Pleasant Surprise!

Shekhawat (l) salutes Tara Chand Seth after the presentation

Everybody likes gifts. In fact, it is often expected and has become almost de rigueur during birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. But what happens when there is no occasion, or any specific reason for gifting?
The answer shone bright on Tara Chand Seth’s face when Shekhawat gifted him a framed photo collage on behalf of the Club this morning. Adding to the element of surprise, the latter stepped back, snapped his heels and pulled off a smart salute, leaving the otherwise reticent octogenarian stumped for words.
Tara Chand turns 90 this October. But we will be unable to celebrate the birthday with him as he needs to be present in Delhi (where he has another house) from September 12 on account of certain family obligations.

Close-up of the memento

It would thus deprive him of the pictorial calendar all members are entitled to receive on their birthdays from the Club.
Since Tara Chand has been an avid enthusiast of photography (he even gets multiple prints

Poring over the photo collage

of the pictures he fancies in this blog) it was felt that he would cherish a photo montage from the Club as a lasting memento.
There was another reason for this gift today. Tara Chand is not in the best of health. His movements have been restricted after a blood clot was detected in his brain earlier this month. The doctors did not risk a surgery then (given his advanced age) and have instead put him on oral medication to stabilize his mobility. He can lose his balance and fall down any moment.
This being his condition, Tara Chand should not be endangering his life by walking half a kilometre from home to the Garden, however much he may be in love with the Club. He is not supposed to even leave his building complex unaccompanied. We impressed upon him to follow doctor’s orders till such time he recovers completely.

Dilip Babani:
This was a very good surprise. A good idea. Very nice photos. Tara Chand looked very happy. Hope there will be many more such surprises.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Tara Chand is an active member. He makes it a point to come to the Garden every day whenever he is in Mumbai. He is a jovial person. Wishing him good health and long life.

Monsoon Mayhem

Siba Prasad Maitra

Yusuf Rassiwala

Bihari Milwani

Yesterday’s torrential rains may have thrown Mumbai out of gear; but we did not miss our appointment in the Garden and merrily did 'Ho-Ho Ha-Ha' all morning. The show, after all, cannot be interrupted – come hell or high water.
The government had ordered the shutting of schools and colleges in the city, fearing a recurrence of yesterday's mayhem. With low pressure cloud activity building up, the met guys are expecting a “deluge-like situation in the next 48 hours". An advisory has been sent out not to stir out unless absolutely necessary.
Since nothing can be more “necessary” than our morning rendezvous, we dutifully followed the advisory

A breather, after the exercises today

and reported at the Garden on time.
But then, there were a few faces conspicuous by their absence. Yusuf Rassiwala was in his glass store at Vile Parle yesterday when he realized that he was literally trapped in by the unrelenting downpour outside.
“The rainwater had already entered the interiors,” he narrated. “I waited for the rain to subside so that the water would recede and I could close shop and go home. But instead of receding, the water level kept rising. In any case, the roads were completely submerged and no vehicles were plying. Late afternoon I somehow walked to Mithibai College from where I got into a bus and managed to reach home at 10:00 pm. It was a harrowing experience.”
For Siba Prasad Maitra, things were no better, even as he was in his car. “I left my office (in Ghatkopar) at 3:00 pm only to get caught in a massive traffic jam from which there was no escape. The continuous rains and flooded streets were bad enough, but this was infinitely worse – more so, because it was Ganesh Immersion day and there were major traffic bottlenecks all along. Imagine, for three hours I was stranded on JVLR. My biggest fear was getting locked inside the car should rain water enter its circuitry. Still, I consider myself lucky to have made it home in five hours.”
Significantly, Bihari Milwani got lucky as he landed from Delhi by an afternoon flight yesterday. He attended his office in Khar and even managed to drive home in the evening without having to encounter any major hassle on the way. “There were problems, but those were manageable,” he said dismissively.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
These days the climate has changed everywhere. In Mohali we had very heavy rains for a few hours and houses were flooded. Houston is also under water. Such abnormal rainfall and deluges are all man made and we are wholly responsible for them. We have to pay the price for upsetting nature's work.

Karun Sharma:
Situation was very bad due to the rains and flooding. My son took seven-and-half hours to reach the International Airport from BKC. On the way he helped two couples who wanted a lift. He could reach an hour before his flight was to take off.

DAY 2344

Pic of the Week

OMG! EVEN SHE CAN GET ANGRY!!!

