Eid Mubarak!

After fasting through the month of Ramzan, the day has come to be showered with the blessings of Allah – to celebrate festivity and feasting, brotherhood and love, health and happiness, peace and prosperity… May all your prayers be answered and dreams be fulfilled. Eid Mubarak to all!
The sun streaming into the Garden (below) added to the festive spirit. Gone were the mornings of gloom with intermittent rain, which forced us to stay confined in the Chinese Hut. People looked ‘liberated’ today – especially Bapu Rane, who took upon himself the task of conducting the Laughter and Exercise rounds both, in his inimitable Marathi style.It was a rare experience for everyone to be told, for instance, “Mundi ghumaney ka” or “Kurchi sambhalney ka”, or “Baal pe haath maarne ka” (Where did that come from?)…
The Butterfly exercise became “Mister Butterfly” today. Natch Baliye became something unpronoun-ceable and when it came to the Neelam Exercise, Rane turned coy and mumbled, “Unka Exercise!” Neelam Garg, who was standing opposite, promptly confronted him: “What, don’t you know my name?” Rane did not reply and instead, leapt in the air, clapping to the beat of a song playing on Kishor Babani’s mobile.
In the absence of Nahid Khan and others who conduct the exercises regularly, Rane’s antics today came as a refreshing change, providing much entertainment and joy to all. His toothless laugh specially, is a sight to behold. Let us look forward to having more of him in the middle.
Dilip Babani:
Eid Mubarak to Yusuf-bhai and to all Laughing Club members. All Muslims are happy on this day. God bless everybody!
Srichand Arora (from Singapore):
Id Mubarak to all my Muslim friends and of course, to my Indian friends. Ye kya hua bhai? Mundi ghumana?? Aur Kursi Sambhalana???
Harish Wadhwa:
A very happy Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim friends of the Club. Missing someone offering us sheer-khurma!

Bandicoots

The sun peeped out of the clouds for a while, prompting Nahid Khan (left) to come up with a wisecrack: “Aaj sab apne-apne bil se nikal aayenge!” Sure enough, they began to surface one by one – Geeta Sardhana, Harbans Singh, Harish Wadhwa… people who were missing during the past few days because of the rains. In one sweeping statement, Nahid had turned us into bandicoots!
Geeta (right) appeared surprised on not finding her rakhi-brother, Srichand Arora for the exercises.When told that he's left for Singapore and that he had come over yesterday specifically to say his good-byes before leaving, she looked all the more puzzled. All she asked was when would he be coming back.
This gave rise to the usual titter among members with everybody chiding her about being kept in the dark on her bhai-sahab’s movements. Many refused to believe that she had not been informed. Eventually, it had to take Ved Prakash Grover to console her: “Don’t worry, he will make up by getting a nice tohfa for you.” Geeta brushed it aside, saying: “That he'd do for everybody.”
Well, if it was Arora yesterday, it was the turn of Monthi Serrao (left) today to say good-bye. She came in rather late – just as we were to disperse – to announce that she was leaving for Mangalore and would return around September 12. Her birthday is on September 8. So this should give her the opportunity to celebrate with her folks. We wished her a great time and more specifically, a very Happy Birthday in advance.
Harish Wadhwa:
Kishor-da, tussi great ho! Your joke of "Aap Kahan They Jab Ghodi Chad Raha Tha?" blew the silence fuse from all our faces. Well, he shared another good one: Dosti phoolon se kyon karte ho, jo ki murjha jaten hain / Dosti ham kanto se karo, jo hamesha yaad dilate hain! And Monthi-ji, have a great time at Mangalore. We will wait for you to join the "Birthday Celebration of the Virgos".
Renu Babani:
Looks like Kishor's jokes are a hit in the mornings and everyone waits for them. At least the air is filled with laughter before everyone heads home. I am sure Monthi-ji will have a great time celebrating her birthday with friends and family at Mangalore.
Yes, lots of birthdays in September; so hopefully it will be one big party in the Chinese Hut. Wishing all those celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr: May His blessings be upon you and your families.

Bon Voyage

This is turning out to be the wettest monsoon in Club history. For the fifth consecutive morning, it has been raining continuously, rendering large tracts of the Garden under water. With no signs of a let up, it was hardly surprising that most of the members did not stir out of their homes.
Today, if there had to be a reason for some of us (pic right) showing up, it was primarily to wish Srichand Arora a happy journey to Singapore. He takes the early morning flight tomorrow and will most likely be away till Diwali. So in his honour, we raised an extra laugh at the end of the exercises – and again, at his insistence, we applauded Anna Hazare’s victory yesterday on the anti-corruption Bill.
Arora had his ‘Anna Hazare-moment’ last night when he was nabbed for jumping the traffic lights near the airport. He could have slipped a 50-rupee note into the hands of the cop and got away. But, as he was to narrate, he came out clean. “Yes, I have broken the signal,” he told the cop. “I have my driving licence. Since you do not like taking bribes, please fine me and give me a receipt for the amount.” He paid the flabberghasted cop Rs 250, collected his receipt and drove away.
This is the kind of stories and anecdotes we shall be missing in Arora’s absence. We wish him a fabulous time in Singapore – but not “too much masti”, as Kishor Babani advised him jokingly in a parting shot.
Says Dilip Babani:
Happy journey and enjoy life in Singapore. We all will miss our president!
Says Renu Babani:
Have a safe and pleasant trip Mr Arora. Glad to learn about the traffic light incident. This is a good start and may all citizens abide. The weather is really off-putting and in the morning it is so dark that I just refuse to get out of bed. Yea, laziness is no good for sure, but attending the exercises in the rain is not my idea of starting off the morning on a good note. On the brighter side, the weather has improved and it is less hot and humid. So let's appreciate whatever we get.
Says Harish Wadhwa:
Bon Voyage, Arora-sa'ab. Will miss your witty jokes and great company. Come back soon with lots of chocolates. Did'nt feel like stepping out in the rain this morning. Else would have wished you 'Happy Journey' in person.

Day 395

Pic of the WeekGuess, what song is this gentleman singing?

Bhaswati Bose:
It is not a song. It is a slogan: "Anna Aap Aage Badho, Laughing Club Aapke Saath Hai !"

Dilip Babani:
Inqlaab zindabad! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!! Anna Hazare zindabad!!! Vande Mataram... Yeh desh hai jawano ka, albelo ka, mastano ka, yeh desh ka yarro kya khana...
Om Sai Ram, Shri Saachdanand Satguru Sainath Maharaj ki jai!
Grover-ji namaste, God bless you. You are wonderful.

Kishor Babani:
I think he is singing the Shammi Kapoor song: "Yahoo, Koi Mujhe Jungli Kahe!"

Renu Babani:
"Aaaaaaah! Mein sher hoon -- Garden ka sher!! Panga math lena mere se!!!"

Anonymous:
I think he is laughing on a special non-veg joke!

