‘Calcutta Mail’

Calcutta Mail vs Jaipur Express

Confusion reigned supreme this morning as two ‘trains’ took off simultaneously in opposite directions at the end of the free-hand exercises. One was the 'Jaipur Express' led, as usual, by Shekhawat. And the other was called 'Calcutta Mail', led by Bijoy Gupta and meant to challenge Shekhawat’s pet obsession.
The ‘train’ has in fact, become more than an obsession. For the past couple of years, it has given Shekhawat a much-needed ego trip as leader of the group and he actually expects all else to follow him on it round the exercise circle.
He goes to great lengths in soliciting 'passengers' to join his Jaipur Express and it is always a matter

Bihari Milwani

of huge pride for him when he makes a home run with 100 per cent participation. Childish as it may all seem, he has even celebrated this personal triumph with a lavish treat for the Club on two occasions.
To cut a long story short, Gupta has always made a pretense of being jealous of Shekhawat’s following and today, he got his chance to demonstrate his popularity in the Club. He started his Calcutta Mail thus and advised Shekhawat to take voluntary retirement as he was no longer fit to drive a train. “You are fit to drive a rickshaw only,” Gupta quipped.
Little known to many, this was not entirely Gupta’s idea. Nor was this happening for the first time (ref post of May 5, 2018). The trigger this morning had come from an unlikely quarter – Bihari Milwani. He planted the seed of Calcutta Mail in Gupta’s head and quietly stepped back to watch the fun.
Now, here is a man who maintains a low profile but is constantly on the alert, bristling with ideas, quick on the uptake and, as we all know, a repository of numerical data – especially on birthdays and anniversaries. When in doubt, Milwani is our go-to man. And he can never be wrong.
There is also an impish side to him that followers of the blog would discern from his pithy comments on various posts. On the ground though, nobody would know when he pulls a fast one – least of all Shekhawat (as it was this morning). To him Milwani shall always be “Baanke Bihari Lal”, another name for the playful blue-bodied god.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Running trains in opposite directions is alright so long as they reach the station of origin without a mishap. Welcome to the new train. Enjoy the ride and keep laughing.

Bihari Milwani:
Wow! Calcutta Mail ran 'house full' on its maiden journey!