Baahubali Effect

Deserted! The scene at today's wrap-up of the exercises. Even the benches are empty

Half the Club did not turn up today as it was Shab-e-Barat – an important day by the Islamic calendar. Of the remaining lot, only six were present to flag off the exercises early morning. Midway through, Bhaswati Bose arrived and announced that the only Baahubali tickets she could book (ref yesterday’s post) were for the 10:00 a.m. show today.
Promptly Shekhawat, Santosh Tyagi and Arun Patil marched out of the Garden with Bhaswati in tow. In effect, we were left with just about three or four to wind up the exercises.
Never before have our exercises been abandoned en masse like this, whatever the circumstances.

Banoo Apa with Kajal (r)

We have always stood our ground to the last drill, braving inclement weather, even torrential rains and other adversities. This was the first time we had called it a day by 7:30 a.m. – a clear half-hour before time – all for the sake of a stupid stunt movie.
An unfortunate fallout was

Dilip and Kajal Babani

that Dilip and Kajal Babani could not celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary with us today. They had come prepared with sandwiches and bread cake, only to find the Garden deserted. Barring a few hangers on like Fahmida Khan, Banoo Apa and Geeta Latte, all had left by then.
It felt bad that their effort in putting together the goodies so early in the morning should come to a naught. Had they only told us in advance or perhaps turned up a little earlier, it would have saved everybody a load of disappointment.
We picked a few sandwiches and advised Dilip and Kajal to carefully preserve the rest for tomorrow. A belated celebration can always be held in the normal course. Meanwhile, here’s wishing the couple the very best and of course, many more years of togetherness.
Bhaswati Bose:
* Please don't call it a "stupid stunt film" without watching it. It is a total paisa vasool film. Now we know why Katappa killed Baahubali!
* A very Happy Anniversary to Kajal and Dilip-bhai! Wishing them many more years of happiness together.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
* I always thought that bonding within the Big Laaf Club had an over-riding effect than any other event. But now my belief is shaken. A stunt movie seems to be more important than the fitness of members. This is too sad.
* Happy Marriage Anniversary, Dilip-bhai and Kajal-ji. Wish you a long, happy and healthy married innings, although not yet celebrated in the Big Laaf Way.