Srichand Arora:
YOU ALL ARE WRONG! SEE HIS FACE CAREFULLY: GROVER-JI IS CRYING. IT IS OBVIOUS HE IS UPSET AS HIS PADOSAN, RAKHI SAWANT HAS AGREED TO MARRY BABA RAMDEV, LEAVING THIS POOR FELLOW ALONE. DON'T WORRY GROVER-JI, TU NAHIN AUR SAHI.

Anonymous:
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dsl flat anbieter dslvergleichdsl.com) Thanks.

Harish Wadhwa:
Bole So Nihaal, Sat sri akal! Grover-sa'ab, you are blessed and fortunate that Rakhi (as Arora-ji informed us) has chosen somebody else instead of you. Jaan bachi... Your passionate singing with joy is therefore justified. (Blog Monster: Great pic and editing too, with bold background colours.)

Another Wet Day

This picture, taken barely five minutes before the exercises were to start today, says it all. Tara Chand Seth and Ved Prakash Grover, the first to arrive at the Garden, take stock of a distressful situation arising out of the rains playing havoc for the third consecutive morning. Nobody else had turned up till then. In fact, today was worse than any other day. For hours on end, it had been pouring camels and elephants – thus putting on hold all possibilities of exercising this morning. It was only when Nahid Khan and Kishor Babani came in that there was a change of heart and everyone decided not to waste the morning.
As time wore on, Srichand Arora walked into the Chinese Hut, followed by Sandhya Narang, Geeta Sardhana and then, Dilip and Kajal Babani, Monthi Serrao… At the end, we had a decent count of 11 brave men and women, valiantly upholding the Club’s credo: Come what may, the exercises must go on… not to be disrupted even for a day.
That’s what commitment is all about!
Says Renu Babani:
I certainly admire those members who make it to the Garden no matter what. The rains put a dampener on many of us, including me. But I suppose those who dared to venture out today, did so out of habit and the need to meet others who come daily. Such days tend to affect one's mood and create lethargy as well. Tomorrow is Sunday, a holiday. Let's hope that it turns out to be a sunny Monday morning which should brighten everyone's spirits!
Says Dilip Babani:
I think members were watching the telecast on Anna Hazare's Lokpal Bill. Or maybe, due to rainy weather, they were all feeling cold and did not want to come out of bed. Or maybe, it was laziness. Yes, we all become lazy when the climate is cold. Everybody likes hot tea, garam-garam pakoras, garam-garam seera and carrom board. For Bose-babu, cigarettes and daru. About picnic, if possible we should go to Lonavala and stay for one night so that we can have fun, jokes, antakshari, outing... Let Shekhawat come and organise the trip.
Dilip Babani adds:
Anna-ji has won today! Anna Hazare zindabad!!!
Anna-ji has said that his victory is "aam aadmi ki jeet" -- the common man's victory. That he is nothing without the support of the public. Yes, everybody has been frustrated by corruption -- poor people, middle- class people and upper middle-class people -- all due to loopholes in the system.
Our President-sa'ab, Arora-ji has helped Anna-ji by taking out a procession in his support. Every member of the Club is happy today. Victory to the Laughing Club!

Low Spirits

The weather remains a dampener – the rains not only interrupting our exercises, but ruining the mornings. Like other days, today also, we had to rush into the Chinese Hut the moment it started drizzling. Fortunately, there was no major downpour. But once inside, we had to complete the exercises before coming out.
Usually, at this time of the year, members tend to be in an upbeat mood because of the autumnal festivities. Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami are over and Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid-ul Fitr are round the corner. Yet somehow, the protracted monsoon has robbed us of all enthusiasm. Attendance has been low in any case, since many members are observing Ramzan fasts. Others like Hari Singh Shekhawat and Yusuf Rassiwala are unable to attend due to health reasons. Soon, Srichand Arora will be off to Singapore on his annual vacation...
In times like this, we need to line up a picnic or excursion to get everybody suitably charged up. Shekhawat is a past master at this – only that he must feel enthused about it first. And that is a tall order. Some time back, he had promised taking a trip out to Lonavala, soon after Ramzan. Maybe, somebody should remind him now.
Says Renu Babani:
Despite the weather, today's turnout was better than yesterday's. We should be grateful for the rains. The monsoon will end on a good note. The festive season is round the corner and everyone will get upbeat. Those celebrating Eid, will return to the Garden after enjoying with family and friends. I hope we are not forgotten in their celebration (Hint... Hint!)
Mr.Shekawat is on the road to recovery and we are awaiting his return to the Garden. After all we do miss our principal!
Anna Hazare is on everyone's mind, whether discussed or not and each one hopes that a solution is found soon before the situation takes a turn for the worse. Jai Ho!
Anonymous says:
You pretty much said what I could not effectively communicate.

Morning Gloom

There was no music during the exercises this morning. Nobody to narrate jokes, nobody to talk cricket, nobody to say Sat Sri Akal… no post-exercise chai session. The Garden looked completely deserted (right) as the rains continued from last night uninterrupted. In the Chinese Hut, a couple of acrylic sheets on the roof had been displaced due to the heavy downpour, thus exposing the interiors to the skies. Water has begun to drip in and render the floor dangerously slippery. In the absence of proper drainage, small pools of stagnant water have formed at places, along the sides and corners of the Hut.
With the rains showing no signs of abating, it was hardly surprising that the turnout today should to be at an all-time low – at a single-digit figure. Sitaram Hivarkar, followed by Kajal and Dilip Babani, came in towards the end of the exercises to take the count to nine. Otherwise, it would have been Srichand Arora and Nahid Khan holding fort – along with Ved Prakash Grover, Bose, Monthi Serrao and Tara Chand Seth.
Adding to the morning gloom were reports of a breakdown in the talks between Anna Hazare and the government at Delhi. This became the main subject of discussion after the exercises as everyone waited (above) patiently for the rains to subside. The failing health of the 74-year-old Gandhian (who has been fasting for the past nine days) remains a huge cause of concern for all. Let us hope and pray that the current impasse is broken and the nation gets an effective anti-Corruption Bill soon.

