Cocking a Snook

It is human nature to selectively recall joyous incidents in life, if only to share the happiness with those who were not part of those special moments. So was the case this morning on last Saturday’s picnic, but for a vicarious twist: “Too bad you missed it!” This was the common refrain of those who went on the trip, meant for all others who did not. Short of thumbing his nose and wiggling his fingers, Shekhawat was gung ho about the “enjoyment” the latter had deprived themselves of. After such repeated jibes, Gopvinita retorted that having taken diksha, she had decided to forsake such pleasures for good. But that did not silence Shekhawat. “I made two phone calls to Punjab to invite Mrs Singh,” he announced. The lady, who was back today after a month’s vacation at Ludhiana, said as her husband was not keeping well, she could return just yesterday. She had brought prasad from a gurudwara there, which Ramila Mistry (left) helped distribute.
Ramila too was showing up after an extended holiday, partly due to her trip to Haridwar-Rishikesh earlier in the month. Khatoon Baig pleaded that had she not developed a painful rash on her feet – presumably, an allergic reaction to the medicines she has been taking after her cataract operation – she was game for the picnic. And Monthi Serrao explained that she had a genuine reason for opting out because of the Easter weekend. She had beautifully packed sweets, replete with colorful tassels, in the shape of Easter eggs for all of us (right) this morning.
At the end of the exercises, Shekhawat came up with the idea of investing in a microphone for the Club, which could come to use at parties and picnics – particularly for singers like Sitaram-ji and during Housie sessions. The proposal met with lukewarm response after Mrs Singh pointed out that our singers were blessed with voices loud enough to be heard without mikes. Besides, the mike would come with amplifier, transformer, speakers, etc. which would be cumbersome to maintain if not put to regular use. Somebody suggested that the equipment can always be hired, if and when the need arises.
The proposal has been kept on hold, as of now.
Harish Wadhwa says:
Happy Easter, Monthi-ji. The Easter egg was just superb. Thanks also to Mrs Harbans Singh for the lovely Punjab de Biscuit. Shows how much each of them care for their extended families.
--Harish