But what has he done to make her so angry? --Bhaswati Bose

After 'A' for Arun comes 'B' for Banoo Apa, the new discipline teacher. --Bihari Milwani

Obstacle Overcome

Ganapati Bappa Morya!

The last and the biggest hurdle for the Bangkok Tour in November has been cleared with the first batch of 12 passports bearing Thai visas arriving this morning. The second batch is expected tomorrow. Should all go well (as is expected)*, it would establish an astounding 100% success rate for our visa applicants.
What remains now is the mere formality of obtaining travel insurance before the 20-member group takes wing for the first 'international tour' from the Club.
The significance of this breakthrough is immense. It could not have been more opportune as today happens to be Ganesh Chaturthi – an auspicious day marking the beginning of the ten-day Ganapati festival.

Bangkok bound: (from left) Kajal Babani, Bhaswati Bose,
Nahid Siddiqui and Bihari Milwani

The elephant-headed deity is also known as ‘Vignaharata’-- the remover of all obstacles.
Evidently, a good deal of effort and meticulous planning have gone into procuring the visas and ensuring that we do not incur a single rejection. It involved the updating of travel documents (some even applying for fresh passports), grabbing the best airfare deals, booking hotel accommodation in the most 'convenient localities', organizing local transport in advance, getting all bank documents in order... the gamut of paperwork, etc. More importantly, the prime objective was to arrive at an unbeatable budget offering maximum value for money during the peak tourism season in Bangkok and Pattaya (when it does not rain).
Were it not for the easy camaraderie we share in the Club and the support and cooperation of fellow members, none of this would have been as smooth sailing as it has turned out to be. That Lord Ganesha presided over our efforts was evident from the fact that the standard visa fee of Rs2,400 was waived off (under a special scheme) for all of us. But for a nominal processing fee, the visas have come through absolutely free. Little wonder, Lord Ganesh is regarded as the harbinger of happy tidings. Ganapati Bappa, Morya!

Dilip Babani:
Ganapti removes all problems in life. Now everybody wants to go on Thai tour.

Kiran Prakash:
No doubt this is with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. But the credit for meticulous planning and organising the entire trip right from word go -- with so much to offer at a very competitive price -- goes entirely to our trip coordinator, Bhaswati Bose. Organising an overseas trip is another feather in her cap. I am sure we will be making more of such overseas trips.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
This is a good omen. I wish the whole group enjoys the trip to Bangkok and returns with happy memories to be told and retold for a long time... till their next trip abroad. My best wishes for their happy and safe return.

* All the visas have since come in for the group.

Movie Outing

Santosh Tyagi

Call it love for cinema or consolation for a picnic gone sour (ref post of August 16), our movie mavens were back in action today. After exactly three months to the day (ref post of May 22), they ganged up and trooped out to watch the newest potboiler in town,

Bareilly Ki Barfi poster

Bareilly Ki Barfi.
The last film they had watched together from the Club was the Irrfan Khan-Saba Qamar starrer, Hindi Medium, on May 22, 2017.
Today’s movie outing was prompted by another reason, though somewhat altruistic. It was apparently the only way to lure Santosh Tyagi back to her morning routine in the Garden. She has just been through an angiography at Belle Vue, which has put her in the clear on a suspected heart complication. But that had scarcely lifted her spirits as she continued to suffer from symptoms of acute depression. In fact, the angiography was done after medical tests confirmed that nothing was wrong with her and yet,

Our movie mavens plan for today's morning show

her BP had to shoot up to an alarming 250/100.
Santosh admits that by herself, she “thinks” too much and requires some diversion to keep herself "mentally busy". She also realizes that staying cooped up at home 24x7 wasn’t doing her any good. So for the last couple of months or so, she kept assuring us daily (on phone) that she intends to start her exercises at the Garden as before. But somehow, she would change her mind the following day just before stepping out of her house. It was only the lure of the movie today that drew her out. “No matter how many people join, I shall go for Bareilly Ki Barfi,” she said with some enthusiasm yesterday.
Starring Kriti Sanon, Rajkumar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana, the movie is billed as a romantic comedy revolving around a spirited small town girl caught between two guys – one, who she believes to have authored a book bearing a close resemblance with her life and the other, the real author. It was presumably an enjoyable watch.

