Another Big Bash

Naseem Khan

Even the elements today held up for Naseem Khan’s birthday. It remained bright and sunny for as long as the celebrations were on. The moment we were done, darkness descended and it began to drizzle heavily.
Naseem had turned out in a gorgeous kaftan-like dress with large black polka print, looking more like one of her daughters. Bijoy Gupta was the first to recognize her. He got so taken in that he forgot all about his ‘Miss London’ appellation (from Jaisalmer) and promptly broke into a song in praise of her looks.

Arun Patil presents Naseem her birthday calendar

Not to be outdone, Shekhawat quickly pitched in

Anybody... for muffins?

with another song, but his voice was drowned in the repeated bursts of applause.
On a sober note, Karun Sharma came up with another well-versed encomium (yesterday's post), but in Hindi. Clearly, he has outgrown his role as our in-house life coach and is taking his new found job (on public demand) as the Club’s resident bard quite seriously.

Bijoy Gupta (in green) in full flow

Karun Sharma (c) recites

“He is a multi-faceted talent emerging out of the shadows,” Yusuf Rassiwala observed.
Earlier in the morning, Arun Patil presented Naseem with her birthday calendar on behalf of the Club. But the best, as always, was reserved for the last. After all, when has a sinfully deep-fried bread-pakoda been so appetizing and wholesome without dripping of oil? Or for that matter, aloo-bonda… all because these were fresh from Naseem’s kitchen.

Party in full swing

The only things she picked off the shelf from the market were the Mongini muffins.

Banoo Apa (l) presides over cake-cutting

If there was anybody conspicuous by his absence in today’s mega bash, it was Kiran Prakash.

Tailpiece:
Here’s yet another example of Banoo Apa’s inherent kindness and magnanimity. After doing so much for the Club and not just on her birthday yesterday (see post), she had to single out Bose Babu for cutting a lovely chocolate cake this morning. Whatever be her reason, it was completely undeserved. For, it is always group effort that matters in the Club. From Yusuf Rassiwala to Dilip Babani to Kiran Prakash to Siba Prasad Maitra, Shekhawat and Karun Sharma, there is always a bunch of backroom boys, ready on call and who can be counted upon. Nothing ever happens without their support, least of all solo. Still, we cannot thank Banoo Apa enough for her generosity and of course, today's cake.
Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Naseem-ji.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
Happy Birthday Naseem. It was a great party. All home-made items which you arranged were delicious. Gupta-ji's song was too good!
Karun Sharma:
Thank you, Yusuf-bhai for your observation. As 'Karun Ludhianvi', I may say that the credit goes to you for providing the right environment. I might add that many of us feel that the items in parties are not consistent with exercises. It may be a good idea to deliberate on the same and switch to healthy foodstuff at times.
Kajal Babani:
Happy Birthday, Naseem. Regarding all the praises heaped on men, I think they do a great job but it is not fair on the ladies who pitch in at making the parties more colorful and organized. Hadn't it been for them, no one would get the delicacies in the most immaculate manner.