Amusing Jugalbandi

Every morning, Arora-sah’b (right) has to deal with recalcitrant members who get into verbal jousts for no particular reason. Much of it is in good humour, unprovoked and spontaneous. These exchanges help in breaking the monotony of the exercises and enlivening the atmosphere in the Garden.
Today, Arora-sah’b had to face virtual warfare, but of an amusing kind. At one end was his good old music system, set upon playing yesteryear film hits. At the other end was Kishor-bhai’s little wonder, straining out of his pocket to play an assortment of chartbusters, old and new. In this crossfire was our Arora-sah’b trying to focus on conducting the exercises.
Initially, it was fun. You simply switched attention from one music source to another (and back), depending upon your preference. At times when two good songs played together from opposite ends, you kept both ears open, trying to make sense of the audio mix. But after some time this was getting quite stressful since you had to hear, say Kishore Kumar drawling Mera jeevan kora kaagaz… with one ear and Manna De screaming Laga chunari mein daag… with another ear.
And when the two players – the music system and the handset – both started belting out Kishore Kumar numbers with equal gusto, it was hard not to go mad!
At one such point, Arora-sah’b strode up to his trusted player and turned up its volume. This only raised the level of competition as Kishor-bhai’s handset went full blast with a medley of fast, catchy numbers. Adding to this cacophony were our periodic guffaws and outbursts of Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha…
Ultimately, Harish Wadhwa was to bail us out. For a while, he tried in vain to catch “Renu-bhabi’s” attention, hoping she would signal her husband to lower the volume of his hand-set – better still, switch it off. Then he turned to Bhaswati. Kishor-bhai, who was till then lost to this world, suddenly noticed the many hands waving at him. With a broad grin, he switched off his handset.
Only thereafter did peace prevail.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Listening to Kishore Kumar's sad numbers is any time preferred. I wanted Renu Bhabi-ji (the "key" to Kishor-bhai's heart) to request him to put the mobile song off.
2. It was nice to see Shekhawat-ji doing the Ankhiyon Se Goli Marey song when prompted to do the Slow-'n'-Fast exercise No 2 of Laughing today. One could also see the cheer of his dance with Bapu Rane-ji today. Wow!
3. Today's Guru Gyan is apt for Kishor-bhai himself. There is no doubt that the day dawns to see Kishor-bhai mand mand muskaan -- also visible in his picture.
4. Did I hear somebody yell 'saambhar' (of idli-vada fame)instead of 'shambhar' (Marathi translation of 100) when the clapping exercise count struck 100? The guilty needs to treat us to saambhar-vada then, as a penalty!
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
1. Yes, today was Disco Morning at the Garden. I was actually wondering why were two music systems on and just figured that one would just decide to switch off his player/phone. However, I guess they were both determined to confuse everyone. Actually the exercise session went really well and everyone was rather disciplined. So, perhaps the 'jugalbandi' didn't really have any effect on that. As long as no hard feelings and everyone had a good time... that is what is important. The morning ended well, with Santosh-ji's jokes and everyone parted ways.
2. Don't you think just some pleasant songs are better than sad songs during the morning, Mr Harish? By the way, I am definitely not the 'key' to Dilip-bhai's heart!
--Renu

Srichand Arora says:
Hey Harish-ji! You described Renu-ji as the "key of Dilip's heart", whereas she is the key to Kishor's. Correct it. I also agree with Renu. Sometimes you love to listen to latest songs, as against old ones. All depends upon the company and surroundings. So remember Munni Badnaam Hui and forget Badnaam Hai Koi.
--Arora

Harish Wadhwa adds:
1. Arora-saab, you are right. Since the last few days my ears are yearning to hear "Mein hoon Sheila, Sheila ki jawaani" and of course, "Munni Badnaam hui, Darling tere liye..."
2. Dear Renu-ji, Did I write "the key to Dilip- bhai's heart" instead of Kishor-bhai? Sorry for the error, but the blog writes it correct (Thanks Blog Monster!) The reality is that women in general have the power and key to anyone's heart. Bas aana chahiye (on a lighter note please!)
--Harish

Another Picnic

Another picnic is in the offing. The last one at Lonavala on September 25-26 has long receded from our collective memory -- barring those flickering images of the slideshow you see on the right hand panel at the top. From time to time, several options were thrown up – from Panchgani to Matheran to Alibaug to Mahabaleshwar to Lonavala again…
Today, Yusuf-bhai zeroed in on Alibaug. Like Lonavala, it would be an overnight stay and a bungalow will have to be booked in advance. It seems there are many privately-owned bungalows at the seaside resort routinely let out to picnicking groups at fairly reasonable rates. Depending upon the response of members, an advance team will visit Alibaug to check out the possibilities. Yusuf-bhai however cautioned everybody that since there may not be enough rooms to accommodate members individually, the men might have to settle for a dormitory-type sleeping arrangement on the floor at night.
A call would also have to be taken on two crucial points – the date and mode of travel. Arora-sah’b wants to go before December 12 and Renu Babani announced that she would not be able to make it after December 20. Some want it during a week-end while others prefer mid-week.
As for travel, again, there are two views. Some want to take the sea route which is less time-consuming (50 minutes from Bhau Ka Dhakka) while others prefer the four-hour long road journey by bus. The latter option would facilitate travel to Murud Janjira and other touristy sites (eg. the fort) close to Alibaug without having to resort to auto-rickshaws and public transport.
There are obvious pros and cons on all these issues which will have to be weighed against one another before a common consensus is reached. This will not be easy. But the important point is that the idea for a picnic has been floated and something will surely come of it. Even as it may not be possible to please everybody on every count, the endeavor shall be to take along as many members as possible.
Meanwhile, let us wish Mrs Harbans Singh (right) because today is her birthday. She is at present in Ludhiana, commiserating with the family of a close relative who passed away last month (see post of October 29). Should she be seeing this blog, we would like to tell her that we do remember her on this day and pray for her long life, good health and peace of mind. And yes, we are missing her in Mumbai.

Bhaswati Bose says:
Wow, another picnic! The sooner the better and the more (members)the merrier!
--Bhaswati

Renu Babani says:
There will be lots of discussions and never-ending debates before anything is finalised. However, let's hope something is eventually worked out in the end. As December is X'mas/New Year time, people do have various commitments. So everyone's priorities will have to be taken into consideration. We shall have to wait and watch... and let's see the outcome.
--Renu

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PIC OF THE WEEK: 06

Isn't this what we were looking forward to... in REAL?

