Nature’s Ways

Ramila Mistry distributes prasad from Mahuva, Gujarat

How time flies. It would seem that till the other day, we were arriving at the Garden in pitch darkness, wrapped in woolens, shivering in the cold. We cursed the weather and prayed that the extended winter go away.
Then summer came and struck with a vengeance. In less than a month, it became so hot and humid that once again we started cursing the weather. Every morning we hoped and prayed for relief – perhaps an unseasonal shower – while also drawing consolation from the belief that it cannot get any worse.
We were being stupid. The mercury rose inexorably, turning the exercises into an ordeal -- more so, in the past two days.

Kishor and Renu at Key West

Everybody, to the last man and woman (and dog) in the Garden was left sweating profusely, dehydrated to the bones and panting for breath. It was like being in an open-air sauna soaked to the skin, the sweat dribbling down the body and dripping from the nose, ears, eyelids, fingers… just that we aren't allowed to take off our clothes, as yet.
Strangely, the moment we are done with the exercises the leaves on the trees would begin to rustle and a cool breeze sweeps across the Garden. Such is nature’s conspiracy.
The only happy spot of the morning was when Ramila Mistry distributed the prasad she had brought down from a Hanuman Temple in Mahuva, Gujarat. She had gone there for a few days on a religious trip. In less than a week, she would escape on another excursion – anything to beat the godforsaken heat.
The others we know to be enjoying themselves in cooler climes are the Babani couple, Kishor and Renu. They had been on a cruise and have sent in a picture of their visit to Key West City – a popular tourism destination in the Straits of Florida, USA. This must make a lot of our people jealous, and for all good reasons.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Mumbai is to face the maximum burnt of climate change, says a recent report. Since the city has reclaimed ocean land substantially, we are going to have a tough time in days to come.
Harish Wadhwa:
Kishor-da and Renu-ji, you should have posed like the statue behind. No one is watching you anyway, except the children and the photographer!

Point of Order

Hot line to Mrs Singh

Monthi Serrao today raised a point of order soon after the exercises. She informed that Mrs Harbans Singh was down with a severe knee condition and could not even walk to the Garden. “How many of you have have cared to inquire about her health?” demanded Monthi. “Every time someone falls ill, she has been the first to call and check. But nobody here has phoned her, now that she is in distress. This is not correct.”
Caught on the wrong foot, many of us tried to explain that we weren’t aware that Mrs Singh was back in town. The last we heard was that she had gone to Punjab for medical treatment in early March. In fact, her prize for Pehchaan Kaun-8 (see post of March 8) was collected on her behalf by Monthi Serrao. Since then, we were under the impression that Mrs Singh was still in Punjab. Srichand Arora instantly made an effort to salvage the situation and called Mrs Singh on his mobile phone from the Garden.

Qadir Bano marks her return from Jaipur

On behalf of the Club, he offered his apologies and explained that we had no clue about her health condition – even of the fact that she had returned from Punjab.
It turned out that Mrs Singh is fortunately "better" now, having gone through a harrowing time because of the knee problem. She had undergone a surgery as well in the interim. Razia Khan also spoke to her in front of us, conveying our concern and wishes for a speedy recovery.
The other ‘returnee’ was Qadir Bano, who had gone to Jaipur about two-and-half months ago (mid February) for some “personal documentation work”. She is one of the newer members of the Club and was back at the Garden with a box of yellow pedhas typical of Rajasthan. As usual, we raised an extra laugh for Qadir and thanked her for remembering us.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Absence of communication often results in misunderstanding and mental disturbance. Members must be told to keep us posted whenever they are absent for a long period.
Srichand Arora:
Mrs Singh, on behalf of the BIG LAAF club, I sincerely apologize for not contacting you during the past month-and-half. We were under the impression that you were still in Punjab. We all pray for your early recovery.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Get well very soon, Mrs Harbans Singh. After all, you have to be fine and mobile to make some nice kada-halwa-prasad for all the greedy at the Garden, including me. Jokes apart, may Rab give you good health.
* Earlier it was phapda-jalebi. Now there are pedas. All good things have to happen only when I am not around! Lagta hai Badmaash Company-chai par hi santosh karna padega! Welcome back Qadir Bano-ji.

Day 990

Pic of the Week

SIX SENTINELS AND A BIRTHDAY BOY

The six persons surrounding Shekhawat-ji are chanting to reap the benefits of good health and long life. --Jagmohan Papneja

Indeed a great picture with the natural spotlight on Shekhawat-ji. Speaks a lot on the mood and sentiments of the event. --Harish Wadhwa

"See, I yet am in command... Any doubts?" Thus the chairman speaks. --Renu Babani

Low Key Celebration

The long-awaited phapda-jalebis happened today. Srichand Arora kept his promise of April 19 (see post). Hari Singh Shekhawat also kept his promise, as he joined us to usher in his birthday at the Garden. Of course, he had to be picked up from home. And Arora did the running around, after lugging in the eats from Andheri Station early morning. Put together, it made for a wonderful but low-key celebration, befitting the mood of the moment.
The idea was actually to see Shekhawat – after his discharge from Kokilaben Hospital earlier this week. He is suffering from a heart condition and will have to be hospitalized again. But far from being bogged down, Shekhawat looked gung-ho as usual– even as all efforts were made to ensure that he did not exert himself in the least. He was supposed to be with us for ten minutes (as Arora put it delicately, “We want your darshan only”) but Shekhawat happily went on chatting and joking for more than half an hour.
After the initial formalities of greeting him with a bouquet and singing “Happy Birthday” in chorus, it was only a matter of time before Shekhawat brought up the subject of a tour to Kerala in October-November. He had even brought along details of a Kerala package from a tour operator and passed it around. Much as we tried to distract him and focus on his treatment instead, he was determined to discuss whether to go by air or train – in which case, a full rail bogie will have to be booked!
Now here is a man who will have to go under the knife any time and doctors are sending him (and his family) on a merry-go-round, running up huge bills, his admission at Asian Heart Institute is in abeyance again, an MRI scan needs to be done today itself at Bandra… We are worried for him, but he is as carefree as a lark.
Keep it up Shekhawat-ji and here's wishing you once again -- a long, healthy and happy life.
Jagmohan Papneja:
You are a great friend with a great heart. May you sail through all the obstacles and challenges that come your way. I wish you a very Happy Birthday.
Srichand Arora:
Happy Birthday, once again, my dear Shekhawat. I have never come across another BRAVE person like you. Keep it up my friend. I know God is going to help you at every stage.
Kishor Babani (from Canada):
Good to be with friends, Shekhawat-ji. Always keep smiling like this. May the Almighty God give you a long life. Best wishes from Renu, Harsha and Prakash as well.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Shekhawat-ji, Aap jiyo hazaron saal, saal ke din pacchas hazaar. Happy Birthday once again. Will have a party at your home to celebrate when all is well and okay!
* A well-timed picture capturing Mrs Bose, as she steals some phapda from Arora-ji while he comforts Shekhawat-ji with a tummy massage. LOL.

