Give and Take

The BIG LAAF  family celebrates the new caps

Today was Topi Day. A new set of blue caps was distributed this morning in lieu of the old. Those who did not have an old cap for exchange had to pay Rs100. As mentioned earlier (ref post of May 6), the old caps surrendered shall be given away in charity.
Since all this involves a bit of calculation and accountability, the ritual of give-and-take began early morning, well before the exercises began. While Mallika Kagzi assumed physical charge of the stocks, Ved Prakash Grover kept a hawk’s eye on her, ticking off names on a sheet of paper. In the end, one cap could not be accounted for.
But that was all very fine. The idea was to discard the old caps and ensure a bright, uniform and new look to the Club. Otherwise, some members would save the new caps for the future (on the specious argument that the old ones were still usable) and that could defeat the purpose of introducing common caps for all. Still, to remove all doubts, Srichand Arora reminded everyone that the old caps had become ‘invalid’ effective today. Significantly, Siba Prasad Maitra took upon himself to celebrate this ‘landmark event’ and treated us to phapda-jalebi, dhokla and tea.

Siba Prasad Maitra comes with his wife (ext right)

Better still was his bringing his wife to the Garden for the first time and introducing us to her.

Arun Patil with the new cap

Being a lady of few words, we can have no idea of the impression we had made on her. But then, that too was all very fine. First meetings are supposed to leave a lot unsaid.
What was however, NOT very fine was Arun Patil’s condition (ref yesterday’s post). He appeared to have put on 10 years in the past one week, looking suddenly distraught and worn-down. And it was not so much out of the apprehension of his foot having to be amputated as of irregular diet and the absence of even a pantry in the hospital. Consequently, he has been relying on outside food from nearby eateries, which has sent his sugar levels haywire – a big cause of concern for the doctors. Luckily, some ladies like Razia Khan, Monthi Serrao and Fahmida Khan had sent him some packed food today. On Arun’s behalf, the blog thanks them all for their kindness and generosity.
Among those who visited him were Srichand Arora, Harish Wadhwa and Siba Prasad Maitra.
Bihari Milwani:
This is called BIG LAAF. Small Occassion, BIG Celebration. Congratulations to Mr Maitra for such excellent timing and also introducing his better half to the BIG Family.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
Mrs Maitra was very happy to meet all the members. As it was her first visit, she was a little hesitant. But she has carried a good impression about all members and enjoyed the occasion.