Homecoming

Posing with the banner created for the 'Biryani Nite' this Saturday, April 18, 2015 (pic courtesy TAHIRA KHAN)

Shekhawat welcomes Razia Khan

Disputes are inevitable wherever two or more people gather. Ours is a Club of nearly 50 people. So to imagine that all must be hunky dory and there can never be any dispute among us is simply stupid. As in any other organization, we too have our differences of opinion and we are happy to live with this. It is indicative of the good health of our Club and strengthens bonding among members. Or else, it would be like those “happy marriages” where couples never bother to quarrel. Such marriages are doomed.
The circumstances prompting Srichand Arora’s resignation (see his ‘comments’ yesterday) do not require elaboration. Suffice to say that it created a minor stir this morning till both Yusuf Rassiwala and Shekhwat got into their firefighting act and prevailed upon him to withdraw his papers. Status quo was restored. If anything, the two have lived up to their role as Chairmen Emeritus of Big Laaf.

Teja Singh is back with kaju katlis

That apart, the happiest moments of the morning were when Teja Singh Bhambra and then, Razia Khan returned to the Club after an extended hiatus. Shekhawat broke protocol and for the first time scampered out of the exercise circle to receive Razia (incidentally, one of his four acclaimed 'saalis'). Her left arm was still on a sling after a complicated metacarpal operation last week (ref post of April 6). Worse, she had to be hospitalized again, this time for a piles' operation. Happily, the worst is over and she feels "much better" now.
Teja Singh’s homecoming sparked a little joke when he remarked that he was away for nine months. We did not realize this. But the mention of the duration of absence turned a few ladies red-faced. Sardarji had brought us some kaju katlis from Faridabad and from all appearances, he was his old jovial self, fit as a fiddle, though a tad tired. This time we won’t let him go back easily.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Nice to see the Big Laaf smilie transform from tongue-in-cheek to tongue-inside-cheek. The logo is a true representation of the spirit of the club. Moreover those open-wide, bright and mischievous eyes depict the mood of its members. Nice banner.
* By the way, I have heard there are many crooners in the Club who are going to surprise us by their singing skills. Looking forward to hearing them and also a new set of jokes from the joke legends of the Club.
* Teja Singh-ji, who is such a lovely person, has to sing a Punjabi song/ bhajan this time. I have heard him recite shabad-kirtan and he does it so gracefully. People who can sing in some other languages should also come forward.
* How about wearing ethnic dresses -- kurta-paijamas, Bengali dhoti, Punjabi suits, salwar-kameez, lungi-shirt, Marwari-bandi, pathani achkans, suits etc. Avoid trivial wear like shirt-pants or sarees. Maybe a prize for the differently dressed male or female.
Dilip Babani:
Welcome, Teja Singh.
Bihari Milwani:
Dear Arora-ji, thanks for withdrawing your resignation. We assure you that nobody will dare to do anything like last Sunday's Pic of the Week to you. Please stay with us, guide us, motivate us, bless us.
Kiran Prakash:
Dear Harish-ji, the preparation for Biryani Nite is already in full swing. The team of Monthi-ji, Bhaswati-ji, along with Razia-ji (who has joined them today) is already working and practicing over time to present a 'never-before' show. Your new ideas, motivation and musical support will certainly raise the level to match any big celebration.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
I could not come for two days but to my surprise I find the resignation of Mr Arora on a small issue. In a family also sometimes some difference of opinion takes place but for that why should the senior leave ? I request Mr Arora to join from Saturday morning and let's forget all that has happened. Let's make Biryani Nite a great success.
Harish Wadhwa:
Very nicely said, Maitra-ji. I second your view. We all need to rise above petty issues and just be members of a "family" called Big Laaf, where everyone is equal and deserves to feel wanted and loved.

Big Laaf 'thirds' the view. Everyone ought to be treated as equals.