Back to Platform

Saturday 'white wash'

Photo op: Tabassum clicks

We were back to the platform today, thanks to Mohammad Gulzar and his wife, Tabassum. The couple celebrated their admission in the Club with a sumptuous treat for all members on the raised concrete structure at the far end of the Garden. Since the time it came up two years back, all big celebrations of Big Laaf have been held on this platform – but for the past few months when we had to relocate to the space in and around the China Hut.

Housie session in progress inside China Hut

The Gulzars were with their little daughter, Gultafida all dressed in their holiday best. For once, the pressure of reaching the girl to school early morning did not show on the parents’ faces. And it goes to their largeness of heart to have forgiven us for the ‘misunderstanding’ that crept in (ref yesterday’s post) over the venue of celebration. They were under no obligation to celebrate. But the way they had made it a big event and taken the pains to bring in the goodies, properly packed in paper boxes and arranging for hot tea as well, spoke volumes of their generosity of spirit.

Jokes session in progress at the Garden gate

By the way, they are the youngest couple with us. There is a lot we need to learn from them.
For a change, we did not wrap up immediately after this chai-naashta. Being the last Saturday of the month, the ladies organized a Housie session with just one round played. While Mohar Singh walked away with the big ‘full house’ prize, the rest of the spoils were distributed among Monthi Serrao, Madhu, Nahid Khan, Vasudev Batheja and Rukhsana Khan.
Shekhawat, the ‘champion of champions’ of the last Housie session at Gorai Beach two weeks back, chose to abstain this time. Instead, he hung around near the Garden gate, cracking jokes and entertaining a group of bemused bystanders.
Dilip Babani:
Shekhawat-ji, your jokes are fantastic. Aahh Chooh!!!
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It appears the platform holds a magnetic attraction for Big Laaf. It was in a godforsaken condition. Thanks of Gulzar's chai nashta (which everyone enjoyed), it was put to good use.
Jagmohan Papneja:
We are pleased to welcome you, Mr Gulzar and your better half as members of Big Laaf. I assure you that each and every member is of helping nature and you will feel comfortable in our company. Thank you so much for the food packets. Those were such a nice surprise.

Burden of Numbers

Shekhawat makes announcement about the home party 

We are beginning to feel the burden of numbers. Earlier, when a decision had to be taken by the Club, forging a consensus was never an issue. We understood one language, spoke in one voice. It was because we were only a dozen or so members -- for all intent and purposes.
Today, having grown into a ‘healthy’ 50 (and still counting), taking the group along has become a monumental problem. Even a non-issue like accepting a friendly invite to a home party from a member can amount to letting the proverbial cat among the pigeons. Within minutes ten different opinion makers would sprout, some would sulk away in silence, others would shout at the top of their voice and before long, we would find ourselves back to square one.
But then, this is the curse of democracy.

Yusuf  Rassiwala intervenes

Being avowedly a Club ‘of the members, by the members and for the members’ and since 50 members can never see eye to eye, we must learn to leave things in a limbo. Significantly, when Shekhawat informed about the home party tomorrow at 4:30 pm, everybody was willing to go.

Ruksana Khan returns from Dubai
with a box of chocolates

But the moment talk began about the common courtesy of taking something along and perhaps pooling in a nominal Rs100 for it, people developed cold feet. Some spoke of setting a precedent, a few complained of stomach ache, others insisted that the party should be held in the Garden… A head count revealed that a majority had backed out!
That was when Yusuf Rassiwala stepped in and took a principled stand, explaining not to hurt the sentiments of the host who might have already made arrangements for the party. It made sense to only 13 people, while the rest coolly walked away. This was rather unfortunate. But more unfortunate was how a simple issue can drive a wedge between members, dividing the Club horizontally and vertically – something that had never happened when we were a small, contiguous group of like-minded members.
Last heard, the party stands cancelled. Instead, food packets will be distributed in the Garden tomorrow morning after the exercises.
Kiran Prakash:
Party or no party, celebration or no celebration, we need to repeatedly remind ourselves of the basic purpose of meeting at 7 every morning. And that is laughter and exercise blended with lots of positivity. We have to preserve it. We cannot compromise on that.
Angad Singh:
It is the bane of democracy that all members would not agree to a decision. There would always be dissenting members. However, once a decision has been taken, it should be honoured by everyone in right earnest. There should be no change of decision afterward. Frequent changes in decision do not speak well of our maturity.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I am of the opinion that our policy needs to be consistent and not allowed to change as per individual convenience, resulting in upsetting the interests of the Club. It is a fact that in a democracy, majority opinion is honored and must be followed.

Storm Brews

Happy Birthday MOHAR SINGH!

