Change is Constant

Change, they say, is the only constant in life. More often than not, the changes around us are so gradual and subtle that we do not even notice them. And then, it takes a small trigger for us to reflect and realize that things are no longer the same.
This morning, when Razia Khan came in visibly agitated over losing her Club cap in the Chinese Hut yesterday, many wondered what the fuss was about. Some even teased her for having lost her “izzat”. After all, what is the big deal about a blue cap? But Razia was upset and kept grumbling... till Banoo Khan appeared on the scene waving her cap. Razia’s face lit up with joy. She jumped and embraced Banoo (right pic).
Such a scenario would have been inconceivable even a year back. We were then like any other laughter club with no mooring, let alone a sense of belonging. People came in, laughed and went away. Nothing held anyone back. Gradually, from that casual and fragmented cluster of individuals, we have coalesced into a cohesive group – a proper club.
In the process our numbers have gone up, new friendships forged and all of us are getting happily older. We have our ego clashes and celebrate all birthdays and festivals; we watch movies together and commiserate when tragedy befalls anyone; we drink ourselves silly in one another’s homes and venture out long distance – to Goa, to Kashmir, and now to Vaishno Devi and Himachal Pradesh.
Indeed, much water has flowed down the nullah next to the Garden as we keep to our daily exercise routine religiously. Even in this, changes are creeping in – the latest being our signature wrap-up to each exercise round. Instead of saying “Very Good-Very Good-Hey!” from today, we shall be ingratiating ourselves in Hindi: “Bahut Achche-Bahut Achche-Waah!” The bottom pic captures this spirit of jubilation and joyous abandon.
Harish Wadhwa:
Two veteran 'Laafing Buddhas' of our club -- flanked by Arun and Tara Chand-ji, laafing with equal enthusiasm. Lovely pic. They are all looking really great. Bas yoonhi hanste rahiye.