Karun Sharma:
Good decision by Santosh-ji. Seeing Bareilly Ki Barfi was really a good idea. It does not require too much of an effort to be happy.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Bareilly ki Barfi is certainly romantic. But how much romance it shows is better observed by the cine-goers. I am to note that our old colleague Santosh-ji had come to the Garden to enjoy the movie. She must have felt good. Wishing her good health and long life.

Bihari Milwani:
'Banoo Apa ki Chai' is tastier than 'Bareilly Ki Barfi'!

DAY 2341

Pic of the Week

INDEPENDENCE DAY: A SALUTE TO THE NATIONAL TRICOLOR

Is the commander-in-chief saluting the flag or the ladies? --Bihari Milwani

Shekhawat-ji is looking very nice! --Dilip Babani

Birthday Effect

In a state of ennui, but for Bijoy Gupta and Shekhawat (in the foreground)

Now that the Club’s “birthday season” is over, we are beginning to see its effects. People are reluctant to turn up at the Garden these days. Even late-comers are keeping away. To outsiders, the sudden drop in attendance would seem rather strange because the skies are unusually clear in the mornings and the weather, just perfect for the exercises.
Last month when there was a birthday (or some celebration) every other day, we were bursting at the seams. This, in spite of the rough weather conditions and wet surroundings. Everybody was so caught up in the flurry of parties that nothing else seemed to matter then. Now, with all those generous treats and rounds of tea drying up, we are showing ourselves for what we are – those interested in exercising and those who are not.
The situation is unlikely to improve any time soon as the next spate of birthdays would only be in December. September and November are almost ‘dry months’ and in October, we have just two birthdays coming up. Since nothing can pull in the numbers as effectively as the promise of a stuffed tummy, we should be prepared for a protracted lull in our daily routine.
Significantly, this has already become apparent as the source of any activity or amusement these days is centered around just three individuals -- Arun Patil, Shekhawat and Bijoy Gupta. In their absence, we might as well be exercising in a graveyard. For, the rest of us are no more than mute spectators. There is just about no interaction at any level.
In such a lacklustre situation, it makes no sense continuing with this blog on a daily basis. Only if there is something newsy or joyous enough to report will there be a blogpost. After all, why tax the patience of readers with the same boring stuff that has already been done to death?

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
The blog makes sad reading. It is desirable that all members attend the morning exercises. It is in their own interest to keep healthy. I appeal to everyone to be regular and keep the blog continuing. I think this is the only blog of any laughter club. My humble salutations to you all for everything you have been doing for the club.

Karun Sharma:
Many of us always look forward to and appreciate the wonderful and classy coverage in the blog. An indefinite pause may not be healthy. This blog is one of the big 'clinging factors' of Big Laaf and we would love it to be around always. As a proud member of the club, I would say that the blog is an efficient tonic for all of us.

Reorientation Course

Kiran Prakash

Once in a while, every group or association needs to be put through a reorientation course. So today, Kiran Prakash took upon himself in giving us a pep talk on civilized behaviour, how we ought to conduct ourselves, the purpose of congregating every morning and the need to maintain harmonious relations with all in the Club.
“First and foremost, you do not need to raise your voice when you talk,” he emphasized. “When you shout, you betray your own vulnerability. The worst part is that you are showing disrespect to others. Nobody comes here to be humiliated.”
Clearly he was speaking from experience, choosing his words carefully, even as Arun Patil chided him for being unfit to be in parliament as he cannot shout.

Shekhawat cracks a 'joke' for the first time

“I am unfit to be even in this Club,” Kiran Prakash retorted. “But I come here daily because of the benefits I get from exercising. I have also made some good friends here and I would like to keep it this way.”
He was also critical of a growing tendency to talk behind people’s backs or of hobnobbing within closed circles. “Groupism is bad for the health and unity of the Club,” he pointed out. “Whatever you have to say, speak out in the open. If you have a problem, let us all discuss it together. You do not have to discuss within a closed group. It leads to distrust, suspicion and needless conflicts.”
On a lighter vein, Shekhawat narrated an incident of a group of rowdies harassing passengers in a running train. It took some quick thinking on the part of an elderly lady passenger to order a food tray from the pantry car and save the situation by throwing chilli powder on the rowdies!
If this was meant to be a joke, sadly, it fell flat.

