet, which he had all but given up on. “It was lying hidden among my clothes in the deep recesses of the side bag I was carrying that day,” he narrated. “But more than the money, I was worried about my personal papers and the cards I had kept securely in my wallet. Had I really lost them, it would be near impossible for me to obtain duplicates and replacements in my lifetime.”
Well, all’s well that ends in banana-nas!
Harish Wadhwa:
I can see everyone going bananas over the 'fruit party' as they appear to inhale the aroma of ripe bananas (LOL)! Some have also shut their eyes, imagining their good looks. Thank you, Shukla-ji, for ba-na-oing our morning!

Rain Washed

Srichand Arora

Srichand Arora is having to pay a price for his pathological aversion towards carrying an umbrella. He would much rather be drenched in the rains than be seen with the damn thing upon his head. For him, obviously, the multi-purpose club cap should suffice -- come rain or sunshine.
This was exactly what happened during the trip to Lonavala last Saturday. As the only one in the group to be without an umbrella, he was left dripping wet after braving bone-chilling winds and blinding rain at the Tiger Point hilltop. True, he went for a quick change into dry clothes once we found shelter. But that was too little too late. He has since been running high fever which refuses to subside.
But as is typical of him, Arora refuses to believe that the absence of an umbrella has done him in. He blames the “exertion and exhaustion” from the journey for his indisposition.

Scene at the start of exercises this morning

Added to these, his left arm has put him to considerable grief. It is over a month since he sustained a chip on his shoulder bone from a road accident and that too isn’t healing. End result: He is on an indefinite leave of absence from his morning routine at the Garden.
But then, Arora is not the only one to be missing these days. Today, 37 of the 44 members were absent because of the torrential downpour in the morning. In fact, there were only three to kick start the exercises, before Ramila Mistry, Ved Prakash Grover, Jagmohan Papneja and Monthi Serrao showed up. And Grover was frank enough to declare that he too wouldn’t have come today if it were not for the possibility of a luddoo treat from Ram Shankar Shukla (see posts of July 22 and 23). Since the latter was nowhere to be seen, Monthi stepped in again to distribute mouth-watering Bengali sandesh from Tian’s birthday. She had brought the sweets, each beautifully wrapped in palm leaf, for Arora, Harish Wadhwa and the others who had missed them yesterday. Their loss was our gain.
Harish Wadhwa:
* So sorry Tian, I could not collect my share, even though your grandma was so kind and thoughtful to bring it again. Actually some of my hungry friends forced your grandma and swigged away my share. Maybe I will take it some day from you in person when those hungry monsters will not be around.
* It is my humble request to do away with this stupid nail-rubbing exercise. It has not benefited anyone as more people are getting bald and some are sprouting 'flora' at places other than the head. Any suggestions?
* Get well soon Arora-ji. Can't live without your everyday jibes.
Srichand Arora:
* I am better today and will try to join you all the day-after tomorrow.
* Very soon the viewership of this Big Laaf blog is going to cross the 2.5 lakh mark. This is really an achievement of Blog Monster. Congratulations!

Rules Revised

The MYSTERY MAN of Pehchaan Kaun

Upon repeated requests from members, the rules for the eighth edition of the Pehchaan Kaun contest (see post of July 14) have been relaxed. To enable easier identification of the person concerned, his original b&w (unedited) photo is featured alongside and everyone may submit as many entries he/she pleases, but only the last and final one will count. The winner will be declared from the all-correct entries (by a draw of lots, if required) 10 days from today, i.e. on August 2, 2013.
These conditions have been arrived at after discussions with all present in the Garden this morning. The idea was to raise the participation and involvement level among members and ensure a degree of fair play.

Today was Tian Serrao's birthday

Clearly, many members were finding it difficult to make an educated guess on the identity of the person in question and some had got to taking wild shots in the dark and regretting later. We have also been witness to hilarious incidents like Srichand Arora lifting the backs of everyone’s shirts (see post of July 17) in the desperate hope of spotting the tell-tale mole that might give away the person’s identity.

