Worry Lines

Shekhawat addresses all members, making light of his medical situation 

First the good news: Srichand Arora wants to throw a big bash on Friday. It’s his 75th birthday. Platinum Jubilee. And he intends to make it LARGE.
The only problem is he cannot decide on the place and timing. Since eatables are prohibited inside the Garden (unless sealed securely in packets/ boxes) he will have to figure some place else.
Still, he sounded us today and informed that the party will be restricted to Club members only. “The venue will be intimated later,” he said.
When some ladies asked if the place is very far away and could he at least give us a hint on whether it would be within walking distance or must we have to take a bus/ autorickshaw/ taxi/ helicopter, pat came his reply: “I’ve already booked two (train) bogies!”
Now the not-so-good news: Shekhawat has no choice but to go for carotid stenting surgery as early as possible (ref post of January 8). His test reports of January 16 reveal 70 per cent blockage in the left carotid artery and “near complete” blockage of the right artery. He was supposed to be admitted on Saturday itself at the military hospital in Colaba,

Mumtaz Jahan treats us to walnuts from Kashmir

but the attending surgeon detected an unusual spike in blood sugar levels and has deferred the date to January 19 (tomorrow).
Shekhawat is no doubt perturbed, but kept a brave face: “Life or death is not in one’s hands. Should I get the report on blood test (for diabetes) by this evening, I shall go tomorrow morning and get admitted. I am going with a positive mind and mark my words, I shall be back to unfurl the tricolor on Republic Day.”
What bothers us though is that the doctors have subtly hinted at the risks of undergoing such a critical surgery at age 76 and even warned Shekhawat on the possibility of sinking into coma.
They have also sought a meeting with his next of kin – wife and son – so that the family is adequately briefed and kept in the loop.
The question that arises now is whether there is an alternative treatment -- perhaps through medication, injectible or otherwise, which could obviate the need for surgery. Or is it already too late for experimentation?
In this worrisome air, Mumtaz Jahan infused some cheer with a bag of walnuts her father has brought from Kashmir. “The old man has carried these all the way from our ancestral home,” she informed. “This is an expression of his love…” We thank him profusely, through his worthy daughter.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Shekhawat-ji, may you be blessed with the power and love of God and the affection of all those who love you. We pray for you to be hale and hearty.
Swati Punjabi:
We hope your surgery shall be successful. Please go with positive intentions.