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.