Cloud of Uncertainty

Meeting point at Juhu Beach for tomorrow's party

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Sunday Beach Party scheduled tomorrow evening at Juhu Chowpatty. According to newspaper reports, “mild to heavy thundershowers” are forecast for Mumbai and its surrounding areas on December 22.
Already it was dark and cloudy all morning today, thus raising doubts about whether tomorrow’s party was on. “If we are unable to have the party tomorrow, we might as well scrap it for good,” declared Yusuf Rassiwala. “Let us take it as jinxed.”
Originally conceived as a Diwali celebration in October, the party has since been postponed multiple times for a variety of reasons. Over the period, its budget has grown considerably with the Club, together with Shekhawat and Yusuf R pitching in, in no small measure. The idea is to have a fun-filled evening with music and games, followed by an open-air dinner by the beach.
Bijoy Gupta is still optimistic that the weather will not get in our way and we should be able to have the party tomorrow as planned. “I don’t think it will rain,” he asserted. “Even if it does, it will be no more than a mild drizzle. We shall find

Vijay-bhai (in white) bids farewell with chocolate bars 

some place to take shelter. But do not cancel the party this time.”
On his part, Yusuf R made the announcement to assemble at the beach by 5:00 p.m. “The meeting point is the statue next to the car park opposite hotel Ramada Plaza,” he informed. “We shall wait there for about 15 minutes after which, you may contact us on cell-phone to get our location on the beach.”
Meanwhile, Vijay Jakhia (better known as “Vijay-bhai”) bid us farewell this morning as he is finally relocating to a new home in Borivli, tomorrow. Today was his last day at the Garden. He was supposed to shift last month and we had even given him a warm send-off from the Club (ref post of November 29). But he got held back due to circumstances, obviously beyond his control.
“I am leaving this place with a heavy heart,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “You people were my family. Who knows when we shall meet next. I cannot come here again from Borivli. But I shall always remember you all. Do try to stay in touch. My phone number shall remain unchanged.”

Karun Sharma:
Yes, let us go for the party. If it rains, let us enjoy the party in the rain.