The storm over yesterday’s snap poll hasn’t quite blown over as many lady members still continue to harbor hopes of getting the ‘Woman of the Year’ trophy on March 8. Even after being told that the winner was already decided yesterday (just that the name has been withheld), some are seeking a repoll. And men like Angad Singh are looking forward to a round of serious “campaigning” if only for the fun and excitement that the women are capable of generating.
A whisper campaign however, has started making the rounds with some ladies wanting to know the criteria of selection and even setting their own ground rules. Somehow, one person being declared victorious hasn’t really sunk in. To their mind, this shows all others to be losers. And since it is impossible to make everybody a winner, one lady, with a peculiar sense of entitlement, has suggested scrapping the idea and to instead distribute trophies en masse to all women members without discrimination!

Mohammad Gulzar

If that were not enough, ladies like Razia Khan have suggested instituting a ‘Man of the Year’ award for male members, little knowing that for all intents and purposes this has come to be the preserve of the gay community. Barring one or two members, it is highly unlikely that anybody from the Club would be inclined to claim this distinction on November 19. Still, as Jagmohan Papneja suggests (ref his comments in yesterday’s post), this can be open to consideration.
In all the hullaballoo, Mohar Singh, a new entrant from the yoga group, today ushered in his 61st birthday with chocolate bars. Much as he has been closely associated with us for several years, this was the first time he celebrated his birthday in the Garden. We all clapped and sang, wishing him many happy returns of the day.
Also, we have received an invite from Mohammad Gulzar, another new member, for a ‘home party’ on Saturday evening (February 28). This is to celebrate his formal induction into the Big Laaf family, together with his wife Tabassum (ref post of February 17). Like Mohar Singh, we have known this charming couple and their cute, little daughter, Gultafida for ages. The latter will however, have to wait some time before she can also be taken in as a member.
Bihari Milwani:
Do you know that 8th March 2015 is a Sunday? Do you want all ladies to come to the Garden on Sunday morning to witness the presentation of trophy?
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It is in earnest spirit that Mohammmad Gulzar has invited us to his home for a treat. I thank all his family members for this good gesture. We wish them good health and happiness.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Mohar Singh-ji, wishing you another year of laughter, joy and swasth-raho mast-raho!

Big Mistake

Mallika playfully blackmails Arora for the 'Big Laaf - IWD Award'

We committed a mistake today. In the run up to the International Women’s Day on March 8, we conducted our annual all-male poll for the 'Best Woman of the Year'. We could have waited a little longer – at least for things to warm up. Big mistake.
We realized this the moment Srichand Arora herded the men aside after the prayers and distributed slips of paper to put their nominations on for the secret ballot. Even before the slips could come back, duly filled, Mumtaz Jahan started rattling about her social work activities in Kashmir.
“We need time to campaign,” protested Bhaswati Bose. “You cannot decide like this all of a sudden. Give us a little time be at our best behavior!”
“I found my cap today,” announced Kajal Babani abruptly. “I shall wear the cap regularly now. Will I get the trophy then?”

Siba Prasad Maitra is welcomed to the Club

Another lady offered to wear green, purple, red, yellow… whatever colour Arora decided for every day of the week, so long as she gets the prize. “You want cigarettes, tambaku, baatli… what?” Bhaswati enticed. “Anything you want, we shall get you.”
Arora's face dropped at the cheekiness when Mumtaz bounced back to inform the “helup” she extended to the flood-affected Kashmiris. Irritated, Arora growled, “Then ask them for votes, not us!” Turning to the men, he grumbled, “Yaar, we’ve done a blunder. Had we held on for some time, our chai-naashta from women would have been guaranteed for the next few days.”
Razia Khan and Mallika Kagzi already looked defeated as they discussed their chances of winning. Suddenly Mallika jumped up, making a brave, last ditch bid at blackmailing Arora: “No more chai from now. I will not even get naankhatai from Surat. Don’t forget, you have had my namak… I will take my revenge!”
For the record, the front runners of today’s polls were Razia Khan, Banoo Apa, Nahid Khan and Mallika Kagzi. The winner will be declared on March 8.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Why should we not celebrate Men's Day also? International Men's Day is now standardised globally on 19th November. Hope Big Laaf will take the decision to celebrate Men's Day from this year onward.
Kiran Prakash:
"Big Mistake" eventually resulted in a BIG LESSON and BIG REWARDS. It will pleasantly lead us to lots of entertainment and loads of eats. The next three-and- half days will be exciting!
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
By conducting the Woman of the Year selection so early, we have unwittingly touched a bhir ka chhatta. All the same today's activity gave us an added occasion to laugh, which is the main aim of the club.

Ousted Again

Arora emerges from darkness

Our worst fears came true today. Whoever had that ‘brilliant’ idea of ousting us from our old stomping ground inside the Garden (ref post of January 8) realized the folly today. This morning, s/he got us to vacate the concrete area outside the China Hut and dispatched us back to the Garden – but at the furthermost point close to a public toilet.
Clearly, we are seen as ‘disturbing elements’ that cannot be contained -- as Angad Singh pointed out, quite amused.

