Exercise or Excuse

Hari Singh Shekhawat

There is a reason why we report to the Garden every morning. It is to exercise. But for much of the time we are there, we do everything but exercise. We listen to music, gossip, play the fool, stuff ourselves with food, make plans for the future, commiserate, celebrate… No wonder a majority of members drop in at the fag-end of the exercises – just to be part of this action.
The best example of one who takes exercising so seriously is Hari Singh Shekhawat. Forever restless, it is hard to find this man ever with both feet on the ground. If he isn’t dancing to music in the exercise circle, he could be away accosting someone on the walking track, or hailing a long-lost friend at a distance or counting currency notes for some Club program.
As leader of a gang of 40 (see post of January 20) to Kerala, Shekhawat is exceptionally busy these days. The latest is that he must collect an extra Rs800 from everybody in the next few days.

What are they talking about?

And he must exercise also and do his yoga as well. But the funniest part is the way he walks out of the yoga session nonchalantly whenever a small crowd gathers outside the China Hut. For, he must also know everything happening around.
Curiosity drew him out today, the moment he saw some ladies chatting with Srichand Arora. He hung around, figured they were discussing the Republic Day, realized it was none of his business and withdrew. Within minutes, he came bounding out, this time to check why the ladies were laughing over Monthi Serrao’s mobile phone. Again he realized it was none of his business. Quietly he retreated and resumed his yoga.
Amid all the fun and frolic, it was gratifying to see a smile light up Santosh Tyagi’s face after a long time. We all knew she was keen to join the Kerala tour but could not, because her son required constant medical attention at home. She looked incredibly worried. Before long, the issue blew over and much to everybody’s delight, Santosh declared one morning that she would be able to join the Kerala tour.

Santosh Tyagi

Within a day she reversed her decision as her grand-daughter had taken ill. Tearfully, she excused herself even as everyone consoled her that it was only a temporary setback and by February 10, the child would be hale and hearty and that Santosh should proceed with her bookings. Distraught, she simply walked away, refusing to listen to anyone.
That was when, without her knowledge, a train ticket was booked for her – just in case she changes her mind again. Since it was wait-listed, it could always be cancelled. But more importantly, she would be saved from booking an air ticket at an exorbitant price at the eleventh hour. Besides, she wouldn’t feel pushed about Kerala and could focus on her grandchild because she was unaware of the train booking.
Sure enough, Santosh changed her mind again and this morning, informed that the child was recovering. She wondered if a ticket could be booked now, even if it were wait-listed. Her look of surprise and relief when told that a ticket had already been booked for her secretly was what we were waiting to see. It made our day.