Unfinished Business

When Big Laaf landed at Tewaris for raj kachori

At the long table

You've got to be really desperate or utterly mad to brave inclement weather, erratic traffic and treacherous potholes, just for a plate of raj kachori at Tewari’s in Juhu -- a good four kilometres away.
We would like to believe that we were neither desperate nor mad. Rather, it was unfinished business that took us en masse -- three to an autorickshaw -- all the way after wrapping up today’s exercises in the Garden.
The very same trip was to be undertaken exactly a week earlier, on September 14 (Saturday). Bose Babu had threatened to celebrate his birthday one day in advance at Tewari’s, with raj kachori only. That was the deal. And surprisingly, everybody was game.
But fate ordained otherwise and the plans were abandoned at the last minute (see post of September 14). Santosh Tyagi’s only son, Manoj passed away that morning and we got busy rushing to the hospital, commiserating with the family, cremation, etc. The birthday treat was forgotten.
In reviving the Tewari plans, the idea was to dispel the air of solemnity that had settled over the Club during the week since Manoj Tyagi’s death. Moreover, this was meant to be a departure from the monotony of our daily routine and infuse some good cheer among members. Raj kachori was only an excuse.
Still, for all those who had never sampled the scrumptious snack, this turned out to be quite an experience. (After all, raj kachoris are not easily available in Mumbai.) It is of such massive size, stuffed with mashed potato, boiled gram, lentils, red chutney, sweet curd, a variety of condiments and syrup that only someone with more than a healthy appetite is capable of consuming a piece in one sitting. And on top, there was tea.
Little wonder, there were many like Ruskhsana Khan, Khatoon Baig, Razia Khan and Dr Muhammad Farooq who, rather than waste, packed their left-overs to be consumed at home. For the others, lunch was taken care of for the day. And those who initially wanted to try out some jalebi, did not even raise the subject in the end – so stuffed were they!

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
What can be any better than a good round of exercises followed by a bellyful of raj kachoris! But does it make a lot of gas? If so, the clouds above will vanish. Be cheerful, relaxed and happy.

Bihari Milwani:
Aaj ki tazaa khabar: Bose Babu ne baratiyon ka swagat raj kachori se kiya!

Karun Sharma:
Tewari and raj kachori were things that took time to materialize. And then I am left thinking that if there could be one item that took the longest time to eat, this would be the raj kachori today. Thank you so much.

Geeta Latte:
Many many happy returns of the day, dear Uncle! 💐🎂💐😊