Kiran Prakash:
I am immensely proud of our club. As a group, we are close to one another and also wish the club well. But this closeness inevitably leads to taking one another for granted, as it happens in many families. This ought not to happen. The closeness we share would give us happiness, satisfaction and peace of mind only if we are to respect the values and opinions of everyone. We need to behave in a civilised manner and should not only be transparent in our interaction and communication but also appear to be so. Our club must stand out for its ideals and integrity. I wait to see that day and wish it comes sooner than later. Let's all put our heads and hearts together to achieve this. I love you all.

Karun Sharma:
It is good we have started realizing the change in our behaviour. But any corrective action is effective only if we are able to eliminate the cause behind it.

Blithe Spirits

Razia Khan (in orange) returns to conduct exercises

We were supposed to be picnicking at Saina Resort today… or Golden Valley… or wherever. Instead, we were at our usual stomping ground in Lokhandwala Garden No 4 doing what we always do every morning. The picnic has been postponed indefinitely.
But that did not take away from our normal fun and games. Razia Khan was back today for the exercises, having evidently recovered from a persistent throat infection. Arun Patil invited her to the middle for old time’s sake and as expected, began picking faults and correcting her.

Settling dues on the jinxed picnic

The only difference this morning was that he loudly kept count of the mistakes she was making, much to her intense annoyance. But they are old antagonists and the absurdity of this ‘comedy of errors’ made for crackling humor right through the exercises.
For a brief while though, Shekhawat tried hitting back (for Razia’s sake?) and picked on Arun for being a constant nag, but to no avail. Being ignored, he turned his attention to his favorite punching bag, Bijoy Gupta and the two spent the rest of the morning taking wild swipes at one another.
Incidentally, there’s good news from Tara Chand Seth (ref post of August 12). He is back home after five days of hospitalization at Nanavati for a suspected brain tumor. He claims to be “absolutely fine” now, but will have to go for frequent check-ups and restrict his movements to the house for the time being. He cannot stir out on doctors’ orders, let alone drop by to see us in the Garden.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Frequent discussions on picnic had kept interest alive. However, too much postponing of the picnic had forced everyone to lose interest. It is good Tara Chand Seth is back home. I am sure he will be able to join us in the Club soon.

Independence Day: 2017

Long March: BIG LAAF celebrates 70 years of Independence

For the first time, a birthday was celebrated on Independence Day in the Club. Mohammad Naseer Putani Shah, a ‘midnight child’ (though not quite) today

Yusuf Rassiwala( r) present Nasir-bhai his birthday calendar 

ushered in his birthday just before the traditional flag raising ceremony in the Garden.

Holding the tricolor aloft

Yusuf Rassiwala presented him with his birthday calendar on behalf of the Club amid a round of tumultuous applause and singing of the birthday anthem.
Also, in keeping with Club tradition, Shekhawat marched up to the tricolor and to our infinite glee, performed the ceremonial salute in true naval style. He had come dressed for the occasion – in spotless white and with a row of medals glistening on his chest.

Banoo Apa was the lead flagbearer for today's march

Bijoy Gupta was so impressed that he stopped short of saluting Shekhawat in the China Hut. “Who am I to salute you?” he remarked. “Narendra Modi ought to be here saluting you!”
Fortunately the weather was kind to us and did not interfere with the march past

One for the family album

led by Banoo Apa today.
Once again, we stuck to tradition and entrusted the senior-most among us to be the flag bearer, starting out from the China Hut. (Late Teja Singh Bhambra and Tara Chand Seth had done the honors earlier on.)
On the way of course, the flag changed hands as we took the outer periphery of the Garden along the walking

Singing the national anthem

track with Bihari Milwani raising the shout, ‘Bharat Mata Ki…’ Jai!
Imbued with the spirit of patriotism, fun and festivity,

Saying it with luddoos

this I-Day celebration too had its moments, some of which have been captured in the pictures alongside. As always, there was a lavish feast laid out for all participants -- though for a change, Nasir Putani Shah offered to foot the bill this time. It was after all, his birthday also. In that sense, it was a double celebration for us today.
If there was anything we missed, it was a music system with a medley of patriotic songs playing in the background.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
August 15 is always celebrated by Big Laaf with gusto and enthusiasm. All the members come fully prepared for the event and take part in the march past. Mr Shekhawat, a veteran is always dressed with his medals. This year the event became all the more festive because of Mr Nasir Putani Shah's birthday. Wishing him a happy and healthy life ahead.

Geeta Latte:
Don't think too much. Just do what makes you happy 😊😊.

