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.