Day 386

Members have not failed to notice the transformation in Sitaram Hivarkar (left) of late. From a time when he used to stay aloof, restricting himself to conducting the morning prayers (and occasionally the exercises), he has now become hugely outgoing, gregarious and a fun-loving soul like the rest of us.
He comes nattily dressed in jeans and colorful T-shirt and actively participates in all the Club activities, showing keen interest in the jokes’ session, passes witty comments, takes digs at others and is able to laugh at himself. When anybody tries to copy his mannerisms, including those patented lines like “Take attention please”, or “Now for the up”, he sportingly responds with a “Aii shabash!”
This is the same man, who, not very long ago would remain glum-faced and scoff at the idea of a picnic or party. An ex-serviceman, he was known to be of the old school – a stickler for discipline. The only time he would look cheerful, was when he’d be asked to sing. Music remains his passion. But by and large, people felt inhibited in his presence. Today, everybody takes liberties with him and he responds in the same free spirit – of course, with no offence meant.
The credit for bringing about this change goes to Srichand Arora and Kishor Babani. Here are two individuals who can draw the most reticent of people out of their shells to show them the brighter side of life. Nothing stops them from having their way, particularly Kishor, who is an ace comic. Today, for no reason, he started mimicking Neelam Garg – the peculiar way she says “namastey” – much to everybody’s delight. Anybody else trying the same prank would have incurred the combined wrath of all the ladies of the Club. But Kishor can get away with blue murder!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
What about the signature laugh of Mrs Nahid Khan? We must patent that too in her name. Kishor-bhai was at his best today at the chai session. Could'nt resist laughing for a while, even after we dispersed.
Says RENU BABANI:
Kudos to Mr Arora and Kishor for cleverly helping Mr Sitaram come out of his shell. However, I feel that all members are fun-loving and get along with each other. Even if anyone tries to be aloof, it just doesn't work. The rest can see through it. Today, despite the male members outnumbering the females, the constant chit-chat was from the ladies' side. So let's admit it, we women can talk about nothing and anything. Numbers don't count.
Also worth mentioning, I deserve a feather in my cap because I succeeded in attending the morning sessions from Monday to Friday. Trust me, it was no easy achievement. Several regular members were MIA -- missing in action. I suppose the previous night's thundershowers deterred them from venturing out this morning. Hopefully we shall see them tomorrow.
Finally, a note for Blog Monster: Personally I preferred when there was a title to the daily post as it made for a more interesting read. However, this is my personal opinion. Rest is entirely up to you.
Says BIG LAAF:
No issue on switching to the earlier practice of titles to daily posts. But would others also prefer that? Let's get some more opinions.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Let's have a title after the Day No. Simple!
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
Harish-bhai, we do not know what goes on in your chai sessions. Why are we not kept in the loop? Why should you guys have all the fun?
HARISH WADHWA replies:
"Parde mein rehene do/ Parda na uthao/ Parda jo uth gaya to phir /Police thanedar aa jayega..." Well, actually we are a 'decent' lot and we talk what possibly all women discuss and share -- jokes, satire, current politics... So all women are welcome to join, though at their own risk!
Says SRICHAND ARORA:
The 'Guru Gyan' of Sri Sri Kishor Swami today was really fantastic and one should remember it for life: "Chirag se andhere mit jaate, toh chaand ki zaroorat kyon hoti/ Zindagi akele kat jaati, toh aap jaise yaar ki zaroorat kyon hoti..." Heads off to you Swami-ji!