Made in Heaven

Razia Khan presents a bouquet to the Shekhawat couple

How many of us can claim to have lived through 50 years of happy matrimony? None in the Club, at least. So when Hari Singh Shekhawat made the announcement, inviting everyone to celebrate his 54th wedding anniversary in the Garden, many jaws dropped instantly. In this time and age, is it possible to sustain a marriage for over half a century? And here was this handsome couple untouched by time, unaffected by the world and totally uncorrupted by life... coming forth gloriously, smelling of roses.
Truly, theirs is a match made in heaven!

Santosh blesses the couple

Jagmohan Papneja expressed these sentiments in poetic form, as he addressed the Shekhawats in the China Hut where a lavish spread was laid out for members and guests. But before that, we had our moment in the sun, rejoicing together and congratulating the couple on their special day.

Fehmida feeds Mrs Shekhawat

Shekhawat, looking younger than his years, had come in full-pants and lime yellow T-shirt (with a striking guitar print in front) while his wife was dressed in a pretty Rajasthani lehnga-shirt ensemble. Razia Khan presented a bouquet of flowers, soon to be followed by Santosh Tyagi blessing the couple. And then there were the likes of Fehmida Khan and Swati Punjabi from the yoga group all over the place, making merry.
Shekhawat’s childlike joy was a sight to behold.

Arora enjoys the good food

His naïveté was evident from the fact that till the other day, he wasn’t even sure when exactly he had got married. Based on some vague clues from childhood friends he did a thorough Internet search last month and after suitable cross-checks he could zero in on the exact date.

...and wipes his fingers on Harish

So in effect, this was the first celebration of his anniversary on the correct day and date. With Srichand Arora making all the arrangements and friends and acquaintances dropping by to wish the couple, this became a truly memorable day for all.
In the end, Arora unwittingly paid a compliment for the sumptuous treat when he went around looking to wipe his sticky hands of the samosa and jalebi juice. He saw Harish Wadhwa near the Gate and asked if he washes his pants every day. “Of course,” Harish replied, only to be rewarded with ten sticky fingers leaving oily stains on his grey trousers. That's Srichand Arora’s way of saying “Good food”!
Harish Wadhwa:
* These must be very sweet moments to cherish. A 54th marriage anniversary is deserving of all the warmth. Many, many happy returns of the day to the couple. May God give them the strength to enjoy (or bear?) each other out for many more years.
* Arora-ji aap ki pyaar bhari shararaton se toh hamen khushi hee milti hai. Grover saab ne bhi behti Ganga mein haat dho liye toh kya hua. Pyaar jatane ki koi seema nahin hoti.
* A big laaf is on all the people in pics today and their stuffed mouths speak of the joy they get with such celebrations. Big Laaf zindabad!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Happy Anniversary! And congratulations on the 54th year of marriage. This is no small accomplishment. You are both an inspiration. I wish you joy, laughter, health and contentment.
Raghuveer Shekhawat:
Thanx guys and the pretty ladies out there. So glad that dad is part of the group to create a 'home' away from home -- a 'family' away from family. Commendable. The joy you guys bring to each other's lives is unmatched. To be honest, it is difficult for us kids to recreate such magic. Well, what are friends for???:-)