Significantly, six responses, one different from the other, have been received in the 10 days since the contest was announced. The funny part is that excepting one, nobody has got it right! The ‘suspects’ named so far are SITARAM HIVARKAR (by Arun Patil), VED PRAKASH GROVER (by Geeta Sardhana), TARA CHAND SETH (by Arora), HARISH WADHWA (by Ramila Mistry), RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA (by Harish) and SRICHAND ARORA (by Sunita Jajodia).

Happy birthday Yusuf-bhai

Hopefully, with this disclosure, some of the confusion has been removed.
Meanwhile, our hopes for luddoos from Ram Shankar Shukla (see yesterday’s post) went up in smoke as the man did not even turn up today. Tara Chand Seth was particularly inconsolable and went on cribbing during the exercises. Luckily Monthi Serrao stepped in with a box of Bengali sweets to celebrate her grandson, Tian’s birthday. Those were the rarest and the very best pieces of soft sandesh not easily available even in Kolkata. Now all of four years, Tian goes to school and for the once skipped his birthday celebration in the Garden.
It was Yusuf Rassiwala’s birthday also today. Like Tian, he too did not show up in the Garden this morning -- presumably because of the Ramzaan rituals at home. But we raised an extra laugh for him also in absentia after the exercises. Here’s wishing them both many happy returns of the day – with all the joy, goodness, love and laughter in the years ahead.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Happy Birthday, Tian. God bless you with a long and happy life. Ask Grandma to reserve a sweet and give it to Harish Uncle whenever she meets him next. Is it not unfair Harish Uncle didn't get his share, just because he wasn't present today?
* Well, for Pehchaan Kaun, I must say the 'mystery man' looks very handsome in this b&w pic. He looks like the famous writer, Munshi Premchand in his youth, but without his signature bush-mush!

Jokes and Jibes

Tara Chand Seth

Ram Shankar Shukla

Tara Chand Seth is yet to recover from the hangover of last Saturday’s trip to Lonavala. Taking off from where he left, he resumed his ragging Srichand Arora even as the latter pleaded to be spared today, now that his injured arm was paining very bad after the picnic exertion. “But natural,” Tara Chand retorted mischievously. “Everyone has to pay the price for his burey karam!” And so he kept at it, on and on, relentlessly.
Eventually, when Arora had to confront him on why he was determined to “auction” his reputation, Tara Chand cheekily changed tack. He praised Arora for organizing such a wonderful picnic at short notice, leaving no room for anyone to complain. “Bahot-bahot-bahot lutf uthaya!” he exclaimed and urged that more such day picnics with small groups of 15-16 members should be organized by the Club in future. Everybody agreed that there is no point carrying huge busloads of 30 to 40 people and get into complications of overnight stay and incur needless expenses.

Catching up with the Lonavala pictures on a laptop

Shekhawat, who had done much of the groundwork for the Lonavala trip, was mighty pleased that all went well in spite of his absence. He was however, concerned when told of the terrible fall Tara Chand sustained at Tiger Point (see post of July 20). “Haan, bina maal dekhe gir pada,” Tara Chand conceded, triggering Jagmohan Papneja’s curiosity about what he meant by “maal”. Soon everybody wanted to know the meaning of “maal” and the only way out for Tara Chand was to tactfully deflect attention towards his ‘bus partner’, Ram Shankar Shukla.
“Haan bhai, what about the party you promised for finding your purse?” he demanded.
Now, this became a new subject of discussion for all those who did not go to Lonavala. The jokes and jibes that followed took the next half hour of the exercises as everyone wanted Shukla to celebrate the recovery of his lost wallet. He tried to wriggle out, but relented at one point -- just that nobody heard him then. Ved Prakash Grover even tried to show the way to the Super Sweets shop from where Shukla could pick up luddoos tomorrow!
It remains to be seen whether the treat is on… or not.
Harish Wadhwa:
* The picture of Bhaswati-ji looks like that of a Praud Shiksha Kendra or adult literacy centre.
* Get well soon, Tara Chand-ji. I hope the injury is small and that you recover soon.

