Birthday Build-up

Kiran Prakash (in striped tee) briefs us on his birthday celebration

Kiran Prakash is making up for lost time. His birthday was on March 16. But by then, he had left Mumbai for Hong Kong en route Japan (ref post of April 1). Since then, we have been waiting with bated breath for him to return and celebrate his birthday with us. After all, he has turned 70 this year.
Today, Kiran Prakash extended a formal invite to all members for a sit-down breakfast at High Point Restaurant (in Lokhandwala Market) on April 6 (Saturday). He also had detailed instructions for us on how we must reach the place in time and the arrangements he has made for the occasion.
“I would expect you all to leave the Garden at precisely 8:07 a.m,” he said. “You will form two lines at the gate, the ladies headed by Yusuf Rassiwala and the gents, by Banoo Apa. Take a right from the Gate and follow the main road till you arrive at the left turn for the market. You will reach the restaurant at 8:15 a.m. and by 8:18 a.m. sharp, you should occupy your seats. There will be a name board in front of every chair. So you will have no difficulty finding your place at the table.”
The venue is actually Banoo Apa’s idea. Kiran Prakash had wanted a far more grand and out-of-the-ordinary celebration, befitting a 70th birthday. He even offered to treat us to speedboat rides at Juhu Beach, followed by a lavish breakfast a la carte. But all this sounded too foreign and risky for most members used to receiving food boxes on birthdays. That apart, the summer heat was creeping upon us. Eventually Kiran Prakash left it to Banoo Apa and her confidantes to take a call.
The breakfast party at High Point is meant only for members, he added.