More Reasons to Rejoice

Arun Patil celebrates birthday

Arun Patil turned a year older today. Out of hospital (ref post of July 27) last Sunday, he was at Yusuf Rassiwala’s place for the Eid bash the same evening and this morning, was with us at the Garden to usher in his 63rd birthday with sweets, puri-bhaji and hot tea.
Such is the easy camaraderie he shares with Big Laaf that for once, Swati Panjabi volunteered to stay awake all night and prepare the puri-bhaji packages for him at home. She would probably not have done this for anybody else and in the bargain,

Mumtaz Jahan

we were spared the usual pre-packed stuff we get to have from some eatery -- except for the barfis, which Arun picked up from a neighboring sweets’ shop. Mallika Kagzi thoughtfully pitched in with hot home-brewed tea.
Meanwhile, Mumtaz Jahan has earned another feather in her colourful cap following her appointment as vice-president of the Maharashtra State Council of the International Human Rights Protection Council for three years. Congratulating her, Shekhawat read out aloud the appointment order for us yesterday and stressed on we having "the privilege of a very influential member" in our midst who enjoys direct access to the Chief Justice of the Maharashtra High Court (sic) and state Chief Secretary among others.
Mumtaz, on her part, has offered her services in helping resolve whatever problems we might approach her with. And to celebrate her rise to the position of preeminence, she distributed kaju-katlis to all present.
Kiran Prakash:
Happy Birthday Arun. We wish you many happy returns of the day. My special thanks to Swati Punjabi for her neatly packed, delicious puri-bhaji. Even after almost two years with Big Laaf I keep getting surprises. It is unbelievable that Swati can go to such an extent of remaining awake whole night making 150 puris and bhaji and so neatly packing it. When did we last hear anybody doing like this? In hospitality and nurturing relationships, not many can match Swati.
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday dear Arun-bhai. Very nice mithai and puri bhaji. Mallika made nice tea. May God bless you.
Swati Panjabi:
Thanks for the appreciation, Kiran Prakash. Aap aise appreciate karte raho. It was a pleasure cooking for everyone. Will do so in the future as well.
Lt Col Angaad Singh (from Mohali):
Happy Birthday Arun-ji. We wish you a very happy and healthy life. My mouth is watering on reading the tale of eats made by Swati-ji. Hope some day I will also be able to join your bandwagon.