HANSI KA BADSHAH
*ing Hari Singh Shekhawat with Priyanka Chopra --
releasing this Friday at your nearest multiplex.
--Bhaswati Bose

And the neon lights shone brightly on the one and only...
Mr Shekhawat
because his lovely smile had been found once more!
--Renu Babani

Aasmaan se aaya farishta,
Hansi ka sabak sikhlane...
--Ramila Mistry

Golmaal 3

So finally, we made it – notwithstanding several false starts, the last one being Arora-sah’b’s sudden announcement this morning that Yusuf-bhai could get tickets of Golmaal 3 only for the 5:30 pm show today. Apparently, the morning and noon show tickets were all sold out everywhere. It was only after the latter turned up and started distributing tickets (pic below) in the Garden for the 11.a.m. show at Cinemax, that things became certain.
For the 28 of us who trooped into the theatre, the movie was not as important as the joy of watching it together in a group and possibly, creating a dhamaal during the screening. Hari Naraiyani was there with his wife and Razia Khan had brought along her bahu and grand-children, Zaiyan and Shaiyan. Shekhawat-ji had also brought his grandson along and Mumtaz was with a friend. Only Dilip Babani seemed to be on a loose end, since his wife, Kajal could not accompany him (see yesterday’s post).
The dhamaal did not happen. Like disciplined school children we took our seats one by one and maintained a modicum of good behaviour. The hall was almost empty. Santosh-ji and Sunita-ji had already occupied the sofas at the back… before they decided to join us. The ruckus on the screen (which was what the movie was all about) was so overwhelming that there was nothing left for us to add – except to sit back and laugh out loud.
For those of us familiar with the filmy clichés of the seventies, there was enough in the roles of Mithun Chakraborty and Supriya Pathak to keep us in splits. Youngsters of course, had a ball on the crackpot humour of the younger stars. On the whole, there was something for everybody in the film. We had a swell time – but for Hari-bhai who was being constantly provoked by a frisky kid occupying the seat just behind his wife’s. Also Nazma Syed, who slept through the movie, when not attending to her cell phone.
But that is also entertainment – of another kind!

Renu Babani says:
The movie was entertaining no doubt. Being in each other's company was also fun. We ladies ensured that we sat together, so we definitely enjoyed ourselves. I think on the whole it was great being out as a group. Thanks Yusuf-bhai, for getting the tickets. We should have more outings like this -- at least when there is a good movie around -- because there is always time for enjoyment.
--Renu

All Set…

Our Arora-sah’b has been a bit subdued for the past few days. This entire week, he has been taking an off every alternate day. Yesterday, he arrived late and complained of an ear problem which rendered him somewhat hard of hearing – but otherwise, as is his nature, he kept up a brave front.
Today also, he looked a little pulled down and when he started conducting the exercises, was getting irritated by every distraction. He kept snapping at the slightest provocation till Yusuf-bhai arrived on the scene and restored his sense of humour. Arora-sah’b growled at him for some reason and Yusuf-bhai returned the growl with equal ferocity – mocking him in the same expression and tone, till both started laughing like kids.
That little incident set the mood in anticipation of tomorrow’s movie show, Golmaal 3. Happily, Renu Babani (below, left) is back, looking fresh and fine after her viral bout. She confirmed her going for the movie with hubby, Kishor, as did Grover-sah’b, Santosh-ji, Sunita-ji, Mumtaz, Bhaswati, Kiran Sajjan, Razia Khan and others.
Dilip-bhai was in two minds (as his wife Kajal had already seen the movie and cannot accompany him) but later on, agreed to come along solo. Similarly, Shekhawat-ji needed a little persuasion before he too agreed to join us. Altogether, more than 20 members have enlisted with Yusuf-bhai, the majority being women.
The fun part is that with less than 24 hours to go, nothing is yet finalised. We know only the name of the movie, but the theatre, show timing, ticket rates, etc. are not even known to Yusuf-bhai. Like Mary’s little lambs, we are all following him when there’s a good chance that the concessional rates Yusuf-bhai is counting on may not be applicable for the week-end Saturday shows. For all we know, the movie could be pulled off from all the three theatres identified – Cinemax, Fun Republic and Fame Adlabs. Or that the morning and noon shows are already ‘house full’…
That would make a perfect script for Golmaal 4!

Harish Wadhwa says:
Santosh-ji's shayari ne toh aaj gazab dha diya, especially the gist: a) Men are advised to get love from everywhere but in the end get a beating from their wives. All the male members nodded their head in agreement! b) The sher ending with '...aur tumhe bhi doh seengh aur ek poonchh miley'!
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Yea, my comments will be seen regularly by all, whether you guys like it or not. Bet I was missed (talk about modesty). Thank you everyone for all your good wishes. Regarding the movie tomorrow, this is the fun part -- not knowing whether we are going or not. We shall find out once Yusuf-bhai arrives in the morning regarding the cinema and timing as well. Let's hope we do go for the movie eventually, as it will definitely be fun just being together!
--Renu

Srichand Arora says:
It is really not correct to say that I am taking an off every alternate day. Yes I was not there on last Sunday and Monday because of Guru Nanak's Birthday. On Wednesday too, it was because of the rains. Otherwise, I was there on all the other days. Yes, some unwanted punches during the session, of course, disturb me. And if someone feels insulted with my remarks, I am really sorry, whereas I do not mean it.
--Arora
Sorry, we stand corrected. --Big Laaf

More and Merrier

One of those rare days for the Club with (nearly all the) members present in full strength. Over 35 of them turned up, as though to make up for the poor attendance yesterday and generally fool around, chatter, giggle, gossip, provoke, argue, laugh, tease, dance, eat and make merry… and incidentally, also exercise.
Renu Babani did not attend. Those following the blog would know that she is down with viral fever and cannot even post her comments. She may however, draw comfort from the fact that the Golmaal 3 show (which she was keen to attend) has now been pushed by two days – for Saturday, November 27. Let us hope and wish that she recovers fully by then.
The way Yusuf-bhai cleverly got around convincing everybody (without eliciting a whimper of protest) on the change of plans did not go unnoticed. As Hari Nariayani was to comment: “Yeh toh bilkul jaadugar hai”! But funnily, when made to commit by Yusuf-bhai on joining in, he was at a loss of words. Ultimately, he had to give in.
The point is, Golmaal 3 is an old film and many have already seen it by now. They would rather catch one of the new films releasing tomorrow. But it is for the shared experience of watching in the group that they are agreeing to see it again. Moreover, Yusuf-bhai seems stuck to the Golmaal 3 idea (to the exclusion of all other films), mainly because it is a comedy.
Quite simply, everybody expects the joy and merriment of the morning to spill out of the Garden. A movie outing offers this opportunity. After all, we are one large family. Why else would Ramila-ben (above left) share with us the sweets and salted almonds her mother had brought for her from Canada? Or why would Geeta Sandana (right) be bringing pedas and burfis for us this morning? Or why should Harish Wadhwa be encouraging Shekhawat-ji to get back to doing the Ho-Ha-Ha dance with Bapu Rane?
Everybody wants to see everybody happy.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Firstly, Renu-ji is advised not to be so sweet that even mosquitoes cannot stay away from her khoon ki daawat and which led to her viral infection. She has to now have some kadwi medicines to keep them away. God bless you Renu-ji, and a very quick recovery. Don't forget that Saturday is round the corner and so is the movie trip you cannot miss. Get well sooooooon!
2. It was great to see our dear Shekhawat-ji and Rane Bapu-ji doing the Ho-Ha-Ha dance, taal se taal milaake. Practice every day passionately, before participating in the next season of Nach Baliye or Zara Nachh Ke Dikha.
3. I have always maintained that Ramila-benji has an infectious smile. You should have seen the pleasure in her eyes, as she distributed the goodies her mother brought for her. So were the lovely sweets Geeta Sandana-ji shared with all of us. Kya baat, Kya baat, Kya baat hai. Rightly said and written, Blog Master: Each member of this extended family wants to see her fellow brotheren smiling and happy!
--Harish

