Childhood Reclaimed

If a consensus were to be taken on the most errant, talkative and distracting member of our Club, the choice would inevitably fall between Bhaswati Bose, Kajal Babani and Geeta Sardhana. Together they are known to make dhamaal during the exercises. The men are relatively restrained and peaceful. No matter how hard they might try, all of them put together can never match these three noisy petrels of the fairer sex.
Razia Khan has often tried to separate them and put an end to their non-stop jabber – to the extent of threatening to make the most talkative one stand in the middle. Of course, there are a few indulgent souls who feel that it is not fair to pick on the three because the Club gives them the only opportunity and license to relive their childhood. Besides, others are also ‘guilty’ of taking liberties in various degrees. In fact, many would concede that even in their childhood, they had not played the fool as much as they do these days at the Garden.
Thus it came as no surprise today that Nahid Khan should refuse to share space with Razia in the middle because “two swords cannot occupy the same sheath”. And that Srichand Arora would argue that there can always be “two plaits while braiding the hair” and Razia agreeing, just as there are two eyes and two ears to a face, but one nose, one mouth and one heart... “But it takes two hearts to be in love,” countered Arora.
Surely the most scatterbrained among kids would know better than be drawn into such senseless banter. But we like it this way. It is great fun!
Renu Babani:
Honestly, the main culprit who feels that without talking there is no fun is our dear Bathuni Mrs Bose (left). She can have an entire conversation till the completion of the whole exercise and still have more to say. Her sidekicks are invariably Geeta (below), Monthi and whoever is beside her. Yes, it is all in fun despite constant criticism and gentle chiding. No one bothers to abide by the words, "Quiet, please!" because it doesn't exist in our dictionary. We have our fun and at least, return home light-hearted and happy, not forgeting the silly grins on our faces for no reason!
Bhaswati Bose:
"Kuch toh log kahenge,
Logon ka kaam hai kehna..."
Dilip Babani:
Don't blame my sweet and innocent wife, Kajal (left). In Bhaswati's company, she gets spoiled. But there should be some entertaining people also. Otherwise life would become dull. Kajal is hazir-jawaab. When Bhaswati, Kajal and Renu-bhabi want to talk and do some masti, they should do it and make themselves happy. Nobody should object to it.
Bhaswati Bose:
"Jinke ghar sheeshey ke bane ho, Woh doosron ke gharo pe patthar nahi martey!"
Kajal Babani: Depends upon the size of the patthar!