Clockwork Failure

Busy-bodies all

Time was when our exercises began unfailingly at the dot of seven every morning and whoever was in whatever part of the Garden would rush in and join the circle. Thereafter, things progressed with clockwork precision and by quarter-to-eight, we would be through. People used to correct their watches watching us.
Today also, exercises begin at seven; but by the time people converge and we really get started, it could be well passed 15 minutes. Till then, many would continue to walk round and round the Garden.

Discussions on Panchgani picnic

Those who start the exercises would themselves break into an animated discussion till they are reminded to take their positions. A group of ladies in the China Hut would hate being disturbed in the midst of their conversation and it would take a good deal of persuasion every morning to get them in the circle.
In effect, regular late comers have begun to realize that they are coming early. Kiran Makharia, who is known to arrive at the fag-end of the exercises, now sees that we are yet to start with the second laughter session. Monthi Serrao is another. Today, she was complimented for coming well before time only to reminded by Shekhawat that actually, the rest of us were running late. And Jagmohan Papneja, once a stickler for punctuality, can no longer be accused of late-coming.
Trouble is, we are getting our priorities mixed up. The exercises are no longer the be-all and end-all for reporting at the Garden every morning. Ever since talk about Club formation gained precedence, exercising has become incidental. We meet in the morning – not once, not twice, but in three phases – to engage in some serious jabbering, joking and jeering… and still, that is not enough. Our dil wants more. One group even goes out to a roadside tea shop to continue with the unfinished business, like there’s no tomorrow. Clearly, the exercises provide the pretext for such indulgence.
Jagmohan Papneja:
We need to observe self-discipline, to reach the Garden before 7 O'clock... Even that is not enough. This is also about taking exercises at the right time. Thereafter, make the most of the treats you crave for and take time out to enjoy with jokes and gossip.