Now or Never

Sitaram-ji and Bapu Rane have pulled out of the Chokhi Dhani trip for January 8. Yusuf-bhai has reported sick. Razia Khan is away at Pune. Nafisa Sayed’s diabetes condition has worsened. Arora-sah’b is also unwell. Ramila-ben’s daughter is returning from the UK. Rehana’s nephew is hospitalized after a major accident. Geeta Sardana is not sure if she can make it. Dilip-bhai has pressing domestic commitments...
Suddenly the Chokhi Dhani picnic, which looked almost a certainty yesterday, is once again hanging in the balance. There’s just one more day left for Shekhawat-ji to finalise the bus and he has only 15 members to count for. He needs at least 30 – to avail of the Rs 75 discount (on the Rs 500 entry fee at the resort) on bulk bookings, plus, bring down the bus fare to a reasonable Rs 200 per head.
“If we do not get the numbers by tomorrow morning, we might have to cancel the trip,” Shekhawat-ji (right) announced this morning. “The only other option left is to charge Rs 800 per head (instead of Rs 700 as estimated earlier) and proceed with the trip this Saturday. It is for all of you to decide now.”
Seeing Shekhawat-ji’s anxiety in making this trip happen, many members are inclined to foot the additional Rs 100 required – so long as there are no regrets later. (It is indeed unfortunate that Shekhawat-ji has to literally run up to people on their walk to seek their consent.) Some suggested booking a mini bus, if that should cut costs. Some suggested to hang on for some time, so that those currently indisposed would be in a position to join later. After all, the more there are in a picnic, the merrier it would be.
The idea of postponement however, did not find favour because chances are that some of those willing to go now may not be able to do so later. Besides, a feeling seems to be gaining ground among members that the Chokhi Dhani trip is jinxed. Last time, despite Shekhawat-ji’s best efforts, it was a non-starter. This time, if it does not work out, clearly, it isn’t meant to happen. There’d be no point reviving it again, the third time.
In other words, it’s a question of now or never.