Day 362

Ved Prakash Grover looked much better than he was yesterday. Pratap Bhatt came in, looking dapper in dark-blue T-shirt and matching trousers. Renu Babani came looking equally cheerful, with a frog in her throat. Sunita Jajodia and Khatoon Baig looked just as happy, each holding to a piece of good news, which will be divulged at a later date, with sweets. Tara Chand Seth (below) too was in high spirits, what with his bahu having sent a box of special biscuits from Delhi for the Club...
The stalemate over the movie outing (see yesterday’s post) has also been broken. Yes, it will be Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara at Cinemax tomorrow, 10:30 morning show. But the way it has played out would seem like the anti-climax of a Hindi potboiler. After all the build-up, with hairsplitting over logistics, timings, passes, discounts and so on, what emerges now is ‘each unto his/her own’.
As Renu Babani had suggested (see Comments) yesterday, those interested in the movie would now meet near the booking counter of the cineplex 15 minutes before the show, buy their tickets and walk in. At the most, someone might volunteer to collect their cash (so that everybody need not stand in a queue) and book tickets in one lot, thereby ensuring that all are seated together in the auditorium. Those reaching late would have to fend for themselves. And soon after the show, we go our own ways.
The only hitch in this arrangement is that the sense of cohesiveness that comes with being part of a group, would be lost. Little wonder, many have opted out. Their argument is that they might as well watch the movie at their own convenience rather than tag on to the “Club”. But then, for a proper movie outing to work out, we need someone like Yusuf Rassiwala to step out and take the initiative at organizing and most importantly, herding Mary’s little lambs into the auditorium. Till that happens, this is our best bet.
Says RENU BABANI:
Several members have already seen the movie. It is pointless to buy the tickets beforehand and then people turn up late. Besides we are short of time and someone has to wait outside to hand the tickets to the late-comers. I am sure those interested shall be there at Cinemax on time and we will end up sitting together. I have heard good reviews about the movie. So let's hope it shall be worth it.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
I am back from Lonavala and also a short trip to Bharuch/Vadodara. Well, I am not a movie buff and therefore, may not join. But I don't mind the Dilli ka biskit, which our dear Tara Chand-ji shared. As usual, I was unlucky! May be next time.