Anna March

Srichand Arora is a man of his word. The day-before yesterday he had proposed taking out a rally on Wednesday morning in support of Anna Hazare. But he absented himself yesterday and invited a lot of mischievous jibes upon himself. Today he came and announced, much to everybody’s surprise, that we would set out on the march soon after our exercises. Those willing to join were welcome.
Without much ado, he ripped off a placard near the Garden Gate and before we could gather our wits (and umbrellas), he was out on the main road leading a motley group of a dozen-odd people. In his stentorian voice, he was raising full-throated slogans: “Anna Hazare, Zindabad”, “Vande Mataram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”…
Dilip Babani ran up to the front to pitch in with him, soon to be flanked by Ved Prakash Grover and Bapu Rane on either side. The ladies followed immediately behind – Monthi Serrao, Geeta Sardhana, Santosh Tyagi, Sushma Gupta, Sandhya Narang, Renu Babani, Bhaswati Bose, Rachika Majerekar… A number of early morning risers and stragglers, initially taken by surprise, joined in and followed the rally as it crossed Lokhandwala Garden No 2 and took the turn back near Celebration Club.
It was a short march, but the crowd swelled by the minute and newer slogans were being thrown up: “Ek jalebi tel mein, bhrashtachar jail mein”. After a point, the slogans were no longer audible to those at the far rear end, but they kept chanting "Zindabad", "Zindabad" – even when the call was for “Bhrashtachari, Band Karo!” And then, just as abruptly as it had started, it was all over at the Chinese Hut, with Suresh Samel (right), a retired assistant commissioner of sales tax delivering a sermon on corruption in politics and bureaucracy.
All of us who took part in the march, will not forget those 15-odd minutes any time soon. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – an opportunity to lend our voices, though in a small way, to a major cause and join forces with the national uprising that many hail as the ‘Second Independence Struggle’. Srichand Arora has made us proud, as Indians, today.
Says Srichand Arora:
Blog Monster, we all in the Laughter Club appreciate your effort in updating the blog. And of course, hats off to you, the way you highlight the day's happenings. Today made me feel like a hero. Thanks!
Says Renu Babani:
Vande Mataram! Anna Hazare Zindabad... resonated this morning as members decided to head out for a peaceful rally after the morning exercises. Everyone was supportive and that short walk was enough to make our intentions really clear. I have never ever participated in a protest/rally of any sort. Today, as a proud Indian, I walked with the rest, head held high and the pride I felt at that time will always remain with me. Jai Hind!
Says Dilip Babani:
Anna Hazare, Zindabad! Today's procession was nice. Everybody participated and it felt good. The rally was for everybody -- even for our children, who suffer corruption.
I think corruption exists because everybody wants extra money to enjoy a lavish lifestyle. But money makes man mad. When everybody is after money, nobody respects the poor or even talks nicely to them. Maal hai toh taal hai. Society, relatives, wife, children and friends, all will respect you when you have a lot of money. Otherwise you will be treated like a dead person. They will treat you like they don't even know you. So money's role is important. Like fish cannot live without water or man cannot live without wife, we need money. But it is also the root cause for greed and corruption. I know it is impossible to remove corruption from our system. But we have to try. Keep trying by supporting Anna-ji. It is very good.
Says Vivek Arora:
Way to go, Bade Papa! You make all of us proud too.
Says Manu:
Dear Siri, I am delighted to see your initiative and determination. Many of us think likewise, but few have your courage and go-ahead attitude. God bless you and all those who are in this march to end corruption from our otherwise rich country -- where most money is in wrong and dishonest pockets.
Says Anonymous:
I really liked the article. And the very cool blog.

In the Lurch

The absence of one man put paid to our plans on taking out a rally tomorrow in support of Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption. Yesterday, when Srichand Arora suggested that like other clubs and citizens’ groups, we too should collectively express our solidarity with the crusader, everybody endorsed the idea whole-heartedly. Today, Arora did the disappearing act. Leaderless and rudderless, members found themselves left in the lurch.
Nevertheless, the nation-wide euphoria around the fasting Gandhian in Delhi continued to be a major talking point at the Club – next only to cricket. India’s humiliating defeat by an inning and eight runs last night against England (resulting in a 4-0 series rout) has pained Bapu Rane (right) the most. A keen follower of the game, he keeps late nights watching every Indian match down to the last ball and comes to the Garden next morning only to discuss the day’s play. Today, he is convinced that the Indian team had sold itself out to England – particularly Sachin Tendulkar who threw his wicket away barely nine runs short of his long-awaited 100th international hundred.
As for taking out a rally from the Garden, everything now depends upon Arora, whenever he shows up. Members can only derive consolation from the news that he has bagged a Rs2,50,001 bounty from breaking a dahi-hundi put up in his locality, as part of the Janmashtami celebrations yesterday. Quoting (un)reliable sources, Kishor Babani informs that Arora is sitting at home and “doing aish” with the money!
Says Renu Babani:
Yes, we missed Mr Arora today as he is always in the Garden on time. However, am sure he shall return tomorrow morning and conduct the exercises. Anna Hazare has become a cause of concern amongst the public. I am certain his efforts shall not go in vain. Hopefully, he can break his fast and start regaining his strength. Whether we have a rally or not, I can speak on behalf of everyone: We do support the cause!
Says Srichand Arora:
Sorry about today. As reported, I had won this dahi-hundi prize, but all in one-rupee coins. It took me the whole night to count the coins and in the end, I found 35 rupees short. I had to go to the police station to lodge a complaint of cheating. Believe me, to do this, I had to share 50% of my winning with the cops. The balance half went to my group (of Lokhandwala Garden No 4, Laughter Club). This way, I am back to zero. Anyway, I have decided not to bribe anyone in future and this is my resolve. Sure, I am attending the exercises tomorrow morning.
Says Bhaswati Bose:
The Indian team lost very badly. But you can't expect them to win every time. I am sure they will regain the No 1 slot. Give them a break. The whole nation's attention is diverted towards Anna Hazare. Otherwise these guys would get a "dhulai" by the public on their return!
Says Dilip Babani:
I thought Arora-ji must have gone to Delhi to protest with Anna-ji. But he is in Mumbai. No problem. Tomorrow we will make Arora-ji "Mumbai ka Anna-ji". Tomorrow a procession will be taken out from the Garden to Standard Chartered Bank to our chai walah. We will all drink chai there. Then the procession will end at the Garden. Let everybody see that the Laughing Club is with Anna-ji. Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram!! Anna-ji ki Jai!!! Effective Lokpal Bill Lao or Jao waapas apne ghar.

Divine Parody

On this day of Lord Krishna’s birth, here is wishing everyone a happy and safe Janmashtami. Do not try risking your life and limb by being a govinda on the streets. Don’t even think of it. It simply does not make sense forming human pyramids and climbing on people's shoulders to break dahi hundis… only to break your bones instead.
For us at the Garden, it was a wet morning -- as it must on Janmashtami Day. They say it is inauspicious if it does not rain. So midway through the routine, we had to rush into the Chinese Hut and resume our exercises. Nothing odd about it, except that Srichand Arora should find himself enclosed in a section and surrounded only by ladies – to the exclusion of all males!
Last year on Janmashtami Day (see post of September 02, 2010) he was in a somewhat similar situation in the middle, but outside the Chinese Hut. He had even presented Sunita Jajodia with a flower from the hedge, in keeping with the mood of the occasion. We had all teased him then, little knowing that the script would be rewritten with minor variations a year later.
After all, it was no coincidence that Arora should be conducting the exercises again on this day. It was no coincidence that he should be forced into a situation where he finds only women and women around him. What’s more, of all the days, he had to come in sky blue track pants and matching blue T-shirt today. Surely, there was no deliberate intent to emulate the “blue god” in a raas leela; but if this was not divine will, what is?
Says SRICHAND ARORA:
Dear Blog Monster, just check carefully: There are no women or even men around me. I am just out of the crowd like a shy and innocent guy, with closed eyes, conducting the exercises.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Arora-ji is teaching the women how to hold their breath, required for making a human (women) pyramid for the Dahi Handi. I am sure they will win the Rs250,000 prize under Arora-ji's guidance.

