Another Tiny Tot

Getting ready to usher in MANSI BANDIWDAKER'S birthday today

Close on the heels of Yusuf Rassiwala’s two lovely grand-children (ref post of August 31), another tiny tot graced our exercises today.

Mansi cuts her birthday cake

Geeta Latte gets the first bite

Geeta Latte brought her niece to the Garden this morning. It was not without reason. It was Mansi Bandiwdaker’s birthday.
“You should say Bandyu-daker,” the kid corrected us on her tongue twisting surname.
Mansi turned eight today. (Imagine, she was born on 8-9-'10!) And it was to give her a surprise that we had a Belgian chocolate cake ready, replete with candles and a knife for her to do the honors. This was after the exercises – after raising an extra ‘half laughter’ for her (after all, she goes around on a half-ticket!) and after singing and clapping to the birthday song.

Dolling up the birthday girl

Shekhawat and Fahmida present Mansi a small gift

Adding to the merriment was a peppy film number, “Hum bhi agar bachche hote, naam hamara hota…” from Bijoy Gupta, followed by Banoo Apa rendering that timeless favorite, “Tum jiyo hazaaron saal…” with everybody joining in chorus.
Shekhawat and Fahmida Khan presented Mansi with a little gift on behalf of the Club. But what turned out to be the most heartwarming moment of the morning was when the birthday girl gave Geeta the first bite of her cake and the aunt reciprocating in like manner.
There are two ways of viewing today’s celebration: one, it was a wonderful way to wrap up a weekend; and two, the presence of a kid in our midst always makes us feel younger. But more important is the fact, that by drawing in family members – especially grand-kids and nephews and nieces – we are strengthening our bonds within the Club.

Geeta Latte:
I am very grateful to my Big Laaf family members for making my niece's birthday most special till date and for blessing her so abundantly. Thank you everybody 🙏 Love you all 🤗🤗💖💖