Another Big Bash

Cutting the birthday cake

Naheed Siddiqui

Close on the heels of Khatoon Baig last Saturday (ref post of May 20), it was Naheed Siddiqui’s turn to host another big bash in the Club this morning. But unlike Khatoon's advance party, it happened to be Naheed's birthday today. It also marked the last major birthday do before the Club relapses into a self-imposed ennui with the onset of Ramzaan later in the week.
Today’s celebration bore marked similarities with that of Khatoon’s, both in terms of scale and the lavish fare on offer – one significant addition being the birthday cake. Although comparisons would be odious, what cannot be overlooked is the consistent endeavor in many of us to outdo one another and raise the bar on spending with every celebration. This is rather unfortunate and uncalled for.
Gone are the days when we could rejoice simply on toffee and chocolates. At best, there used to be tea.

Razia Khan celebrates with luddoos

Today, there is invariably so much food (and beverages) circulating around that it is near impossible to consume the whole lot on the spot. Lest anything should go waste, ‘doggy bags’ are nowadays provided so that everybody carries their stuff home. This is our new norm.

Karun Sharma presents calendar

You show up, collect an overloaded plate, shove it all in a plastic bag and run.
In a way this makes sense because no time is lost on pleasantries. Today, many of us had to rush for the movie, Hindi Medium (ref yesterday’s post) and couldn’t waste time on the niceties of a birthday party.

Preparations ahead of the big party

Still, Naheed had brought herself a big cake, lit a candle and cut the cake with ceremony. This was the high point of today’s celebration.
Earlier in the morning, Karun Sharma presented her with the birthday calendar on behalf of the Club. And Shekhawat, as usual, led the birthday chorus, while Razia Khan and Mumtaz Jahan showered the birthday girl with personal gifts and good wishes. Our wishes were expressed by raising a ‘fourth laughter’ after the exercises, as per Big Laaf custom.
Incidentally, Razia had a small celebration of her own and she had brought a box of luddoos for us. It was her way of sharing her joy on the academic success of her two grandkids, Zayan and Shayan. Sadly, this got sidelined in the hubbub over Naheed’s birthday. Nonetheless, our hearty congratulations and blessings go to both the boys. May you continue to out-do yourselves every time.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Celebrating a birthday is an important event of the Club. Its sanctity should be maintained by all. Everyone must join the celebration. It is desirable that the items offered are consumed on the spot rather than be carried away in a poly bag.