Turning the Tables

Santosh Tyagi throws a challenge at Bijoy Gupta

For a change, Kiran Prakash conducts exercises today

For all his natural exuberance and joyfulness, there’s one aspect about Bijoy Gupta that defies explanation. He is never one to ever give up on anything easily. If something gets into his head, he would pursue it relentlessly to its logical end.
The latest bee in his bonnet is the prank he had played on Santosh Tyagi last week (ref post of September 12). Little did Gupta expect that the latter had turned wiser since then. And by reviving the ruse this morning, he would only be walking into a trap of his own making.
As in the past, he created an air of suspense, promising to disclose some “good news” after the exercises. When the exercises were over, he started playing for more time – in effect, raising everybody's curiosity. “No, I’d rather keep it for tomorrow,” he teased.
Finally, when Santosh insisted that he come out with it there and then, Gupta hesitantly informed that he had met the same boy this morning and he looked quite haggard and heartbroken.
“He said he had not slept for several nights and if only I could get him an intro…” Gupta narrated sheepishly. "If Santosh-ji agrees, I will give him her telephone number."
“No problem,” Santosh shot back. “But don’t give him my telephone number. Most of the time, I keep my mobile phone locked in an almirah. Better bring him here in front of me. Let me check him out in the Garden itself.”
Taken aback, Gupta was at a loss for words. That Santosh had suddenly turned bold and brash and could turn the tables on him was something he had never bargained for.
He mumbled some gibberish about getting the boy to the Garden tomorrow and quickly changed the subject. His awkwardness was however, not lost on anyone. Now, for better or for worse, he must produce that mythical boy in front of Santosh, or else...

Bihari Milwani:
The 'Tenali Rama' of BIG LAAF at the receiving end? Very bad!!!