Matter of Concern

Shekhawat (r) tries to kiss Gupta

A killer hailstorm followed by heavy rain and lightning in Pune and thereabouts brought morning temperatures dipping sharply in Mumbai. Consequently attendance was reduced to barely half a dozen for the best part of the exercises today. Even the compulsive latecomers did not turn up till the end.
This became a matter of serious concern for Bijoy Gupta. For the past few days he had been bemoaning the absence of some key members who used to be regulars till the recently.
“It is high time we induct fresh blood,” he urged this morning.

Karun Sharma

“No point counting on the oldies. Age is fast catching up with all of us. We need to bring in some relatively young people to keep this Club running.”
Gupta had something else also up his sleeve. He announced that on Valentine's Day the day-after-tomorrow “everybody will be free to kiss anybody from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. regardless of the person being male or female".
Turning to Shekhawat, he said with authority: “You may publicly kiss any man or woman of your choice, but each kiss must not exceed three minutes. You are given this privilege only for one day, on February 14. Nobody can stop you from kissing anybody you like on that day.”
This was music to Shekhawat’s ears. He promptly pounced upon Gupta and tried to plant a wet kiss on his left cheek only to be rebuffed squarely. “There is another condition also,” Gupta continued. “You need to be completely clean shaven on that day to be part of this kissing ceremony. I have already told Karun Sharma to shave off his beard and all men here, please get rid of your moustaches!”
Who knows whether Shekhawat has taken him seriously. We will know on the 14th of February -- if Shekhawat comes with or without his moustache.

Karun Sharma:
* Excellent connection of Valentine's Day with Big Laaf. The issue of shaving my beard is on for the last 22 years. Only courageous persons shall be able to kiss me.
* The idea to attract more members is excellent. BUT we must go about it in an efficient and effective way. Valentine's Day and Holi are approaching. We should make the most of such festive occasions.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
It will be inappropriate to ignore our elderly colleagues who are unable to adhere to our timings. In fact, it is our bounden duty to inquire about their well-being. They should feel being part of the Club so long as they are around. Ours is a small social institution and we ought to keep a tag on all members. All the same, the young generation is welcome to join so that hum chalte gaye aur kafla barhta gaya.