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.