Best Behaviour

Khatoon Baig (l) presents Arun Patil the birthday calendar

Arun Patil behaved himself today. It was his birthday and he was all sugar and honey from the moment he entered the Garden. For a change he did not get into our way by picking on those not wearing a cap or talking during the exercises… or any act of indiscipline that caught his eye.
We reciprocated wholeheartedly with our good wishes, love and blessings befitting the occasion. Bihari Milwani had brought a bunch of fresh flowers while Khatoon Baig presented him his birthday calendar on behalf of the Club. We raised the customary fourth laugh and together sang the birthday song. Shekhawat even composed a little ditty on-the-spot and sang it tunelessly with dramatic flourish, throwing his arms around.
Arun was impressed. Apart from rewarding us with a fabulous treat, he had taken extra pains early in the morning at organizing tea from a reputed Nagori shop in Goregaon. This was no mean task, given Arun’s physical limitations.

Bihari Milwani says it with flowers

Poring into the birthday calendar

A specialty of today’s treat was the pao burgers – both in veg and non-veg – something we have not had earlier.
Meanwhile, Shekhawat’s picnic plans are getting curioser and curioser. He is not giving up on Khopoli in spite of the faux pas yesterday (see post) and has now concocted the name ‘Andu Pandu Resort’ (to quote Fahmida Khan) as the place we should be headed to. He has also shifted the picnic date to mid-week, i.e. August 9, Wednesday. No further details are available.

All set for the birthday bash

Bhaswati Bose:
Arun-bhai is looking so happy and cheerful! Kaash exercise ke waqt bhi aise hi hote...

Yusuf Rassiwala:
Arun Patil, many many happy returns of the day and thank you very much for the grand party. You are one of the most regular and punctual members of our Big Laaf club. The way you conduct the exercises in a disciplined manner is really appreciable. We feel as though a military colonel is among us. May Allah bless you with good health, wealth and happiness.

Banoo Apa (on WhatsApp):
Arun-ji ko iss photo ki laaj rakhni padegi!

Siba Prasad Maitra:
Many many happy returns of the day, Arun-bhai. Your spirit of a fighter is appreciable and you are a real HERO in Big Laaf. God bless.

Dilip Babani:
Happy Birthday, Arun-ji.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Arun-ji, wish you many, many happy returns of the day. Your regularity in attending the exercises every day and keeping everyone in check is laudable. Some person is required to ensure that all members are in tune with the exercises and come properly dressed. This duty you are doing marvelously. Many congratulations!

Geeta Latte:
Happy Birthday, dear Arun Uncle 💐🎂💐