M’shwar Mourning

School children in rural India are taught an important lesson very early in life: You mustn’t pull the ladder off someone you have led up a tree. Despite their advanced years, some of our urbane, city-bred members are yet to learn this basic morality maxim. They put forth a proposal for a picnic. They say it is long overdue. They speak in one voice, naming Mahabaleshwar as an ideal week-end getaway. Their proposal is accepted instantly and preparations for the trip are underway. The date is fixed, the mode of travel decided, hotel identified, best rates worked out, money collected… And then the fun starts. Somebody discovers a back problem. Another complains of arthritis. A third suffers from travel sickness. A fourth develops severe diabetes – or is it asthma? Yet another wakes up to incontinence... One by one, they begin to backtrack.
Today, Shekhawat returned the money collected (actually, Grover’s contribution only), thus bringing the curtains down on Mahabaleshwar. To many, this came as a big surprise but for most members, it was “only expected”. Kishor Babani too had apprehended such an outcome and by way of abundant caution, wanted to book his tickets earlier (see yesterday’s post). But then, he is not one to give up easily. True to his word, he will go ahead with the trip on October 14, whether anybody joins him or not. That’s the spirit, Kishor!
Amid the sense of despair and awkwardness caused by this fiasco, Monthi Serrao and then, Harish Wadhwa brought in some cheer (left). Monthi had been through a rough patch over the past one month with a vicious malarial attack, leading to her hospitalisation. She claims to be fit and fine now. It was indeed nice to have her back.
Harish though, is still not out of the woods. He is running tests for the past one week since the cause of his intermittent fever has not been diagnosed as yet. Everybody says he needs complete rest. We wish him rapid recovery and relief from all distress. Get well soon, Harish!
Harish Wadhwa:
* Thank you so much for the good wishes. The Almighty's blessings, friends' good wishes and a doctor's healing touch can make all the difference. Hopefully, I should be fine soon.
* The top pic is really nice -- as if clicked for promos of a movie or a theatre! Nice "cinemascope" view of the actors of Big Laaf.
Renu Babani:
At this point and time it is useless discussing the M'shwar trip. Everyone seems to have their own personal issues; so best is to leave everyone alone. Those interested shall go ahead and why not.
Yes, good to see Monthy-ji and Harish-bhai back at the Garden. The turnout increased this morning -- a sign of the weather improving and everyone all geared up for the daily routine. The constant chatter was a huge distraction today. Razia Khan eventually gave up and decided that those who are serious in their exercise will do so quietly. It is no use constantly distracting oneself by trying to silence the rest. However, this is the fun part of being together, because I am sure, that is the reason everyone turns up everyday.
Srichand Arora (from Singapore):
Harish-bhai, I just read about your health. I wish you an early recovery. Without you in the Garden, our Badmaash Company is not complete. So get well soon and attend the Laughter Club as well as the Chai Ki Dukaaan... jiske saamne gore ka makaan!!! Monthy-ji, though you have recovered fully, you too must take care of your health with proper rest and food. Even if you miss some more laughter sessions, no problem. Jaan hai toh jahan hai! Please take care. God bless you all.