Good Old Ways

Banoo Apa's tea session outside the garden gate

After a long and patient wait for a week, we were back to our old ways. More specifically, we were back to having Banoo Apa with us in the Garden. Even the rain gods waited for her all this while. It did not drizzle a drop in her absence and we did our exercises out in the open for a full week. Only today we returned to the China Hut as sporadic showers greeted Banoo Apa while she made her way inside with a bagful of goodies and steaming hot tea.
What could be any better on a cool, rain-soaked morning?
Banoo Apa was away to be with her younger sister who had come early last week on a visit from Paris. The latter is staying with their mother and this was obviously one opportunity for the three of them to spend quality time together. But so possessive have we become about her that none of that mattered to us. We insisted that she join us for our picnic the day after tomorrow. And being the eternal sport, she has agreed.
Once again, welcome back Banoo Apa.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Banoo Apa is a very regular, incisive and lively participant in all activities of the Club. She keeps everyone in good humour. Wishing her a happy, long, healthy and enjoyable life.

Bihari Milwani:
It looks like Banoo Apa had influenced the rain gods to create a demand for her goodies and steaming hot tea. I only wish it doesn't rain day after tomorrow, on Picnic Day.

DAY 2335

Pic of the Week

REUNION? THEIR CUP OF JOY SPILLS OVER!!!

It seems today is a LADIES' DAY OUT! --Bihari Milwani

Wow! Beautiful picture!!! 👆 --Geeta Latte

Indisposed

Tara Chand Seth (file photo)

Tara Chand Seth is not well. He was admitted to Nanavati Hospital on August 10 with what his family members describe as a “minor” brain clot. The good news is that he is responding to treatment and is now able to stand upright. But he is not completely out of danger.
“He was complaining of uneasiness for quite some time,” informed his daughter-in-law. “The day before yesterday we noticed that he was not steady on his feet and was having difficulty keeping his balance.

Yusuf Rassiwala announces change in picnic programme

On the advice of doctors we rushed him to Nanavati. That was when he was detected with a minor brain clot.”
Tara Chand is nearing 90 – the oldest, most disciplined and regular among all members. Of late, we had been noticing that he was turning up late for the exercises and often took time out to rest on a bench. This was rather unusual of him. But he would dismiss our concerns on the pretext he had had a late night or that it was a minor acidity problem.
“Yesterday he told us in hospital that

Shekhawat mobilises members for the picnic

he was feeling better,” his daughter-in-law said. “But the doctors would like to observe him for some more time and have advised that he should not be disturbed. I will keep you informed on his health from time to time.”
Meanwhile, all those who thought that the picnic to Saina Resort on August 16 (yesterday’s post) was a done deal, here’s a new twist in the tale. The venue has been changed yet again, yesterday!
“We have decided to go to Golden Valley Resort,” Yusuf Rassiwala announced this morning. “It is one resort we have not been to earlier. So why not go to a new place this time? I am told it is a good place…”
Shekhawat had heard of this change in programme earlier in the morning and was naturally livid. But he piped down, not wanting to cause trouble, as did Arun Patil who now takes the picnic to be a big joke. “These are idle people having nothing better to do,” he laughed wryly. “The picnic is only an excuse. By frequently changing plans they are creating work. They need to do such things to keep themselves busy.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Tara Chand Seth, the senior-most member of our Club, has been a regular participant in the daily exercises. He has been a source of inspiration to all. I wish him speedy recovery and good health. I am sure he will lead our contingent in the march past on Independence Day.

Bihari Milwani:
Can we have two picnics? One to 'Shekhawat venue' and the other, to 'Yusuf venue'!

Back on Track

Keeping the picnic pot on boil

Travelers are well advised to enjoy their journey more than the destination. In Big Laaf, we have taken this adage to the next level. Our enjoyment begins even before embarking on a journey. An excursion or picnic has only to be announced and the fun starts. The actual trip may take an hour or two on the road and by evening all would be over. But the prelude to this could take weeks (if not months) of unbridled joy and hilarity as countless cooks pitch in to stir the picnic broth.