Bhaswati Bose says:
Take complete rest tomorrow, Renu, so that you are fit and fine to join us on Saturday.
--Bhaswati

Freak Showers

The unseasonal downpour this morning had put paid to all possibility of exercises in the open. The sensible stayed indoors, taking the day off. Bose ventured out to find two wet crows at the Garden gate, a sad looking mongrel near the watchman’s cabin and Moti the Blackboard Writer perched on his white plastic chair.
Before long, Santosh-ji and Grover-sah’b showed up, holding on to their umbrellas. Rane Bapu walked in soon after. Between the four of them, it was decided to remain in the Chinese Hut – even as the rains had subsided and daylight had broken. Some people could be seen going about the Garden, while a few (right), afraid of skidding on the wet walking track, lounged about on the benches.
Nahid Khan strode in midway through the laughter session, followed closely by Sandhya Narang. Then came Sitaram-ji, minus pink umbrella. And finally, it was the turn of Dilip Babani, the Club’s certified jack-in-the-box. As Nahid Khan remarked, he has a way of turning up when you least expect him to.
So now, between the eight, the exercises were rushed through – ending with Sitaram-ji conducting the suryanamaskar. The sun played hide-and-seek and it kept drizzling on and off. Nahid Khan introduced a new term for the wrist exercises: “Pehle Bulaao”-“Phir Bhagaao”. She wanted to translate some of the Hindi expressions to English, but stopped at “Hai My Hard (sic)!” (for Hai Mera Dil).
By the time our exercises were over, the drizzle had turned into a relentless shower and we had to bide our time in the Chinese Hut. Vasudev Bhateja (left) decided to entertain us with a mournful Mohammad Rafi song: “Iss bhari duniya mein, koi bhi hamara na hua” (Bharosa: 1963). Luckily, he was to find a willing audience in Lakshmi, who suspended her free-hand exercises and listened to him in rapt attention.
Time to leave…

Bhaswati Bose says:
What about the movie? Are we watching Golmaal 3 on Thursday? Not fair on Yusuf-bhai's part to tempt us first and then do the disappearing act. I have kept my Thursday noon free and so has Santosh-ji. Bahut na-insafi hai!
--Bhaswati

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. It was indeed a dull, cloudy and a wet morning weather and I also ducked my visit to the Garden to enjoy a nice cup of tea at home. Not for long though, as the morning rat race for work took over. Vasudev-ji's song is a nice sentimental number, and I am sure he must have done a good job of it. I am already humming the same now to myself as I can't scare my fellow colleagues away by making it louder...
2. Many of us are working six days a week and that too full day. Can't join the group for the movie. Zindagi mein sab Golmaal hee hai!
Bhaswati-ji, can you please ring up my boss to tell (fire) him that bahut na-insafi hai yeh ki aap Harish ko cinema bhi nahin dekhne dete? And let me be cheeky to suggest Bhaswati-ji cook a good, special meal for my dear friend (her husband), who is sweating out at work -- now that she does not have to go for the movie today!
--Harish

Bhaswati Bose replies:
Harish-bhai, I don't mind cooking a special meal for my husband as long as he agrees to accompany me for the movie on Saturday. Why don't you bring your boss along? Then there won't be any complaints!
--Bhaswati

Khan vs Khan

Conducting exercises in the Garden requires special talent and tact. Not everybody can get it right. Like Shekhawat-ji, Kishor-bhai or Santosh-ji, you could be religiously attending the ‘classes’ every morning, for years, but still not be able to conduct a single session of exercises. You need to be a natural like Arora-sah’b, or Yusuf-bhai. Or Sitaram-ji. Or Nahid Khan. Rane Bapu and Sunita-ji almost got there, but unfortunately, they lack the confidence to take the rest of the group along.
Razia Khan (right) realized this the hard way this morning after a series of run-ins with Nahid Khan ( below left). The latter is a veteran while Razia has been conducting the exercises off and on, mostly to fill in for the absence of the seniors. Today Arora and Nahid were both present, but Razia volunteered to step into the middle. And much to her dismay, nobody seemed to follow her instructions. When she said “left”, many were lifting their right hands. When she said “right”, they were turning their heads left. When she said, “Position ley lijiye,” Bhaswati Bose could be heard asking, “Kya, bandook chalaane ke liye?” while Geeta Sandana murmured under her breath, “Hamein kaunsa front mein jana hai?”
Exasperated, Nahid Khan began trading jibes with Razia on her inability to maintain order in the class. “Yeh, kaisa teacher hai?” she kept asking aloud. Time and again, she had to correct Razia with a shrill “Heyyyyyy!” whenever the sequence of exercises went wrong. At one point, when Razia looked at her helplessly, wondering what followed the “Uddh ja panchhi” round, Nahid burst out, “Yeh teacher zaroor naqli certificate leh kar pass hui hai”!
The light banter continued between the two, right through the exercise session -- not that Razia was taking it entirely lying down. “Theek hai bachchoo, meri bhi baari aayegi,” she threatened, amid uproarious laughter. Geeta-ji provided a counterpoint, once again murmuring with a deadpan expression: “Hamein kya lena-dena hai in dono ke beech mein?” Those who overheard couldn’t help bursting into another round of laughter.
It was a happy, invigorating morning, rounded off by Nazma Syed (right) distributing chocolates to mark her return from a holiday at Goa.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Nice of you, Nazma-ji for the chocolates this morning (yum!). Is anyone visiting Goa or his/her hometown in the near future? Well, honestly I am interested only in getting chocolates!
2. Today's Santa-Banta session by Santosh-ji was very nice. And so was the burst of laughter by Kishor-bhai and Arora-sah'b. Hanste Raho Hansate Raho. I also noticed our dear Shekhawat-ji regaining his usual good mood. We wish to see him and Rane-ji doing the daily Hoo-haa-haa dance like before.
--Harish