Day 388

Pic of the Week

Some men have all the luck... But what exactly is this lady trying to demonstrate?

Dilip Babani:
I think this lady wants to show her lovely body which is
1,00,00,00,000 times 'best' in the world. She is saying that this lovely, handsome and smart man is as hot as I am. We are both having the same attractive smile. I can kill all men with my lovely body, but this man can kill everybody with his lovely smile!

Bhaswati Bose:
I think this girl is trying to put some hair on his head to make him look even more dashing with his killer smile!

Renu Babani:
Talk of killer looks, lady's so sexy and sassy that he is too fazed to even think. However, his smile would definitely get anyone crazeeeee... I am the example!

Srichand Arora:
बहुत ही कौशिश कर ली पर नहीं समझ में आ रहा है की इस (हंसता हुआ नूरानी चेहरा) आदमी की मांग में सिंदूर कैसे भरूं. कोई तो बताओ ना!

Harish Wadhwa:
Renu-ji, you look awesome. Wow! When was this pic taken? You look terrific. I am sure you must have had many, many deewane then. No wonder Kishor-da went all gaga over your beauty. The pic you are brushing has not just a killer smile, but a good heart too. We are all 'j' of Kishor-da! (LOL)

Renu Babani:
Mr Harish, thanks for the compliment. But I know you are kidding. I can see that the
girl is showing her artistic skills and Kishor is naturally flattered that he is the chosen muse. No wonder he is all smiles.

Harish Wadhwa:
Renu-ji, my compliment is genuine. I am sure you are more (and must have been) beautiful than the woman in the pic -- in your younger days. You still are, by the way. Your grace and poise is still the same (respectfully). I fully agree when you say Kishor-da is "naturally flattered". Anyone would be. No wonder he cannot stop smiling.

Belated Birthday

Kiran Sajjan kept her appointment at the Garden to celebrate her birthday (left) with us. In the absence of her car, she had forgotten to come on August 18 (see post of Day 385); but had promised to “surely make it on Saturday”. She has kept her word.
So there she was, soon after the exercises and prayers, walking in to a rousing welcome, followed by the Club chorus of “Happy Birthday to You!” She had brought dry dates (instead of routine luddoos and sweets) which were appreciated by all. Looking resplendent in a printed red-and-gold angarkha ensemble, she gracefully accepted our greetings and good wishes with a smile.
But for this celebration, it was a normal morning (typical of week-ends) at the Garden – the exercises punctuated by small talk on Anna Hazare’s agitation at Delhi, the rising price of gold, India’s debacle in the Test series against England… and so on. Some members are planning to call on Hari Singh Shekhawat this week-end, out of concern towards his health.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Kiran-ji gave a simple and innocent smile as everyone wished her belated birthday. May God bless her with tons of happiness and good health and of course, return her car. The dates' treat coincided with what one usually takes in the month of Ramadan after fasting, and were truly welcome. Nahid-ji also blushed today when some people tried to imitate her signature laughter: Ha, Haa, Haaaa...

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!

Day 385

There must be some kind of a karmic connection between the Club and crows. Believe it or not, wherever we go to exercise, they keep following us around the Garden like MTNL linesmen during Diwali. Except that it is Diwali for them right round the year!
During the monsoon, when we need to take shelter in the Chinese Hut, one of them would invariably come flapping in, occupy a high beam and start cawing at us. In summer, when we exercise in the shade of a tree, they would do their ‘big shopping’ on top of us. During the winter, when we are out in the open, they would insist on holding their 'society meeting', plonk in the middle of our circle and nowhere else.
None of the other birds in the Garden would dare to do anything as audacious and get away with it.
Today, one of them landed in our midst (above), close to the Chinese Hut. Disregarding the presence of so many senior members, it started pecking at the ground. Then it looked up beady-eyed, sizing up the females one by one – Santosh Tyagi, Bhaswati Bose, Renu Babani, Monthi Serrao, Nahid Khan…
Obviously this was a male – short-sighted and love-lorn. It did not give Tara Chand or Prakash Motwani or any of the other men standing close-by a second look. It also ignored Srichand Arora, who kept requesting it with folded hands to leave. Only when it saw it was attracting too much attention – even of amused passers-by on the walking track – did it stop ogling and pretended to be busy, pecking at the ground.
By the way, today happens to be Kiran Sajjan’s (left) birthday. As she is yet to get herself a new car, she has stopped coming to the Garden. Besides, she has a small grouse: Her name does not appear in the latest membership list. When this was explained as a matter of oversight, she promised to show up the day-after, on Saturday. Meanwhile, let us wish her many happy returns of the day – a long life, good health and a lovely car!
Says RENU BABANI:
Wishing Kiran Sajjan a very Happy Birthday and many more to come.
Yes, the bird today sure got the attention it required before flying away. I guess we somehow attract strange living things. So is it that we emit such vibes? At least, we are different from others and that is what makes us special. We are able to make light of any situation and laugh it off. Our lives have become entwined with one another, but no one knows when that happened. It just did. How do you explain so many people, all from different walks of life, meeting every morning to just have fun and be part of each other's lives?
Says HARISH WADHWA:
* Crow: "Why are these men and women imitating the gyrations of Shakira - Hips Don't Lie ?
* Wish you a very Happy Birthday, Kiran-ji.
Aap jeeyen hazaron saal,
Khushiyaan ho hamesha aapke saath.
We all wish you a long life, good health and a lovely car... as rightly put by the blog monster.
Says DILIP BABANI:
Happy Birthday, Kiran-ji. God bless you. Hope your husband will buy you a new car as a birthday gift. But please be careful about where you park!