Emotional Reunion

TEARS OF JOY: All's well that ends well!

The picture alongside shall remain one of the most heart-warming and unforgettable images of our time. Two lovely people, the best of friends, had fallen apart (post of April 24) and this morning, they were brought together by the Club elders. As Razia Khan went on to embrace Nafisa Sayyad, everybody cheered; but there were also many in the crowd who could not suppress their tears.
Nobody wanted to see them estranged. Khatoon Baig was particularly distressed while she urged all and sundry to “do something” as it did not feel good to see the duo separated. “Achcha nahin lagta,” she kept mumbling to herself. Those were the exact words of Srichand Arora also this morning when he almost physically (with Jagmohan Papneja lending a helping hand) brought Nafisa and Razia to hug each other after the exercises. “It was not a wall, but a thin film of misunderstanding that was separating them,” said Jagmohan, clearly overjoyed at seeing them together again.

Hari Singh Shekhawat

The turning point was obviously Razia’s honest-to-goodness comments on the blog post of April 24. Those beautiful Urdu couplets she composed were appreciated by all, following which Arora, in deference to her sentiments, decided to initiate a rapprochement. We do not ordinarily interfere in the personal lives or inter-personal relations of members. But these were no ordinary people. They were special – dear to one and all. And so we allowed our hearts to overrule the head. In catalyzing this process, if the blog has had a small role to play, we are happy for the outcome.
That apart, Nafisa had to remind Arora (in sign language, of course) about the phaphda-jalebi treat he had promised (post of April 19) on Hari Singh Shekhawat’s birthday, i.e. tomorrow. Turns out, Shekhawat is recuperating at home after his discharge from Kokilaben Hospital and will be admitted to the Asian Heart Institute at Bandra-Kurla Complex the day-after tomorrow. Two blockages have been detected in his heart. On April 30, he will be operated upon for removal of the blockages and thereafter, for about a week he will be kept under observation in the ICU.
He has nevertheless agreed to drop by at the Garden tomorrow morning.
Jagmohan Papneja:
To err is human, to forgive, divine.
Renu Babani:
Hey there everyone, back in Toronto after a lovely cruise. Fun, fun and more fun! Relaxed completely, literally gorged on the variety of food, till after the second day couldn't handle it. Weather was great and now back in Toronto where it is cold.

Mass Boycott

"Umm... I woke up late... was watching cricket late night."

Sweltering heat today almost forced a total boycott of the exercises. There were barely six members present in the Garden to start the morning proceedings. For the first time Santosh Tyagi excused herself and left, complaining of “uneasiness” due to the extreme heat. Obviously, those who stayed on did not matter because the first remark Jagmohan Papneja made upon arriving was, “Kya, koi nahin?”
Clearly, the heat does strange things to the human brain, even impairing hearing abilities. Sample this conversation:

Santosh Tyagi

A: “Is that a boy walking there, or is she a girl?”
B: “No, it is the stink of cow dung coming from the open drain.”
C: “Actually because of the heat, Arora is absconding today”.
A: “But is that a boy or a girl going there?”
C: “No problem, you can take your cap off!”
The good news is that Jagmohan has been appointed to a sub-committee that would take care of the amenities in the Garden.

Jagmohan Papneja

That makes him our go-to man for any requirement. He revealed that the China Hut will be demolished very soon and a new structure, much more spacious (“with a capacity for 40 people”) would be erected in its place. He intends to get it done ahead of the monsoon so that we would have ample space to exercise when it starts to rain from mid-June.
A far more pressing problem, as Dilip Babani pointed out, is the absence of any provision for drinking water in these sultry times. The taps in the Garden have long since run dry. Dilip suggests reviving the water connection and investing in a proper water cooler (with purifier) on a priority basis. The cooler may be placed conveniently near the Garden gate under the watchful eye of the security staff to prevent any misuse and wastage of water. After all, without potable water, we all run the risk of dehydration and consequent medical complications.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Elderly people are prone to heat stress. To prevent heat-related problems, one has to drink plenty of water. Don't wait till you are thirsty to drink. Try to remain in the shade. The BMC has discontinued water supply to Gardens in order to save potable water. They are advising the digging of borewells and ringwells as alternate water sources. So drinking water has to be arranged by individuals.

Estranged Couple

Marriage counselling in progress

How ridiculous can we get?
WE decided they were a couple. WE decided to address them as ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’. WE then decide that all is not well with their ‘marriage’. WE even decide for them that a divorce is in the offing. And then WE decide that WE must intervene to save their marriage!
But all in light vein…
Fact is Razia Khan and Nafisa Sayyad are as thick as thieves. So strong is their friendship that it is impossible to imagine them as separable. When one shows up at the Garden, the other follows automatically. Or else, both would disappear together. No wonder, Yusuf Rassiwala calls them ‘doh hanson ka joda’ -- a pair of swans. To top it all, they happen to be long-time neighbours, living in the same apartment complex with their families.

Bapu Rane

The fun part is that something has gone wrong between them recently and they are not on talking terms now. They show up at the Garden separately, hang around in separate groups and go their own ways separately – much to everybody’s amusement. But to keep up pretenses, someone would play marriage counsellor and offer unsolicited advice on ways to patch up. Another would play devil’s advocate, provoking a face-off and thrash out their differences in the open. A third would talk philosophy – the bitterness of separation after such a long and sweet relationship. “What would you answer Ooperwala when you go up there?” asks a fourth…
This was the dominant buzz all morning -- a charade actually, and more so because the cause of the rift is known to all. Neither Razia nor Nafisa is making any secret of it. It is so trivial that everyone knows both ladies would come around sooner than later. And the biggest joke is that instead of sulking or brooding, they are enjoying the fun as much as we are.