Day 1068

Pic of the Week

The umbrella gathers a life of its own...

Chhatri udi, ud ke chali... Ramila-ji this is no way to harvest rain water! Or are you trying to get the mobile signal through this dish antenna! --Harish Wadhwa

Lonavala 2013

We made it! After more than 20 months of planning, much procrastination and repeated cancellations, we finally made it to the ‘queen of hill stations’ half way up to Pune. The trouble was all of Mumbai also wanted to reach Lonavala the same day. Or so it seemed. Pushing through terrifying traffic gridlocks amid incessant rainfall, treacherous potholes and crooked cops determined to send us back, we finally landed on the salubrious lap of nature early afternoon after a gruelling five-hour drive from Mumbai.
But it was all well worth the effort. Along with the swirling mist, bone-chilling breeze and blinding rain, what would also stay with us was the spirit of bonhomie we shared in our small, cohesive group (yesterday’s post) right through the journey. It all began at the Garden itself with Teja Singh Bhambra making an unexpected appearance and declaring he would join us in the waiting bus. Overwhelmed, Ved Prakash Grover simply went up and hugged him hard, followed by an equally gleeful Srichand Arora and joyous Tara Chand Seth.
Then it was Monthi Serrao’s turn to spring a surprise when she produced a breakfast spread of idli-wadas and green chutney, replete with paper plates and napkins inside the bus. Before long, Ramila Mistry came up with the Gujarati muthiya. That saved us the halt at Chembur, but we did break journey for tea and to pick up wafers and savories on the way. Meanwhile, Arun Patil put on his tiny music system ('a mouse that roars’) with vintage film songs, triggering debates on how the minds of yesteryear lyric writers worked.
Arora wanted to know the logic behind Talat Mehmood’s evergreen hit, Meri yaad mein tu na aasoon bahana. “Which idiot would like to remember someone and weep?” he demanded. “I would rather forget and stay happy!” He went on to seriously explain the meaning of his name – a derivative of Aurora or “arrow that pierces the heart”. Promptly Monthi quipped, “Poor Aro-ra, ro-rah hai… he has hole in his heart.” Arun chipped in by declaring that the “hole has been filled with rain water”.
Suddenly Ram Shankar Shukla raised an alarm. He said he had lost his wallet, only to find it half-an-hour later in the bus. By then, everyone – from Sunita Jajodia and Santosh Tyagi to Bhaswati Bose, Kiran Arora and Kiran Makharia had got into pulling one-another’s legs. But ultimately it was Tara Chand who took Arora’s case most – whether it was about picking up Lonavala’s famous chikkis at ‘our age’ or bananas turning into wafers in the stomach… It was a pity that he slipped on a rock and suffered a nasty fall at Tiger Point. Luckily, no damage was done. Many others did not take chances and stayed put in the bus till they heard of a spectacular waterfall down the bend and they all rushed out. Even Shukla, who was complaining of the crippling wind chill, came out for a dekko, only to dart back in moments.
All through the trip, Shekhawat was in touch on phone to monitor our movement and ensuring all went well. Even at lunch, he called up to check whether the food was fine and if the arrangements he had made for freshening up suited everyone. It was just our bad luck that he could not be physically present on this trip.
Harish Wadhwa:
* I missed a nice picnic due to my own compulsions. But I am sure you guys had a great time as it appears from the pics. The smiling faces of the group having a nice hot meal, shows the enthusiasm of this fun-loving group. Yadein, Yadein/ Bus yadein reh jati hain/ Kuchh chhoti, kuchh meethi, yaadein reh jati hain...
* Sade Sher Singh-ji (Teja Singh) da jawaab nahin. Vadde sone te sherdil lag rahe ho, Badshaho!

