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.