Razia Khan

Sitaram Hivarkar and Pratap Bhatt came up with a disturbing piece of news. The ayurvedic treatment Bapu Rane has been taking for an intestinal infection is not working. It seems he is unable to swallow even liquids now. “He is in terrible agony because water has started accumulating in his back for the past two days,” informed Sitaram.
Jagmohan Papneja:
A relationship has its ups and downs. You can't have love without a little pain. But if the bond is strong enough to overcome all obstacles, then its worth fighting for.
Razia Khan:
'Ek zarah si baat se barson ke yaarane gaye,
Apni apni soch se kuchh log pehchane gaye!'
I know we were the best of friends for years, but a sudden gust of wind blew it all away. I don't have any dark feelings against her in my heart. This is what life is about. I pray to God that however, wherever she is, may she have a wonderful life. God bless her.
'Qurbuttein (closeness) door karne lagi hai, Muhabbat mein ab fasla (distance) chahiye'.

Invasion of Ants

Khatoon Baig: Once bitten, many times shy!

After days of dodging anthills, we were today unceremoniously ousted from our usual stomping ground in the Garden. The entire stretch was crawling with ants – long trains of them, big and small, shiny red, zig-zagging through the grass… eventually forcing us to relocate to a ‘safer’ spot close to the public toilet.
“It’s so hot these days that the ants need to come overground for a breather,” explained Santosh Tyagi sympathetically.
“Just shows that it could rain any time,” proclaimed Nahid Khan.
But it was Khatoon Baig who had spotted the ants first. As usual, she took her position next to Nafisa Sayyad and asked if there were any “moongi” around, only to let out a loud shriek within minutes. Stamping on the grass, she quickly changed position and stood next to Sunita Jajodia. Soon both started screaming and jumping together, dusting their clothes furiously.

Sunita Jajodia: Casualty II

They rushed to a bench, took off their shoes and started swatting the ants on their feet and legs. The spectacle turned others antsy and everyone began scratching and slapping themselves at the oddest of places. Only Geeta Sardhana was not amused at this mass scale antslaughter: “What do you expect the ants to do when you get into their space every morning? They are also living beings.” However, she was the first to rush out when the call came to shift to another location in the Garden.
“Why should ants bite the ladies only?” grumbled Razia Khan. “Why don’t they bite the men?” Good question and as always, Srichand Arora had the answer: “Because the men come to the Garden after a bath. The women don't bathe.”
“No, because you wear shorts!” Razia countered.
“So come to the Garden tomorrow wearing shorts and no ant will bite you,” was Arora’s instant solution.
From then on all went well as there was no further casualty. Sunita rejoined the exercises, but Khatoon stayed put, refusing to tread on terra firma. Scared stiff, she sat on the bench for a long time with both legs raised, surveying the ground below. Clearly, once bitten, many times shy!
Jagmohan Papneja:
The presence of ants, in millions, is affecting us badly as they crawl up our body during the exercises. I have sent an e-mail to the Chairman and Secretary of Celebration Club with a request to treat the ground with the help of Pest Control of India. I hope they will do the needful.

Winds of Change

"Dado Sutto-Dado Sutto... Hey!"

We are turning into linguists. From what was intended to break the ‘Very Good-Very Good’ routine, we graduated to Hindi with ‘Bahut Achche-Bahut Achche’ at the end of each round of exercising. Now it has been decided that instead of restricting ourselves to one language, we should be signing off in our mother tongues – only that it would be a new language every morning and any member in the group could provide the cue.
So today, Srichand Arora tossed the Sindhi equivalent of ‘Very Good-Very Good’ and we all merrily clapped and sang in chorus, ‘Dado Sutto-Dado Sutto… Hey!’ On Saturday (yesterday being a holiday) we performed to the Bengali ‘Khoob Bhalo-Khoob Bhalo… Hey!’ and tomorrow, in all likelihood, we would take the cue from Sitaram Hivarkar’s ‘Khoob Chhan-Khoob Chhan… Hey!’ in Marathi. If anything, this should reaffirm our cosmopolitan nature, besides of course, provide some variety entertainment.

Tara Chand gets warm send-off

Already, a deliberate corruption of the phrase ‘Dado Sutto’ by the ladies led to many red faces since the men had overheard them. Santosh Tyagi tried doing some damage control but it further worsened the situation. This has only opened up the hilarious possibility of someone misguiding us with expressions far removed from what we are supposed to say and we would be none the wiser for it. For instance, were Monthi Serrao to tell us that the equivalent of ‘Very Good-Very Good’ is ‘Go to Hell-Go to Hell… Hey!’ in Konkani, who would prove her wrong? It is her word against ours, if at all!
But such slip-ups can be expected whenever changes are initiated. Yet another change in the offing is the scrapping of Sunday as a holiday and enforcing full attendance like any other week day. Ved Prakash Grover has been pressing for this, since he finds just about two or three members like Bapu Rane, Teja Singh and Tara Chand Seth to be present on Sundays. All the others have been observing the day as an ‘undeclared holiday’ and nobody can explain to Grover why. He will find himself all the more lonesome when Tara Chand leaves for his half-yearly sojourn to Delhi this evening. He isn’t saying when he would return.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 7:
He has been discharged from Kokilaben Hospital before noon today. He was looking much better now. His son, Raghuvir told me that he was seeking an early appointment at Asian Heart Hospital for further treatment. --Jagmohan Papneja

Day 983

Pic of the Week

"Wanna hitch a ride to Faridabad… anybody???"

Wow! Teja Singh-ji, tussi great ho!!! --Srichand Arora

"Aaja meri gaddi mein baith ja!" --Bhaswati Bose

Singh is looking great! --Dilip Babani

* Real sportsmanship comes with attitude, not by age. You are great, Singh saheb-ji. Commendable spirit at this age!
* Let us meet the most adventurous Man on the Motorcycle. Sardarji, congratulations for proving that the spirit of Fauja Singh is alive. --Jagmohan Papneja

Singh is king, Singh is king... --Kishor Babani

Teja Singh-ji da jawaab nahin! Vadde sone lag rahe ho ji, bilkul filma ali kar. Koi shak nahin ke tussi sade king ho! --Harish Wadhwa

Thank you all very much. I have little fever now. Will join the club soon. --Teja Singh

Papa, you are looking great! So happy to see you happy!! Love you lots!!! -- Jyoti

Monkey Business

Revisitng their childhood...