Picnic Fever

Last-minute briefing by Srichand Arora

With less than 24 hours to go, the build-up for our Lonavala picnic has reached feverish pitch. Too many people want to know too many details and with all kinds of advice coming in from all directions, it would appear as though the 17-member group is setting out on an expedition into the unknown, rather than a pleasant three-hour drive to a familiar hill station on Mumbai’s outskirts. And then it was Bhaswati Bose’s birthday also. Amid all the celebratory noises and cross-talk, complete chaos and confusion prevailed in the China Hut this morning.
But then, that’s how things ought to be. After a long time, we had a near-full house with several hitherto absentee members attending the celebration.Even those not going on the picnic showed up, braving intermittent rain. Harbans Kaur came in specially to bless the birthday girl while Santosh Tyagi (the other senior-most lady member) gave her a bite from a jalebi. Soon other ladies followed with more jalebis, phapda and dhokla and in what came to be a departure from tradition, all the seniors placed their hands on Bhaswati’s head to extend their blessings before breaking into a little jig, clapping and singing in chorus.

Blessings and good wishes for the birthday girl

Eventually, Srichand Arora brought the house to order by announcing that the picnic bus would report at the Garden gate tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. and we need to set off by 7:00 a.m. to beat the week-end traffic. Tea and biscuits would be served before boarding the bus and at Chembur, we would make a brief halt for breakfast. “I'd request you all to bring your own drinking water and better still, a change of clothing,” he said. “Chances are we'd get drenched in the rain at Lonavala. But not to worry. We have arranged for three rooms in a hostel where we could change and freshen up.”
Monthi Serrao made an attempt to revive her demand that we all come dressed in black pants and white shirt for the picnic. But her voice was drowned in the din. Ultimately she insisted that at least we wear the club cap on the trip. Those who heard her agreed. It remains to be seen how many would remember tomorrow.
Srichand Arora:
Bhaswati-ji -- Kiran and I wish you a very happy birthday and pray that you be healthy at all times. Thanks for your treat.
Harish Wadhwa:
Wow, look at how Bhaswati-ji is getting pampered. I am sure it feels heavenly. Happy Birthday for turning 18 yet again. We had fafda-jalebi after a long time at the Garden, thanks to the people who rushed to get freshly-made stock (all the way from Andheri Station) for the occasion.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Bhaswati ji -- May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through the door. Happy Birthday.

Done Deal

'Council of Picnickers' deliberate over preparations and arrangements for the June 20 excursion to Lonavala.

The June 20 picnic at Lonavala is now a done deal. The passenger manifest has been finalized. Harish Wadhwa has collected the advance to be paid for booking a 17-seater Tourister which would take us to and fro on Saturday.

Celebrating Shekhawat's recovery from heart surgery

Instructions for our lunch are to be passed on by Shekhawat today.
Srichand Arora convened a meeting to elicit views and suggestions of those who have signed up and in effect, tie up all loose ends for the trip. The general consensus was that there will be no need for an air-conditioned bus and after weighing all options, including the quotations from tour operators, it was found that Harish’s office contractor offered us the best deal. Breakfast would be en route at a specialty restaurant in Chembur and lunch served around 2:00 pm. at the hill station. We should leave Lonavala before sundown.
More than motivation and mobilizing numbers, sheer determination got us cracking on the picnic.

