Lucky 13th

We were in luck today. Out of nowhere, when no one had expected, Khatoon Baig (pic left) fished out a box filled with the most scrumptious, dental-friendly chikkis imaginable. She had just returned from a holiday in Mahabaleshwar. And like a caring family member, she had brought the sweets for all those missing her in the Garden.
That was not all. Many do not know that today happened to be the ‘actual’ birthday of Srichand Arora (pic below). There is also an ‘official’ birthday he has been stuck with, which is celebrated on January 22 (see posts) every year. But June 13 is the date when he surfaced on earth many moons ago and this fact is borne out by his school/ college certificates, passport, etc. So on behalf of those who came in late, here’s ‘actually’ wishing Arora many happy returns of the day.
But then, he had some explanation to do when confronted with the rather uncomfortable question of turning up late at the Garden these days. The issue is discussed without fail every morning in his absence – all because Arora is regarded (and feared) as a man of discipline who leads by example. Being unpunctual or half-hearted towards exercising is against his grain. It is not his style.
Significantly enough, Arora conceded that he “comes late and deliberately so” because he does not find anyone serious enough about the exercises. He said he was pained to see people “behaving as though they were doing the club a favour by making an appearance”. In this environment, he felt a misfit and would rather distance himself.
This is indeed an unfortunate turn of events. But the good part was that Arora did not need any cajoling to change his mind. On his own, he sportingly declared that he would try coming in time from tomorrow. After all, this is as much his Club and we are all part of one family.