Raksha Bandhan

Rainy Raksha Bandhan day. Only the sister-less, brother-less, friend-less, worthless and luckless sorts were to turn up today. Instead, we found all the nicest people around – from Shekhawat to Arora to Rane and Kishor to Naid Khan, Geeta, Monthi, Bhaswati and Mrs Singh… They were all there in full strength.
Which brings up the big question: Why aren’t we celebrating Raksha Bandhan at the Club?
We celebrate birthdays, smear one another with colour on Holi, throw joint-parties in fancy restaurants and go out on picnics. We start the day together and are always there for one another through thick and thin, good times and bad. For, we consider ourselves family. So what prevents the ladies from tying rakhis on the wrists of male members?
On second thoughts, how would the men respond to the idea? It is all right for Mumtaz to be saying “Shekhawat-bhai” or Ramila-ben referring to Bose as “Bhaiyya” on a day-to-day basis. But on Raksha Bandhan day, you don’t discriminate. So all the men become bhaiyyas and all the women become behenjis. In all, 20-odd bhaiyyas and an equal number (if not more) behenjis – which is still fine.
What’s perhaps not fine is when every behenji insists on tying a rakhi on every bhaiyya in the Club. Imagine Arora-ji or Hari-bhai returning home, walking down the street with a dozen glittering rakhis festooned on each arm -- from the shoulder to finger-tips. All our male members would become walky-talky Christmas trees for no fault of theirs. If the cops don't arrest them, their wives would lock them up.
And it doesn’t end there. What do the men give the behenjis in return? Seriously, if every bhaiyya has to reciprocate the gesture in all sincerity, he’s had it! It’d be the ‘loot of the year’ for the ladies. And for the rest of the year, you wouldn’t find a single male in the morning within a mile of the Garden. No wonder, men are so terrified by the idea of rakhi.
So what’s the alternative? Just wish one another good luck and fresh air? Better still, not wish anybody at all. Just pretend you forgot it is Raksha Bandhan day. That’s exactly what we did today.
S.V.Arora says:
It is really a very good proposal to celebrate Rakhi in the Garden. I would appreciate if your suggestions are accepted and our female members choose their lovable brothers in the Garden. I, at least, would love to have so many sisters (through your proposal) since I don't have any sister. You only value the things you don't have. Anyway I really liked your article. Please keep it up.
--Arora
Renu Babani says:
A sacred thread doesn't necessarily signify the real meaning of Raksha Bandhan. It is the inner feeling of a true brother or sister (or adopted one) which shows what relationships are all about. Being there for each other in times of need, understanding the other's feelings without a word and just knowing there is someone you can rely on anytime. Yes, this ceremony is respected no doubt, and each one has the right to celebrate in his/her own way. So hope everyone had a great day today!