Sandhya Narang

Sunita Jajodia had declared last Monday (see post) that come what may, go we must this weekend and within three days, everything has been finalized to the last detail. Our only regret is that Shekhawat shall not be joining us (see post of July 16) this time much as he is fully involved in the preparations and more importantly, he is keen to go. But his health does not permit him and worse, he is facing stiff opposition from his family members and doctors treating him for his heart condition.
Today, his wife dropped by briefly to request us not to insist on him going to Lonavala because, even though he has recovered to a great extent from his heart surgery last month, it would be risky for him to undertake a long road trip for the present. She left behind a box of luddoos – actually prasad from a puja organized by the family as thanksgiving for his recovery.
We could have had another round of luddoos, had Sandhya Narang come this morning. It was her birthday today. So in her absence we cheered and raised an extra laugh for her after the exercises. This is once again wishing her the best – a long, healthy and happy life ahead.
Bhaswati Bose:
Dear Sandhya, good things happen when you go for them. A very Happy Birthday to you!
Harish Wadhwa:
* A Happy Birthday and many many happy returns of the day, Sandhya-ji. We had luddoos for a double cause!
* Good luddoos seem to be a weakness of one and all. Look at all the 'young' enjoying the sweet, which otherwise their families may have never allowed them.
* Shekhawat-ji is certainly looking fine and healthy. May God bless him better health with each passing day.
Srichand Arora:
CONGRATULATIONS! THE LONAVALA PICNIC HAS GOT GOOD RESPONSE. THE 17-SEATER VAN IS FULL AND NOW NO MORE MEMBER CAN BE ACCOMMODATED. SORRY, ALL LATE-COMERS!!!

Body Search

Geeta is mighty suspicious about Arun Patil

The allure of the Pehchaan Kaun trophy led to a piquant situation this morning with all the male members standing to lose their shirts. From Tara Chand Seth to Harish Wadhwa, everyone was subjected to a body search for that elusive mole in the back which might give away their identity (see post of July 14). One by one, they allowed Srichand Arora to lift the back of their shirts -- some thrusting their bums at him -- to confirm they did not carry the telltale mole.
Only Arora did not bare his back.
It all began with Geeta Sardhana casting a suspicious eye at Arun Patil and challenging him to expose his upper back. A three-time winner of earlier editions of this guessing game, Geeta’s opinion is much valued and that was why a printout of the picture of the ‘mysterious boy’ had been made available to her today. Ever ready to oblige, Arora pounced upon Arun (who was unfortunately already prepared to do a Salman Khan on-the-spot) only to draw a blank.

Arun also bares his back

Tara Chand obliges

Arora then caught hold of Tara Chand, who was equally obliging. Once again, the ladies peered. No luck. No mole.

Jagmohan resists

Harish is all-willing

Jagmohan Papneja was next. He put up a mild resistance, but eventually bared his back like the rest. In fact, everyone was only too eager to allay all doubts and get out of the zone of suspicion.
Harish Wadhwa didn’t even need to be persuaded. He had got his godsent opportunity to exhibit his macho body and would have taken off his shirt (and much else) were it not for the presence of over-curious ladies around.
That was when Santosh Tyagi came up with her sage advice: Instead of heading to Lonavala for a picnic this Saturday, why don’t we go to Water Kingdom? Before getting into the water, the men would strip to their bare essentials and automatically expose their backs. The ladies could then feast their eyes on them and anyone with a big mole on his back would be instantly caught out. Everyone agreed it was a brilliant piece of advice – just that it has come a day too late.
Harish Wadhwa:
What a scene, as men 'strip' to flaunt moles on their back! Amazing what people can do to get the precious winning trophy. This can happen only in Big Laaf... Has anyone dared such an act before? Luckily the mole-hunt was restricted to the back, else many of us could have landed behind bars (LOL). Arora-ji, mila kya... I mean the mole?!!

Shekhawat Opts Out

Club stalwarts SHEKHAWAT and ARORA

Hari Singh Shekhawat has pulled out from the picnic this week-end (yesterday’s post) for health reasons. He has not yet gone for his medical check-up and in any case, cannot muster the confidence to undertake the 96 km road trip to Lonavala. “I don’t feel too well yet,” he declared this morning.
This is the first time that the key motivator and organizer of club picnics has excused himself, leaving Srichand Arora to take charge. “But if in any manner I could be of help, do let me know,” he assured. “I may not be able to go this time, but my services are always available to the club.”
Shekhawat would have liked to go in August with an overnight stay at Lonavala, as we had done on two previous occasions. But the hostel where we had booked can no longer accommodate all of us. A majority of its rooms have been allotted to permanent lodgers (mostly homeless retirees), leaving only six rooms available for transient picnickers like us.
“The manager there pleaded helplessness,” Shekhawat informed. “But he also spoke of a similar hostel close by, which is slightly more expensive because it serves non-veg meals as well.

