Inside-Outside

As the monsoon kicks in, exercising inside the Chinese Hut ceases to be an option. There has only to be a hint of a drizzle and we would frantically scramble in en masse like frightened children. The exercises are resumed soon afterwards.
Today was the first day we went through this drill. The attendance was initially low and we started out with Hari Singh Shekhawat (above) taking charge in the middle. He could just about get through the laughter round when the skies darkened and a few droplets landed on us. Instantly we packed up and scurried into the Chinese Hut – safe and secure.
There was actually no reason for anybody to turn up this morning, considering that till half-an-hour before the exercises, we had a heavy downpour. But as tomorrow is a big day, people came in expecting a last-minute briefing session. Sure enough, Shekhawat obliged by instructing everybody to gather outside Sab Kuchh at 12:30 p.m. sharp and for those who did not know its location, he had all the details on how to reach the place.
A brief discussion broke out on the question of admitting guests to the luncheon party. The earlier embargo was relaxed to include what Shekhawat described as “relations” – spouses, in-laws, children and grandchildren, etc. However, in all these cases, a nominal guest fee of Rs250 per head would be charged.
Some ladies had an issue with individuals who rarely show up for exercises, but as their names exist in the membership list, they continue to enjoy the privileges of regular members. Mention was made of a few (sorry, no names here) who miraculously get wind of every party or picnic in the offing and turn up, only to disappear soon after. The general drift of the argument was that if these free-loaders were not serious about the Club, they had no business to be on its rolls.
Well, till a call is taken on their membership, we will have to live with them.
Srichand Arora says:
Can we not make separate groups for Laughter Club and Yoga Group? This might take us out of this situation. Please give a thought to this. I appreciate Mr Shekhawat's suggestion to allow relatives -- spouse, in-laws, children and grand-children -- as guests. But here again, we have to think whom we call relatives?
--Arora