Movie Time

Yusuf Rassiwala (right) returned after a fortnight to revive his ‘movie outing’ programme that began and ended with Dabangg (see post of September 16). The options he offered for this week-end were Guzaarish, the latest Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer and Golmaal 3, Rohit Shetty’s comedy film with Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in the leads.
Sanjay Bhansali’s Guzaarish has been receiving rave reviews since its release last week-end and in Dilip Babani’s estimation, would be a “fun watch” as it would make us all cry shamelessly in the auditorium. Based on the Oscar-winning The Sea Within, it is a painfully silly tear-jerker on euthanasia veering around a bed-ridden quadriplegic and his smokingly beautiful nurse.
In contrast, Golmaal 3 is a fast-paced, action-packed rib-tickler – high on entertainment, hilarity and all that a Laughter Club celebrates. Little wonder, most members prefer watching this over Guzaarish, even as it is over three weeks old and many have already seen it. Besides, it has been the biggest box-office grosser of the season.
Meanwhile, we had Neelam Garg (left) making one of her rare appearances at the Garden this morning. There can be no saying when she will show up next, as this lady obviously likes to take us by surprise. To her credit, she adds to all the liveliness and mirth during the exercises and being an old member, hers is always a welcome presence.
One member we shall be missing is Nafisa Syed (right). It seems she has shifted to the MHADA flats beyond Lokhandwala Circle, from where she would not be getting company to the Garden every morning. Over the past year or so, Razia Khan has been dutifully chaperoning her to and fro, as they happened to be neighbors at Vaibhav Palace (on Oshiwara Link Road).
Santosh Tyagi is also threatening to abandon us. She says that space constraints have compelled her family to consider moving out of their present apartment in Tarapore Towers. Most likely, they would take up a place by the year-end near the Adarsh Nagar Lotus Petrol Pump.
Once again, issues of logistics and convenience would determine whether she would be able to maintain her morning appointment at the Club.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Santosh-ji, please give your decision a re-thought. We don't want to miss your one-liner satires and jokes. Hum sab bhi aap ko bahut yaad ayenge. So keep coming to the Garden, no matter where you stay.
2. Guru's Gyan is right: Exam time used to and still gives me goose-pimples. All questions used to be 'Sab kuchh alag hai aur sab kuchh naya hai'!.
3. Just to remind, I expect a small helping of kada prasad (halwa made in pure desi ghee with wheat aata on Guru Nanak Jayanti) from Mrs Harbans-ji, Santosh-ji or Geeta-ji. I hope someone's reading. Aakhir, haq se maang rahein hain!
4. How about Hisss, starring Mallika Sherawat? LOL. I am sure many of you reading this are smiling already, which means, "I Agree!" I am sure all the ones feeling not-so-well of late, will soon be fit and fine the very next day. By the way, it is not running in any theatre now. So let's come back to our simple living.
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
Yeay... hopefully, I should feel better by Thursday to go for the movie. Went back to the doctor again this evening. Terrible cough, bad throat and croaking like a frog, literally. Cannot attend the morning session in such a state, right? It will be sad if some of our members shift from their regular residences. They will be missed. However, let us wish them the best wherever they go and godbless always!
--Renu

PIC OF THE WEEK: 05

WHOA, whoa... what is Santosh-ji trying?

SEE, EVEN I CAN WHISTLE... MORE TO WOMAN POWER! -- Renu Babani

LET ME BLOW AWAY THE MOSQUITOES FROM THE GARDEN! -- Bhaswati Bose

KOI MIL GAYA,
KOI DIKH GAYA.
KYA BATAAOON YAARON,
DIL KHUSH HO GAYA!
--Harish Wadhwa

Saturday Morning Fever

It was a joyous Saturday morning when even Shekhawat laughed. Sunita Jajodia, for once, stayed till the end. Three people infiltrated our ranks – one woman and two men. Arora, Kishor and Dilip, Bapu Rane, Motwani, Sitaram… were all in full flow. The ladies, who have begun outnumbering the men again, were equally in their elements.
Kishor-bhai set the ball rolling by taking digs at Arora-sah'b (left), not allowing him to conduct the exercises with a straight face. As mentioned earlier, the two share an equation that goes beyond normal camaraderie. So when Arora wants the nachh-baliye number done eight times (as usual), Kishor wants it done “5 times and 3 times”. When Arora shouts, “Stand straight like a military man”, Kishor cheekily points at Shekhawat-ji. Ultimately, Arora has to concede, “Tu nahin sudhrega!”
Of course, there were inputs from others as well, leading to more frivolity and the usual commands of “Baatein kam” – followed by “Baatein shaam ko”. Some like Bhaswati Bose, Geeta Sandana and Mrs Harbans Singh (below right) cannot be restrained, once they get talking. And with Kajal Babani joining in, it has to be a laughter riot.
Significantly, it isn’t what happens within us, but the happenings around the Garden that also contribute to the amusement. For instance, there’s this pretty girl, fresh out of her teens, very fair but with a lost look and sloppy walk who has been visiting the Garden for a month or so. The reason she caught our eye is that an elderly man, well into his fifties, has been tagging on to her. Initially they were taken to be father and daughter. But over time it has become increasingly clear that there’s more to them than what meets the eye.
Dilip-bhai and Bose had long suspected this when they were spotted going different ways once out of the Gate. The girl drives a car. Today they created quite a scene, raising countless eyebrows, when the man kept desperately tugging at her while she resolutely resisted him. Instantly tongues started wagging in our group with speculation about their relationship reaching bizarre levels.
Though none of our concern, incidents such as these can challenge the imagination of our members and become lasting talking points, adding to all the hilarity. They help people get out of their shell and improve group interaction. But most importantly, Shekhawat-ji was seen laughing. Arora-sah’b will have to keep his plans of organizing a picnic on hold for the moment.

