Sixth Sense

Some of our members are blessed with powers of extra sensory perception. How else can anyone explain their ability to show up, unfailingly, every time there’s a special treat or party lined up? On all other days they are nowhere to be seen. Not that it makes a difference. But it speaks a lot for the sixth sense working overtime in these enormously gifted people who are not half as serious about the exercises.
Today they were present in full strength, taking attendance from a normal 20-odd to well beyond 35. They kept coming and coming as the exercises progressed, having clearly sniffed out the juicy pethas Mrs Harbans Singh (pic above) had brought from Punjab. There were of course, plenty to go around and many even did a double dive (diabetes notwithstanding) for the sinfully sweet treat – without as much of a by your leave.
Otherwise also, with such a heavy turnout, maintaining order had become an ordeal for those conducting the exercises. Both Srichand Arora and Yusuf Rassiwala were at their wits’ end trying to stop the constant chatter all around, but ended up blaming each other. Whenever Arora was pulled up, he’d instantly point at the person beside him for starting the conversation. And there was Shekhawat, dancing and beating his tummy like a drum, simply because Nafisa Sayyad was curious about what he had done to look so outrageously pregnant!
Twice Yusuf yelled at Ramila Mistry, warning her not to disturb others. The second time he growled “Romilaaaa!!!”, she screamed back at him, “Eiyeeeeeeee”… only to prompt Sunita Jajodia to scold her: “Why did you squeal like that? You are not a child…” “Choop!” Ramila raised a finger, silencing her. By then Arora was telling Yusuf that he’d give a “signed affidavit” stating that the group was beyond all redemption.
In between word came in that Nahid Khan’s friend, Lakshmi (left) had fainted somewhere in the Garden. Vasudev Bhateja came running for a bottle of water, Kishor Babani offered toffees, Shekhawat picked them and rushed… but Arora had already beaten him to it, comforting Lakshmi at a distance on a bench. She seemed struck by the oppressive morning heat. The women stood their ground in silence, amused at seeing the men in a tizzy. Much later, when the exercises resumed, did Nahid leave her position and join Lakshmi on the bench.
Harish Wadhwa:
"Mrs Harbans Singh, ankhon se maar hee dalenge aap kitno ko. Ufff ye gussa!"