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.