Mallika treats us to nankhatai and tea

Residents of nearby buildings have complained that we derive vicarious pleasure by waking them with a start, the moment we unleash our laughter war cry at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Since we cannot be wished away, their only hope (and prayers) now lie in pushing us further aground,

Prakash celebrates son's birthday 

beyond the public toilet and into the stinking slush of the nullah next to the Garden!
But all that hardly mattered today. What did matter was Srichand Arora materializing at daybreak after pulling off his famous vanishing act at Pune (ref yesterday’s post) on Sunday.

Angad Singh reads out announcement

Instantly he became the magnet for Ved Prakash Grover, Vijay Bhai, Jagmohan Papneja, Kiran Prakash and others, all eager to hear his tale of woe. But he was not one to oblige. Instead, he threatened to take the whole lot of us to the retreat (“ashram”, actually). Funnily, he refused the tea Mallika Kagzi offered him, but stepping out of the Garden, immediately lit a cigarette. The good part was that he looked well-fed and hearty, not having lost a milligram of weight and confessed to celebrating his escapade from Pune with a stiff peg of premium scotch whiskey at home!
Apart from Mallika’s tea (and naankhatai from a visit to Surat), Kiran Prakash celebrated son Siddharth’s birthday by treating us to kaju katli. And then, there was Angad Singh’s brief but important announcement on free heart treatment for children by a noted charitable organization. For further details contact Sameer Malik of Heartcare Foundation Fund on 99587 71177 or 080-28411500.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
If any proof is needed, this is another one that earth is round and it is moving around its axis. The Club is now back to square one. Hope we stick around.

Great Escape

Missing Man

Srichand Arora did escape. Yesterday afternoon, he quietly packed his bags and fled the health retreat in Pune (ref post of February 21) that was holding him captive for a weight reduction program ending this week-end. Four days into this 10-day naturopathy course was more than what he could take. “I cannot adjust here,” was the crisp message he texted his friends before flying the coop.
He did not leave any forwarding address.
Since then, there has been no trace of Arora. Those expecting him to join the exercises at the Garden today were in for a disappointment.

Monthi Serrao returned from
a bout of fever and flu

Word got around that he was sighted at different places in Mumbai since early morning -- the unlikeliest story being that he was taking refuge in his grandchildren’s place. Many waited for a ‘promised appearance’ at 7:45 a.m. i.e. after the exercises were over – but all in vain.
In his absence, speculation was rife over the provocation behind his dramatic escapade. We all know Arora to be so strong-headed that he can never succumb to the dictates of anybody on this planet. To be deprived of tea and cigarettes for 10 days was bad enough. And to curtail his movements in the retreat without even the facility of television was nothing short of torture. Worse still, was to subject the foodie in him to ingest bland, boiled vegetables without even a pinch of salt.
But the tipping point came with the big game on Sunday when India played South Africa in the ICC World Cup. Cut off as he was from the rest of the world, he missed all the action. And that obviously was too much for him to bear. In all probability he made up his mind at that point and got the hell out of the health retreat, not looking back even once. Chances are, he will not venture anywhere close to Pune for years to come.
P.S.: Arora reportedly dropped by in Garden – but long after we had dispersed!
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Getting admitted at Pune was Arora-ji's own choosing. His escape has deprived him of long-term benefits. And Arora-ji's loss is ours as well, as we too have missed the good points of health. However, his escape can be compared with the 'Great Escape' of World War II when a large number of prisoners escaped after tunneling their way out.
Srichand Arora:
* OMG, so many things happened in my absence! I missed the Peacock Dance. I join my dear Kiran Prakash for a repeat performance of this dance on the coming Saturday.
* Angad-ji, the trip to Nisargopchar Ashram, in Uruli Kanchan, Pune was of course, my own choice. I even knew the facilities not available there like spicy food, TV or any other entertainment. But I was sure to adjust. But Oh God, this was not my cup of tea! Now I am happy that I'm back with my healthy Big Laaf group.
* Friends, I know that running away from the ashram was a mistake -- not only on health grounds, but I also broke my wife's heart. Seriously, it was very difficult for me to adjust. I am really very sorry for my wife.
Kiran Prakash:
Let bygones be bygones. Arora-ji, we really admire your honest confession. You are the BIG HEART of BIG LAAF.

Day 1566

Pic of the Week

QUICKSILVER: One Face Three Expressions!

Dilip Babani:
Banoo Apa is looking very good. Seems like she is singing a nice ghazal. Lovely expressions.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Banoo-ji is a superb actor. Her expressions hide more than what they reveal. She can beat any actor hollow. Ha ha. Keep it up.
Srichand Arora:
LOOKS LIKE ACTING IS IN HER BLOOD. THAT IS WHY BANOO APA'S DAUGHTER, RAKSHANDA IS SUCH A GOOD ACTRESS. GOD BLESS BANOO APA AND RAKSHANDA!