Childhood habits die hard!

A humble monkeypod tree (jungli jalebi) guarding the Garden gate today bore the brunt of childish crankiness for a good half-hour after the exercises. Laden with fruit, it drew Srichand Arora’s attention first. From somewhere he produced a stick to thrash the pods down. The stick was too short. So Arun Patil joined him with a longer stick – soon to be followed by Rehana Sheikh with a chair to stand up on. Balancing on one another, they started to beat the hell out of the lower branches till a few pods fell down. Suddenly they discovered that for all their hard work, they were left with nothing. Tara Chand Seth, Ramila Mistry, Fehmida Khan and several others had collected all the pods from the ground. Arun got down from his chair and called for operations to be halted. The watchman was sent to the toilet area to collect a longer bamboo pole. This time there was a shower of monkeypods. After 15 minutes or so, they divided the spoils and everyone departed for the day, mission accomplished!
Inconsequential as it might seem, the incident illustrates how the Garden has come to exert a magnetic influence in our daily lives. We get our morning fix of high jinks here. We are supposed to be done with the exercises in an hour's time, but most of us hang around till well beyond two hours. After all, where else would a bunch of seniors be able to play the fool like kids and not have to answer for it?
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 6:
Today I reached the ICU of Kokilaben Hospital at 1:00 p.m. and came to know that he had been shifted to Room 22 on 13th floor yesterday. He was not in his bed when I visited. Upon inquiring, I came to know he had gone for an ultra-sonography test. It was obviously to ascertain the cause of his abdomen-related problem. --Jagmohan Papneja
Srichand Arora:
Visited dear Shekhawat at about 6.00 p.m. He was lying in his bed, but was in a really cheerful mood. His reports were taken by his son to other hospitals for a second opinion. The outcome is not known to Shekhawat, but everything is in control according to him. He is still planning the Kerala tour sometime in November and is sure to get a good crowd which will allow him to book a full rail bogie. God bless him. Most probably he will be discharged on Monday and later on, if needed, he can get checked by other doctors in another hospital.
Harish Wadhwa:
It is also known as elaichi imli. I recall my childhood when we used to get into a frenzy over the pods. Could anyone manage to get a handful of them after all the effort?

Bull by Horn

Srichand Arora meets his match, in Nafisa Sayyad

If there’s anyone in the Club who can take on Srichand Arora fair and square, it has to be Nafisa Sayyad. All others are content with taking pot shots behind his back – even calling him “Hitler-ji” (a new name coined by Pratap Bhatt) – but in front of him, they would all squirm, tongue-tied. Not Nafisa. She knows how to take a bull by the horn!
It all started with Arora throwing his weight about, picking on those who were inattentive, not laughing loud enough, not wearing their caps… till Razia Khan tried to divert his mind by mentioning we haven’t had phapda-jalebi in a long time. “It is time you treated us to phapda-jalebi,” she told Arora. “Today is a good day, Ram Navami.”
Arora pretended not to hear. Razia repeated her request but to no avail. Then Sunita Jajodia joined in, saying that he should have “treated us to phapda-jalebi on Gudi Pawda (last week)”. “It is Gudi Padwa, not Pawda,” Arora corrected her, but on the rest of her sentence he had turned a deaf ear. Completely exasperated, Nafisa yelled at the top of her voice: “We want phapda-jalebi. Do you hear me, Arora-ji?” Arora still looked blank.

BIRTHDAY GIRL: Renu Babani

That was when she got into her number. In sign language, she demonstrated how phapdas are made. Then she rolled a hand round and round to suggest a jalebi and followed it by mimicking the act of eating and what it is to strut around with a full stomach. “Ab samjha?” she asked Arora.
The impromptu performance threw everyone in splits and Arora instantly agreed to a treat tomorrow. Before long he was to change his mind, suggesting that we should rather wait till Shekhawat was discharged from hospital. It would be Shekhawat’s birthday next week-end (April 27) and that would be a good occasion to celebrate, he said.
In all this we did not realize that it was Renu Babani’s birthday today and there could have been phapda-jalebis today itself were she to be present in the Garden. Both she and her husband are in Canada at present, celebrating with their son Prakash. Well, this is wishing her a whale of a time, a long life and of course, many happy returns of the day.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 5:
Today, I went to Kokilaben Hospital around 4:15 pm to ascertain the outcome of yesterday's angiography. I learnt that his son, Raghuvir had collected the report and taken it to Hinduja Hospital for obtaining a second opinion from a specialist. I came to know also that he will be discharged tomorrow but will have to undergo further treatment either at Hinduja or Asian Heart Hospital. Let us hope and pray that he comes out of this at the earliest. --Jagmohan Papneja
Srichand Arora:
Renu-ji -- Kiran and I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, many happy returns of the day!
Bhaswati Bose:
* Happy Birthday, Renu! Am sure you are having a great time today with family and friends. Enjoy.
* Wish I was present to see Nafisa's acting. When she's in the mood, she can be hilarious!
Renu Babani:
Thanks for the birthday wishes. My birthday has just begun here. Having a family affair at home tonight -- a priceless gift, no doubt. The weather is great here. Shall send photos soon as right now still recovering from jet lag.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Best wishes for the happiest day filled with love and laughter. Happy Birthday, Renu-ji!
Harish Wadhwa:
Very Happy (belated) Birthday, Renu-ji. Hope you are having a great time.

Hot and Humid

Arun Patil: "A cap provides protection from the hot sun"

We are just past mid-April and already it is maddeningly hot and humid in Mumbai. The stillness in the early morning air has made exercising all the more difficult. There is no way we can shift to a shaded area in the Garden because the ground beneath the trees is riddled with treacherous anthills. We would rather sweat it out in the sun than be bitten by a million red ants.
If that was not bad enough, Srichand Arora today revoked his decision on allowing members to come without caps during the summer months (post of April 16). “I don’t think I’ve granted any such permission,” he declared when he arrived this morning after a two-day break. “All I recall is Sunita (Jajodia) complaining that it was too hot to wear the cap. I simply told her she was free to come without a cap for the next two months.”

