46th Anniversary

Bihari Milwani presents by proxy (thru Fahmida Khan) a memento to mark Yusuf Rassiwala's 46th wedding anniversary

An air of sublime happiness hung over the Garden this morning as Yusuf Rassiwala was reminded of his first love during his student days at St Xavier’s, Mumbai. Like boys his age, girls were a prime subject of interest in the group

Yusuf R treats us to sinfully sweet aflatoon

he hung around with.
But Yusuf R was besotted by a particular damsel who caught his eye one day. It was clearly love at first sight. “Since then I kept dreaming of Nilu… if only she could become part of my life in the future,” he was to reminisce today.
Needless to mention, the dream came true. He tied the knot with Niloufer on December 2, 1972 and thereafter, it has been one long momentous journey that has stood the test of time. “I alone know what that journey has been,” he added with a twinkle in the eye, tongue firmly in cheek.
Yusuf R was only echoing what all married couples would like to say but cannot. Eventually it took Fahmida Khan’s presence of mind to hum a melody from the yesteryear hit, Raja Hindustani – ‘Aaye ho meri zindagi mein tum bahaar ban ke…’ and place things in perspective.
“Go home and sing this song to your dream girl!” she ordered mischievously.
It was in this spirit of bonhomie that Yusuf R celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary with us in the Garden today morning. He had box of aflatoon with him for grabs. And we raised a fourth laugh after the exercises to mark the occasion.
Bihari Milwani presented by proxy a beautiful handcrafted memento -- in the form of a cylindrical vase, embellished with photos of Niloufer and Yusuf R – on behalf of Big Laaf. He could not make it to the Garden today due to personal engagements. So Fahmida filled in, doing the honors. Also, Niloufer Rassiwala was conspicuous by her absence.

Admiring the finer details of artistry in the memento 

Bihari Milwani:
* The memento was given to him as he is often unable to recollect the date of his wedding anniversary. I kept my word of reminding him on this anniversary date.

* Yusuf-bhai, please tell me the date when you first met Niloufer. I promise you, every year I will present you one more memento on that date.

Yusuf Rassiwala:
Milwani-saab, marriage anniversary ki date batane mein 2 gold bangles galey mein aa gaye. First meeting ki date? Sorry, may bataney ka risk nahi loonga.