Going Ga-Ga

Bihari Milwani (l) distributes chikkis this morning

The congratulatory messages and plaudits are still pouring in, mostly from people we don’t even know well. Funnily, many who could not get to watch our Annual Day function (ref post of January 20) last Saturday are also going ga-ga, purely on hearsay.
As good friend Navin Bhai put it: “I regret missing the show. All my friends who were present there haven’t stopped praising it. Many congratulations to Big Laaf!”
Bihari Milwani celebrated the success of the programme by treating us all to chikkis. Not known to many,

Fahmida Khan

he was appointed (rather, his wife) as a 'critical observer' in the audience in order to give us an unbiased overview of the event. This was necessary to help us identify our shortcomings and

(L to R) Arun Patil, Rukhsana and Mumtaz Jahan

make improvements for the future.
The professional auditor that Bihari is has given us an “AAA grading” and described the programme as “excellent”. His report also lists out a number of negatives which will be discussed within the Club at an appropriate time, once the current euphoria subsides.
Meanwhile, Fahmida Khan has come up with the promise of a gajar-halwa treat, but refuses to commit when it will be. There are other celebrations also lined up to rejoice our success, including high tea at Shekhawat’s place during the video screening of the function. But before that, we need to prepare for the Republic Day this week-end.
On the flip side, there has been a mishap which is fast developing into a major issue. Rukhsana Khan had brought a make-believe revolver (a gas lighter actually) for Kadak Singh Jailor’s holster in the play. Shekhawat was just about getting the feel of it when Mumtaz Jahan was seen pouncing upon it and in the ensuing scuffle, the plastic toy snapped into two. Nobody knows who is to blame.
Rukhsana is now in an embarrassing situation as a family member had lent her the 'revolver' in good faith and is placing a price tag of Rs5,000 on it. It is supposed to be "imported". Mumtaz has predictably washed her hands off. Shekhawat finds himself cornered. Arun Patil offered to repair the revolver, but has given up. Somehow, a replacement will have to be found.