Day 384

Anna Hazare dominated conversation at the Garden this morning. A patently fun-loving and apolitical group was, for once, seized by the nation-wide uprising for the release of the septuagenarian Gandhian from jail. Everybody had an opinion on the issue. Srichand Arora wanted to move a resolution in support of the ongoing campaign. Later, we raised an extra laugh after the exercises, as a token gesture, expressing solidarity with Anna’s crusade against corruption.
Opinion was however, divided over the outcome of the present unrest. Some like Kishor Babani felt that this was just an exercise in futility and before long, everybody will forget and get back to business as usual. Public memory is after all, too short and as we all know too well, politicians are tough nuts to crack.
Optimists among us like Bose Babu were already getting a whiff of a Jasmine Revolution and felt that given the involvement of the nation’s youth equipped with mobile telephony, Twitter and various other social networking platforms and devices, this is a movement that is unprecedented and cannot be wished away easily.
On one count though, there was complete unanimity: Politicians as a breed, regardless of party affiliation, were all corrupt. But none have proved both corrupt and foolish as those currently in power. According to Harish Wadhwa, the way they have handled the situation and particularly, with a party spokesman badmouthing Anna Hazare, smacks of not only arrogance, but stupidity.
In all the venting of anger, we clean forgot to pull Kishor Babani’s leg over sighting him on TV with a group of protesters outside High Point restaurant yesterday. He insists that it was not him, but his lookalike – a humshakl. Now this should give rise to many interesting possibilities!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
* Yes, I also spotted Kishor-bhai on the TV, feasting on cheese pav-bhaaji (akele akele), near High Point in the glare of TV cameras. He however quickly tried to hide his guilt of enjoying the goodies when everyone else was talking of fasting and courting arrest...
* Kishor-bhai's Guru Gyan during the informal chai session of Badmaash Company was well accepted -- especially "Sher da Puttar" and "Unlucky Day in the Life of a Sardar".
* Dilip-bhai, where were you today at chai? Missed you.
Says DILIP BABANI:
Anna Hazare, Zindabad! God bless him. Jai Hind.
Jiyo Anna-ji, Hum Tumhare Saath Hai!
Says RENU BABANI:
Interesting, Mr Harish. I am sure my hubby was at home when you spotted him on TV. Besides, I am most certain that he would have taken me along for the goodies. The Badmaash Company seems to be having fun after the exercises, and why not. That is the time for them to be who they are and enjoy themselves. In this stressful and busy world, everyone needs that particular time to unwind and get a boost for the entire day. So why not start in the morning?
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
Every Indian should support Anna Hazare in this crusade against corruption.
HARISH WADHWA replies:
You are right, Renu-ji, as far as Badmaash Company goes. We are men after all, and no more boys! (LOL) But I did see Kishor-da standing alone, enjoying the cheese pav-bhaji, chupke chupke. By the way, I strongly suggest all members join Badmaash Company in its crusade against stress and boredom. Anna's movement will give long-term benefits, while Badmaash Company guarantees instant gratification and relief from stress. Mind it!

Day 383

The Independence Day hangover had taken its toll as Sitaram Hivarkar, Santosh Tyagi, Bapu Rane, Sunita Jajodia, Harish Wadhwa, Dilip Babani and several other key members went missing this morning. Taking advantage of the extended week-end, many had gone off to the hills or to their home town for a brief vacation. Some are yet to recover from heavy partying and the many public functions that lasted till late last night. Others chose to simply sleep it over.
However, Hari Singh Shekhawat’s (right) absence became a subject of some discussion since many were not aware that he had been discharged from hospital the day-before evening. He was being treated for acute chest congestion from August 4 (see post of Day 371) at INHS Asvini, Colaba, the cause of which is still not clear. According to Shekhawat, he has been prescribed a six-month course of anti-biotics and his condition will be monitored periodically – for which he would have to visit the hospital at least once every month.
The good news is that he has found some relief from the frequent bouts of coughing he had been suffering from and as he says, things are presently “under control”. But he sounded a very worried man and complained of severe weakness. He said he would try to venture out to the Garden after a week or so, should he feel up to it. The doctors have anyway advised him complete bed rest. We can only hope and pray that he gets well soon and regains his confidence. Everyone in the Club misses him.
Says RENU BABANI:
This morning the members trickled in slowly. Guess the long week-end proved to have its side-effects. Regarding Mr Shekhawat, it is good he is back home and out of danger. However, best to stay indoors at this point as his immune system must be weak, thus making him vulnerable to other bacteria/virus. Let's all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he doesn't rush to the Garden till he feels strong enough to do so. Strange how much we miss the regular members and though they are not mentioned regularly, in our hearts we do remember them. Let's hope that tomorrow is a better day and our regulars do attend. Mrs Bose: Look who is the lazy bum now!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
It seems you all benefitted from Kishor-da's Guru Gyan and jokes while all the absentees missed the fun. Guru-ji, keep some masala for us as well.
My sincere and heartfelt good wishes for an early recovery of our dear Shekhawat-ji. May he (and other members of the Club) affected by the monsoon changes recover soon and join the morning refresher exercises.
Says DILIP BABANI:
I wish the pillar of Laughing Club, my dear Shekhawat-ji becomes alright quickly. May God bless him. We are missing him a lot. We are missing his lovely comments and dances and announcements and his lovely goli marna style of laughter exercise.

Day 382

Independence Day. The morning began like any other and after a light drizzle, would have most likely ended on a dull note, were it not for Renu and Kishor Babani walking in midway through the exercises, a broad grin lighting up their faces and waving beautiful paper flags of the Indian tricolour.
As if on cue, the mood of the members changed instantly and with Kishor’s mobile belting out old patriotic numbers one after another, everybody seemed to be charged with renewed energy and vigour. It was extremely thoughtful of this Babani couple to have planned out the morning in this manner – having spent long hours selecting songs befitting the occasion and picking up the paper flags on their way to the Garden.
That was not all. At the behest of Srichand Arora, the suryanamaskar prayer was followed by the singing of the national anthem (above). Seeing us, the morning walkers stopped on their tracks and stood in attention. It was a touching moment and a wonderful way of ushering the I-Day celebrations in our little world.
Significantly, today also happens to be the birthday of Sadanand Pawar (right). He completes 64 years – the same age as the nation. What’s more, he happens to be one of counted eight Bombayites who were born at the very moment Jawaharlal Nehru had been making his historic Tryst With Destiny speech of August 14/15, 1947.
In other words, we have a “Midnight Child” amongst us. Our very best wishes to him.
Says RENU BABANI:
Yes, indeed our spirit lives on. Buying of the Indian flags was at the spur of the moment and it sure proved to be a beautiful morning. Certain members were absent. But those who attended and sang the national anthem with heart and soul showed that we are proud as Indians and all the walkers/ jogggers did turn and stop as a respect to the Flag that we held up high with pride. Jai Hind!
Says DILIP BABANI:
Wishing all Indians a Happy Independence Day. Indians are happy on this day because they got their own country. Children are also happy because they get Indian flags and sweets. Some children sing songs, especially Lata Mangeshkar's Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo. During this song, Chacha Nehru became so emotional that tears came to his eyes. Every Indian likes this song. Jai Hind!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Very thoughtful gesture by Kishor and Renu Babani-ji to get flags in the morning. Nice words by Dilip-bhai. Let us all make this world a better place to live in, with small actions that inspire and rekindle patriotism amongst us. Vande Mataram!

Day 381

Pic of the WeekYesterday's event, that demands another look.

