Mayday Mayday Mayday bhais chanted realizing the enormity of what they had talked themselves into as the morning of 1st May 2019 surfaced. Beady eyed, quietly stressed but jovial, bhais entered the kitchen ready for the khurry kitchrie battle.
Rice, veg, chicken and fish was washed, onions peeled, potatoes chopped and spices and pots n pans readied. Some started early, some later (at least after cycling) and some the night before.
History was being made. Feizel Mamdoo had long motivated for a khurry kitchrie picnic. Bhais finally agreed to a date and each to prepare at least a dish and some to bring drinks. Feizel had prepared a roster showing each bhais culinary commitments. The show was on.
Bhais agreed to two conditions. Firstly, they had to cook not their partners. However, partners are allowed to supervise and guide. Secondly, kids must be encouraged to attend and deepen or grow the next generation’s relationships.
Back to the kitchen. It soon became a mess as bhais, in their eagerness, literally cooked a storm. Most were over their heads but their encouraging and patient partners guided the proverbial stew.
Steaming pots, plates, chairs, chilled drinks, blankets, tables and picnic baskets, among other items, were loaded into cars. Bhais excitedly drove to the Emmerentia Dam. Items were eagerly offloaded as families trudged back and forth from picnic area to cars.
Pot after steaming pot were placed on tables as bhais, bhens and their family slowly arrived. The aromas wafted through the air mixing with jovial banter as people greeted and hugged. It was a first full gathering as well as a first picnic in a park.
The gastronomic extravaganza began as the hungry crowd were encouraged to dish while the food was warm. Confusion reigned as they faced a smorgasbord of delicious options. The bhais had certainly surprised themselves as compliments wafted through the air. Seconds, thirds and more was invitingly embraced. It was necessary to at least taste every dish.
Conversations meandered as bhais bhens and kids socialized. The relaxed party atmosphere with laughter and more banter was interrupted as a Parks board vehicle crashed into the reverie. Apparently, gatherings of 15 or more people must be booked 3 weeks in advance. After much argument and stubborn officiousness, bhais managed to convince the official that we had all just accidently met. Problem solved.
Some speeches, more panchat and it was clear that with all the bhais meticulous planning, chai biscuits cakes and all things sweet somehow did not even feature on the menu. Bhens were very constructive in their feedback. All bhais were given freedom of the park but it seemed too much an effort after handsomely tucking into all the dishes.
Dishes were gathered, tables dismantled, blankets folded and chairs packed while panchat continued. Saying goodbye was characteristically a long affair but all agreed that it was a stunning afternoon and more should be arranged.
Magnificus conatus bhais.