Dilip Babani and Shekhawat

Suddenly, all else in the Club ceases to matter.
As followers of this blog are aware, the upcoming picnic (ref post of August 9) offers a perfect case in point. Most people had paid up even before the date and place was announced. Then began the talks on financials, the menu on offer at the resort, whether the place is air-conditioned, if the bus would have push-back seats,

Santosh Tyagi

if a change of clothes is necessary… the list goes on.
Today we were told that Saina Resort is not closed (ref yesterday’s post) but OPEN and would be ready to welcome us on August 16, as per our tentative booking with them. Yusuf Rassiwala directed Shekhawat to hand over charge of organizing the picnic to Dilip Babani as he had been actively involved from the outset. Together, they went out to finalize the bus and apparently have made a booking for a 49-seater. We have also got our full complement of 30 for the picnic and now anybody else joining in would be a bonus. In other words, we seem to have tied up all the loose ends and should proceed to Saina as per schedule on August 16 (Wednesday).
On a rather different note, here’s a spot of disturbing news from Santosh Tyagi. She has been keeping indifferent health of late and was skipping her exercises quite often. Yesterday she had to be admitted to Belle Vue for the day, following an alarming spike in her BP. Later in the evening she was discharged and is now recuperating at home. Let us wish her a speedy recovery.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Santosh-ji is a very active member. She keeps everyone happy with her stock of jokes. I wish her speedy recovery and good health. Hope she will be able to join the picnic.

1,000 Months!

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd)

Trust Bihari Milwani on this. According to him, our good old friend Angad Singh has completed 1,000 months today – a record few of us can aspire for and no one even knew of.
“Angad Singh was born on 10th April 1934,” explained the prodigious number cruncher, known for his wizardry with dates and days.

Bihari Milwani

“That makes him exactly 83 years and 4 months old to the day. I wonder if he is aware of this.”
Indeed, people normally remember birthdays – their own and at the most, of their near and dear ones. That’s fairly easy because it comes once a year. But how many of us keep track of friends and acquaintances clocking through life and marking each milestone by the day or month? Let alone others, we don’t do it for our own selves -- simply because we are incapable of doing so.
There is another aspect to this. That Milwani remembered Angad Singh today speaks volumes of how much the latter means to us even as he had stopped coming to the Garden from last year. (A series of domestic tragedies had struck in quick succession.) Anywhere else, this would have meant 'out of sight, out of mind'. But not so with us. Angad too has kept in touch through this blog. The day he does not post his ‘comments’ we tend to get alarmed. Wherever he is, in Mohali or Bangalore,

Kiran Prakash addresses the meeting of the managing committee

we trust he is doing fine and expect that our bonding strengthens with time. Here’s wishing him the very best on attaining the ‘1,000-month landmark’ in life today.
As for our picnic this month, we seem to have hit another roadblock. Saina Resort is closed. Or so did Shekhawat announce today. “It has been shut down for a long time,” he informed. “We need to find another place for the picnic.”
At the meeting of the managing committee this morning (ref yesterday’s post), several alternatives were explored. Some phone calls were made, rates checked and the ‘guest fee’ for non-members was deliberated upon. But the meeting remained inconclusive. Somehow, there was a niggling doubt in everybody’s mind on whether Shekhawat had got it right. And it was too early in the morning to confirm about Saina Resort on the phone.
For all we know, the damn place could well be open!

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Many thanks to our dear 'Accountant General', Mr Bihari Milwani. He is a past master in keeping a record of births, marriages and other important events in our lives. He surprises me with his calculations and the gifts he presents everyone which are to be cherished for a life time. I am indebted to him for reminding me of the importance of the 1000th month. I nearly missed it, but for the kindness of all Club members and the Blog Monster who makes the blog so interesting and enjoyable that everyone reads it with love and affection. Once again, a BIG THANKS to you all for remembering me.

Kiran Prakash:
Congratulations Col Sah'b on achieving the landmark of 1000th month. We all pray for your healthy, happy and long life.

Dilip Babani:
Congratulations Angad-ji. Enjoy!

Karun Sharma:
Congratulations Angad-ji. Keep spreading happiness. As for the picnic, it is clear that we have wasted a lot of time and energy on fixing the date and place. It may be a good idea to allot the responsibility as per competence and aptitude. Kiran-ji can take over these initiatives to give it a final shape. Cheers.

Yusuf Rassiwala:
Angad Singh-sa'ab, congratulations on achieving the milestone of 1000 months. To this date, I have never come across or heard anyone claim this extraordinary feat. Thanks to our Bihari Babu for his keen observations and maintaining the minutest record of our members. We are very proud to have him and of course, you. Double salute to you both.

