Goodness Galore

Dilip Babani has to be spoonfed by wifey... even on his birthday!

As a Club, we must have done some good in the past to be suddenly showered with loads of goodness in the New Year. For there has rarely been a morning since January 1 without a treat from someone or the other – on one pretext or the other. A couple of parties were also thrown in for no reason at all. In fact, we have become so spoilt by these sumptuous treats that the moment Dilip Babani entered the Garden this morning, casserole in hand, Shekhawat’s voice rang out in the middle of the exercises: “Naashta aa gaya!” Yes indeed, today's breakfast had arrived.
If that was not being brazen, Arora wanted to confirm that there were eats for us before we raise a special laugh for the birthday boy. And

Monthi Serrao

while we clapped and danced, wishing Dilip many happy returns of the day, some hungry members shamelessly sniffed around checking for the warm aroma of gaajar halwa wafting through the wintry air.
It originated from the casserole and Dilip appropriately had the privilege of the first spoonful from his wife and after reciprocating in like measure, he distributed the gaajar halwa among the rest of us. And then there were packets of biscuits to offset its sweetness.
But the best part was that instead of standing in ceremony with plates and napkins, Dilip personally fed everyone the delectable confection with a large tablespoon in what was regarded as a wonderful expression of community feeling and closeness. Truly, that’s what birthday celebrations are all about.
Pity Monthi Serrao could not be part of this celebration. Obviously, severe cold and flu had got the better of her, preventing her from dropping into the Garden since yesterday. But even as she was running high fever, she enquired on phone about Dilip’s birthday as she wanted to wish him personally. We pray for her speedy recovery and as always, wish her good health and happiness.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Dilip Babu ko toh Kajal Bhabhi-ji ne ghar par bhi kadai bhar halwa diya hoga, toh phir yahan kyon doosron ka hissa kha rahe ho bhai? Kuchh toh hum doston ke liye bhi rakh diya karo!
* I will wish Dilip only and if only I get my share of the gaajar ka halwa. Somebody listening... or reading?
* Kajal-ji, dil ki bahut achchi hain. Sabka khayaal karti hain. Aur bhi bahut sara halwa sab ke liye layengi. Hai na ?
* Monthi Serrao ko halwa na milne par gussa kyon aa raha hai? Humein bhi toh nahin mila, par hum gussa to nahin, sirf intezaar kar rahe hain. Aap bhi kijiye.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I hope all your birthday dreams and wishes come true, my dear Dilip.