Peacock Dance

Shekhawat and Razia match steps

It was a class act – a performance par excellence that would have made Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire leap with joy. Absolutely unprompted, unrehearsed and completely original, Razia Khan and Hari Singh Shekhawat gracefully matched steps, keeping rhythm with the music playing on the sound box, moving in slow motion… and instantly raising a round of tumultuous applause all around.
That was the highlight of the morning.
Long after it was over, Angad Singh and Kiran Prakash went up to Shekhawat to compliment him on his virtuoso performance – something that should have been filmed for posterity. “It was what we call mor-morni dance,” clarified Fehmida Khan. The accolades and appreciation notwithstanding, Shekhawat continued to play the fool.

Srichand Arora: in distress

“We were having a little fun,” he said, still red in the face.
Significantly, Shekhawat and Razia were in the whitest of the Saturday whites. They were also the liveliest in the group, prompting an otherwise reticent Mohar Singh to comment: “They are two flowers of the same branch.” Somebody remarked they were the sun and moon around whom the rest of us revolved. “Then we too should have a name,” interjected Sunita Jajodia, draped in colorful printed sari. “What are we?”
“We are the taarey, the stars,” Banoo Apa assured her.
“And she is the sky,” quipped Jagmohan Papneja wittily, pointing at Mumtaz Jahan in stark blue salwar-kameez.
If anybody could be missing all this fun and frolic, it is the master of wisecracks, Srichand Arora. He is at present in Pune, attending a naturopathy camp. “I am badly stuck out here,” he bemoaned over the phone. “Everything is regimented here – fixed timings for sleeping, waking up, taking bath... You can’t get out of the campus. No cigarettes. Not even tea. Just boiled vegetables. I like hot, spicy Punjabi food. The people here are such kadkas, they don’t even give you salt in the food. I’m sure people in jail are having a better time!”
Arora has to serve time for another week -- unless he escapes.
Dilip Babani:
I think Arora-ji will lose at least 10 kilos in a week because of no salt, no cigarettes, no tea, no chicken, no keema kaleji, no phapra-jalebi... Oh my god! What will happen to Arora? How can he live? He must be thinking, 'Yaar, kahaan phans gaye!'
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
The Peacock Dance was spontaneous and was appreciated by everyone. It was worth videographing. Arora-ji will certainly be detoxified and more active, alert and fit. Upon returning, he should inform us on the good habits he has picked up in Pune. We hope he continues to follow the good habits. Wishing him to be in the prime of health.
Kiran Prakash:
We want Peacock Dance again. We want Peacock Dance next Saturday also. I will videograph it. They will also know how beautifully they perform it. Compliments to Shekhawat-ji and Razia-ji.

Within the Family

Now that local picnics at Chhota Kashmir and Gorai Beach are over and done with, attention has shifted long-distance, to Darjeeling and Gangtok. There’s just over a month left before a group of 25, led by Shekhawat, heads for the ‘promised land’ on the Himalayan foothills for a six-day holiday, beginning March 28.

Shekhawat gets into the trouble-shooting mode

Jagmohan Papneja treats us to crackers from Delhi

With this tour, the Club would have hit the four extremities of India – north, south, east and west.
Boarding, lodging and other logistic details, both at Darjeeling and Gangtok, had been finalized six months in advance. All 25 would be travelling to Bagdogra (the nearest air strip) from Mumbai and back by air, barring one. The lady member, for all good reasons, insists on travelling by train – even as she would be alone and the three-day journey (each way) involves a change of train at Delhi. And thereby hangs a tale.
Initially, many thought that it was a question of affordability and some like Srichand Arora, Yusuf Rassiwala and Shekhawat graciously volunteered to pool in and discreetly buy her a return air ticket. After all, “it doesn’t look nice that a lady is left to travel by train while the rest of us enjoy the luxury of air travel” was how they had put it.
But this member remained adamant. The problem here is that her train timing and the flight ETA cannot be reconciled. This creates a very real possibility of the entire group being stranded at Siliguri indefinitely (should her train be delayed) as the road journey to Gangtok can only be undertaken during daylight hours.
This morning a new option by train came to light, just that it would cost more. When the member was found hesitating, Shekhawat instantly committed Rs1,000 from his pocket without a thought – so long as the trip goes smoothly. Where else would this happen? In any other Club, the member would either have been unceremoniously dropped or compelled to fall in line with the rest and take a flight booking. Shekhawat’s prompt action just reveals the largeness of his heart. And this was not the first time we have seen such an act of selflessness. Every time a crisis arises, someone or the other steps in and resolves it swiftly without letting others to know. That’s what being with the Big Laaf family is all about. There’s more to it than meets the eye.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It is the magnanimity Shekhawat-ji to intervene spontaneously. This was to keep the flock together, rather than having the whole group to wait for the single member or leaving her to fend for herself. Keep it up and good luck to all in the group.