Confusion Returns

Shekhawat (back to camera) tries to rationalise change of programme

After announcing Saina Resort for the club picnic on August 18 (ref post yesterday), Shekhawat today threw a spanner in the works by overturning his own decision. He announced the name of a new venue, U.K.Resort in Khopoli and what’s more, he has no clarity on the date as yet!
Predictably, the announcement has created all-round confusion in the Club. A majority of members has already paid an advance with the intention of going to Saina Resort.
Moreover, Kiran Prakash is in talks with the resort management and has negotiated a handsome ‘group discount’ for us. To withdraw from the deal at this stage would be a huge embarrassment to all of us.
Yusuf Rassiwala understands this and tactfully vetoed the U.K.Resort idea. “Don’t even think of Khopoli,” he advised Shekhawat. “None of us is in any position to undertake such a long journey by bus. Let us be realistic and stick to Saina.”

Confusion reigns supreme: Nobody knows whether s/he's going or coming

Venue thus taken care of, the focus shifted to the date of the picnic. It seems Mohammad Gulzar, a former member has threatened to quit if we go on August 18, a Friday. He has a special namaz fixed for the afternoon that day. And Shekhawat obviously cannot afford to lose him as he comes with a complement of seven.
Shifting to a later date, i.e. August 19 or 20 (Saturday / Sunday) could mean having to deal with unruly weekend crowds at the resort.
To advance it to an earlier date, August 17 would mean having to exclude some lady members known to observe fasts on Thursdays.
That leaves August 16 (Wednesday), or else some ‘suitable date’ after August 20. Right now August 16 seems to be our best bet. But again, there is another unresolved issue: What should we charge non-members (or ‘guests’) wanting to join us? The practice elsewhere is to charge a ‘guest fee’ – often up to 50 per cent of what regular members pay. We have not done this so far, though everybody agrees that it is time we start doing so.
Kiran Prakash has called for a meeting of the managing committee tomorrow to thrash out these issues and restore a semblance of order ahead of the picnic.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It is good to stick to Saina Resort; otherwise we will lose face and stand to gain nothing. A date suitable to everyone has to be selected. Our aim should be to enjoy and stay happy.

Karun Sharmma:
I think the status and internal issues of the Club are excellently covered in the blog. Yusuf-bhai acted with a lot of maturity. And Kiran Prakash is also playing his role well.

Khopoli Abandoned

Animated discussions on the picnic to Saina Resort

Shekhawat surfaced this morning, all pepped up and cheerful. Yesterday was clearly forgotten. No explanation was given on his sudden disappearance (ref yesterday’s post) and none asked of him. Instead, he was cornered on the place he is to decide for the picnic this week. Or whether the plans had been abandoned altogether.
“Saina, Saina, Saina,” he retorted. “But I cannot commit until people pay.”
Some like Nahid Siddiqui and Rakhee Bansi had paid up taking Shekhawat’s word that it would be Khopoli this time (ref post of July 31). Turns out he had got this idea from his daughter-in-law who was recently there with her colleagues, but could not recollect the name of the resort. Shekhawat gave her time to jog her memory and has drawn a blank after waiting a week.
Meanwhile, Dilip Babani explored other options on the Net within an hour’s drive from the Garden and finally zeroed in on Saina Resort in Madh Island.

Dilip Babani helps Shekhawat in cash collections

This is a tried and tested destination

Kiran Prakash

as we had been there last year (ref post of November 26, 2016). Since everybody was happy with the place, there was no issue in obtaining a consensus. Yusuf Rassiwala however, wanted the date to be pushed beyond Independence Day and thus, August 18 [Friday] has been fixed as of now.
The latest is that Kiran Prakash called up Saina Resort during the day and has worked out a good deal -- provided we are a minimum of 30 in the group. Considering that almost 20 members have already paid by now, we should well exceed that number.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
All's well that ends well. After all, our dear Shekhawat has succeeded in finding a place which is acceptable to everyone. What a great relief! Enjoy the picnic and keep laughing.

Karun Sharma:
It is a right decision by the group. In spite of my desire to join, I shall not be able to make it because of pre-fixed events. Enjoy the day friends. Let me wait for divine intervention to make it happen for me too.

Rakhi Phobia

The elusive Shekhawat

Shekhawat was supposed to announce his decision this morning on the picnic (ref post of August 4) but quietly slunk away before the exercises got over. Today was Raksha Bandhan Day – the festival when brothers and sisters affirm their familial bonds by a simple but significant ceremony.
Even those unrelated by blood abide by the ritual of the girl tying an ornamental cord (or rakhi) on the wrist of the boy she considers her brother.

