Some Respite

A pleasant morning, for a change. Clouds hung low over the Garden, blocking the sun. A steady breeze added to the joy of being out and exercising – even as the turnout was unusually low. But Purushottam Sharma (right) was there, taking credit for providing us relief from everyday's muggy weather. And Yusuf Rassiwala was courteous enough to thank him for the favour – if that should now prompt him to be more regular with his appearances.
Neelam Garg (below) was also there, loaded with boxes of luddoos to celebrate the birthday of her husband (in absentia). Srichand Arora referred to him as “Mister Neelam Garg”, before urging us all to raise an extra laugh after the exercises. Everyone sang for him (in absentia), wishing him a long life – of good health and happiness. We trust our wishes would be conveyed “via media” to him!
Meanwhile, there has been some talk about a trip to Mahabaleshwar between May 25 and 27 (one night stay). But Shekhawat, right now, is more intent upon salvaging the Kashmir trip scheduled for September. He claims to have collected advances from ten members, although many are having second thoughts and would like to back out. As Arora pointed out, lining up too many picnics/ excursions back-to-back can prove to be not only a financial drain, but also rob an outstation trip of much of its charm. The novelty is lost. After all, it is not even a month since the group had returned from an extended tour of Goa.
With several such dissenting voices and conflicting opinions floating about, it will take some time before a consensus emerges.
Harish Wadhwa:
A very Happy Birthday to Mr Garg -- which coincidentally happens to be Buddha Poornima, a very auspicious day. The laddoos were nice and generously distributed by Neelam-ji. Sabne khaye 2-3 hain, par yahan kaun gin raha hai!