In the Flow

Shekhawat, today morning

Hari Singh Shekhawat is fast getting back into the flow of things. From a time when he used to walk into the Garden with measured steps, detached, short of breath and unable to speak, he has now become more purposeful in his gait and confident of himself, cracks jokes at random, gives cues during the exercises and participates in all the mischief-making around. What is more, he does not need to rest in between the exercises – although a vacant chair is kept ready next to him at all times, should he require a breather.
And yet, Shekhawat is not happy with the progress he is making. “It is now three months since I've had the heart surgery,” he says, looking around for reassurance. “Why do I get tired so soon? Why do I have the feeling of my insides being stretched (‘khichav’)? It is painful. Maybe, I am not really cured. I cannot wear the clothes I used to earlier. They have all become loose. Look at these trousers. I need a belt to keep it place… or else, it will slide down my legs!”
Indeed, Shekhawat is no longer seen in his old shorts and T-shirts and for the better part, shows up in the morning dressed in formal dark trousers, tucked-in full shirt and black shoes. His rainbow umbrella is the only constant from his pre-surgery days.
Just to cheer him up, Srichand Arora keeps taking little digs off and on: “Bun-thun ke kahaan ja rahe ho? Have you pataoed some ladki? Let us also know…” Jibes like these have a magical effect on Shekhawat. With a twinkle in his eyes and blushing from ear to ear, he is back to his jolly self, laughing and joking all the way.
For all his weakness and self-doubts, Shekhawat is getting around to accepting that in the monsoons, any healing process takes time. This is what his friends and well-wishers in the Garden have been telling him -- that he should not expect a miracle overnight, that he has to be patient with himself and that, in good time, he shall be back to normalcy. He is already half-way there.
Meanwhile, let us pray for Shekhawat’s speedier recovery.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Shekhawat-ji, the pain you feel today shall be the strength you feel tomorrow. No pain, no gain.
Harish Wadhwa:
Shekhawat-ji is absolutely fine. Unhe kya hua hai? He is walking-talking, has sweets, holds a nice colorful umbrella to woo women if and when it rains, enjoys our jokes, Arora-ji's musings, plans picnics, laughs loud, has a very loving and caring family, puts up with Badmaash Company... Sab kuchh toh bhala-changa hai, chinta kiss baat ki hai? As for pahuwa-patawa-patakha, they will all start sooner than we think.