Kashmir Countdown

We are now exactly 10 days away from the Kashmir trip taking off. Srichand Arora today distributed (right pic) copies of a check-list of 35-odd items to be carried individually by those proceeding on the trip. The items include essentials like proof of identity, woolen shawl and medicines as well as emergency basics such as bandages and cotton, a small torch, whistle, needle and thread, pen knife, candles and matchbox, twine, antiseptic cream, etc.
Still, confidence seems to be waning in many as August 31 draws close. Ved Prakash Grover (left pic), for one, admitted to being struck by nervous pangs since he would be undertaking such a long journey for the first time without his family and somehow, feels a little lonesome. He had been counting on the company of Tara Chand Seth. But after the latter pulled out citing health reasons, he finds himself suddenly at a loose end.
Mrs Harbans Singh had also opted out along with her husband. And now news comes in of Razia Khan wanting to excuse herself, apparently due to sickness in her family. The alarming part is that her absence eliminates Nafisa Sayyed automatically as also a Gupta family Razia had brought in. There are also conflicting rumours of one Rita Aggarwal (a non-member) and her husband also wanting to withdraw from the trip. Besides, Monthi Serrao is in a very delicate state of health, having just recovered from a bout of viral fever.
According to Shekhawat, who took the pains of making reservations, the number of dropouts could possibly hit 10. (But Arora is optimistic and feels we will still be a 30-strong contingent.) In any case, the one to be most disturbed is Mumtaz Jahan since she has already finalized all arrangements at the Srinagar end. She declared that her izzat is now at stake and threatened to disengage herself from the trip if there were to be so many quitters at the last moment. She also demanded that Razia’s booking amount be forfeited!
Eventually, Yusuf Rassiwala had to intervene and cool down frayed tempers with a box of chocolates (pic above right). This was actually his Eid treat for which he was being pestered by the ladies since the day-before yesterday. Clearly, he believes it is pointless getting agitated over matters on which no one has any control. Water will finally find its own level.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
Group discussions, doubts, queries, fears... all amounting to an Eid treat no matter the outcome.
Harish Wadhwa:
Yusuf bhai, hope you have kept my share of chocolate! Shirkurma toh kabhi-na-kabhi khilana hee padega. I will come with my family and friends from Big Laaf to your home so that you are not inconvenienced into bringing it to the Garden!