Chance of Lifetime

Shekhawat today made Sunita Jajodia an offer she could not refuse. “We’ll take you to Vaishno Devi and across Himachal Pradesh for Rs10,000 only,” he said. “Think about it. Others are being charged Rs20,000 and you’ll be paying only half the amount. There's also a helicopter ride included. This is a chance of a lifetime. You won’t get this opportunity again!”
The lady’s face lit up. “Good, I’ll get a room partner at the hotel,” Santosh Tyagi butted in, noticing Sunita’s change of expression. For months, Sunita had doggedly dug in her heels against Shekhawat's routine pestering to join the tour next month (see last post of February 13). Now she suddenly appeared inclined.
Shekhawat also noticed the change of expression and immediately changed tack. “You have only one day to decide,” he said, rapidly closing the window of opportunity. “Think about it and let me know by tomorrow."
Sunita (left pic) still looked gleeful. Obviously Shekhawat did not expect such an abrupt change of heart and the prospect of having to foot half of Sunita’s travel bill now seemed real. “You have two hours to decide,” he declared, desperately trying to wriggle out of the situation. “My offer closes at 9.00 a.m. sharp,” he reminded her, just hoping that she would refuse. Fortunately for him, Sunita got the hint and politely declined.
Whenever Shekhawat gets into such mischievous mood, we can be assured of a gala morning. And what could be any better than having a fun-filled session capped by not one, but two big treats? Monthi Serrao (top pic) shared her joy on her son (a U.S.-trained physiotherapist) landing a prestigious job in a Mumbai hospital while Santosh Tyagi (bottom pic) celebrated the commencement of "work on the new house" she had bought.
But all that after Srichand Arora created club history. In the absence of Sitaram Hivarkar and other regulars who conduct the morning prayers, he presided over this post-exercise ceremony today (lead pic) for the first time.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* Thus we pray together... Always proving that we are united!
* Sweets, treats galore -- a routine that is always welcome.
* Who, me? I didn't say anything!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Shekhawat-ji's offer to Sunita-ji indicates that his behaviour has much improved after he has stopped drinking. It is much more fun that he does NOT drink than when he drinks.