40th Anniversary

Bijoy Gupta and Pushpa exchange garlands

Bijoy Gupta had made grand plans to abduct all members from the Garden today to celebrate his 40th marriage anniversary at home with breakfast. He was clearly inspired by Shekhawat’s party last Wednesday (ref post of January 15) when, out of the blue, we were summoned to his house for a sit-down dinner that very evening.
But Gupta’s wife, Pushpa had other plans. Last Saturday, the actual date of their anniversary, she let the word out by informing over WhatsApp that all members

One for the album

were invited to her house for a breakfast bash on January 22. It would be a first for the Club and so, even the Alibaug group -- travel weary as they were upon returning after 10:00 pm yesterday -- turned up by 8:00 a.m. in the Garden for the party. It was well worth their effort and everybody’s time. For, the Guptas had prepared an elaborate buffet of lip-smacking pao bhaji, boiled eggs, kheer, jalebis… rounded off by steaming hot tea.

The baraatis in attendance with the couple

“She’s been slogging over this all morning,” said the appreciative hubby.
But more than what had been laid out on the table it was a ‘surprise event’, engineered by Karun Sharma that made today's celebration both unique and memorable.

A moment to cherish

We got the Guptas married again. Yes, remarried literally, after 40 years.
Karun had procured the garlands from somewhere and with all the bandicoots of Big Laaf standing as witnesses, Yusuf Rassiwala presented the groom in style while Banoo Apa peformed the kanya daan with all sincerity. The couple then renewed their vows and exchanged garlands three times to a round of applause. It was an impromptu and improvised ceremony that shall be cherished forever by all present.
After all, where on earth does anybody get to see such insanity come into full play – all in good humour and a spirit of bonhomie? For this, total credit to Karun Sharma!

Guests of honour at the marriage feast