Nostalgia Trips

An appreciative audience for Sheela Mirani's pictures

Sheela Mirani, in a rare expression of candor, today shared some personal photographs in her mobile phone with us. She also spoke of her family for the first time – her husband, daughter, son-in-law, son and daughter-in-law, her grandchild as well. From a lady who largely keeps to herself, this came as a pleasant surprise – more so, because those were mostly pictures of her younger days, of happier times and unguarded moments, exuding warmth and family bonding.

Sheela Mirani

We shall never know what prompted Sheela to let us into her past this morning; just as there can be no telling when and why some of us turn nostalgic and babble about the ‘good old days’ gone by.

Hari Singh Shekhawat in uniform

Some do it all the time – be it about their childhood, cost of living, career and salary levels, public morals or even the quality of food they ate.
Angad Singh had adjustment issues upon shifting to Mumbai and used to often reflect on the way life treated him in Mohali. Nowadays he doesn’t. But Srichand Arora hasn’t yet got out of his Indore hangover. Santosh Tyagi still loves her Delhi while Bhaswati Bose can wax eloquent on her Assam, Fehmida Khan on her Nagpur and Nahid Khan on the Lucknow she knew.
Mumtaz Jahan can be physically here and mentally in Kashmir – the place she says, she “really belongs” to. Ved Prakash Grover would get nostalgic about his glory days as a top-ranking badminton champ. And Tara Chand Seth can spend hours narrating the horrors of Partition and how, as a 19-year-old, he had to leave his hearth and home in present-day Pakistan.
But there’s none to beat Hari Singh Shekhawat in his trips down memory lane. He needs no provocation to recount the places he had sailed to when he was in the Navy, or justify why he needs his daily tipple since the time he was in the Navy, how good he was in accounting when he was in the Navy, why he gave up drinking tea when he was in the Navy… Navy is part of his DNA.
Against this perspective, it is perfectly understandable why Sheela Mirani gave us a sneak peek into her past. It was another way of reaching out and drawing us closer into her life. As everyone noted, those were lovely keepsake pictures -- just that they deserve a better place than a mobile phone.
Kiran Prakash:
Most of us love our past. We enjoy wandering in those memory lanes. Real life however, is enjoying the present moment. Shekhawat-ji is one such person. Not only does he revel in the past, he makes us also enjoy the present moment - at least for those 45 minutes in the Garden. Though totally oblivious to this, he is doing a great service to all of us. Thank you Shekhawat-ji.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Time is divided into past, present and future. It is in the present we live, which is important and most relevant. We are thankful to all the members who make the morning session so lively that we never realise how time has passed us so quickly. We hope this tribe continues to grow.

One-day 'King'

Gupta surrenders to Sunita and makes peace with her

Srichand Arora is away at a health retreat near Pune, practicing naturopathy. Harish Wadhwa is in Jaipur. Harbans Kaur has left for Ludhiana to attend the last rites of her sister. Monthi Serrao is nursing a nasty bout of flu. Santosh Tyagi is also homebound, still battling BP problems. And Hari Singh Shekhawat is on a runaround of Mumbai's pathological labs with his wife, who is suffering from a kidney ailment.
In the absence of so many people, Bijoy Gupta gallantly appropriated the position of ‘club chairman’ for the day. As followers of the blog would know, this has been his long-cherished dream and he even took Shekhawat’s place in the circle next to the ladies this morning. And like the metaphorical ‘one-day king’, Gupta began to throw his little weight around for all it was worth.
But not for long. He got away with pulling up Razia Khan for not saluting -- or at least, wishing him properly when she came.

Karuna Waghmare distributes sweets to
celebrate her admission in the Club

He even reprimanded Mallika Kagzi for not being attentive enough during the exercises. But when he hauled up Sunita Jajodia and Mumtaz Jahan for talking on and on, he got it back.
“We are talking important things,” Mumtaz retorted.
“Then go home and talk,” Gupta growled. “Out here, you have come to exercise only, not talk.”
“What happens when you talk?” Sunita charged.
“I am chairman,” Gupta asserted. “I can do what I like.”
“Then don’t you dare go away in the middle of the exercises,” Sunita threatened. “I shall be watching you!”
Sure enough, just after the laughter round, Gupta tried to slip away and Sunita went hammer and tongs after him. “Nothing doing, you cannot run away like this,” she shouted. “Come back!”
Stranded midway, Gupta realized he had bitten off more than he could chew. His friends had warned him earlier not to mess with Sunita as it would be to his own peril. He did not pay heed then. Now, he was being both punished and humiliated in public by her, all because he had harboured ambitions of becoming the 'club chairman'.
Discretion got the better of valour as Gupta made peace by shaking hands with Sunita at the end of the exercises.
Kiran Prakash:
This drama of 'chairmanship' with the so-called humiliation of Bijoy Gupta is going on for more than two months. But the way he has taken it sportingly, is worth appreciating. A very large heart is needed to face the verbal bombing from all quarters and yet, keep smiling. It is he who has kept the issue alive for our entertainment. He deserves a pat on his back.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Gupta-ji is perhaps not aware of women's empowerment. Even if he is, he momentarily overlooked it and made best use of the old story of Bachha Saqqa who became king for a day and issued his own currency. Gupta -ji enjoyed the whole episode sportingly with a big heart. Hats off, Gupta-ji! At the same time, it is disheartening to know that a number of stalwarts are not in good health. We pray for their speedy recovery.