Renu Babani says:
Seems like today was lots of fun. I am sure the entertainment shall continue each day and the mystery behind the young girl and senior gentleman will be of interest to everyone. Well, something to talk about, I guess! The pictures posted are lovely as usual and well, if everyone gets back on track to their usual selves, then a picnic shall be on the agenda for sure.
--Renu

Harish Wadhwa says:
Kajal-ji, I thought sabko apna apna galaa sehlana hota hai after the exercise. But I see some other intentions in the pic!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
I seem to have missed the interesting gossip as usual. I know I am very bad at it anyway. Eh, but I am curious to know #$%%^&*! Can I get some update/info? No wonder I saw some men giving mand mand muskaan -- maybe, for that incident.
--Harish

Mixed Signals

Morning shows the day. So the prabhat pheri (right), stationed momentarily opposite the Garden Gate this morning, was a welcome sign. Regardless of community, caste, age or sex, everybody paid their respects to the Granth Sahib taken out in a motorized chariot ahead of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the day-after-tomorrow.
Arora-sa'ab came in slightly late as he had got delayed in the procession. On seeing Geeta Sandana, he suggested that she take an auto-rickshaw to catch up with the chariot and pay her respects to the holy book. Rane Bhau also came running in late and announced that they were serving free coffee to everybody along the way.
Nahid Khan had some bad news to deliver. It seems Rakhi Sawant’s brother, Rakesh has been admitted to Kokilaben Hospital with a serious heart condition. The good natured gentleman, who has been a regular in the Garden and is known to many of our members, suffered a massive stroke in the course of his walk yesterday. He is still in ICU, his condition precarious.
Between these extremes of good and bad tidings, there were some mixed signals, particularly from members missing. Yusuf Rassiwala’s son informed that his abbu-jaan is still badly caught up in business and it will be some more time before he would be able to attend the Club. Ramila Mistry sent word that she continues to be preoccupied with her mother, who has come visiting from Canada. Kishor-bhai informed that his wife, Renu’s fever has not yet subsided and he intends to take her to a doctor today.
Meanwhile, Kajal Babani (left) has kept her word after the Red Alert post of November 16. She showed up the following day and promised to “send” her husband, Dilip the next. She did. Today, much to everybody’s surprise, wife and husband turned up together after what seems to be ages.
With both of them around, there can not be a dull moment in the Club.

Bhaswati Bose says:<
Absolutely right, with Kajal Babani around, there can never be a dull moment (right)... for ME!
--Bhaswati

Renu Babani says:
I did go to the doctor today. Turns out, it is viral. Since it is contagious, will not be attending the morning sessions for a while. Have been advised rest, not to sneeze/cough in public and light foods. I shall be in touch with everyone through this blog and rest assured shall be back on my feet real soon. So do keep me entertained and updated each day.
--Renu

Bhaswati Bose says again:
Renu and I were regulars all of last week. Unfortunately, I have not gone for two days, nor has she. Get well soon Renu! We need to maintain our record. It's always a nice feeling to enter the Garden early morning and see your smiling face.
I don't know the gentleman who is hospitalised, but I pray that he too recovers soon.
--Bhaswati

Puzzling Prognosis

It is now fairly certain that Shekhawat-ji (right) is physically fit and fine. Repeated medical tests (since his visit to Rajasthan last month) have established that he does not suffer from any serious ailment or disease. According to him, his appetite, sleeping pattern, bowel movements, blood pressure, etc. are all normal.
Yet, he continues to be under a cloud – what he describes as ‘ghabrahat’. He appears self-absorbed, walks slowly with a stoop, hardly smiles or talks to anyone and worse, wears the look of fear on his face. This is not the Shekhawat we knew. He says that at home also, he does not feel like interacting with anybody, let alone receive phone calls.
The prognosis is grim. Much as the men in the Club feel that he would come around on his own and for the moment, we should let him be, this is turning out to be counter-productive. It has only kept him alienated. Santosh-ji believes it is a mistake to leave him alone and that he needs to be drawn into the activities of the Club more actively.
This morning when the ladies accosted him in the Garden, he had the same look of fear and helplessness. In their anxiety to help, they came up with a variety of suggestions – from consulting a shrink (Khatoon Baig gave the name of Dr Sachin Patkar) to visiting a witch doctor and lighting oil lamps to ward off the evil eye… Somehow, the unspoken belief is that Shekhawat-ji has fallen victim to black magic.
Only Geeta Sandana and Monthi Serrao came up with some practical solutions. Geeta-ji (right), who is just back from her ten-day teerth of Madurai, Rameshwaram and Srirangam, could not hide her shock, looking at Shekhawat-ji’s feeble state. She gave him her own example of how she had to fight her battles when she was lying indisposed last year and could not even tie her saree. She urged him to summon the strength to fight his depression and be his normal confident self again.
Monthi-ji is also convinced that his is a case of acute depression and loss of self-confidence, which cannot be cured by remaining aloof. “Aapko aagey aane ka, logon ke saath milne ka,” she reminded him. In all this pep talk, what has gone unnoticed is how Mrs Shekhawat (left) has recovered fully from being similarly down, following the Rajasthan trip. When she attended the Diwali bash last week, who would say, looking at her, that she too had been suffering?
Perhaps Shekhawat-ji needs to take a leaf from her book.

Renu Babani says:
Yes, we all have to fight our own fears or battles in our own way. Self determination, will power and the attitude that nothing is wrong with me... always works. They say it is all in the mind, and so true. Believe in yourself, and be sure that everything will be fine. Using one's positive energy on oneself helps a lot in many ways and who knows, what helps!
--Renu

Impromptu Celebration

Today is Eid-ul Adha, or Bakr Eid. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, let us join our Muslim members and their families, wishing everybody health and happiness, divine forgiveness for all mistakes, ease from suffering and acknowledgement of good deeds done. May your prayers be answered.
Partly out of this celebratory mood and mainly on impulse, Srichand Arora decided to treat everybody to phapra-jalebi. For many days he had been complaining that he hasn’t had phapra-jalebi for ages, simply because nobody in the Club shares his taste for this crispy morning snack. Yesterday, he was discussing this outside the Garden gate when Harish-bhai and Bose egged him on to go ahead and give all members a surprise today. Sushma Gupta’s husband, who was passing by, offered to get sohan papdi as an add-on.
However, this morning, Arora-sa’ab seemed to be in two minds, wondering whether there would be enough members attending – today being Eid. The moment Kishor-bhai said that the cat was already out of the bag (as Harish-bhai had mentioned the phapra-jalebi treat in his blog post yesterday), Arora jumped up. “Arey baap re, phir toh jana hi padega,” he said and summoning Grover-sa’ab, dashed towards the Gate. In less than an hour, he was back from Jagruti (near Andheri Station), lugging bags of phapra-jalebi.
It was a well-appreciated surprise for most members, even as Hari Narayiani kept cribbing about Arora not getting a goat along on Bakr-Eid morning. Here is a “ghaas-phoos eater” wanting to start his day with mutton! But it was taken in good humour as everybody knows Hari-bhai is simply irrepressible. He must have his say in everything.
Renu Babani and Monthi Serrao did not look too well this morning. One is running fever and the other has an upset tummy. Both had to take breaks from the exercises and sit on the side bench – which is not their style. Let us wish them speedy recovery.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Arora-ji, so nice of you and Grover-sa'ab to take the trouble. More than the food element, we could see many smiling and chirpy faces. Mission accomplished!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
Hey, I caught Bose "stealing" goodies from Bhaswati's plate (not fair!) despite the fact that he had his own share. Like a journalist I took a 'picture of the moment'Tomorrow, I wish to see the Tehelka expose of that moment on the blog. No sympathies to the phapra chor. Bhaswati-ji, I expect tough action from you for this gustakhi.
--Harish