It is really a very good picture. I really like the way this Laughter Club is moving. Creating new and wonderful relations. Keep it up!
--Kiran Arora
A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT, FROZEN FOR EVER!
--Bhaswati Bose
What a lovely pic! Apt to be the Pic of the Week. Blog Monster, you have painted the background so very well that it has turned alive -- speaks and tells the goodness of Raksha Bandhan amongst two of our members. Great job!
--Harish Wadhwa

Day 380

A brother found a sister this morning. And a sister, a brother.
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan today, Geeta Sardana tied the sacred thread on the wrist of Srichand Arora in a brief, but heart-warming ceremony at the Garden. By this simple ritual, both are now bound to one another, as normal siblings would, for the rest of their lives.
Significantly, Arora does not have a sister of his own. So on Raksha Bandhan day last year, when this blog had suggested that we celebrate the festival (see post of August 24, 2010) in the Club, Arora had posted his comments thus: “I would appreciate if your suggestions are accepted and our female members choose their lovable brothers in the Garden. I, at least, would love to have so many sisters (through your proposal) since I don't have any sister. You value only those things that you don't have.”
Happily, Geeta has responded to these sentiments with sisterly love and grace. By a strange coincidence, she too does not have a brother of her own. So it was verily a momentous occasion for both, even as Arora couldn’t suppress his sharp sense of humour: “Isska matlab, mein yahaan pe sabse shareef bandaa hoon!” Both exchanged gifts in reiteration of their commitment to the new relationship they now share.
Amidst the good cheer, playful digs and many rounds of applause accompanied by a variety of sweets from both Arora and Geeta, the prize-giving ceremony for winners of the 'guessing game' of July 24, 2011 got clearly sidelined (see last Sunday’s post). Santosh Tyagi, being the senior-most and most respected lady member of the Club, did the honours, while Dilip Babani and Geeta (once again, as this was the second time she was winning) collected their prizes. Our hearty congratulations to both of them!
Says RENU BABANI:
What a day it was! Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in style with sweets. The fun and loving atmosphere seemed to have been in the air from the start. This is what we are -- full of joy and always willing to share it with everyone. Aren't we lucky to be able to celebrate any occasion and make the most of it? I feel truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful group with whom I am able to share my emotions and somehow they understand. May this spirit be alive and our strength as a unit keep us together always. God bless everyone!
Says DILIP BABANI:
Really, the members of our Culb were all very happy. This festival brings back happy memories of the days when we were kids. Brothers were happy because their sisters would tie rakhi. And sisters were happy because they would get gifts and affection from their brothers. Everybody would get together and enjoy with mithai. In some homes, people would pass time playing cards with small amounts of money. Families used to go out for movies, followed by lunch or dinner in a hotel. I think God made festivals to unite the family. In our stressful lives, let us enjoy all the festivals and become the small, fearless child once again!
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Says SRICHAND ARORA:
It was really the greatest day for me. This is for the information of you all: I lost my sister when I was only four years. Surprisingly, I could find her now after 66 years. At the age of 70, I got my sister back. Thank you very much, GOD!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Arora-sa'ab has a heart of gold. What a lovely treat to the eyes and heart seeing a brother and sister. May GOD bless you people a very long life.

Day 379

Nahid Khan made a good-humoured remark this morning: “Hum sab naughty ho gaye hain!”
It is highly unlikely that even a year back, Nahid would have made such a comment. She used to then remain quite withdrawn, keep to herself and leave the Garden soon after the exercises. Today, she is the direct polar opposite. Hugely gregarious and outgoing, she stands up for her opinions, participates in all the activities of the Club and is a tough task master in her own way. Small wonder, the ladies have christened her Nahid Bhai (right).
Nahid’s comment was prompted by the normal unruliness that accompanies our exercise sessions these days. It has become part of our routine to pull one another’s legs, engage in mindless banter, crack silly jokes… all in a spirit of bonhomie, with no offence meant. So when Srichand Arora commands Sunita Jajodia (as he did today) to step into the circle, no offence is taken and she meekly complies. And when he converted “Very Good-Very Good” to “Meri Bhi Good-Teri Bhi Good”, he was only provoking Kishor Babani to quip, “Jolly Good-Jolly Good”, which got further corrupted by Sitaram Hivarkar to “Holly-wood! Bolly-wood!”
All this was unimaginable till about a year back. Exercising then was a daily chore with perhaps a birthday treat or Revital capsules thrown in for good measure. Let alone take liberties, nobody even joked with an open mind. Everybody was at their best behaviour – restrained, self-centred, even standoffish. There were no jokes’ sessions, no movie outings. No Talkative Trio (left pic), no Badmaash Company, no Chandaal Chaukdi... Everybody talked discipline.
Today, discipline is as much a keyword, but it is self-inculcated, not imposed. Everybody knows where to draw the line and the exercises are not compromised in any manner. That remains sacrosanct. Everything else that follows on the sidelines is an icing on the proverbial cake. So addictive has this icing become that most of us cannot do without showing up at the Garden every morning – even if it were for a few minutes. It's a habit that grows.
Indeed, so much has changed in one year.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
No Talkative Trio, no Badmaash Company, no Chandaal Chaukdi ... Not Very Good-Not Very Good. No silly jokes, no leg-pulling, no mindless banter... Not Good-Not Good. No jabber-jabber, no hee-hee, no khil-khil... Jolly No Good-Jolly No Good! Let us have some GOOD things tomorrow to compensate for today.

Day 378

A stupid hoarding of a movie, overlooking the Garden, has become a major talking point among members. Partially visible (pic right) from where we exercise, it shows a young couple carrying huge shopping bags – the legend, Not A Love Story appearing at the top. This is the advertisement for a yet-to-be released film, supposedly inspired by a real-life crime of passion, wherein a TV executive was hacked to death over a woman.
Well, the hoarding has aroused the curiosity of people like Tara Chand Seth who somehow, wants to believe that this is a shopping ad. Some insist that it is about a Monsoon Sale in some shopping mall with the young couple lugging bags loaded with goodies. Yesterday, Geeta Sardana went to the extent of reading the word Love (in the film title) as “Loot” and wanted to know if the neighborhood Food Bazaar was offering some such scheme… till she was told that the bags were supposed to contain the mutilated body parts of a slaughtered man!
Today anyway, she did not show up and with Bhaswati Bose also doing the disappearing act, decibel levels were relatively low during the exercises. In fact, there seemed to be a conspiracy of silence among the ladies as even Sunita Jajodia could not elicit any response from her usual sounding board, Santosh Tyagi. So, when Srichand Arora engaged Bapu Rane in a casual tete-a-tete, Neelam Garg was quick to point out how talkative the men had become.
Ultimately, it had to be Kishor Babani infusing some laughter in the group by suddenly crying out, “Tu hai Arora ki Kiran!” He was actually singing along the popular Darr number playing on his mobile: "Jaadoo teri nazar, khushboo tera badan, tu haan kar ya na kar…" At every cheesy turn of phrase, Kishor would yell, “Yeh Arora ga raha hai!”
This is one guy who thinks mischief on his feet.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
I enjoyed the informal chai session in the company of Bose-babu, Arora-ji, Kishor-da and Dilip-bhai. Badmaash Company has now become a 'decent company' of the like-minded.
Says RENU BABANI:
Today was rather quiet for a change, as certain members didn't turn up. Regarding the hoarding that can be visible, especially to the ladies, it is quite a depressing view early morning. We come to the Garden with a positive attitude and wish to return home in a great mood. Hopefully the hoarding will be removed soon. This is one movie I shall definitely not see. The jokes of Mrs Santosh and Mr Kishor were in full force today. At times it looks like a competition between the two, but fun no doubt.

