Friday Fiesta

How would you describe the occasion: A felicitation? Homecoming? Family reunion? Grand reception? Rousing welcome? Naah… something doesn’t fit in. But then, does it really matter? What mattered was that the Babanis, Kishor and Renu were celebrating the visit of their daughter, Harsha and her husband, Avinash from Canada. They were introduced together to the Club for the first time this morning.
Hence the occasion.
Hence also, for Mrs Harbans Singh to greet the couple with a bouquet of flowers, on behalf of the Club. Hence the cutting of cake as well – the legend, ‘WELCOME TO INDIA, Harsha and Avinash’ prominently displayed. Hence, yet again, for Hari Singh Shekhawat to burn the wires and ensure a record attendance of over 50 well-wishers at the Chinese Hut to bless the young couple.
It was by far the most spectacular show of warmth and conviviality by a group as disparate as ours, yet bound together by an ‘invisible thread’ – to borrow Renu’s well-meaning phrase. And Kishor, short of buying over Jagruti (the sweetshop somewhere near Andheri Station) had a huge feast laid out in anticipation of the massive turnout. There was everything you’d find in a confectioner’s lexicon, from the staple phapra-jalebi to oven-fresh dhoklas, samosas, gulab-jamuns, potato wafers and godknowswhat. Name it and you got it. Except tea.
What however, left a bad taste was the presence of habitual gate-crashers, in spite of Shekhawat having clarified earlier in the morning that the party was meant exclusively for members. He even identified four women (without naming them) who were not welcome and yet they were seen, along with a couple of others, partaking of the food in the Chinese Hut. Fortunately, Kishor-bhai had provided for this contingency – something not many can afford. And that could lead to ugly confrontations in future.
On the positive side, the most heartwarming aspect of today’s party was the presence of Arun Patil (left) – who arrived rather late, just as we were winding up. This gentleman has come back literally from the door of death – not once, but twice. The first time was when he had to be airlifted from Indore (see post of October 23, 2010) in a partially paralytic state after his blood sugar level had shot to an impossible 700mg/dl. Miraculously, he recovered from there, only to land himself in deeper distress for experimenting with herbal medication prescribed by some stupid quack. Timely hospital intervention again saved his life – and his diabetic foot from being amputated.
To have Arun-bhai back in our midst after a long time – looking healthier and more cheerful – was an incredibly emotional moment for many of us.

Renu Babani says:
On behalf of the entire Babanis, I would like to thank everyone for attending today's party at the Chinese Hut. It meant a lot to us that each one of you made the effort to come out in the morning and bless the young couple. Today will remain with us forever -- the very fact that all of you proved to us what true friends are and the real family we are made up of in such happy times. Harsha and Avinash were all praise for you, stating that we have such lovely friends and we are so lucky. Yes, we are lucky. I have always said that and am ever so grateful. What made it worthwhile is that everyone had a blast and I am sure, today's event will be remembered for all time. Thanks again, and let's keep our ties going strong forever!
--Renu
Anonymous says:
Awesome fun! I wish I would have been there, but had school. That is why I couldn't come. Hope to make it next time.
--Anon
Kajal Babani adds:
Awesome fun with Avi and Harsuni!
Your warm-hearted welcome for the couple was appreciated. Thank you!
--Kajal