Simply Phenomenal!

Banoo Apa turned a year younger today.
We had visible proof of this last evening when she invited the whole Club to her new home at Imperial Heights, Goregaon for what was ostensibly a house warming party. And what a celebration that was. It was phenomenal.
For its sheer scale, the variety of dishes on offer, personal care and attention to details, this was one event that was unmatched in living memory. For five endless hours, beginning 6:00pm,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, BANOO APA (ext left in cap)

food flowed in torrents – fruit juice and sharbats, dhokla, cutlets, chops, tea, kababs, samosas (big and small), soan papdi, chicken curry, pao, biryani, sheer kurma... you name it, it was there.
Above all, it was the enlightening company of Banoo Apa’s hubby, Dr Mohammad Farooq and his engaging conversations that kept the spirits soaring right through.
In any other party of this scale, there would have been a retinue of servants in attendance. But here was one incredible superwoman who single-handedly managed the kitchen (her house maid had to disappear yesterday) while taking care of all the guests as well, leaving nothing to chance... and even joined the guests to belt out a couple of vintage film songs.
True, Razia Khan and Karun Sharma very kindly stepped up to lend her a helping hand. But that was just about it. Our hostess was living proof of one getting younger and more energetic with the years. She is truly blessed!
The celebration did not end there. It extended into the morning today with tea and snacks post-exercise while we performed the birthday song and fourth laugh routine. What else could we do? So stuffed were we from last night that most of us were in no state to even open our mouths.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
Happy housewarming, my sister Banoo Apa. Here we have sweet memories of the sweet dishes served by her. She does not leave anything to chance. She looks after everyone in a befitting manner. Wishing her a Happy Birthday as well. Keep laughing.

Karun Sharma:
Banoo Apa loves to feed people. Rightly described, we started thinking what may not be eaten as there were more than ample choices and continued flow of delicacies. Friend Farooq was excellent company and some will agree that he is very well informed about spirituality practiced globally. I had good time with him as I reached a little early.