All Heart

Wishing Yusuf Rassiwala many happy returns of the day

Birthday treat from Tian Serrao (in absentia)

Serenading has traditionally been a male prerogative. You wouldn’t ordinarily expect women to serenade a guy – unless of course, he is Yusuf Rassiwala. Such is his fan following among the ladies of the Club that today, for the first time in any birthday, they broke into an impromptu chorus, singing and rejoicing to “Tum jiyo hazaaron saal-saal ke din hon pachaas hazaar… Happy Birthday to you!”
It was all heart, pure and melodious, led by Santosh Tyagi, Harbans Kaur, Bhaswati Bose and others. The men stood by, clapping awkwardly and happily jealous of Yusuf while he blushed and grinned, hogging all the adulation. After all, he had turned one year older today. And when Geeta Sardana addressed him as "Birthday Boy”, he corrected her, saying “Budda Boy”!
Yusuf’s birthday was deliberately hyped by the ladies (see yesterday’s post) days in advance. He obviously shares a comfort level with them which no other male member in the Club enjoys. That Yusuf had come in to celebrate with chocolates and cake rolls, even as Ramzaan was on, speaks of how much he also values their sentiments.
But true to style, he had kept us in suspense by turning up (fashionably) late. At one point Arun Patil declared that Yusuf had done the disappearing act and would now show up only after Ramzaan. But Nahid Khan did not lose hope and maintained we would have a good birthday celebration today.
As things turned out, it was ‘two good’ because Monthi Serrao’s grandson, Tian’s birthday coincides with Yusuf’s. So we actually had a double celebration this morning with Monthi bringing a bag full of biscuits on his behalf. Tian has been celebrating with us since his very first birthday, but now he is a big boy and has better things to do in life. So Monthi had to rush back for the cake cutting at home, before dispatching Tian to school.
The blog wishes Tian the very best in studies, more mischief in class, good grades in exams and lots of beautiful girlfriends in life. Happy Birthday, you too, Tian!
Harish Wadhwa:
Happy Birthday, 'Tall Boy' Yusuf-bhai. It is a humbling gesture that you thought of treating others even as you were on fast due to Ramzaan. And 'Little Man' Tian, may the Almighty shower you with what the blog says -- mischief and beautiful girlfriends.
Jagmohan Papneja:
On your birthday, Yusuf-bhai, I would like to remind you of your own words of wisdom: 'Laugh for health, Exercise for health and be regular -- Aatey Raho'. Many, many happy returns of the day. I would like to convey my best wishes to Master Tian also. May God bless you always.