Day 377

Uffffff... our ladies can talk and how!
Like little school girls, they go on and on on on – jabber-jabber-jabber, hee-hee-hee-heee, khil-khil-khil-khil, hee-hee-heee... all through the exercises, like there’s no tomorrow. True, their free-spirited talkathon relieves much of the tedium and adds to the fun-'n'-games of the mornings; but seriously, everybody would like to know what the Talkative Trio – Sunita Jajodia, Bhaswati Bose and Geeta Sardana – find so compelling every daybreak as to unfailingly have a verbal diarrhoea during the exercises. Fact is, once these certified chatterboxes get together, no amount of polite ministrations (Renu Babani: "Silence is Golden"), scolding (Srichand Arora: "Khaamosh!") and cajoling (Nahid Khan: "Idhaaar!") would ever work. And should Santosh Tyagi, Harbans Singh, Ramila Mistry or Kajal Babani choose to chip in, even God Almighty cannot stop the torrent of endless titter and prattle.
Of late, Arora appears to have also given up on them, but is yet to join the ranks of the meek, speechless males who are resigned to their fate. In order to distract the ladies today, he suggested that the Lein-Dein exercise be patented in the name of Ramila Mistry. This comes close on the heels of the Neelam Exercise that got formally patented with the phapda-jalebi bash yesterday. Ramila, who made an appearance after close to a fortnight, promptly agreed to treat everybody – provided of course, we henceforth follow her style of rolling our wrists, first inwards, then outwards.
Meanwhile news comes in of Hari Singh Shekhawat, having quite recovered from his chest congestion problem that had led to his hospitalization last Thursday (see post of Day 371). He has not been discharged though, as some reports of tests are still awaited. This made an over-concerned Geeta Sardana (above) wonder aloud if Shekhawat, by force of habit, should be doing his 'Slow and Fast' goli-marna on the hospital nurses every morning. We would know for sure in a couple of days, when Shekhawat is expected to return home.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Today's jokes' muqabala was nice with long chits and page-full of jokes, thanks to Santosh-ji and the grand master, Kishor-bhai.
Will men ever come to know what the women talk? We are all curious, but hesitant to ask. Will someone volunteer? Why should women have all the fun?
Blog Monster, your reporting today is superb in language, content and vocabulary. It makes very interesting reading. Great work my friend. You should be a novelist!
Says RENU BABANI:
Finally, someone agrees that the ladies tend to chatter incessantly and any polite request to be attentive during the exercises falls on deaf ears. Rest assured Mr Harish, the conversation will not be of interest to you. So you are not missing much. However, whatever be the discussion, it is all light-hearted and in good fun. There are no personal issues, so no one gets offended. We meet at the Garden to enjoy ourselves and let's face it, we are young at heart and shall always remain this way.

Day 376

People need a reason to celebrate. Some look for excuses. We invent one. How else would you explain the phapda-jalebi bash the Gargs (below) hosted this morning soon after the exercises?
It was not Mr Garg’s birthday today. Nor was it of his wife, Neelam. If it was their marriage anniversary, we weren’t told. All we were told yesterday was that G.R.Garg wanted to treat everybody to phapda-jalebi. But today, when the couple did not show up till well past the middle of the exercises, we had assumed that either they had forgotten about it, or else, this was meant to be a joke.
Srichand Arora looked particularly worried because as usual, he had taken upon himself the responsibility of organising the eats from Jagruti. He said that there was no specific reason for the Gargs to be hosting a party, except for he casually insisting on a phapda-jalebi treat yesterday. And Mr Garg readily agreed. The gentleman, it seems, has a strong weakness for this breakfast savory.
The other speculation doing the rounds was that this had to be some kind of celebration for Saawan or the rainy season. Kishor Babani’s by-now famous joke on “Saawan ko aaney doh” and “Aaya Saawan jhoom ke” kept the guffaws going. But still, nobody was any wiser, even as Neelam tried to explain that this was supposed to celebrate the “patenting” of a new exercise named after her!
Did she seriously expect anybody to believe her?
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Many, many happy returns of the day to Garg dampatti. Wish we had known it before: We could have ordered a few more goodies like mithai, gulab jamun, samose, chai, dahi-kachori, wada sambhar, poha, bhajji... (Ungli doh toh haath pakad lete hain, yeh log toh!) I am also sure many must be benefiting from the Neelam Exercise, patented in her name. Thanks for making the morning lovely, Garg-sa'ab. May you people have great years ahead. Keep smiling and be happy as usual.
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
A big 'Thank You' to the Gargs for the treat. Is it important to know the reason? Aam khane se matlab hai, ped ginne se nahin! Eat and be merry. And where is our dear Renu? Missing her in the Garden and her comments on the blog. Get up and get going, Ms Lazy Bones!
RENU BABANI replies(right):
My apologies, but this lazy bum just can't get out of bed at 6 a.m. I have absolutely no excuse, but definitely lazy seems to be right word. Looks like the morning was fun as usual, and a treat too. If anyone out there has a way of making me feel guilty and get out of that bed in the morning, please be free to do so. Any ideas will do and then I shall decided which sounds feasible and gets me going in the morning. Let me see who is the 'Smart Alec' in our group!

[Pssssst... WATER, water, Kishor! What are you waiting for? Cold nalke-ka-pani... One splash on the face will do. She's just asked for it! --Big Laaf ]

Says RENU BABANI:
Trust me, that is not THE solution. Firstly, he did mention it and I made it quite clear that throwing water on my face will DEFINITELY NOT be a good day for him! Besides, knowing me, I may just wipe it off, turn away and stay in bed. So think of a better idea!
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Says DILIP BABANI:
Shadi ki salgirah, mubarak ho! God bless both of you. We enjoyed the jalebi and phapda.

Day 375

Darkness at dawn, but eminently pleasant – what with a gentle breeze blowing continually and turning the morning routine all the more enjoyable. It did not drizzle. We completed the exercises without disruption, although everybody was mentally keyed to rushing into the Chinese Hut at the slightest hint of a shower.
Ved Prakash Grover gave us another reason to be happy about. He said he had “fully recovered” from the viral fever which kept him bedridden since Thursday. He managed to do part of the exercises before excusing himself due to weakness. Strong medication had also left him with blisters around his lips.
Another old member to show up (after a fairly long time) was G.R.Garg. For some reason, he appeared to be in a generous mood and declared that he wanted to treat us all to phapda-jalebi tomorrow morning. Nobody knew the ‘because’ and he wasn’t explaining anyway. It is quite possible that he could be pulling a fast one.
However, one ‘celebration’ that has been confirmed would be for Dilip Babani and Geeta Sardana who had correctly identified Srichand Arora from the photograph of his younger days (see yesterday’s post). The two would collect their prizes on Saturday. As it happens to be Raksha Bandhan day also, Geeta said she would tie a rakhi on Arora’s wrist that day. The latter promptly advised her that she was welcome to do so, but must not expect anything in return!
We can expect some major leg-pulling between brother and sister this Saturday.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Very happy to see Grover-sa'ab, with his usual smile and zeal, back in action this morning. May the Almighty give good health and peace of mind to one and all. That is the only wish I have, when Arora-sa'ab says, "Maang lo Bhagwan se, Aaj uska mood achha hai" while doing the shoulder exercises. Did you notice the two men in bright green in this Saawan ka Mahina? Nice and matching-matching to the mausam!

