Chapter 2:At Taj

On 31/1/2010, Soham's birthday, Jayant and I planned a pleasant, memorable evening at Taj for our family.Our family of five members(including Aaji), my parents and of course Ankit's family of four(including Paresh's mother) went for a stroll at The Gateway of India.When it was dinner time, we casually remarked, "Let's eat at Taj."Nobody took us seriously and they laughed.But when we entered Taj, Mohit and Soham said, "Let's just look around this beautiful place and walk out.Don't spend on food it will cost you a bomb."

Here I must tell you that we had no idea whatsoever as to the expenses that we would incur today.We had stuffed our pockets and purses and carried our credit cards too.A personal communication from Gargi and Dynanesh; on 12/2/2012 as to how the two of them spent a beautiful evening at the sea lounge in 1993 just spending under 200 rupees; made us laugh at our ignorance.

As we reached the Masala Kraft restaurant we were greeted by the staff who led us to a table reserved for us by our nephew, Tanmay Tandel who was on his post degree training in hospitality at the Taj.We had discussed our intentions for that evening with him.Since he was off duty then, one of his batchmates personally attended us.She was a cute little girl who helped us through selecting and ordering the menu and personally supervised till we finished our dinner.Then came in some nice desserts for children and a beautifully decorated chocolate cake with HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOHAM written on it.We were told that this cake was on the house as a birthday gift.

All through this evening the staff and Tanmay's friend constantly tried to make us comfortable in these surroundings.We were happy that we had surprised our family members and children.So we turned and asked for the dues."What dues?It's already settled", said the floor manager.When I called up Tanmay the mistery was revealed.HE PAID IT ALL!!!

A surprise for the surprise givers!!!

-Suchitra