Half Century!

Arora and Razia Khan welcome the Gulzar couple

Mohammad Gulzar and wife Tabassum joined the Big Laaf family today. Barely three days back, Mohar Singh filed his membership form. With their induction, the Club membership has hit the half century mark – all 50 admitted through due process and endorsed by the managing committee of the Club.
The induction of new blood has not only changed the complexion of Big Laaf, but altered its internal dynamics as well. A fresh vibrancy has set in. From a time when attendance used to be at 10 to 15 people on an average, we are now witnessing no less than 30 regulars cheerfully taking part in the exercises every morning. If there is one reason for this resurgence of interest, it is the Club registration. The build-up has been steady after Big Laaf became a registered body last November.
Many however, feel that there should be a cap on membership and from now on, we should be extremely selective on admitting anybody new.

Mumtaz Jahan is adamant: She wants to celebrate on March 3

Otherwise the numbers would soon become unmanageable. Already compromises are noticed on celebratory treats, particularly birthdays. Earlier, provision for 20 or 25 members would suffice; but not so now. Mumtaz Jahan for instance, had planned her birthday celebration on February 14 (like every year) and distributed choco-toffees during the bus ride to Gorai. For some reason she felt that was inadequate and announced she would celebrate on February 16.
That soon became February 17. Last evening “after consulting Shekhawat”, the date became February 21. This morning, she provided a spot of entertainment by announcing that she would rather celebrate on Zarina Khan’s birthday, i.e. March 3. No amount of Srichand Arora assuring her not to bother would convince Mumtaz Jahan. “I wanted to distribute food packets of Rs30 each, but together we shall be able to give Rs60 packets on March 3”, she kept repeating.
Her plaintive appeal was drowned in laughter. But there is an obvious problem we cannot be blind to. Birthday treats should not be an obligation – far less a burden on anyone.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Hurrah! It is difficult to attain a half-century. Now completing a century must not contaminate our laafter feeling. Also, a birthday treat should not be a burden. It should be an event to enjoy and not an occasion to outdo one another.

Cricket Mania

Vijay Bhai

With India’s spirited 76-run victory over arch rivals Pakistan in the World Cup opener at Adelaide yesterday, cricket mania has seized us nice and proper. Vijay Bhai, the face of Indian cricket in the Garden, showed up early morning with a triumphant grin, congratulating all and sundry, as though we had already won the Cup!
Srichand Arora was however, a little guarded while returning the congratulations, knowing well that the next match could well turn the odds against India. But that is what the cricket craze is all about. And there are enough crazy fans in the Garden to keep the pot on the boil for the next six weeks.

Picnic pictures on the laptop

Thereafter, we shall have the IPL fixtures. So today was just the beginning of the madness that would extend to several months.
This is not to say that the Gorai picnic last week-end has been forgotten and done with. The day-long excitement spilled over to this morning with everyone having little stories and anecdotes to narrate for those who could not join the excursion.

Harbans Kaur

And to rub in the sense of having ‘missed all the fun’, Bhaswati Bose, as usual, had her laptop full of the picnic pictures to display in the Garden. The pictures would soon be mounted in the slide-show alongside. But till then, the laptop slideshow served its desired purpose at rekindling happy memories.
Monthi Serrao looked to be particularly contrite for not joining her friends to Gorai. But she could not help it as she had received news of her father-in-law being critically indisposed and hospitalised. She opted out. Later, she was to learn that he had recovered and is fortunately better now.
But that was not to be with Harbans Kaur. She went ahead with the picnic – probably because she was the one to have initiated it. On Saturday she returned home to learn that her elder sister in Ludhiana had passed away. Tomorrow she would leave with her husband to attend her sister’s last rites. Our condolences are with her.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Cricket mania is certainly going to keep many of us glued to TV even at the cost of sleep. It is time to enjoy although we are past the age of playing cricket. It was nice of Mrs Harbans Kaur to join the picnic without revealing her grief.

Day 1559

Pic of the Week

VALENTINE PICNIC... But what are you doing with my wife?!!

Bhaswati Bose:
Yeh... kya hua, kaise hua, kab hua, kyu hua???
Kiran Prakash:
I hope, this has nothing to do with the Rs 1,00,000 that Bijoy Gupta promised to pay Shekhawat-ji.
Big Laaf:
Ha! Ha! Looks like we have a hostage crisis on hand... Well said, Kiran Prakash-ji!!!
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Is Mr Shekhawat engaged in 'enjoying' the chairmanship of the Club? Oh no, it can't be!

