Spirit of Bonhomie

Kishor-bhai looks pretty well-fed and happy. Wife Renu has obviously had a change of heart (see yesterday’s post), realizing well that she is married to a man who cannot hurt a fly, let alone cause her any grief. Still, out of a sense of appeasement, the latter recited a few couplets in self-depreciation and extolling wifely virtues – thereby earning his keep.
While peace has been restored in the Babani Sr household, another couple celebrated their years of togetherness by sharing a Mewar cake amongst us this morning. It was the wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Sushma Gupta (pics left) yesterday, but they were a little late to arrive in the Garden with chocolates. They more than made up for it today with the extra-cream cake. We can only congratulate them on the occasion and wish them many more years of conjugal bliss and well-being.
This spirit of bonhomie prevailed right through the morning, what with Mrs Harbans Singh and Geeta Sandana exchanging wisecracks, Hari Naraiyani taking potshots at everyone in sight with a straight face, Arora-sah’b (he seems to have cancelled his four-day casual leave) turning up as a 'colonial shikari' with T-shirt smartly tucked into belted cargo shorts, Yusuf-bhai in a colourful half-sweater… In fact, the attendance was more than normal today, raising the level of positive energy and good cheer among members.
Dilip-bhai could not help commenting how Shekhawat-ji has also got into the flow of things, having left his dark days behind. “Dekho, sab ka duayein kaisa kaam karta hai,” he remarked. “Ab Shekhawat-ji hamein Matheran le jayenge… Matheran achchi jagah hai!”
Ved Prakash Grover (right) will unfortunately have to be away from all this fun and revelry for some time as he takes the Rajdhani Express to Delhi this evening. He has the wedding of his former neighbour (“they are like family") to attend. Since he is one of the few to show up unfailingly every morning before-time, his absence will be felt by all. We look forward to his return at the earliest.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Many, many happy returns of the day, Mr & Mrs Sushma Gupta. May the good God give you a long, healthy and happy life together. By the way, the chocolates must be reserved for the ones who could not make it to the Garden today? If you had announced the celebration in advance, I would have changed my priorities this morning. Bahut be-insafi hai yeh! Iski sajaa milegi, barobar milegi !
2. See the positive side of Mr Grover attending his neighbour's wedding at Delhi: One, he will enjoy the cold winter of Delhi and attend a wedding; and two, we will get a share of the sweets he will bring back!
--Harish

Renu Babani informs:
Guess the secret was out this morning once Kishor was sighted, all smiles, telling everyone that he got no food yesterday. I couldn't stop laughing. Of course, no one believed him as he looked hale and hearty. However, the Guptas compensated this morning as they celebrated their anniversary and distributed cake. I purposely offered some to Kishor in front of everyone. Today was a good day, everyone in good spirits as usual. The turnout was pretty good too and the pleasant weather also played its part.
--Renu