They Also Count

Whether it is our penchant for laughter or the blue caps we wear... or anything else that distinguishes us as a group that meets unfailingly at seven every morning, exclusivity is surely not our strength. We are as much part of the Garden as anyone else is part of us. And it is this ‘openness’ at including everyone that has added to all the joy and merriment in our lives.
From the man who sells milk packets at the gate to the ‘vaanar sena’ (as Nahid Khan puts it) on a cemented platform at the far end of the Garden, every person around is part of our expanding family. Like the lady in black and the three little children (above), many join us for the exercises without as much as introducing themselves. Others may not exercise, but share a bonding like any other member.
Take Rehana Sheikh (left pic), Shekhawat’s go-to girl and a regular at all our picnics and parties. The same goes for Banoo Khan (right pic) who has always stood by us, even celebrating her birthdays and festivals with us. Or the cricket-loving Vijay-bhai who keeps a tab on every member and becomes genuinely concerned when he does not see someone for some time. Or Mohammad Abbas, who gets medicines at super-discounted rates…
There are also the many dozens on the walking track with whom most of us share more than a passing acquaintance – like the man who must huff and puff like a steam engine every morning, or even the lady who tends to topple off a bench while meditating. There is also an elderly man whose mission in life is to defy his wife’s ban on smoking and visits the Garden only to steal a few quiet puffs. The other day he collared a lady, accusing her of being a “spy” who tattles to his wife. Now what do you say of such people – except that they make life so very beautiful!
Harish Wadhwa:
People of all age, faith, religion, pati-pratadit/ patni pratadit, escapists, yoga/ meditation buffs, Baba Ramdev followers, mischief mongers, bird watchers, health freaks, topi-baaz, toilet-goers, khabri-lal, showoffs, gossipers, actors, professionals, poets, comedians, judo-karate men/ women... well you can meet people of all sorts at this garden. This is what makes it beautiful.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "Hey, even we kids enjoy exercising... So we joined the fun!"
* "Yes, we are smiling because we are happy to be together."