Gill Speaks

The photo shows a group of mech71 first ladies at the 2006 Mech71 reunion in New Jersey. Here is what HS Gill reports on a part of the reunion

Last week I promised a report on a second New Jersey Turnpike event, that took place on Saturday July 1, starring Pimp. However, what deserves top billing is the main event of the reunion - the preceding banquet at Sikh’s. Rumors had started circulating on Saturday morning that Pimp may be attending the evening's dinner at the residence of Deepak and Melanie Sukh. We were assembling in the Hotel's foyer before walking over to the pier where the boat was docked. Quite a large crowd was gathering including many from the younger generation. Sixty’s and DK's sons, Sikh’s son and daughter, and of course Sabrina, had decided to put up with their numerous uncles and aunties. They must be getting used to seeing their fathers behave like teenagers on these occasions. News about Pimp's imminent arrival was received joyously and it further enlivened an already boisterous crowd. Even Merani who had been Flexing his muscles all morning in anticipation of KC calmed down and started celebrating.

KC and Ranjana were the last to arrive and there was a hushed silence when KC and Merani shook hands. Merani roughly pulled KC into what we hoped was a hug and not a choke. Cheers erupted when they parted and all apprehensions evaporated as we started walking towards the docks.
Nirmal had arranged the boat ride to the last detail. It was a lot more formal than I had expected, with reserved dining, complete with full table settings, a waiter anxious to take our drink orders, and what they called a "Vegas Style" stage show. The weather was perfect and when we were not eating we were on the upstairs deck enjoying close-up views of Miss Liberty, Ellis Island, and South Manhattan, including Ground Zero. There wasn't much time between the boat cruise and Deepak's dinner. Just enough for a short nap, getting ready, and about an hour's drive to the Sukh residence. The Meranis were riding with us, Sudha, Liveleen and Sabrina in the back seat. The women started discussing the virtues of arranged marriages, I think mostly for the benefit of Sabrina, who was ready to scream as the ride and the discussion went on for over an hour. I tactlessly mentioned a book I had read recently titled "If Only I Had Known". It is a collection of short stories of Indian women hoodwinked into marrying visiting unscrupulous NRI's and there subsequent miserable lives. The women immediately yelled me down, even as Sabrina gave me a "thank you" wink in the rearview mirror.

Nirmals, with Sexys as passengers, and the DK's were driving with us in a convoy. Somewhere along the way KC joined us and we all had to slow down to stay with him. The locality where Sukh lives could well be the reason why they call New Jersey the Garden State. After exiting the highway we drove through pristine woods, winding boulevards, and finally a quiet residential development with grand mansions set far back from the street. We were squinting at house numbers when a screaming and waving figure ran down a driveway and flagged us down. It was a jubilant Deepak Sukh who helped us park. He was overflowing with enthusiasm, almost incoherent. He also wanted to make sure that we do not block all of the drive way, leaving a clear path for the catered food to arrive, a request we were happy to comply with. As soon as we entered the house we were struck with two imposing sights. One was the grand interior with high ceilings and tasteful furnishings. And in the doorway to the living room was either a statue or the silhouette of a man, standing rock solid, and legs apart like a U.S. Marine. As we adjusted to the harsh backlight we saw the ear-to-ear smile and shining eyes of Sudheer Pimputkar. He had managed to get an expensive last minute air ticket to some obscure airport and then driven for hours to beat us to Sukh’s. Now you know it is not easy to hug Pimp, you are in danger of getting your ribs crushed. But caution was thrown to the wind as the Julkas emerged from the living room
And a veritable hug fest ensued. The stately Mr. and Mrs. Rajat Gupta arrived shortly. They just have the natural appearance of dignitaries. I mean all they have to do is stand there and they command attention. You couldn't tell at all that they had just come
from a long international flight. The quorum was completed when Rajive Johri arrived, also after a long flight. President Rajive actually looked a little tired and he had obviously fit the reunion into a very busy schedule.

As usual, the next several hours in are a blur in my memory, a montage of camera flashes, Nirmal's concoctions and sumptuous cuisine. I can barely recall the flavors of various courses of snacks, dinner and deserts that wafted through the evening and night. One thing stands out though: the absolute pleasure that Deepak and his family was having by having us there. It was as if they had been preparing for this for years and could not believe that it was actually happening. Melanie, Chetan and Diya are delightful hosts. We were welcomed and looked after so affectionately that we did not feel like guests but more like family. Deepak, my friend, hats off to you. Unfortunately, at some time we had to part. We tried to delay that moment as much as we could but ultimately we had to muster courage and re-enter the
Treacherous Turnpike.

Next...Turnpike 2

Gill