Best audit reply.

We all know how meticulous are auditors in raising objections and how meticulously such objections need to be dealt with.

Army personnel are entitled to an additional quantity of rum if posted at a certain height in the Himalayan range. One formation of Jat regiment was posted at a hilly location and drew the additional quota of rum. The Audit Department, after verification came to the conclusion that the height of the location falls short by 5 ft from the height prescribed for additional rum entitlement. Hence as the unit has already consumed additional rum without entitlement, the members of the unit must pay back the cost of rum consumed.

Official memo to this effect was received by the CO of the unit. CO replied that and quote, " Ours is a formation of Jat regiment where the height of each jawan is more than 6 ft. We further undertake that all rum has been consumed in standing position only, thereby at a height more than the prescribed limit for free entitlement.

"The audit objection was dropped".

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 6. Rajesh had picked me up on time and dropped me at the station. The train was parked on platform no.2.

The Jan Shatabdi was on time. Had breakfast after boarding but lunch was had at the Foundation. Lekha had really made lovely stuff.

The evening's program at Muthachchan's feet was 'Kathayarangu'; about 20 short story writers had read out their stories and the program was wound up by a half past 7.

Spent the night at the Foundation after persuading Maman to accede to my request.