Geeta celebrates hubby's birthday

So if we are to stay overnight in Lonavala, the group might have to be split between the two hostels.”
Be that as it may, 16 members have so far enlisted for the June 20 trip with Monthi Serrao being the first to put in her contribution. Another four are expected to join and fill a 20-seater mini bus, which Shekhawat is organising. He is collecting the cash and keeping accounts – activities he has mastered and enjoys doing most.
Geeta Sardhana produced a major surprise when she celebrated her husband’s birthday this morning with a huge chocolate cake. Lekh Raj Sardhana is seen every morning in the Garden, but today he chose to keep low. We wish him many happy returns of the day (belated though it may be) and a wonderful, healthy life ahead.
Srichand Arora:
We wish you a very happy (though belated) birthday, Lekhraj-ji.

‘All Gents Day’

Where have the ladies disappeared?

Monthi Serrao has a keen, observant eye. She came in halfway through the exercises and marked her presence with a cryptic remark: “What’s this, an all-gent’s day?” Until then we did not realise that of the 14 of us, 12 were men. Nahid Khan (who, in any case, is hardly taken as a woman) and Sunita Jajodia were the only women around.
No wonder there was complete order and silence during the exercises. Sunita, a known chatterbox, had no one to talk to (since Nahid was in the middle), even as Arora egged her on to shoot her mouth. “Between each exercise, you are free to talk,” he urged her. “Why, I also talk…” But Sunita kept her counsel and quite simply held her tongue.
Before the exercises started, Sunita had summoned Arora in the China Hut and privately grilled him on his background. What does he do now? Does he eat mutton-machchi? In which city had he grown up? Was he into business or did he hold a job? Arora kept answering truthfully, till it suddenly dawned on him that Sunita’s questions stemmed from yesterday’s Pehchaan Kaun post. “I thought she was interviewing me for a matrimonial match,” he joked later.

Show of hands for the July 20 picnic

“All my hopes were dashed to the ground!”
However, on a serious note, Arora took over from where Shekhawat left on Saturday (see post of July 13) on the picnic issue. He opened the discussions by declaring that rather than wait till August, we must make the most of the present weather conditions and no matter where we go, we ought to set out on a day picnic at the very earliest. Surprisingly, the proposition was endorsed wholeheartedly by everyone with a show of hands -- some even throwing up both hands in their enthusiasm.
After weighing all options, the common consensus was that it would not be Royal Resort, not Water Kingdom, not Tikujini Wadi… but Lonavala and the day decided was the coming Saturday, July 20. “Whoever comes, comes but the date will not be changed,” Sunita announced. “We will go, even if it comes to hiring a mini van.” At Monthi’s suggestion, it was also decided that we would all wear black pants and white T-shirts/ tops with the club cap. Sunita had an obvious problem, which Monthi promptly resolved. “Okay, you may come in a white sari and black blouse!” she proffered.

Day 1061

Pehchaan Kaun 8

You cannot mistake this one.

But before you put a name to the face, quickly answer three simple questions:

* Where does he hail from? Name the state, if not city/ village.

* Is he vegetarian or non-vegetarian?

* What is his professional background – service or business?

If you still haven’t got it, here is another clue: This gentleman has a huge mole (masaa, in Hindi) on his upper back. Now, go figure…
The FIRST all-correct answer stands to win the sparkling Big Laaf crystal glass trophy (see post of February 24 for back reference). So get started before someone else beats you to it.

Ramila Mistry:
HARISH WADHWA. He is a vegetarian and hails from Indore. He is an engineer.

Sunita Jajodia:
He is Mr ARORA hailing from Indore and is non-vegetarian. He was into service and now retired.
He is Mr RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh and is vegetarian. He was in to service and now retired.

THEN...