Srichand Arora

Everyone was stumped for words. As we looked blankly at one another, Arun Patil intervened to explain that caps provide protection from the hot sun. “See, my face is untanned,” he told the ladies. “This is because of wearing the cap. You can also stay fair and lovely like me by wearing the cap every morning.”
Arora added that the caps give us a sense of identity and pride. “If you are not proud of wearing the Club cap, what can I say? I cannot put pressure on you. All I can do is to appeal to your good sense and leave it at that for you to decide. But from my side, there is no permission to forsake the caps for two months!"
Arora was looking disturbed, presumably over Shekhawat’s hospitalization. He had mentioned in the blog two days back: “I'm a little upset due to Shekhawat's illness. I'd like to be away for a couple of days.” Such despondency is natural between very close friends. But when Arora heard of Shekhawat sitting in the ICU and plotting about the Kerala trip, he burst out laughing. Indeed, a tiger does not change its stripes.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 4:
I called on Shekhawat-ji at Kokilaben Hospital around 5:15 p.m. As planned, he had undergone an angiography test today and its report is awaited. I found him looking much better than yesterday. Given his physical condition, I can confidently state that he will fare well and the angiography report will be favourable. --Jagmohan Papneja
Harish Wadhwa:
* Shekhawat-ji will be fine and return to normal very soon. Everyone is concerned and anxious to see him back in the Garden with a smile, making picnic or excursion plans.
* Badmaash Company chai was good with goodies from Arun. It was also nice to see Arora-ji becoming a gadget freak with his new Nokia Lumia mobile. Kya baat hai!

Sobering Influence

Teja Singh

In a short time, Teja Singh Bhambra has endeared himself so well and become such an integral part of the Club that today, exercises do not start till he arrives in the Garden. His sense of punctuality is astonishing. As Ved Prakash Grover puts it, “It cannot be 7’0 clock till Sardarji turns up.” And that is when Sunita Jajodia would let out her clarion call, “Chalo uttho, Sardarji has already come!” By the time we would spot his blue turban, he’d have quietly reached the far end of Garden, slowly measuring his steps till we run up and take our position for the exercises.
A man of few words, Teja Singh’s silent presence exerts a sobering effect on an otherwise unruly group. So it was to him we turned when Shekhawat was hospitalized last Friday. Without much ado, he delivered an ardaas (see post of April 13), seeking the blessings of Wahe Guru for a speedy recovery. And yet, this is the same man who is also part of all the fun and frolic around. The other day Monthi Serrao politely apologised for a sudden outbreak of toilet humour in the group when Teja Singh gamely brushed her aside. “Koi gul nahin,” he quipped, eyes twinkling with amusement. “I am enjoying it!”

Today's Health Bulletin from Jagmohan Papneja

Today was no different. Santosh Tyagi narrated an unusually risqué joke on AIDS, wisecracks flew thick and fast, Nahid Khan repeatedly called for order during the exercises, Monthi was full of stories on her return from a trip to Gandhinagar, Udaipur, Mt Abu… but behind it all, one fact was clear: for all the pretence of normalcy and ensuring that the ‘show must go on’, everyone’s mind was hooked on Shekhawat in the ICU of Kokilaben Hospital. His absence had become louder than his presence.
As usual, Jagmohan Papneja cleared the air with what has come to be a ‘health bulletin’ on Shekhawat. We cannot do much in the circumstances, but for those of us who are unable to gain access to the hospital ICU, this daily ritual is the only means of having our concerns addressed and being reassured that he is well on the road to recovery. Thank you Jagmohan-ji, for keeping us updated.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 3:
I visited Kokilaben Hospital at 4:15 p.m. today and met Shekhawat-ji. He was cheerful, sitting on a chair and could converse very well. He touched upon many subjects and seemed to have forgotten about his illness. He even spoke of the trip to Kerala in November! I gathered that he will undergo an angiography test tomorrow. Let us wish him the best. --Jagmohan Papneja
Srichand Arora:
Thank you very much, Papneja-ji for the Health Bulletins of our dear Shekhawat-ji. I request you to please keep it up. We all are very much interested in such updates. Thanks, once again.

Reprieve from Caps

Scramble for retrieving caps

The caps are off. In an act reminiscent of the famous ‘clothes burning scene’ in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, one by one Sunita Jajodia, Santosh Tyagi, Ved Prakash Grover, Nahid Khan and others deposited their caps in a neat little heap during the exercises. “Arora has given us permission not to wear caps for two months,” Santosh declared defiantly.
She was right. Arora did not come today, but yesterday, in a rare display of magnanimity, had announced that all those "complaining of discomfort" from wearing caps in the summer heat, were free to “come uncapped” for the next two months.
Santosh was the first to complain of high BP which got aggravated by wearing the cap. “With the cap, it feels as though insects are crawling all over my head,” Sunita joined her. “My head feels like exploding!” added Tara Chand Seth and dropped his cap in the heap. Before long Khatoon Baig turned up, followed by Kajal Babani and they too deposited their caps in the centre as a mark of solidarity.
As the exercises continued, the caps kept piling up and the ladies broke into discussing whether this was the last we were seeing of the caps.

