Stepping Into 74…

"Will you still love me when I am 104?"

Srichand Arora became a year older today. He turned 73 and much as he clarified that he was stepping into his 74th year, everyone decided to treat him as a toddler. Many, in fact, insisted he was “yet to be born” -- at least, till such time he gave us a “royal treat”. He did his best, even driving all the way up to his favorite phapda-jalebi joint near Andheri Railway Station, but drew a blank. The shop was closed.
That gave members all the more reason to take digs at him. Razia Khan was at her mischievous best, repeatedly rubbing in the yet-to-be-born line, while Nafisa Sayyad settled for Arora being no more than a one year old.

Tara Chand Seth

Either way this meant ignoring his presence and taking the cue, the chatterboxes broke loose, continuously joking and laughing during the exercises. Arora picked on Khatoon Baig and was told in no uncertain terms to clam up. “You cannot scold us today,” she reminded him.
Indeed, today was a special. Not only did we have a full house, but many non-members like G.R.Garg, who are scarcely seen these days, showed up especially to felicitate Arora.

Bihari Milwani wishes Arora in style

His good old friend, Bihari Milwani brought him a beautiful laminated card with lines like “We Wish A Wish For You, The Wish We Wish For You Is The Wish We Wish For…” emblazoned in large type. Significantly, the notice board at the Garden gate this morning also carried a philosophical birthday quote, befitting the occasion.
With so many well-wishers around and their expectations mounting, Arora could not obviously leave everyone high and dry. Jagmohan Papneja suggested he postpone the celebration by a day (or perhaps, to the week-end) by which time, the phapda-jalebi shop should re-open. Garg advised making daily morning trips before the exercises to check if the shop had opened. “We will wait till then,” he joked.
But Arora, needed something for moonh meetha today, even if it were to be stop-gap arrangement. He tried getting srikhand, but supplies were inadequate. Ultimately, he ended up with a box of pedas from Vyanjan and when his wife, Kiran gave him the first bite (and he reciprocated in like manner), the celebrations began. It was truly well worth the wait.
The other happy occasion of the day was Tara Chand’s return – after three months – from Delhi. Age appears to have caught up with him, but he was in high spirits and was overjoyed to be part of Arora’s birthday bash. “I have come back on the right day,” he kept telling everyone gleefully.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I hope today marks the beginning of another wonderful year for you. Happy Birthday Arora-ji.