Joke of Season

Yusuf Rassiwala lists out the items on agenda for Saturday meeting

On a morning marked by hectic activity, what emerged ultimately was the biggest joke of the season: the Royal Hills picnic has been put off once again – from April 3 to April 9. This is the fourth time (ref post of March 26) that Shekhawat has been forced to call a postponement, much as he is determined to take the Club there by hook or by crook.
But of that, later.
Yusuf Rassiwala reminded everyone about the first meeting of the newly-elected managing committee scheduled this Saturday and duly read out the agenda. President-elect Mallika Kagzi pretended to get the jitters, as this would be her maiden attempt at convening a meeting. And Bihari Milwani, in good humor, dictated the text of how she must make her presidential remarks. Mallika eagerly noted down every word and (jokingly) promised to memorise “the speech” by Saturday!
Meanwhile, in a touching gesture, Kiran Prakash gifted Shekhawat a photograph taken during the Holi celebrations last week.

Shekhawat shows off Prakash's gift

Milwani(r) dictates 'script' to Mallika

(Prakash had actually taken out two prints, one of which he had thoughtfully framed). So overjoyed was Shekhawat that like a kid, he proudly passed around the photo showing his face splattered in all colors of the spectrum.
And then there were the Babanis, Kajal and Dilip adding to the merriment by treating us to dark, sublime chocolates.

Dilip Babani treats us to chocolates

What was the ‘because’ of their celebration nobody asked and they did not say. Let’s just hope there are glad tidings coming their way and be grateful to them for sharing their happiness with us. More important, we should get more of those chocolates.
As for the Royal Hills picnic, Ved Prakash Grover threw a spanner in the works by mentioning that the ICC World T20 final is scheduled on Sunday, April 3. “How can you go when there’s a cricket match that day?” he asked.
That did it. Given the number of cricket fans in the Club (ref yesterday’s post), Shekhawat was suddenly looking at a no-show for the picnic. No amount of explaining that the match would only be in the evening, long after we’d be back home safe, could change anybody’s mind. There is also the very real possibility of India losing the semis against West Indies on March 31 (Thursday) and not reaching the final. But nobody wants to hear of that either. In sum, Shekhawat is coming around to the fact that the more he proposes, the more the goddamn, godforsaken Royal Hills resort disposes.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
The putting off of the visit to Royal Hills Resort shows how important cricket is to everyone. Now Bhaswati Bose should be prepared to share chocolates with everyone. Be positive and the next match should result in mini celebrations, Bhaswati Bose to note. The maiden meeting of the all-powerful Managing Committee should be sending jitters around the Club. But we all know it will end in healthy and delicious cups of tea prepared by Mallika. I certainly miss the good days when Mallika Kagzi showered us with endless cups of tea. Looking forward to enjoy!