Gorai Getaway

Dilip Babani is in full flow in the water by the beach

Last year, on Valentine’s Day, BIG LAAF was in Kerala. This time around, we were closer to home – picnicking at a resort on Gorai Beach. Our guest writer for the day, DILIP BABANI captures the mood and magic of those fun-filled moments in his 'lovely' report:
Yesterday, we went for a 'Valentine Picnic' to Pixcy Sea Resort. The bus was waiting outside the Garden for Dilip and Kajal Babani to leave for the resort. All the Big Laaf ‘valentines’ greeted each other with lovely flowers and hot tea. We were doubly happy today as Mumtaz’s birthday was celebrated in the bus by singing songs. Mumtaz gave chocolates to everybody.
It took time to reach the resort because the road was not known to bus driver. The road was so narrow that we all were scared as to when and how we will reach the resort.
At the resort, a lovely breakfast was waiting for us -- nice egg burzi, pao, upma and poha with hot tea. All enjoyed and left for a lovely view of the Arabian Sea.

THE ARORAS: Best Valentines

Bus that took us to and fro

It was like paradise -- all around coconut trees and the sea view with sky.
There in the water we all sang songs and danced and took nice lovely photos. All were enjoying the sea water and lovely climate.
We played antakshari which was lovely. All the members danced and sang songs which was wonderful. All were amazed to see how wonderfully we enjoy our life. We took nice photos. Arora-ji and Mr Bose were enjoying cigarettes in that lovely moment. Arora-ji was in very good mood. He was having everybody’s firki. Mr Gupta was also enjoying the picnic, but he became hot when asked to give 1 lakh for the Chairman’s chair.

Bringing childhood memories back

Mumtaz receives birthday calendar

We all did a lot of masti and majak. Mr Gupta explained how Mr Shekhwat is enjoying chairmanship.
The ladies also enjoyed due to Valentine’s Day. We had lovely dances by Banoo Apa and Swati-ji. We had couple dances also -- Mr Bose-Bhaswati, Mr Arora-Kiran-ji, Dilip-Kajal, Nafisa-Razia-ji, Gulzar-Tabassum, Banoo Apa-Mumtaz-ji. Mr Shekawat also had a good dance with the ladies. Ladies had good song and dance also. Because of Valentine’s Day, those dances were lovely and amazing. Since Grover was not dancing, Arora-ji made aarti of him, which was lovely. The children enjoyed playing cricket.
We all had nice lunch which was of veg and non-veg. The food was lovely. Everybody enjoyed.

Searching for treasures in the sea?

We enjoyed Housie which was conducted by Arora-ji and Razia-ji. Two full Housies were played. Some of the members were taking rest on cots. There were nice cots for resting. Mr Shekhawat, Mrs Swati, Mr Dilip, Mrs Bhaswati and Mrs Singh were all winners of housie.
Then again, the ladies started singing songs.

Having a blast: BEST PICNIC yet

Qamar Khan was singing new, lovely songs and rest of the ladies were singing ghazals and old songs. They all were having an amazing time at the resort. Kajal sat on swing. Santosh-ji also sat and then Mrs Singh also sat. They thought of their young days. Then Mr Dilip sat on the swing and that swing started falling down because of overweight of Dilip Babani. Dilip thought god had saved him!
Mr Gupta gave bhaang goli. Mr Bose and Arora-ji but both returned them. But Mr Dilip ate. The bhaang was delicious made in paan material.
We had nice tea with Parle Glucose biscuits. After that we came back to Lokhandwala but in the terrific traffic it took 2.5 hours to reach. We had nice, amazing, lovely time. God bless the Big Laaf family.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Gorai Beach is not a 'getaway'. I would call it Gorai Beach Gate Way. It was certainly a good outing which I missed because of my poor health. Hope next time I should be able to join. Well done Dilip-ji, as a guest writer. Hope more of us join this venture. Nice to know that everyone enjoyed the outing.
Srichand Arora:
Dilip-ji, the way you have described the picnic, no one else could. The description is an eye-opener for all absentees. After reading your write-up I am sure our next picnic will be houseful. Humara Big Laaf group jangal main bhi jaata toh itna hi maza karta. Congratulations dear!!!
Bhaswati Bose:
What a hilarious write up, Dilip Bhai. Only you can write like this. Keep it up! Very soon the Blog Monster will be jobless.
Kiran Prakash:
On the contrary, guest writers are doing a 'lovely' job to ensure that Blog Monster firmly continues to be on the job to 'chop' and 'chew' and ensure that the blog maintains its 'high standards'.
Dilip Babani:
Photos of the picnic are very nice and lovely. All are natural photos. Thanks to Shekhawat-ji, Arora-ji and Bose-ji for organising such a lovely and amazing picnic. Hope the next picnic will be at Alibaug.

