‘Rape of Crow’

Yusuf Rassiwala was in a jovial mood today. Quite likely, it was because of Bhoothnath Returns, the movie he is taking the Club to for the 11:45 a.m. show today at Fun Republic. His grandson is acting in the film.

Agitated crows in action 

Moreover, with Srichand Arora absent, he had taken charge of the proceedings, cracking jokes and playing the fool… till out of the blue, a bunch of noisy crows descended in an angry heap close to him.
The crows have always been mute spectators to our antics during the exercises, arriving peacefully at 7:30 sharp every morning and keeping a respectful distance till we disperse. Once in a while, they would engage in their ‘committee meetings’ (as Geeta Sardana says) or ‘party celebration’ (as Monthi Serrao says) sharing tit-bits among themselves. Neither do we get into their way nor have they bothered us.

Yusuf Rassiwala wishes Razia Khan (centre) bon voyage

Jagmohan Papneja briefs ladies on the education program

But today, the crows were in an unusually aggressive mood. They jumped and fluttered about menacingly, cawing and clawing, only to dash at one another’s throats and raising a cloud of black feathers. Nobody shooed them -- least of all Yusuf. He had stopped exercising and kept watching the agitated crows closely from a vantage point. Then raising his voice above the raucous din, he made a studied observation: “This is rape of the crow!”
Immediately Shekhawat and Nahid Khan turned red in the face, buckling down in laughter. For the benefit of others who did not hear, Yusuf repeated, “Kauwe ki balaatkaar ho rahi hai!” Before further damage could be done, some ladies charged at the crows and within moments they were gone.
On a serious note though, Jagmohan Papneja announced that the child education initiative (see post of April 11), courtesy Angel Express Foundation has taken off successfully. “Around 50 kids turned up for the inauguration last evening at the China Hut,” he informed. The classes would run on stream from today, twice a day and is likely to extend beyond the current summer vacation. While Monthi Serrao and Bhaswati Bose volunteered their services as part-time teachers, Nahid Khan wanted to know if she could admit her grandchildren for the classes.
Meanwhile, Razia Khan was given a warm send-off as she boards the Duronto Express to Calcutta this evening. She is going to her daughter-in-law’s place and has promised to bring us Bengal’s famous rosogollas when she returns. We wish her a safe and enjoyable trip.
Jagmohan Papneja:
12 persons from the Garden including members of the club went to see the movie, Bhoothnath Returns.The movie taught us a lot about elections. While this theme is well-timed, it also conveys the message that our vote is invaluable. Do not waste your precious vote. If you don't vote, you lose the right to complain. I would like to say also that the role played by the grandson of Yusuf-bhai was commendable. He should be encouraged. Our sincere thanks to Yusuf-bhai for arranging coupons for the tasty snacks and cold drinks.