‘Proud Papa’ Party

At the party: Siba Prasad Maitra is at the extreme left, standing

After ‘passport party’, ‘cricket party’ and whatnot, we have discovered yet another major reason to celebrate. Siba Prasad Maitra’s daughter has landed a fabulous job with pharma major Johnson & Johnson and in order to share his joy on her accomplishment, he threw a grand party for us this morning.
“She was actually working with the same company earlier,” informed the proud papa. “She left them and took up another job. Johnson & Johnson called her back and offered her a more senior position with additional responsibilities and naturally, a better pay package. I feel very happy for her.”
Maitra was naturally in high spirits all morning and even before the party began, he was at his playful best. During the exercises, he was no doubt worried about the delay in Dilip Babani showing up with the thaili (bag) of eats, but disguised his concern by deliberately chanting “thaili aa… thaili aa…” instead of keeping count. The moment the thaili arrived, he abandoned the exercises

Shekhawat is unable to even sit up in the Garden

and everybody followed Maitra out like Mary’s little lambs.
Ever the perfect host, he quickly handed charge

Maitra comforts Shekhawat in the party

to the ladies for organizing the plates and was back to his wisecracks and one-liners while attending personally to every guest. He stopped by to have a word with Shekhawat who is not keeping well. In fact, his condition seems to be slipping from bad to worse and for the first time, we saw him unable to hold himself even in a seated position for long. He remained lying on a bench while we exercised.
Maitra advised him to rest at home but obviously, Shekhawat needs to get out in the open at least once a day. “I have never felt so weak,” he explained in a feeble voice. “I cannot eat anything, not even chappati. Whatever I eat, I throw up instantly. I tried a few teaspoons of khichdi yesterday, but that did not help. I don’t know what to do now. The medicines are not working...”
Shekhawat’s next appointment with his doctor is on Wednesday. Maitra promised to call on him during the weekend.
Dilip Babani:
Congratulations Maitra-ji. Party was very nice. Everybody enjoyed. Thank you very much.
Karun Sharma:
Maitra-ji's party was unique -- especially for the items selected. It is good to find enthusiasts for parties and mixing them well with laughter.