Canada bound: Renu and Kishor Babani

“In two months time we will happily lose them,” Nahid Khan grinned, only to have Tara Chand rebuking her: “Why lose them? We are only giving the caps a break. In two months time, they will regain their sehat (health) and be back on our heads!”
Nobody was convinced. But Tara Chand’s comment had given the caps a life of their own, so much so that Nahid now started imagining a conversation between them: “These caps must be wondering why they have been dumped together on the ground. No, they are fighting among themselves. No, they are actually confused…”
In between, Renu and Kishor Babani dropped by to inform that they were leaving for Canada tonight – mainly to see their son, Prakash who has started working as a doctor in Ottawa. This is his first job and the parents are justifiably proud and overjoyed. Moreover, Renu wants to celebrate her birthday this year (April 19) with Prakash. We wish the couple a happy holiday and safe journey ahead.
Renu Babani:
Thanks everyone for the good wishes. But right now the most important issue is Mr Shekhawat's speedy recovery. He is in our daily prayers and will surely be back on his feet soon. I shall be checking the blog to get an update on his health. God Bless and take care, everyone.
Harish Wadhwa:
* This has become yet another childhood game -- just that instead of searching for your topi from the heap, it used to be shoes. I hope it did not end as kisi ki topi, kisi aur ke sir!
* Bon Voyage Kishor-da and Renu-ji. Have a great time with Prakash and give him our blessings. He is a jolly good fellow and a wonderful being. Uski shaadi-vaadi ya ladki dekhne toh nahin ja rahe hain!?!
* JOKE OF THE DAY: What did one topi say to another in the pile?
"Chal door hat, tu toh uss khusat ki topi hai jise juan hai! Kum se kum naha-kar toh aayi kar!!!"
Srichand Arora:
I'm a little upset due to Shekhawat's illness. I'd like to be away for a couple of days. Sorry, friends.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 2:
I visited Shekhawat-ji today at 1400 hrs at Kokilaben Hospital. He was having lunch with the help of the attending nurse. When she asked him whether he could recognize me, he nodded and said, "My best friend". On the whole, his condition is improving. I feel he will be shifted out of the ICU in a day or so. --Jagmohan Papneja

Wake-up Call

Ramila Mistry briefs members on Shekhawat's condition

Shekhawat’s hospitalization has come as a rude wake-up call for everyone in the Club. That such a ‘jolly-good fellow’, bristling with energy should suddenly fall ill (post of April 12) was something nobody was prepared for. “If anything, this has exposed our vulnerability,” rued Nahid Khan.
“It can happen to any one of us, any time," Khatoon Baig pointed out. "We cannot afford to take our health for granted.”
“Too many people our age are falling ill one after the other,” observed a crestfallen Arora, who took a break from the exercises today as he "felt off-mood”. He said that we ought to be extra cautious not only of our own health, but also about the welfare of everyone around us. “We are all growing old by the day,” he added.

Jagmohan Papneja

Being a Sunday yesterday, several members like Arora, Santosh Tyagi, Jagmohan Papneja, Sunita Jajodia and Ramila Mistry among others had converged at Kokilaben Hospital to call on Shekhawat. He was still in the ICU and according to Ramila, could recognize people around. “He didn’t look disoriented, but was having difficulty in breathing,” she narrated. “It seems he had been complaining of parched throat, but was forbidden from imbibing water on his own.”
Harish Wadhwa informed that he had had a word with Shekhawat’s son, Raghuveer and learnt that maybe, it is not a heart issue at all. It is possible that the problem lay in his distended tummy which exerted pressure on his lungs and heart, leading to the choking and breathlessness on April 12. Some clarity on this would emerge after further tests, including an angiography which is scheduled soon.
Luckily for us, we have Jagmohan Papneja, who holds a 'Privilege Card' that gives him free access to Kokilaben Hospital, 24x7. He has very kindly volunteered to update us on Shekhawat’s condition any time of the day since he is in close touch with the concerned doctors and has been monitoring all developments. Instead of crowding at the hospital, you may call Papneja on his cell, 98205 70820 -- but at a reasonable hour. He is the Club's pointman.
Health Bulletin of Hari Singh Shekhawat - 1:
Thank you for the compliments which will encourage me to be of more service to my fellow members. I take this to be a reaffirmation of my humble contribution for the welfare of all. At 8.00 p.m., the staff at Kokilaben Hospital told me that Shekhawat-ji had to undergo a 'swallow test' before he is put on solid diet. His condition appeared stable. --Jagmohan Papneja

Day 976

Pic of the Week

Whoever said Parsis have the privilege to be statues?

The true Statue of Liberty. Everyone knows Sunita-ji takes a lot of liberty! -- Srichand Arora

Can anybody tell me on what day is the inauguration of this Statue of Laughter at Lokhandwala Garden No 4? --Jagmohan Papneja

Nice to see Sunita-ji as Statue of Liberty-Shiberty. Khoob lag rahein hai aap, bus chashma zara off-beat hai! --Harish Wadhwa

No Laughter

Hari Singh Shekhawat

There was no laughter today. A pall of gloom hung over the Garden this morning as members silently went through the motions of free-hand exercises, their minds away at Kokilaben Hospital where Hari Singh Shekhawat had been admitted following a cardiac arrest yesterday.
At the time of writing (1410 hrs) he was in the ICU (5th floor, Bed No 12) attached to a ventilator – yet to regain consciousness.
According to family sources, it was late afternoon yesterday when Shekhawat felt a strong vomiting sensation and would have thrown up his lunch, were it not for the glassfuls of water he gulped down involuntarily. It seems he choked on his vomit, the water entering his lungs and he was soon rendered breathless. Gasping for air, he was rushed to the hospital by his wife and son, but became unconscious on the way. This was around 1600 hours yesterday.

Arora briefing members on the hospitalisation

Teja Singh leads the special prayers for Shekhawat

Doctors at the Emergency Ward described his condition as “unresponsive” during admission and following an ECG and later, a CT Scan surmised that Shekhawat had suffered a cardiac arrest (not a stroke).
By 2100 hrs, his condition turned to “critical but stable” with the BP dropping from 140/110 to a close-to-normal 110-90.
And at 2200 hrs, he was shifted to the ICU with ventilator support. From then to now, there has been no perceptible difference in his condition – though doctors attending on him are hopeful that by the evening today, he should turn around and be able to breathe on his own. They are also considering an angiography/ angioplasty procedure once he is in a better physical state.
Srichand Arora, was the first to reach the hospital late evening, followed by the Bose couple and Harish Wadhwa. So it was from them that members were today apprised of the situation and by common consensus, it was decided to forgo the laughter sessions as a mark of respect and concern for Shekhawat. And before dispersing for the day, Teja Singh Bhambra offered special prayers (ardaas) for the early recovery of our dear friend. We all miss him.
Kishor Babani:
You fill the world with happiness with your lovely voice and lively presence. Now that you are sick the world has become a gloomy place. Please get well soon.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shekhawat-ji at this difficult time. Good to note that he is responding to treatment and recovering in the ICU. Full recovery looks promising. So please hurry up and get well soon.
POST SCRIPT: At around 1800 hrs today, Shekhawat regained consciousness and could breathe on his own. He has since been taken off the ventilator and is said to be 'out of danger' now. He will however, remain in the ICU, under observation, for another day.
Srichand Arora:
The entire BIG LAAF is very happy to hear this. Shekhawat-ji, we all pray for your early recovery.

