Blessing in Disguise

We have been unceremoniously ousted from the tiny patch of land outside the Chinese Hut. Six gleaming monstro-sities stood parked there this morning as the Car Bazaar in the Garden (see yesterday’s post) spilled over, making it impossible for us to exercise in that space.
But it was a blessing in disguise. For, we were back to where we belong – right in the middle of the Garden where we used to exercise before the monsoon had set in. The grass has been neatly cropped and in the mild sunshine, with a gentle breeze blowing across, we couldn’t have asked for anything better. The feeling of being cramped for space was no longer there.
This surely was liberating for all. And on popular request, Shekhawat (left) revived his practice of post-exercise “announcements” – which was rather in the nature of a health bulletin today. He spoke at length of his ailment which had rendered him weak and to lose weight, the blood test reports which have come in as “normal”, the medication he must take which leaves him drowsy, how he has kept off hard liquor, the feeling of being famished before lunch and dinner time… While some ladies like Harbans Singh advised him not to worry too much as these are age-related issues, others like Kishor Babani indicated that there was a lesson to be learnt from all this: Shekhawat must banish the thought of ever going to his village in Rajasthan!
The suggestions, made in jest, were taken in the right spirit as the common intent, which remained unsaid was one: We all want to see this man back to being his former sprightly self – in robust health, bubbling with energy and getting everybody charged around. For ultimately, he is the driving force behind the Club.
Renu Babani:
Yes, despite being forced to change our exercise spot, everyone was in high spirits. The weather proved lovely, a strong wind blowing, thus no one would complain about the heat or humidity. Everyone was on Mr Shekhawat's case on the Lonavala picnic. The poor guy kept a brave smiling face and said that he is not yet upto it. We are hoping that he gets well real fast so the picnic takes place soon. It was a cheerful morning no doubt and nothing spoilt the atmosphere. Where are the remaining members? Come back soon, everyone remembers you guys!