Bhaswati Bose says:
Old habits die hard!
--Bhaswati

Here's that scandalous picture (right) -- the 'phapra chor' caught in the act.
--Big Laaf

Harish Wadhwa adds:
Did you notice how Ramila-ji took the initiative this morning to serve the goodies to everyone with so much love and enthusiasm? She has an infectious smile with which she does it that made the jalebis a lot more sweeter than their normal taste. Thanks.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds further:
I feel our dear Shekhawat-ji and Monthi-ji need to quickly organise a small picnic in the near future. I am sure this will pep both of them and the others. Wishing them good health!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds still further:
Kishor-bhai's Guru Gyan said it all about today's impromptu celebration theme.
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
Despite feeling under the weather, the impromptu party was welcome and did cheer me up. Just being together in such good company was fun. Hopefully, should feel better by tomorrow to attend in the morning. Otherwise will just be under the blanket till I feel good. I guess due to Eid the attendance was low. Where is everyone? Come on everyone, let's get back to the Garden. It is no fun without everyone around. Mr Bose, how could you sneak a bite from your wife's plate? Not fair! Wish I had seen that. I would have definitely said something.
--Renu

‘Red Alert’

Last night’s thundershower had threatened to wash away our morning exercises today. But slowly, one after another, everybody turned up (well, almost). Even G.R.Garg and P.Motwani were there. Srichand Arora came driving in 40 km from Panvel to keep his appointment with us.
But two absentees have become a subject of growing concern. Ramila Mistry (left) and Dilip Babani were last seen at the Diwali get-together in the Chinese Hut. The former had reported sick with body-ache and flu, which could be attributed to the weather change. Last heard, she had promised to resume this week, but to date there’s been no trace of her.
Dilip-bhai (right) has always been the proverbial ‘mystery man’, adept at springing surprises. He could be attending regularly for days on end – often turning up before time – and suddenly he would do the disappearing act. His wife, Kajal is understandably busy with her kids in the morning and cannot be expected to attend the Club every day. But this gentleman, who at times, has been sighted entering the Garden while we are leaving, seems to have vanished completely.
Maybe, we need to sound a Red Alert for these missing members.
Meanwhile, Rane Bhau is doing well conducting the Laughter Round these days. Since the time he took charge, he has introduced some innovative elements, the most significant being the rounding up in Hindi for “Very Good, Very Good, Hey!” He has got us to say, “Bahut Achche, Bahut Achche, Hey!” Arora-sa’ab wants the “Hey” bit to be also translated – probably to “Oui"! But Harish-bhai suggested that it can be “Mazaa aa gaya!”
Many members like Harish-bhai are demanding to know the identity of the lady walking past the picture of ‘Rane Gandhi’ in last Sunday’s Pic of the Week (see post of November 14). Santosh Tyagi (left) has the answer. According to her, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Santa Singh had to write an essay on the Father of the Nation. He did a fairly good job, painstakingly covering Gandhi-ji’s life from birth to death, but in the end, he pleaded ignorance on a point of detail: “Maaloom nahin, yeh Jayanti kaun thi.”
Well, now we know!

Harish Wadhwa says:
Hello! Young, handsome and the beautiful, tomorrow morning is fafda-jalebi treat being arranged by Arora-ji. Don't miss the fun. Have some warm nimbu pani in the morning to enjoy the goodies better. Our wish is to cheer one and all the members. And hopefully tempt the missing faces on Red Alert to start coming regularly.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds:
With prabhat-pheri ahead of Babaji Guru Nanak Dev's birth celebrations on November 21, we can expect kada prasad from Mrs Harbans Singh. Please keep reminding her. After all, we are the beneficiaries.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds further:
Our dear Santosh Aunty ("Aunty mat bolo naa!")is always ready with Santa-Banta jokes and her stock never gets exhausted. I am sure the two gentlemen are related to her. (Ooops!) Inspire her to share the laughter with everyone, everyday. May God bless her with a long and healthy life and hope that we keep getting this Laughter ka Daily dose.
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
Yes, maybe we should have a MIA (Missing in Action) List. Strange, I thought I was not a regular in the morning, but seems like the tables have turned. So, Mrs Bose, let's give ourselves a pat on the back. We have done well for ourselves! The weather is really weird, but let's hope that members do turn up like today at least. At least when I come in the morning, I don't feel guilty the entire day.
--Renu

Business As Usual

Dark, windless morning. Overcast skies. But the mood in the Garden is upbeat. Kishor and Renu (right) have just returned from their week-end trip to the Sai Baba temple at Shirdi. As usual, they have brought back prasad for all the members. Trust this couple, they do not return from anywhere without bringing something for us.
Hari Naraiyani is also ebullient, having obviously overcome his medical problems. But Mrs Harbans Singh (left) is not around, as she has gone for the prabhat-pheri ahead of Guru Nanak’s birth celebrations on November 21. She makes up for her absence at the Garden by walking it up to the gurudwara at Four Bungalows and back.
Rane Bhau is also in high spirits as he conducted the laughter round this morning. He has obviously not seen himself in the blog yesterday as he did not respond to being addressed as “Mahatma Gandhi”, particularly by Kishor-bhai. All he seems to be concerned with at the moment is that Harbhajan Singh gets to complete his century at Hyderabad. The latter is presently stuck at an overnight score of 85 not-out.
Pratap Bhatt (right) is however, in a spot of trouble. Returning to the Club after more than a week, he informs us that not only is he keeping poor health, his wife’s glaucoma problem is giving him sleepless nights. She had already lost the sight of one eye after a botched up cataract operation. He cannot take chances now with the other eye and plans to take her to a specialist at Ahmedabad next week.
Meanwhile, here’s a little trivia you may like to put in your pipe and smoke. It has come to light that our Harish Wadhwa and the new chief minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan share a common place of birth and alma mater. Both are from Indore and both happen to have done their engineering from BITS, Pilani. That they are separated by more than 20 years is however, another matter. The point is that we have in our midst, a chief minister in the making!

