Two in One

Pushpa Gupta: Om Namah Shiva

Karun Sharma’s birthday is on February 23, the day-after-tomorrow. But he decided to celebrate with us this morning. After all, today is an auspicious day – Mahashivaratri, the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and

Karun Sharma with Angad Singh

his nuptials with Goddess Parvati, many eons ago.
In effect, we were treated to a two-in-one celebration with fresh cut-fruits and tender coconut water – a perfect health combo for fitness fanatics. Karun’s scriptwriter son, Madhur Sharma was present. We raised the customary fourth laugh and sang the birthday song for Karun, but did not give away the birthday calendar. That is a separate do reserved for him on his birthday, this Sunday.
Pushpa Gupta also turned up, dressed in a striking vermilion red sari, which created quite a flutter, particularly among the males in the group. She was on her way to another Mahashivaratri ceremony in the neighborhood but ended up a 'show stopper' in the Garden for the time she

Singing the birthday song

took part in the exercises with us.
But more important was the presence of her husband, Bijoy Gupta today. He claimed to have “fully recovered” from the tragic fall in his house (ref post of February 18) without having to see a doctor. However, he was in no state to stand and remained seated on a particular bench (which he finds comfortable) at

Rejoicing with the birthday boy

a distance as the exercises wore on.
Banoo Apa was also there, the swelling on her left foot having subsided to a great extent. She too was having difficulty walking/ standing for long owing to what is supposed to be an

Eat, drink and make merry... Father and son are at extreme left

issue of unusual calcium levels in her blood. She is worried about undergoing surgery should her condition worsen.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the Sports Day this Sunday (February 23). The revised date (ref yesterday’s post) was conveyed to all, including Shekhawat and Nahid Khan. A proposal to rope in a celebrity 'chief guest' on prize giving day was also mooted. Members have been requested to explore all possibilities.

Festive morning at the Garden

Karun Sharma:
I am glad that this fruity and healthy drive was appreciated by the Big Laaf family. My thanks to Madhur, who continued to look for alternatives and the best combination. Also, thank you so much, friends.