Big Deal

A new ‘joy train’ was commissioned today with Mumtaz Jahan taking Shekhawat’s place at the head as engine driver. Even Bijoy Gupta could not believe his eyes. “Thank God for this,” he clapped in joy. “I was sick and tired of seeing that black engine driver every morning leading the train.

Happy Birthday, Monthi Serrao

From today, we shall be having a gori engine driver!”
“This is our train from Kashmir coming directly to the Garden,” remarked Mohar Singh.
“And it is the only train from Jammu to arrive in Mumbai early morning,” added Mumtaz.
“So long as the train does not end up at Radhe Maa’s ashram…” Gupta joked.
The human train is an innocuous, if juvenile ritual enacted at the end of the freehand exercises and in effect, marking a transition to the second laughter round. Nobody ever thought much of it till Shekhawat made it a prestige issue, appropriating the right to be its engine driver and getting himself a whistle to do the honors every morning without fail. Nothing in heaven or earth – least of all Bijoy Gupta -- could make him surrender this right even for one day.
So, Mumtaz taking charge this morning became a big deal. And nobody could be happier than Gupta, who had faced Shekhawat’s wrath for the 'audacity' to lead the train once.

Checking Monthi's birthday calendar

Eggless cakes and chocos for all

He almost got socked on the face for doing the unimaginable in the latter’s absence. Now, with the drama replaying in almost similar circumstances, he is dying to see the reaction when Shekhawat returns and is informed of the “gori engine driver”.
Meanwhile, Monthi Serrao celebrated her birthday this morning with scrumptious eggless cakes and chocolates. She turned up late from the morning mass at church, resplendent in a striking gold-and-mauve silk sari that made her unrecognizable for a moment. But then, today was not just her special day. September 8 happens to be also the birthday of Mother Mary – otherwise known as Monthi, minus the Serrao.
Harish Wadhwa:
A very Happy Birthday Monthi-ji. Wishing you good health and joy in life.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd) from Mohali:
Happy Birthday, Monthi-ji. Wishing you a very happy, healthy and enjoyable year ahead. A fair-complexion engine driver is always welcome. Everyone will keep his/ her eyes glued to the front and the train will operate smoothly. Good luck to every passenger.