Bijoy Gupta (r) is agitated: How did Shekhawat escape?

In effect, the guy stands committed for life to protecting his adoptive sister from all threats and adversity, as a real brother would.
Clearly, Shekhawat wanted none of this – least of all being saddled with a freshly minted ‘sister’ tying a rakhi on his wrist today. He had made

Today was Karun Sharma's late
wife's birthday. He showed up
in a commemorative T-shirt

it amply clear on countless occasions earlier that he is mortally scared of having to deal with a ‘rakhi sister’ in the Club but is game to having sisters-in-law (or saalis) instead – the more the merrier.
Yet, as luck would have it, he is one man who happens to be the most eligible brother for the ladies. And Shekhawat is fully aware that they would all love to tie him down with a vengeance on this auspicious day.
So, without as much as a hint, Shekhawat did the vanishing act. Never before has he done this. True, the ladies were all surprised, but if anybody was sorely disappointed, it was Bijoy Gupta. He had come expecting some hi-drama today, but Shekhawat pulled a fast one on everyone.
Out of sheer exasperation, Gupta started castigating Rukhsana Khan – the lady last seen talking to Shekhawat. “I don’t know how you do it, but tomorrow your job is to tie a rakhi on him before he escapes,” Gupta bellowed. Rukhsana smiled. Tomorrow is another day.

Karun Sharma:
The talk between Gupta and Shekhawat reminds me of childhood fights. They try their best at pulling each other down and yet, they remain the best of pals.

Bihari Milwani:
Shekhawat had secretly gone to book a resort and will now announce his plans for the picnic with a BIG bang.

DAY 2328

Pic of the Week

BIG LAAF TABLEAU FOR OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Put them on top of Arun Patil's car and take them around Lokhandwala on 15th August!--Bhaswati Bose

Good beginning, but keep laughing! --Angad Singh

Do bichaare, Bina sahaare, Dekho poochh poochkar haare... --Bihari Milwani

Here are two friends for life 👼👼👌👍--Geeta Latte

This is typically a case of blind leading the blind! --Anonymous

Thorough picture of friendship on Friendship Day. Saath jiyenge, saat marange, ek doosre ka saath kabhi na todenge! --Yusuf Rassiwala

Happy Friendship Day --Dilip Babani

Birthday Surprise

Happy Birthday, PUSHPA GUPTA

The Government of India presented Pushpa Gupta with a rare birthday gift yesterday – a new passport.
It was only last week that Pushpa discovered the validity of her passport would lapse ahead of the Bangkok tour in November (ref post of July 26). Like anybody else, she presented herself at the passport office with an application for renewal along with supporting documents.

Bijoy and Pushpa Gupta

A kind soul there noted her birth date and apparently wanted to surprise her. Within 24 hours of applying, a new passport was in her hand. The best part was a noting on the acknowledgment slip of her

Fahmida Khan (l) presents the 'birthday calendar'

application: NO POLICE VERIFICATION REQUIRED!
Today morning we basked in the reflected glory of this charmed individual. We sang for her the birthday song and rejoiced by raising a fourth laugh after the exercises.
Fahmida Khan presented Pushpa with her birthday calendar on behalf of the Club while hubby Bijoy Gupta, who was in an unusually playful mood today, serenaded her with Yusuf Rassiwala, Shekhawat and a few other men joining in.
Pushpa had come suitably dressed for the occasion, looking gorgeous in crimson pajama-pants and a loose-fitted black shirt with floral prints.

Serenading the birthday girl

Shekhawat (r) cannot believe his eyes!

Clearly, a good deal of preparation had gone into the birthday bash. Except for cake slices and salted banana chips, all the stuff on offer today was home made. According to her husband, Pushpa had spent much of last night inside the kitchen, rustling up stuff such as poha and saboo-dana wada which taste best when served hot. “But I enjoy cooking,” she quipped, seeing how much everyone appreciated her culinary skills. Here’s wishing the birthday girl, once again, many happy returns of the day.

Friends and well-wishers gather around for a memorable photo-op

Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Puspha-ji. Very nice party. Members were happy. All enjoyed the party. May God bless you. Mr Gupta was in a very good mood. His choice of song was very nice and he sang very nicely.

Geeta Latte:
Many, many happy returns of the day! 🎂💐🎂💝

Karun Sharma:
Happy Birthday, Pushpa-ji. May you smile always like a flower -- the real pushp.