Srichand Arora:
Ya, he is our dearest and seniormost TARA CHAND-ji from Punjab. As far as I know this businessman is vegetarian.
I am changing my opinion on Pehchaan Kaun from Tara Chand-ji to RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA. He is from U.P. (Allahabad), a vegeterian and was in service.

Arun Patil:
SITARAM. Service (Defence/Navy) and state is Maharashtra. He is vegetarian.

Harish Wadhwa:
SHRI RAM SHANKAR SUKLA. He is from Uttar Pradesh. He is a vegetarian. He was in service as tehsildar...

Geeta Sardhana:
I think he is Mr GROVER. He is from Punjab and was holding government service. He is a vegetarian.
He is TARA CHAND-ji. He is from Sargoda, Pakistan and was in service. He is a vegetarian.

Monthi Serrao:
He is SHRI RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA from U.P. He is vegetarian and was in service.

AND NOW

Teja Singh Bhambra:
The photo is VED PRAKASH GROVER.

Ved Prakash Grover*: ARUN PATIL, Maharashtra, non-vegetarian and not-in-service.
I want to change to RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA, from Uttar Pradesh. He is a vegetarian and was in government service.

Ram Shankar Shukla*: MYSELF (R.S.Shukla), vegetarian, Maharashtra

Hari Singh Shekhawat*: He is ARUN PATIL

Sitaram Hivarkar*: TARA CHAND, non-vegetarian
Please change to RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA. He is non-vegetarian, doing business and hails from Madhya Pradesh.

Bhaswati Bose:
He is MR RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA. He is from U.P. and was in service. He is vegetarian.

Kiran Makharia*
He is TARA CHAND-JI.

Jagmohan Papneja*:
He is MR VED PRAKASH GROVER, father of Mr Dharmendra, the only son. He belongs to Delhi. He is a Punjabi, had been working in government service, Agriculture Department.

Yes, you guessed right. He is RAM SHANKAR SHUKLA without doubt!

FOR DETAILED REPORT GO TO BLOGPOST OF AUGUST 2, 2013

Picnic in Limbo

“What is a three-and-half hour drive to Lonavala?”

The picnic scheduled for this month-end (see post of July 9) is still under a cloud. Hari Singh Shekhawat was supposed to see his doctors yesterday, but could not make it because of the rains. He now plans to go on Monday. Until he is declared medically fit, there can be no picnic.
However, Shekhawat feels confident to undertake any travel and has already set his sights on Lonavala. He has even fixed the date – tentatively around the Independence Day-weekend. “Should the hostel rooms be available on August 17 (a Saturday), I will book them right away,” he said. “By then our Muslim friends would be back from their Ramzan festival.”

Get well soon, Vijay Bhai

On the question of whether his doctors would permit him to venture out on a long road journey, Shekhawat was instantly dismissive. “What is a three-and-half hour drive to Lonavala?” he parried. “As it is, I have to travel two-and-half hours each way every time I visit my doctors (in Bandra). That makes it five hours both ways in a day. When I have been doing this so long, why can’t I travel to Lonavala now?”
Shekhawat was however more concerned about the numbers to fill a bus and on being told that August could be “too late” as this is the perfect season to visit Lonavala, he said he was open to a day picnic any time, provided the response is “good enough”. He urged Arora to make enquiries and “if there are sufficient people interested” we may go in July itself. Clearly, he was excited by the idea of the picnic and could not really be bothered about the implications, medical or otherwise.
Meanwhile, news comes in of our cricketing expert, Vijay Bhai being down with fever and bedridden. For the past two weeks he was not to be seen in the Garden. Over time, he has become such an integral part of the club that many have been missing him, especially during the just-concluded tri-series at the Port of Spain (which India won). Turns out that apart from his varicose vein problem he has developed several new ailments, which are presently under diagnosis. We wish him a speedy recovery and robust health for all time.
Bhaswati Bose:
Vijay-bhai, get well before the next match. We are waiting to see you in the Garden.