Kerala Calling

Kochi, the gateway to Kerala

He looks badly stressed out. His left leg is troubling him. He is always short of breath and cannot speak a sentence without effort. He is taking medicines to reduce a protruding tummy… But like a man possessed, Hari Singh Shekhawat is hell-bent on preparing from now for an excursion to Kerala, next October-November.
The other day Srichand Arora advised him to take it easy for a while as many people are yet to recover from the frenetic trip of Himachal Pradesh. “Don’t talk of Kerala for the next two months,” he told Shekhawat when the latter approached him to work out a ‘tentative’ itinerary.
Tara Chand Seth put it mildly, though with a dash of humour: “What’s the hurry? Let the karela (bitter gourd) sweeten a bit!”
Today Monthi Serrao repeated Arora’s advice and suggested that instead of Kerala, we should be talking of a day picnic now. “Don’t even mention Kerala,” she instructed Shekhawat. “Bilkul choop… for the next couple of months.”

"But what is your problem with Kerala?"

Monthi informed that last week she had gone for a picnic to Gorai Beach with another group and it was an enjoyable experience. “We had a shack to ourselves and all day we played lots of indoor games. There was no need for us to go out and explore the beach. We left at 8 in the morning and returned by 8 in the evening!”
Significantly, the impetus for the Kerala trip had actually come from Monthi when she gave Shekhwat a tour programme drawn up by a travel agent that covers Mangalore, Kochi, Allepey, Munnar... all for Rs18,900 only.
Now the problem with Shekhawat is that after his Himachal Tour experience, he would rather not trust a travel agent and secondly, he does not want to visit Mangalore. This way, he feels, the costs can be cut down drastically. But by how much? Nobody is giving him an estimated budget – let alone helping him with the itinerary, hotel reservations, transport, etc. And this is making him restless all the more.

April Fooled!

Harish Wadhwa: Suspension of Disbelief 

It has taken 10 days for the cat to be out of the bag. This morning, the Club finally fell for the April Fool joke (see post of April 1) when Harish Wadhwa walked into the Garden dressed in a crisp white kurta-pajama, his hair dyed black and a serious look on his face. He appeared a complete stranger. And yet, there was a ring of familiarity, which raised a few eyebrows -- even as Srichand Arora introduced him as Harish’s brother, Manish Wadhwa.
“You need not introduce him,” Monthi Serrao insisted. “He has met us earlier.”
“Bilkul twin lagtey hai, hai na?” said an amused Khatoon Baig.

The 'original' Harish Wadhwa

“Ek dum same-to-same!” agreed Nafisa Sayyad.
“We will believe only when he brings Harish-bhai along,” interjected Razia Khan, but still not very sure. “Both brothers must present themselves together.”
The men however, had no such doubts and exchanged pleasantries, even enquiring where he was staying in Mumbai and why Harish was not to be seen these days. Shekhawat, looking like an enlightened monk with close-cropped hair, went to the extent of informing about the Club’s picnic plans (see post of April 5) at the resort in Alibaug. “We will need around 30 rooms because it would involve an overnight stay” he explained.
“How many rooms does your resort have?” chipped in Geeta Sardhana, suspicious as always.
Pat came the reply: “About 500 rooms. And there are acres and acres of land around…”
“Baap re!” intoned Shekhawat, suitably impressed.
But the penny had dropped. At that very instant, the myth about Manish Wadhwa was demolished and prospects of the picnic at Alibaug went up in smoke. The ladies exchanged glances, not knowing what to say. Only a few die-hard optimists (Shekhawat included) clung on to the hope that there could be some truth in whatever Harish had said.
For those who came in late, please go back to the post of April 1 – All Fools’ Day!

‘Ladies Strike’

Before the women came storming in...

Slideshow demo on the Himachal Tour

The exercises began this morning with Tara Chand Seth declaring it was a “Ladies Strike” today! Indeed, not a single female face was to be seen while there were as many as seven men around. Soon Yusuf Rassiwala came, followed by Srichand Arora and with Sitaram Hivarkar joining in, the number rose to ten. But strangely, no female member turned up. That was when everyone became uncomfortable? Were the women really on "strike"? What for? Where had they all disappeared?
But Tara Chand had spoken too soon. For Nahid Khan showed up with Razia Khan and Nafisa Sayyad close on her heels, soon to be followed by Geeta Sardana, Ramila Mistry, Khatoon Baig… all hurrying in. The deluge had begun. In no time the tables were overturned and the women outnumbered the men almost two to one. “Ab theek hai,” observed Tara Chand with a look of relief and satisfaction. Obviously, some men find their comfort level with more females around.
Shekhawat wasn’t there though. He complained of "tabiyat dheela" and decided to stay put at home today. Bhaswati Bose, who had brought the Holi pictures on her laptop for his benefit (he was particularly interested in seeing his ‘marriage’ pics) was therefore left with having a slideshow demo for all those who had missed it on the blog. As a surprise add-on, there were pics taken by Arora at Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, Chandigarh, etc. (also on the blog now) which many, who did not go on the trip, were keen to see. In effect, this finally brings a closure to the much talked-about Himachal Tour.

Flat Out!

Santosh Tyagi: Prasad packets from Vaishno Devi

Here’s the joke of the day: Arun Patil, our ‘Hero of the Himachal Tour’ (check last two posts) who took care of everyone in their darkest hour and along with Srichand Arora, remained unaffected by the food poisoning around, was himself down with a running tummy this morning. “He is completely flat out with dysentery,” a hyper-excited Rehana Sheikh announced by way of explaining Arun’s absence in the Garden today.
Now, for someone who had done so much for all on the tour and ordinarily does not take a break from the exercises, this was disturbing news. After much deliberation, everyone shook their head gloomily: “Must be late reaction to the food poisoning.”

