Homing Birds

Ramila Mistry

After yesterday’s song and dance over the colour green, the reason to rejoice today was the return of two senior members after a very long time. Ramila Mistry turned up in the middle of the exercises, giving us a pleasant surprise and prompting Shekhawat to immediately revive his old greeting, “Kokilaben kemchho!?!” Ramila had been away for close to six months, apparently due to personal compulsions.
Tara Chand Seth was returning from Delhi, his second home, after 10 months and he was given a warm welcome back with much hugging and embracing.

Welcome back, Tara Chand

Santosh Tyagi could not help remarking that it was like scenes from that forgotten b&w film, Bharat Milap being re-enacted many times. The 85-year-old veteran was also introduced to our new members, Mallika Kagzi and Kiran Prakash who had joined in his absence.
But ultimately, it was Mallika who held sway with her theatrics and smart repartees soon after the exercises. Yusuf Rassiwala was keen that she should get her husband along for the Chhota Kashmir picnic this Saturday. In the first place, Mallika made it clear she wasn’t sure about herself, let alone her husband.

Mallika Kagzi

Secondly, if and when she would ever bring him to the Garden, we should be at our best behavior. “No laughing and joking in front of him,” she warned. “Just do your exercises, that’s all!”
It was the way she put it, face red and eyes bulging out (yet not commenting on whether her husband is a serious man) that sent everyone reeling with laughter. It was more like a mother scaring naughty children with frightening stories. But everyone hung on to every word she said, leading to the biggest faux pas only Mallika is capable of committing. She happily walked out of the Garden gate and crossed the road to take a bus home. After about 10 minutes, when a bus finally showed up, she remembered she had the yoga session to attend.
So there was Mallika again, walking back from the bus stop to attend the yoga session!
Jagmohan Papneja:
Really, it was great to welcome old members back after a long interval. They have rejoined at an appropriate time when our SGM is due to take place on Saturday. Their presence will not only add to our strength but also their contribution will help us to conduct our meeting in a positive spirit.