Under the Scanner

Ever since Hari Singh Shekhawat started filling in for absentee "teachers" (left), he has been under a scanner. Even when he does not conduct the exercises, all eyes seem to be upon him, scrutinizing him for the way he laughs, if he completes an action fully, whether he is bending properly… Not that it matters to anybody, least of all him. More importantly, this is done in jest, not to hurt feelings. Still, when Nahid Khan makes a comment like “Shekhawat-ji is always in a hurry to fly”, everybody’s attention instantly zeroes in on him.
Yesterday, Nafisa Sayed picked on him during the stretching exercises, mimicking his action, much to everybody’s amusement. Yusuf Rassiwala too had to correct him a couple of times. Srichand Arora declared jokingly that there is not a single exercise Shekhawat performs correctly. He took it forward today by pulling up the latter for not knowing how to laugh. “Until you toko him, he will not improve,” Arora reasoned, only to invite comments on whether he meant “toko” or “thoko”!
Meanwhile, Khatoon Baig and Razia Khan (right) came up with the suggestion of having a joint mega-celebration for all the members’ birthdays falling in June and July. According to them, there are about a dozen such members who might like to pool in and host a “grand party” in some restaurant close by. The idea was welcomed by all and the date tentatively fixed is Saturday, June 11. Arora offered to check with the next-door Celebration Club if such an event can be organized on "reasonable terms".
Watch this space.
Renu Babani says:
Yes, perhaps Mr Shekawat has his own way of performing the exercises, but let's appreciate the fact that he does come forward. Not everyone has the guts to be in the centre. We may laugh at one another, even be critical, but towards the end, we come together and have learnt to sideline lots of issues. It is not easy for so many different people to be standing together and learn to be cordial and friendly with one another. We have grown together, understanding the other person's need for space and privacy when necessary, and being a part of each other's joy and sorrow. I am sure this group shall continue in unity and most certainly no one shall even try to cause a rift in anyway. Let us see them even try!
--Renu