Prakash Motwani

But as it turned out, Arun was to have the laugh. “I am perfectly fine,” he piped in cheerfully on phone. “It was water melon I had taken yesterday which was giving me stomach cramps. So I decided not to take chances. But I will be there at the Garden tomorrow.”
Santosh Tyagi was however, not as lucky. She took a stopover at Delhi to recover from the rigors of the tour and was in the Garden this morning with packets of prasad from Vaishno Devi. But she still looked downbeat. “I’ll have to see a doctor today,” she said between sniffles and coughing. “I am not at all well.”
Prakash Motwani was worse off. He had not gone on the tour, but complained of a drastic weight-loss defying explanation. “I have gone through all possible tests, but still the doctors have not detected anything,” he said trying to force a smile. “I cannot climb stairs, I feel giddy and weak, drained of all energy. I was 62 kilos and in one month, I am down to 50 kilos… God knows what is happening to me!” Constant worrying is turning this man into a nervous wreck.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Trip mein itna saha, kasrat ki, oranges khaye ki ansoo bhi nikal rahe hain, jagah badal badal ke! Ek tarbooz baki tha, par us ne bhi raham na karke rang badal liya!
* Santosh-ji, thodi kanji aur pani-purie try karo. Loha lohe ko kat-ta hai. Sab theek ho jayega.
* Motwani-ji, hamesha ki tarah bas muskuratey rahiye. Sab theek ho jayega. Shayad badalte mausam ka takaza hai.
Srichand Arora:
Congratulations Blog Monster, 2 lakh se bhi jyada viewers ho gaye hai hamare blog ke. GREAT!

Himachal Hangover

Shekhawat makes an impassioned presentation

Prasad from the Golden Temple and Vaishno Devi

Stories on the Himachal Tour (March 27-April 5, 2013) aren't over yet. If it was Srichand Arora on Saturday giving a blow-by-blow account on the ten-day trip, today it was Shekhawat’s turn to make an equally elaborate presentation of what must surely go down as a momentous 'expedition' in Club history.
Not that it was unprovoked. As main organizer of the trip, Shekhawat was only responding to questions put forth by Monthi Serrao and others on the travel and logistics, difficulties in managing the 21-member group, problems encountered at each stop, issues of finance and accountability and most importantly, the lessons to be learnt from the tour.
“But for the food poisoning part, it was an enjoyable trip,” he summed up. “Everything was manageable and here I must place on record the selfless service rendered by Arun Patil throughout our journey. Were it not for him, many of us would have ended up in a major crisis. We are all very grateful to him.”
The main takeaway from the trip, according to Shekhawat and Arora, is that it brought out the best and bad qualities of every individual. Henceforth, only members and no outsiders would be taken on Club excursions, they insisted. And as far as possible, we will not rely on tour operators. “For the Kerala trip, we will send Arun Patil in advance to do a recce and only thereafter shall we follow,” joked Arora.
Both Arora and Shekhawat brought back dry prasad from the Golden Temple of Amritsar and Vaishno Devi – which Tara Chand Seth helped distribute.
Harish Wadhwa:
So many people without caps... that too in presence of Arora-ji? I am sure the Golden Temple visit has made him ever-forgiving. Arun-bhai ke charche sab jagah hain, aur kyon na ho. Woh hai he aisa... Yaaron ka Yaar! Thank you so much for the prasad too... Jai Mata Di!!!

Day 969

Pic of the Week

CRAZY FEET: IF PROOF BE EVER REQUIRED OF INSANITY, THIS IS IT!

What does that lady behind (in green) think she's doing? --Bhaswati Bose

"Gangnam, Indian ishtyle... that too on the sidewalk!" --Renu Babani

* 'Crazy Feet' fever has caught on at the Garden too! Amazing. The two jokers seem to be good at it, while Tara Chand-ji is amused at this new dance style. How about making it a regular exercise at the Garden?!? --Harish Wadhwa

* Bhaswati-ji it is nothing but Air India. --Harish Wadhwa

No one has paid a single pie to these people dancing and showing tricks on the road. There is just one spectator and that too with empty pockets! Kya faida aise road show ka jahan koi kadardan hi nahin? Chalo bhai, kisi aur location par! --Srichand Arora

Look, Who’re Here!

WELCOME BACK: Saying it with love... and a rose!

They are back. After 10 gruelling days of travel, braving extreme temperatures, inclement weather, bad food and a punishing schedule, the five fittest, sturdiest and most conscientious of the 21-member Himachal group showed up this morning at the Garden. Promptly they were christened ‘Panch Parmeshwars’ of the day: Hari Singh Shekhawat, Srichand Arora, Ved Prakash Grover, Arun Patil and Nahid Khan.

Arora greets Sunita Jajodia

They were not expected today. A reception of sorts had been lined up for Monday (see yesterday’s post) as it was only appropriate that they (having arrived last evening) would take the weekend off to cool their heels. But, as Teja Singh Bhambra remarked, they were all “looking smart”. And on behalf of the Club, Bhaswati Bose greeted them with a red rose as an expression of happiness in having them back again.

The 'saviour': Arun Patil

The group had left on March 27 (Holi day) and headed straight for Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple and Wagah Border. From there, they hit the road to Katra (Jammu) and after a helicopter hop, got their darshan at the Vaishno Devi shrine. Thereafter, en route to Chandigarh, calamity struck. Something they had consumed on the way, revolted and the entire group, barring Arora and Arun, were down with food poisoning. (It pays to be in Badmaash Company!)

Teja Singh greets Grover

The freezing cold and evening showers in Shimla further dampened their spirits and it was their tenacity and sheer luck that brought them back to Mumbai safe and sound.
Through those trying moments, if there was one man who deserves special mention, it was Arun Patil. According to Arora, he was “truly godsend”. Right from taking care of the ill and running about for medicines to physically lifting the infirm up steep inclines on the hilly terrain to being seated upright on a stool beside the bus driver throughout the road journey (they were one seat short), to diligently checking on everyone every night in hotel rooms, to preparing all their beds in the train… Arun was THE MAN.
Indeed, as Tara Chand pointed out, “God always sends someone in times of crisis!”
Harish Wadhwa:
Welcome home. Nice to read about Arun's helping nature. He is indeed a very helpful and caring person. Aakhir Badmaash Company ka khaas hai, iss liye. Sangati ka asar hona hi tha... LOL. Nice of you Arun-bhai to be so caring to one and all. Bahut duayein aur asheesh milengi.