Back from Brink

Ghasi Ram Garg

As the sun rose over the Garden this morning, we were treated to the most heartwarming sight in a long time. Standing near the Gate was Ghasi Ram Garg – as though waiting for us. Slightly wobbly on the feet, he tried to look cheerful in a full-sleeve checked shirt and formal dark trousers, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Razia with Karuna Waghmare (left)

A young man by his side, apparently an attendant, held him steady.
We were meeting Garg after more than six months. It is unlikely he recognized any of us, but he responded to our greetings and good wishes – in monosyllables. Last year he suffered a brain hemorrhage (ref post of August 9, 2014) that kept him in coma for close to six weeks. Most of the attending doctors at Kokilaben Hospital had given up on him.

Mumtaz and Banoo Apa

Banoo Apa and Mallika

It was sheer grit and will-power that has taken him through this battle for survival and in the end, he has emerged victorious.
People talk of a new life, second innings and so on, almost casually; but here was a living example of one who has returned from the brink.

Jagmohan's treat of Aligarhi barfis

It will take time for Garg to regain his cognitive powers and faculties, but if he has one person to thank, it would be his wife, Neelam.

Pudding wiped clean!

She nursed him night and day through his darkest hours, stayed deliberately hungry to appease the gods and religiously sat by his bed in the hospital for months on end, begging everyone to pray for him… and today, Garg is on his feet. His walking up to the Garden this morning was nothing short of a miracle.
The visit clearly overshadowed all other developments and merrymaking in the Garden – be it the Karuna Waghmare’s formal admission as a Big Laaf member or the Aligarhi barfis Jagmohan Papneja treated us to, or Kiran Prakash’s ‘capless’ entry out-of-the blue towards the end of the exercises. Above all, there was Banoo Apa at her benevolent best – an advance birthday present for Mumtaz Jahan, a personal surprise gift for Mallika Kagzi and for the rest of us, a sampling of English pudding her sister has just brought from the UK. Indeed, when it rains, it pours.
Kiran Prakash:
Happy Valentine's Day to all!
Lt Col Angad Singh (Retd):
I am very much moved by the sickness of Mr Garg and his recovery after a long time. The dedication, nursing and devotion of his wife showed results coupled with the grit and will power of Mr Garg. We pray that he should come back to his good health early. The Big Laaf Club has a big heart and its members are cheerfully devoted to each other. May their tribe prosper.

Picnic Fever

Mallika Kagzi

Yusuf Rassiwala

Jagmohan Papneja’s tickets are booked for Chandigarh. He leaves tomorrow.
Rukhsana Khan is booked for Dubai. She also leaves tomorrow.
The rest of us are booked for Gorai Beach the day after tomorrow. We return the same day.
As the picnic fever builds up, the Club witnessed hectic activity this morning with last-minute collections from members for hiring the bus and paying up the resort in advance (ref post of February 9). Shekhawat has been assured a ‘group concession’ for bookings exceeding 40. So far he has been able to mobilise around 30 people, including several non-members. He is now counting on a few so-called ‘fence-sitters’ to push the number up and there’s only a day to go in between.

Why is Monthi Serrao so upset? What is Arora looking at?

Mallika Kagzi wants to go, but there’s a wedding in her family that she must attend at Marine Lines in the evening. Breaking out of the picnic midway and making it all the way home from Borivali, freshen up, and then race to the other end of town for the wedding will be a tough call. But still, she is hopeful her family will permit her to undertake the ‘adventure’.
Yusuf Rassiwala is also in a fix. He wants to go on the picnic but isn’t sure if his wife shares his eagerness. He might nevertheless take a chance by setting out on his own in the hope his wife would follow him.

Who's this man in red?

Notably, Shekhawat himself isn’t sure about his wife because of her delicate health condition. But he has decided to set out come what may.
Meanwhile, here’s a teaser: Who is this guy in red T-shirt standing next to Kiran Prakash? We have known of fathers treating their sons as equals, of mothers mistaken to be their daughter’s sister… but have you seen father and son looking like brothers? Well, here they are. This tall, handsome young man is a reputed plastic surgeon, Dr Siddharth Prakash. Yes, he's our Kiran Prakash’s son.
Jagmohan Papneja:
I can imagine what Dr Siddharth Prakash might have said to his father. Indeed, this club is exceptionally blessed with family, friends, love and laughter.
Siddharth Prakash:
Thanks for the kind words. It was lovely to meet you young people! I have heard a lot about the enthusiasm and energy of the group from dad. Keep up the laughter and the exercise. Doctors like me will soon be out of work. Cheers!
P.S. The blog is lovely. I'm full of admiration.
Kiran Prakash:
I am proud of my son and BIG LAAF too. I am also realising for the first time -- after seeing this photograph -- that I am so short compared to my son!