Beating the Chill

The ‘polar freeze’ seems to have hit Mumbai. But in spite of the dipping mercury, dark skies and dense fog, the mood early morning was unusually upbeat in the Garden. Where pullovers and mufflers had failed, happy music and healthy laughter prevailed, raising our spirits -- such that even Monthi Serrao had to take a dig at Grover, remarking that he had become 'small' in the winter cold.
Red-faced, Grover pretended not to have heard her right. But when she insisted he was shrunk ('sukad gaya'), he gamely put on a smile while others did not know which way to look.
A similar faux pas occurred with Srichand Arora after he had finished conducting the exercises.

Arun displays his music box

Gallantly, he stepped up in front of Qadeer Bano and clapped with his arms outstretched, “Ati Sundar- Ati Sundar” (Very Beautiful)! He was supposed to say “Ati Uttam” (loosely translated from ‘Very Good’) to everyone in general and wrap up the exercises, but what made him turn towards Qadeer in particular and compliment the flabbergasted lady, nobody shall know. Arora realized his folly moments later, but it was already too late. The ladies tittered, the men leaped in glee and Arora was left cutting a sorry figure in the middle, holding his ears in apology.
And then there was the music from Arun Patil’s tiny ‘silver box’ to further enliven the proceedings and as always, be the cause of much mischief. Vintage Mohammad Rafi numbers seem to be flavor of the season with singalongs and comments flying thick and fast during the exercises. Nahid Khan once appealed that should she get “waylaid” by the songs, we should bring her back on track; but now she does not need an excuse to clap and hum to herself like a lost sleepwalker. Arora stays alert on the lyrics and is quick to point out any absurdity on the musical declarations of love. But one person who couldn’t care about these subtleties of music and dances (rather gallops) to his own beat is Hari Singh Shekhawat. With such madness around, who cares if the weather is cold, dark or windy?
Harish Wadhwa:
* You guys need to just chill and enjoy the mornings. As long as this solecism brings smiles, it is fine. Who cares for the rest anyway...
* Nicely written and crafted blog today. Kudos Blog Monster!