Unequal Contest

In theatre, unless there is conflict, there can be no drama. In cinema too, you need a ‘clash of opposites’ to generate some excitement. Likewise, in our day-to-day exercises at the Garden, we need to create unequal contests to make the mornings fun and fulfilling.
And what better rivalry can there be than pitting men against women?
Imagined though it is, the ongoing contest has all the makings of a full-blown gender war -- but with a difference. What began as a silly numbers game (see post of July 20, 2010), now keeps everybody on their toes over whether there are more men than women in attendance, or vice-versa. It has long been established that there can be no way the men can beat the women in numbers, but we still rejoice at the appearance of every male member at the Garden gate and Arora-sah’b still pretends to break into sobs whenever he catches sight of a lady coming in. Attempts at waking men up in their beds or calling for the gates to be shut (the moment the numbers even out) have proved futile. Women have been winning hands down.
Of late, the competition has been taken a notch higher. For the Lion and Lioness’ round, the men have a star campaigner in Dilip Babani (left) who can sustain the beastly growl for on and on and on… long after the others have given up. But then, he alone cannot be any match to the combined ferocity of the many deadly damsels who, with eyes popping and tongues lolling out (above right) can outsnarl the daylights out of anyone. Besides, with Dilip-bhai not being too regular these days, the men have lost out in this contest as well.
Now, they have devised a new way to take on the women, with Shekhawat-ji in the forefront. He waits for the Slow and Fast laughing round before starting his Ho-ho Ha-ha with forefingers trained on one lady or the other. Initially it was Ramila-ben and then, in her absence, his target practice shifted to Geeta Sandhana. When neither is present, Nahid Khan (right) becomes his default target. With a Bapu Rane or Dilip-bhai egging him on from behind, Shekhawat-ji can go on and on for ever – emptying his bullets!
At least here, there is no competition.

Renu Babani says:
The ladies somehow do outnumber the men, no matter what... wonder why? If, on some rare occasion, the males outnumber the women, it is a victory for the males and they rejoice so much it is unbelievable. However, it is all done in good humour and the constant banter keeps the atmosphere light. Every comment is given a reply and that leads to laughter from everyone. Our group is definitely unique, unmatchable and we return every morning, just to be in each other's company. I personally would like to thank each and everyone for making our guests feel so comfortable when they came to the Garden and for the movie. They were impressed by the group and assured us that once they return from their tour, they will take a group picture to show everyone back home. Also thank you, Blog Monster, for your daily posts, which keep us interested on what is going on. At times there are certain details which we do not even pay attention to but somehow you do see it. Your writing is interesting and keep it up, because without you, we wouldn't be even known.
--Renu