Day 374

Pic of the Week

All those who were off-mark on the Sunday pic of July 24, 2011, maybe this would make sense. Congratulations DILIP BABANI and of course, GEETA SARDANA. And thank you, all else, for participating.

Says Harish Wadhwa:
Oooff ye aada,
Ye kali ghani julfen,
Ye talwar si moochh,
Aur chamakti, nasheeli ankhein...
Arora-sa'ab, dekh kar koi bhi fida ho jayega. May God keep you young forever and jovial as usual. I am certain, these pictures and the person must have had (and has) many deewanes.
Congratulations Dilip-bhai and Geeta-ji for recognising the "Mr Handsome"!
Adds Dilip Babani
Arora-ji toh hai hi handsome,
Dil se jawan,
Jigar se jawan...

Day 373

The guessing game over the “mystery man” of our July 24 (Day 360) post got a bit more intense as many turned up this morning just to know who he could be. “Result niklegi” was the refrain yesterday, particularly among the ladies who had pitched on people like Ved Prakash Grover and Dilip Babani. Geeta Sardana, a past winner, was most enthusiastic and in fact, even more confident about Srichand Arora being a “prime suspect”.
She was therefore quite disappointed when told that the contest was still open and the results would be declared only tomorrow (in this blog). Besides, it is highly probable that the “mystery man” could be someone who is at present not able to attend the Club due to ill-health. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate that we should rejoice with a prize distribution -- at least till such time he remains absent.
This kept Geeta thinking. Arora was there in front of her eyes, looking hale and hearty. Her suspicion instantly shifted to Hari Singh Shekhawat and Grover, both known to be unwell. But ultimately, it goes to the lady’s credit that she stuck to her gut feeling and did not second-guess with another name.
In all this, we had overlooked the absence of Ramila Mistry (left, above), whose birthday it was today. Well, she is doing fine – just that she is pre-occupied with some overseas guests these days. We trust she will be having a wonderful celebration at home, and on our part, let us all wish her many happy returns of the day, good health, peace and prosperity.
Another member we will not be seeing for a while is Pratap Bhatt (above, right). He has left with his family to attend the Saawan Utsav at Pushkar. We wish him a safe and happy trip and look forward to his return on September 1.
Says RENU BABANI:
Today the constant chatter amongst certain ladies was quite a distraction. However, everyone somehow got involved and even the men seemed to be forgetting the routine. Actually it starts off with one or two ladies and slowly the rest join in. Then comes the blame game and no one wants to admit of starting the banter. I guess this is what we are all about. We just want to have fun and make the most of the morning. We have got so used to one another that if it gets too quiet, everyone wonders if things are alright. Do hope Mr Shekawat returns to the Garden soon. His will power and determination shall not keep him away and he'll be amongst us soon. Wishing Ramila a very happy birthday and God bless her always.
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
Janamdin Mubarak Ho, Ramila! Wish you a long and happy life.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Happy Birthday "Smiling Face"!

Day 372

Shekhawat's hospitalisation created quite a stir at the Garden today. Many had got the news yesterday itself. Those like Srichand Arora, Tara Chand Seth, Sitaram Hivarkar and Santosh Tyagi who learnt about it this morning, looked visibly perturbed and did a head count unconsciously. Arora enquired if Ramila Mistry was fine, as she has not been seen for some time. Mumtaz Jahan was another, but it seems she is currently in Kashmir on vacation. Others like Razia Khan, Khatoon Baig, Nazma Sayed and Nafisa Syed are believed to be observing roza and are expected to show up only after Eid, i.e. around August 31.
Arora nevertheless cautioned everybody to be extra careful in these times of malaria and viral epidemic. So no street food, clear all stagnant water in and around your homes, no wearing shorts in the Garden, sleep under mosquito nets, get a blood test done at the slightest signs of discomfort... But do not take any 'precautionary treatment' so long as you are fit and fine, because this would only build up body resistance against medication, if and when the need arises.
Meanwhile, news comes in of Shekhawat likely to be discharged on Monday, August 8. He is responding well to treatment for "chest congestion", according to his son Raghuveer, who called on him at the hospital this afternoon. The exact ailment or its cause is still not known. Medication will however, continue even after he is back home.
Says RENU BABANI:
Yes, the viral fever/flu is definitely in the air and everyone has to take care. Mr Harish made a suggestion this morning which sounded good. He stated that instead of exchanging high fives after the exercise, we should just fold our hands to each other. Precautions are always better. I am sure Mr Shekawat will recover soon and be back at the Garden in no time. Thankfully, nothing serious, but this is a warning to all of us... a persistent cough could lead to anything. I went to the doctor myself yesterday due to my flu and found out that it is viral. So, back to medicines, but at least am feeling better to be able to come in the mornings.
Says HARISH WADHWA:(right)
Kishor-bhai's jokes rejuvenated the mood today morning. My sincere prayers for all our members who are not feeling good due to the monsoon infections, that they recover soon and join the gang at the earliest. Rightly suggested by Renu-ji, that we need to be cautious and avoid eating out. Jan hai Jahan Hai.
Says DILIP BABANI:
Shekhawat-ji will be alright very soon and come to the Garden for exercises. This monsoon, all members should be careful about mosquitos. Do not eat outside food. Always eat home-made food, cooked by your beloved wife which will be 100% clean and healthy. We all should exercise daily, avoid smoking, drink very less daru, sleep for long hours, talk less, remain contented, not interfere unnecessarily in others' lives, reduce worrying, not try to change others and be always happy. By the grace of the Almighty, be cheerful and make others happy. God bless every member of the Laughing Club. We must follow what our president, Mr Arora says. Thank you, Arora-ji.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
I do not agree to Dilip-bhai. Yes, one must eat home-made food, but please give our (mine) wives a break too. Dost yaar kis liye hain? Good friends like Dilip-bhai and others should volunteer and invite friends like me, Bose-babu and other like-minded families to his home for enjoying home-made food during this monsoon season. Did I feel/ see/ hear Dilip-bhai nodding his head in agreement? Are other lady members, especially (great cooks) nodding their head too? Well, call now, before someone else books the precious company of these foodies. Our appointment books are open at present.
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
Why does Dilip-bhai want us to talk less? I think we should talk and interact with each other more. Only then we will be cheerful and happy. The talkative ladies in the group make the sessions so enjoyable and interesting!
As for Harish-bhai, I totally agree wives need a break. So all lady members should look forward to home-made food provided by the male members. We may perhaps start the process from Harish-bhai's home...
HARISH WADHWA replies:
Bhaswati-ji, mere yahan LPG gas khatam ho gayi hai. Naya cylinder ab jaldi milta nahin! Mein to khud wada-pao se kaam chala raha hoon (LOL)!