Valentine’s Day

It can only happen to one of us on Valentine’s Day: Wife shuts husband at home early in the morning, instructing him to complete the household chores. She walks out merrily to shoot the breeze and strangely enough, informs everyone about it. Sporting hubby happily does the house work and follows her to the Garden half an hour later.
This was precisely what had happened today with the most loving and loved couple of our Club, Kajal and Dilip Babani (above). What’s more, Dilip joins us for the exercise and then tells Kajal aloud (for all to hear) that he has done the dishes properly, ironed the clothes, kept them neatly folded and so on. Amidst all the laughter, the message was not lost on anybody: While the rest of the world may say it with roses, here’s a couple who know how to lend meaning to Valentine’s Day.
This little incident set the tone for all the light-hearted banter and leg-pulling for the rest of the morning. Srichand Arora and Sunita Jajodia were in a particularly garrulous mood and even Bapu Rane pitched in with some wisecracks. Ramila Mistry was however, somewhat restrained during the Slow and Fast laughter round as Shekhawat was not his usual aggressive self while “emptying his pistols” on her. After all, today was V-day!
Today was also the birthday of Mumtaz Jahan (above). She came running into the Garden just in time for the final claps so that we could wish her before dispersing for the day. Tomorrow she joins Vasudev Bhateja and Santosh Tyagi in hosting a party at the Chinese Hut for all members. Meanwhile, Kishor Babani distributed prasad upon his return from the Sai Baba shrine at Shirdi the day-before yesterday (above). He is the only one to remember us all every time he goes there (which is pretty often) and without fail, bring back little sealed packets for every member as a token of Sai Baba’s blessings.
Also, Tara Chand Seth (right) is back from his winter sojourn with his family at Delhi. He has acquired a rugged tan over the past three months and his hair has turned snow white. Everybody joked about his long absence, saying that he must have purchased the whole of Delhi in these months. But he was in grief: His nephew from Roorkee, who was obviously very close to him, has succumbed to a bout of jaundice -- barely ten days back. He was only 42.
Renu Babani says:
Hey, surely every husband does chores around the house and Dilip is no different. Does anybody want the 'silent treatment' at home? Be honest now... I am certain the banter must have been real fun and knowing Kajal, she took it in her stride. She is a wonderful sport, forever laughing and always cheerful. The reason everyone loves to tease her is due to her spirit and quick replies as well. Dilip has the knack for bringing a smile to anyone's face, no mattter what the mood maybe. So I guess these two are really wonderful people to have around.
--Renu
Srichand Arora says:
Just learnt about Mrs Hari Naraiyani's health. I hope she recovers soon and then our Hari-bhai would attend the Laughter Club as usual. May God give her a fast recovery. Let all us pray for her.
-- S.V.Arora