In a Fix!

Nahid Khan

After the massive turnout yesterday, today’s was a let-down. A majority of those who attended Sitaram Hivarkar’s platinum birthday celebration (see post) did not show up this morning – even as it was Saturday, a week-end. Only the regulars were present. Seeing a burqa-clad woman join the exercises rather late, Arun Patil jokingly remarked, “Why have you come? There’s no party today.” Everybody laughed. For once, nobody found that odd.
There was to be a party. Today happened to be Shekhawat’s wife, Mohankanwar's birthday. But since he had to take her to Colaba for an early morning doctor’s appointment, Nahid Khan wanted to move in and book today’s date for her birthday treat. (The birthday was yesterday, but she had to make way for Sitaram’s celebration.)

Arora's friends wish him Bon Voyage

But then, her friends Razia Khan, Mallika Kagzi and Ruksana Khan had to go out of station today itself and they had all requested her to defer the party till they return early next week.
Nahid now finds herself in a piquant situation because today, she learnt that from next week, many more of her friends would be away. And they are the ones who are presently demanding their share of the treat before they leave. Not wanting to disappoint anyone, she went about seeking the advice of the most mischievous of her ‘confidantes’, only to be left absolutely confused. Her problem, in simple words, is: How many samosas must she order with tea?
Srichand Arora meanwhile took his leave and wished Nahid the very best. He has a flight to catch tomorrow to Frankfurt and will be missing her treat. On our part, we wished him a safe and happy journey and raised an extra laugh for the send-off. Arora’s itinerary includes Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, before he returns to India on July 7.