After a week-long discussions and innumerable con-calls, finally….the five families (though we have loved to have the Dubeys too but no one claims to have missed them terribly)…mutually forced themselves to agree for a New Year bash. The "Venue" was the matter of debate. Tantrums were flying thick and fast. In the midst, one man who managed to create a colossal confusion (though he later had to do a small pilgrimage to atone his sins), doubled up as our telephone operator, pulled out multiple rabbits from his hat. He came up with a fantastic idea of travelling to Jaipur together in a hired vehicle (for the benefit of our readers, this gentleman can remotely be labeled as a “Daily Pessinger” to Jaipur). Though no one jumped out of joy but the fact that no one snubbed it either was considered as unanimous acceptance amongst the sensible lot. Essentially, the men were too busy resolving liquor logistics.
Somewhere, I have read that Jews, Chinese and Indians, for some strange reasons, are obsessed with their bowel movements. Many of our trips have been afflicted by this obsession. For the last two trips, it has been the Mr Mohit, who is icing the cake. This time too, this Indian, started the trip with a straight face.
Though the day started off early, everybody assembled at Manik’s home around 9.30 and the caravan began at 10 in the morning (Not bad for sleepyheads!). Everyone went ga-ga over seeing the tempo traveler – what fun to be together in the same vehicle! Though the seats were not that comfortable…but when you are having fun…who cares? Again, we should stop here and remember Dubey in reverence. His double pleated, double pressed Khakis would have crumpled with shame had he been made to sit on these mini seats. Enough of Dubey, let’s move on.
From Vegas to Monte Carlo, it is of common knowledge that almost all big gamblers carry his passport size picture in their wallets. Heads bow in obeisance when this guys enters or leaves any casino round the globe. He always carry a bunch of Rs 5 coins in anticipation of an imminent round of teen paati. Variation is the name of "his" game. He is so much into variations that at times, his well wishers have to teach him the original game. Manik, was also appointed the custodian of wide variety of liqour, we possessed.
Fully loaded with all the necessary beverages, the caravan started…the Coronitas & Breezers doing their wonders. While the kids were sitting quietly, watching movies on their portable DVD player, the adults were having fun…the all-time favourite ‘Dumb Charades’ session had started with Saket Bhai & Varshaji coming up with movies unknown to our ears. Everybody was enjoying…and no one seemed to bother that the tempo traveler was moving at a snail pace – the traffic was simply pathetic. Snail reminds me of our very own Mr Dubey, who is known for his command over this game. His charades are effortlessly dumb. He carries his crown up his "Aligator" brand T-shirt sleeves.
Enter Mr and Mrs Atul Pandey, who have by this time attained knighthood as far as Dumb Charade is concerned. While guiding his pupils even Mr Anupam Kher at times refer to the Pandey family for their histrionics. They have already made their mark in this field and now planning workshops all around Vasant Kunj to spread their talent. One has acquired a wealth of knowledge as far as movie titles is concerned. The better half is equally talented enacting everything that comes her way. All in all, this couple enjoys this status to the maximum and exploits the uncouth ignorance of the rest of the members.
If there was any award/reward instituted for just smiling, Mr and Mrs Verma, would have won it hands down. This couple is capable of smiling at any thing and situation, however grave it may be. I should emphasize here that this is not the only virtue they possess. They look like the sole distributor of tranquility, peace and harmony, at least in Sector-20, Noida. For Varsha, she has acquired this capability through sustained practice and perseverance but for Sudhir, the reason will become obvious in coming paras.
If there was any award/reward instituted for just smiling, Mr and Mrs Verma, would have won it hands down. This couple is capable of smiling at any thing and situation, however grave it may be. I should emphasize here that this is not the only virtue they possess. They look like the sole distributor of tranquility, peace and harmony, at least in Sector-20, Noida. For Varsha, she has acquired this capability through sustained practice and perseverance but for Sudhir, the reason will become obvious in coming paras.
The tired faces were fresh again to see the beautiful property of Om Niwas. The rooms were neat, the décor lovely – and the terrace garden inviting! Now here we would like to summon Mr Dubey again. Ok, let’s forget it for now.
Once at the Jaipur club, Prachi & Monica were overjoyed to see the dance floor – ‘Wow! This is what I wanted,’ exclaimed Prachi happily while Monica seconded. One peg down and both of them were on the dance floor…merrily dancing to the tunes. The Varshas joined in after a while…soon Varshaji returned to our ‘adda’ at the Jaipur Club (a round table where drinks & snacks were ordered). Rest of the troupe also did a jig at the dance floor but nothing to match the energy and charisma of Prachi & Monica (in the absence of one Mr Dubey).
The clock ticked 12…ever body hugged each other and wished a very happy new year…may everyone have a beautiful and memorable year ahead !
After all the drinks and snacks…everybody relished the Rajasthani cuisine at dinner…the food was sumptuous and palatable. But the party was not over…there’s still more to go! Everybody huddled in the tempo traveler and came back to hotel – but not to their rooms…everybody gathered at the terrace garden! The ambience was perfect … the weather perfect …and most importantly, the togetherness…. Children were coaxed to sit in a room so that we can have unadulterated fun!!! Saumitra & Vinayak were behaving their best – both set of parents were definitely proud! Shall we bring in Mr Dubey here?
On the way back, Vinayak missed Saumitra’s company and had to be entertained by the already tired parents. The best way was to buy him a movie DVD…so ‘Double Dhammal’ was bought…and whew! the whole troupe enjoyed the movie…even people who were sleeping sat upright and watched the comedy flick. Totally energized, the group now wanted drinks…so out came ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Smirnoff.’
One more startling fact which came out while returning gave me a critical insight on the behavior of male species of this group. With one ear (left, in all cases) mal-functioning, most of them are usually found to be at peace with themselves and everyone around. They generally have no complaints in life or attend to any complaints otherwise. They try to ward off any discussion by their smiles. They seem to conform to anything - but the reality is that most of the time, they haven't heard what has been said. To connect the dot back again, this is one of the reasons why Mr Verma and Mr Buddha are named in the same breath.
The Tempo traveler was moving at a slow pace again – seemed half of Delhi went to Jaipur for the New Year ’s Eve! We reached Gurgaon around 12…everybody was hungry…the options were brainstormed…Manik (who was sleeping throughout the return journey) was asked to take a front seat and guide the driver to take us to the eating points. We went to Park Plaza for some Biryani, but after seeing the price tag of Rs 500 per plate, we thought street food would be a better choice. Time for more exploration…few nocturnals showed the way and we reached the dhaba outside Convergys, which luckily was open. Then, everybody ordered a lavish dinner – chickenzzz, parathansssss, paneerzzzz, dalsss, maggiessss, etc….. Everyone gobbled food – I am sure nobody remembers how it tasted!
Finally, we reached Manik’s society…wait, the adventure is not over. Saket Bhai’s car lost its battery…atleast that’s what apparently looked. Saket Bhai broke the news, rushing towards everybody. Everybody’s shocked – somebody stole just the battery and not the Scorpio? Oh my God! We all rushed towards the Scorpio to see what has gone wrong. Sudhir called upon the security guard and asked how somebody can steal the battery from the car, right in front of their eyes as the Scorpio was parked just there. The guard gave an ugly look and disclosed the secret of the year gone by – “bhaiya aapki gaadi ki light jal rahi thi jo lup-lup karke thodi der pehle hi band hui hai.” Another shock, this time for Saket Bhai….
All in all, the trip was lovely – 20 hours in Jaipur and 22 hours in Tempo Traveller – but still we all were together for 42 hours….and this is what matters!
With major contributions from Varsha Verma.