Bhaswati Bose says:
We shall eagerly wait for the day when Harish-bhai occupies the CM's kursi -- maybe after 10 years!
--Bhaswati

Renu Babani says:
Seriously, doesn't Mr Harish have the personality of a minister in the making? Perhaps he should consider it.
Mrs Bose, you haven't commented on my caption. Perhaps you are speechless, or found it too dry!
A visit to Shirdi was lovely as usual and one can never get enough of it. You return with a sense of serenity that remains with you for a long time to come. We were exhausted, but after resting on Sunday, managed to make it on Monday and were happy to get back to meeting everyone. Back to routine and sweet memories of our trip!
--Renu

Renu-ji, that was not a very nice compliment for Harish-bhai... or anyone.
--Big Laaf

Renu Babani says:
Hey! I meant well, come on. Where was the harm in what I said? Please explain. (However, if it has offended anyone, I do apologise sincerely.)
--Renu

Personality-wise, ministers are known to be the ugliest, most uncouth and despicable creatures around. You obviously did not mean that. So relax, no offence taken!
--Big Laaf

Srichand Arora says:
I doubt if anybody will like our dear Harish-bhai to be in Gandhi-topi and lie for the rest of his life. So Harish-bhai, forget the chair of Chief Minister. We all are happy sitting on chair (without chair). That's our Kissa Kursi Kaaaaaaaaa! Before taking oath as CM, Prithviraj Chavan was known as a clean person. The next day itself he was found with some manipulation on a quota deal.
--Arora

Harish Wadhwa says:
Thank you all for thinking of me as the future CM. My chest is bloated an extra six inches. No harm dreaming big as long as the feet are on the ground. Renu-ji, Bhaswati-ji and Arora-ji, meri ghar mein toh chalti nahin, State kaise chalega!LOL... I suggest you make my wife the CM. Women outshine in such positions as they can then command more men than the ones at home. There was already a precedence in Bihar, right?
I have neither the blood nor the skin needed to be in politics. As an emotional person, I would go with Arora-ji's advice and stick to my near and dear at the Laughing Club and at home.
--Harish

There goes our chance for a flat alloted in Colaba -- on prime defence land. BOOFFF!
--Big Laaf

Harish Wadhwa adds:
Guru, I endorse your gyan about alcohol having female hormones. Fully convinced. The sequence of behaviour after drinks doesn't matter. But the symptoms are always the same or a mix of them.
--Harish

PIC OF THE WEEK: 04

Actually this is meant for kids (today being Children’s Day). But you may also try:
Identify the man you see painted on the shutters in the backdrop. You have four options:
(a) Bapu Gandhi;
(b) Frontier Gandhi;
(c) Chenab Gandhi;
(d) none of the above.
Post your replies by clicking Comments below, or e-mail to biglaaf@gmail.com immediately. Those with the correct answer could earn the rare privilege of shaking hands with this eminent personality.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Bole toh, Rane-sa'ab lag rahein hai. Par woh kanya kaun hai?
--Harish

"LAGE RAHO RANE-BHAI!" --Bhaswati

Harish Wadhwa adds:
I know of one person called Rane Gandhi, who resembles this picture and whose name is missing from the options. He has an infectious smile and ensures that others laaf with him too every morning. We all appreciate his zest for life. May God bless him a long and smiling life. By the way, I am keen to know who that lady in stilettos and the umbrella (Wow!) is. Rane Gandhi's smiling expression is as young as the lady's walk and style.
--Harish

Renu Babani's caption:
"I got me a room-with-a-view in New York just 'cos they thought I was Gandhi-ji. Now, if only I can pull if off for the next 24 hours, will be able to catch the Red Eye (flight) back home... FREEEE!"
--Renu

Sterling Examples

Hari Singh Shekhawat (right, in blue) is trying his damned best to look chirpy and cheerful. Ramila Mistry has not yet recovered from her fever and body-ache. Yusuf Rassiwala has also been absenting himself. Hari Nariayani is down with a bout of medical issues. Arun Patil is hospitalized.
Amidst all the comings and goings from time to time, two individuals stand out for their matchless dedication and commitment to our morning meet. Come what may, you would rarely, if ever, find Srichand Arora(above) or Nahid Khan (below) missing from action at the Club. For both of them to be together not present is next to impossible.
The effect of this regularity shows. Arora-ji knows how to enjoy a drink or two in the evenings, smokes moderately and generally believes in living life to the fullest. But on his morning routine, there is no compromise. Before turning up at the Garden, he’d have invariably made his rounds of the nearby Joggers’ Park and Garden No 2 and having broken happily into sweat, would he take a brisk walk back to conduct our exercises.
Nahid Khan is no different. For the past four or five years, she too has been subjecting herself to a punishing schedule that does not end with the Club exercises. As mentioned in an earlier post, she reserves her mornings for pushing her body to extreme levels of endurance, such that today, let alone fall ill, she is unarguably the fittest among all the ladies. Like Arora-ji’s, her face scarcely betrays her age. It is always fresh and glowing.
These are two motivational examples of what sincerity and being regular about our own health and fitness regimen can do. So all you lazybones, please take note and get your act together. Attendance today was an embarrassment. Despite being a week-end, barely a dozen of us showed up. Somehow, we do not seem to realize that it is entirely from being consistent that we stand to reap the benefits of exercising.
The only diversion from routine, today, was the re-emergence of Mumtaz Jahan after one-and-half months. She distributed sweets to celebrate her newly-acquired status of being a nani. Her daughter in Delhi has given birth to a baby boy.

Srichand Arora says:
Hi! Have you all marked that since last month, I have stopped taking a break on Mondays? Earlier I used to be away from my Laughter Club on Mondays. It is because of no more late nights on Sundays, thanks to my better half. Also, thanks to all of you for the love showered on me.
--Arora

Bhaswati Bose responds:
So the credit goes to Kiran-ji. As they say, behind every man's success (and well-being) there is a woman!
--Bhaswati

Renu Babani says:
I was at Shirdi with my better half and returned late-Saturday night. Rather exhausted, so do not know if I will attend on Sunday. Yes Mr Arora, you have been coming in the morning on Mondays as well. Mrs Bose, although some credit does go to his wife, you have to admit that Mr Arora is a man who is determined to stick by what he believes in and tries to set the same example for us. Hopefully the rest will get back to routine as well.
-- Renu

