Laughter Unlimited

Monthi Serrao (right) missed out on one of the most lively and fun-filled mornings at the Club. Today is her birthday. If only she had come, she would have been witness to some rare mischief and leg-pulling by the ladies in the Chinese Hut – a wonderful way to start her day’s celebrations.
The chief agent provocateur was Bhaswati Bose, aided and abetted by Kajal Babani and Geeta Sandana with Mrs Harbans Singh and Santosh-ji lending support. They made for a riotous combination, not sparing anybody – from Hari-bhai to Arora-ji to the resident cat, almost everybody had become the butt of a silly joke or playful jibe. The place looked like a classroom of unruly kids playing the fool and laughing their heads off. They were simply unstoppable.
Nahid Khan (who was conducting the exercises) tried in vain to restore some order. All she could do was shout “Discipline, Discipline”, only to be greeted by sharp retorts, “Teacher ko badlo”! The grouse was that for three years, she has been teaching the same exercises. “What can be expected of students who have been failed year after year in the same class?” commented Mrs Singh.
“Teacher, teacher, Ek bachcha so raha hai,” interjected Bhaswati (left), pointing at Hari-bhai who was sitting on the side platform, dozing off while the exercises were on. Not far away, the cat was also taking a nap. Somebody suggested complaining to the principal – meaning Arora-ji, who had moved to the other section of the Hut to attend to his music system.
“Kya faida? Principal sah’b gana sun rahe hain, student yahan so rahein hain…” observed Geeta-ji.
“Discipline!” shouted Nahid Khan again.
“Teacher ko badlo,” countered Kajal.
It was in this spirit of masti and mazak that the exercises were conducted today. The jokes flowed free and fast, the men occasionally cracking up every time they could overhear a witticism or one-liner from the other side. Shekhawat became red in the face, laughing himself silly. In the end, one had to give it to the ladies: Nobody can match their sense of humour once they get in the mood.
Much as Monthi-ji missed all this, we look forward to more enjoyable mornings when she is back. In the meanwhile, let us wish her every happiness, great health and many, many happy returns of the day.

Renu Babani says:
I wish I was witness to the unending banter this morning. Yes, ladies definitely rule hands down, especially when they gang up and decide to take over. However, everyone knows it is taken in good fun and how boring it would be without all this chatter and laughter. We aren't called Laughing Club for nothing!
--Renu