Reason to Spend

Monthi takes a dig at Angad Singh

Monthi Serrao was a happy lady today. As treasurer of the Club, she had always been hard-pressed at explaining what she’d do with all the cash collected from members by way of subscriptions. Finally, this morning, she was given a good reason to spend some of that money: DIWALI.
In the past, Diwali sweets (as indeed all treats in the Club) have been bought from contributions, jointly or individually – the idea being not to disturb the corpus with our bank. Over time, we were faced with a rather piquant situation of making only deposits and not withdrawing any cash. Not that we were sitting on a fortune, but still, questions were raised on whether we would ever get to spend the money in our lifetime.
In fact, the other day, when Angad Singh was inducted as member (ref post of October 17), his first question was whether the Club had any plans in place for spending the money.

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“Yes, we spend it on parties,” Monthi replied.
“But in the past six months, I have not seen any party,” he countered. Srichand Arora promptly told him that if he had second thoughts, he need not join the Club. “We cannot compel anyone to pay subscription,” he explained. “You may think it over.”
Monthi got the opportunity to bring this up (nay in light vein) with Angad Singh today when the Diwali plans were announced. Jagmohan Papneja offered to pick up the luddoos from Tewari Sweets in Juhu tomorrow evening, in time for the festive treat on October 24 morning.
Meanwhile, outside the Garden gate, a couple of overfed females set up shop to instill the fear of death in people – unless they signed up with a certain Just 4U Nutrition Center. It was a joke. But still, a big crowd had gathered and everyone was made to hold a device (supposedly, a ‘body fat analyzer’) that produced instant readings on body fat, visceral fat, sub-cutaneous fat, etc. Not a single person turned out normal. And they were all routinely directed to report to an address opposite Kokilaben Hospital if they wanted to be alive.
Fact is the Garden has become a fertile catchment area for dubious entrepreneurs preying upon the health concerns of gullible senior citizens.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Ms Monthi Serrao was forthcoming in informing us that we have been depositing the club subscription in the bank but there is no withdrawal for a long time. She fears that if the status quo remains, our account may be classified as dormant. She was happy to withdraw a small amount for celebrating Diwali which will reactivate our account. On the occasion of Diwali, this is wishing you all a very happy, prosperous and safe celebration. May the festival bring happiness and success to all members and readers. Cheers!
Dilip Babani:
Happy Diwali and Happy New Year to everybody!