Comeback Trail

Despite the change of weather and some significant dropouts of late, there has been no perceptible change in daily attendance at the Club. This is largely due to a number of members, who were given up for good, now staging a comeback. They may not be as punctual as the rest; but as it is said, better late than never.
The oldest, most colorful and invariably the last to show up every morning is our Mr Jain (right). Apparently, he has to do his number in the nearby Garden No 2 before making it for our prayer session. Many may be scared of his sharp tongue, and yet, he always manages an eager audience for his “Jain brand” of humour. It is strictly adult.
Sushma Gupta (left) is another welcome late-comer, but she’s getting regular by the day. For the past year or so, she has had to keep herself out of the exercising routine due to certain domestic commitments. Nevertheless, she used to come often to the Garden with her grand-daughter and had also hosted a birthday party for her last August. Now that the baby is back with its parents in the U.S., she says she’s “free” and would be attending regularly.
Harish Wadhwa (right) is yet another comeback kid who seems to be also enjoying a breather in the sun – from intermittent traveling. As the youngest male member, he tends to land himself in the role of a trouble shooter – be it fixing the wires for the music system, updating membership lists, making copies of CDs, etc. Any problem, Harish-bhai is there, ready to oblige, always with a smile. He was not to be seen for a few months, but it seems as though he had been away for ages.
And finally, who hasn’t been missing Kiran Arora (left) – Srichand Arora’s better half? Now that she is coming every day, the ladies look more relaxed and less worried about being pulled up by her husband. Not only does she have a calming effect on him, the liberties she takes in his presence provide enough encouragement (and entertainment) for all to let their hair down during the exercises. It also adds to the fun and frolic of the mornings.
For the Club, the reappearance of these familiar faces carries a sense of ‘homecoming’ of sorts.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Guru, in a nutshell, the road to success is like Sensex -- is'nt it? Keep investing and keep trying!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
Kudos to Big Laaf for blogging everyday’s happenings. It is such a delight to read them. Today I was pleasantly surprised to see myself on it. Thanks so much for writing about the "young". By the way, the legendry Hemant Kumar's songs were class. I enjoyed listening to them.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds:
I overheard today about someone not being well and that he is unable to walk presently. I pray to the Almighty to help our friend recover sooooooon.
--Harish
Rehana Shaikh was speaking of Arun Patil undergoing treatment for 'diabetic foot'. For details, please see Bad Word blogpost of October 23, 2010.
Big Laaf

Darkness at Dawn

For those of us who set out for the Club around 6:30 a.m., the street lights are still on at places. It is not yet winter but the nights are already getting longer and there is a gentle nip in the air. Very soon we would be treated to the wonderful spectacle of the Garden remaining brightly lit up while shadowy figures scurry about, round and round on the walking track. Only after 7.00 a.m. would we be able to catch the first rays of the rising sun.
The first casualty would be attendance. Many of the smiling faces we are accustomed to these days would disappear. All those who take pride at being regular would then show up disheveled with a scowl on their faces, if they’ve not already cursed the world and gone back to sleep. The common consensus is that only a fool, idiot or moron would venture out to do Ho-Ho, Ha-Ha with other fools, idiots and morons on wintry mornings.
Winter also brings its share of problems for the elderly. Our music system has thrown up its hands after Arora-sah’b refused to listen to its repeated protests over age-related issues. It had been coughing and spluttering for some time, before turning suddenly choosy about the music it wanted to play. Despite all the coaxing and cajoling (even slapping), it refused to play CDs of Talat Mahmood and Hemant Kumar. Finally, Arora-sah’b had to relent and put it to retirement.
Another elderly member, Hari Naraiyani (left)is complaining of dry skin and chipped lips, which prevent him from talking too much and smiling – among other things. But more bothersome is the persistent pain on the right side of his lower abdomen. He does not know what it is and does not want to know. He firmly believes that should he consult a doctor, he would be treated as a guinea pig.
S.R.Rane is also suffering. He has contracted conjunctivitis and yet, bravely walked into the Garden wiping his eyes. Coincidentally, at that very moment, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s song was playing on Kishor bhai’s tiny handset: “Tum jo aaye, zindagi mein, baat ban gayi.” The connection was not lost on anybody. Everybody smiled politely, but Nafisa had to jump at her chance: “Tum jo aaye… toh baat bigad gayi.”
Keep laughing!

Renu Babani says:
Oh, the sweet sleep on a wintry morning, huddled under the blanket, warm and cosy, and then trrrrrrrrrrrrriinnnggggg... goes the loud alarm screaming in your ears, which makes you want you to literally curse at it, wishing you hadn't made the mistake of setting it last night. However, exercise beckons and you have to get up, so best make a habit of it, whatever the season may be. Yes, we meet daily, despite the season changing, although the days are shorter and we grumble, complain and whine constantly about the weather. Do we appreciate what we have -- each other, being able to have another day and seeing another day! So, let's appreciate today and live for tomorrow.
--Renu

Harish Wadhwa says:
Nafisa said what 95% people experience and the balance 5% lie about. LOL. Parde Mein Rehene Doh, Parda Na Uthao; Parda Jo Uth Gaya toh, Baat Bigad Jayegi...
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
Renu-ji, I am reminded of some lovely words after reading your comments: Today Is, Because... Yesterday Was... and, Tomorrow Will be. Thank the Almighty, that we see and experience a lovely day, every day.
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa adds:
Rane-sa'ab is strictly advised to keep his eyes wandering only at the members of the Club and the soothing green grass and the exercises. He should refrain from winking at the bold and the beautiful walking around in the early hours of the day. This is the only quick cure for sore eyes. Just on a lighter note, Rane-ji!
--Harish

Renu Babani replies:
I totally agree with you Mr Harish. We are so lucky for each day and honestly, I think one should appreciate more. We tend to forget how much we have and take things for granted. The mere fact that we are able to get up, walk and face another day is worth being thankful. So let's not forget to appreciate every small thing bestowed upon us.
--Renu

In and Out

Kiran Sajjan (left) showed up today and Ramila Mistry has disappeared. Harish Kumar Wadhwa returned from his Diwali sojourn at Indore and Tara Chand (below right) is leaving for his winter vacation in Delhi. Khatoon Baig is back from a wedding in her family and Razia Khan and Nafisa Syed have both gone missing. Sunita Jajodia is back and…
Sunita-ji (below left) is going through a bad time on the health front. She suffers from a sensitive heart condition and the other day, for some strange reason, she drifted into unconsciousness during her sleep. Luckily, it was detected in time – when she was not responding to her family members shaking her bed. According to her, her body had turned cold and her son had to massage her palms and soles continually till medical help arrived. The odd part is that this sudden occurrence remains undiagnosed. All tests have apparently placed her in the clear and the only suspicion now left is an unexplained drop in blood sugar levels.
Meanwhile, Shekhawat-ji is showing signs of rapid recovery. He too has been down with an unexplained ailment that has kept him depressed and irritable since his return from his Dussehra vacation. For the past three days though, he is regular in his attendance and smiling more. According to him, the only abnormality doctors have found is his “cholesterol level being on the slightly higher side”.
The other good news of the day is that Arora-sah’b has saved some money from the collections of the Diwali get-together yesterday. Members were pleasantly surprised this morning when he went around distributing Rs 60 to everybody as the excess amount collected for the refreshments. What a nice way to start the day when you receive money that you least expect!
This is wishing everybody bigger windfalls during the day… every day, right round the year.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Kishore Bhai, your GURU GYAN today is poetic and rocking. Nice one!
--Harish

Harish Wadhwa says again:
Our heartiest Get Well Soon wishes to Sunita-ji and Shekhawat-ji, who have not been feeling well of late. I am sure with God's blessings they will soon be healthy and flash their usual smile. By the way I saw Arora-ji was distributing kadak (mint notes) of ten rupees this morning. I, for a moment, thought that he was giving it to ALL as a Diwali gift. But alas, some of us had to leave without them. LOL.
--Harish