Simple Pleasures

Hari Narayanani (centre) is amused at his own joke

Hari Narayanani made an appearance today. It’s been nearly six months since he showed up last. Unknown to us, he’s relocated to Vasai and had just come by, visiting his old neighborhood in Lokhandwala. He strayed into the Garden for old time’s sake, turning up with the Club cap perched proudly on his head. Coincidentally, he was also wearing a green t-shirt like the rest of us.
But that’s not the point. Hari Narayanani narrated a joke about three young men who were served drinks on an international flight: “The first man emptied his glass and turned it upside down. The second man’s glass was half empty. And the third finished his drink and kept the glass rolling sideways!”
The joke stops there. Abruptly. While the rest of us wondered whether we had missed anything, Hari-bhai kept laughing his head off – so much so that he had to narrate the joke thrice, each time choking with laughter.

Khatoon Baig: Get well soon!

This was much like Shekhawat and his “ekaantwaas” jokes (in a make-believe gurukul), or as it was today, rejoicing at the count of 12 men and 12 women attending the exercises. Or perhaps Bijoy Gupta day-dreaming about becoming Club chairman some day. Or say, the ladies joking with Nahid Khan being a bhai (as in underworld don), which only they understand and appreciate.
But still, we laugh. There is a charming innocence about all these wise cracks which only kids would understand. Others may dismiss them as signs of senility, little realizing that humor can also be derived from simple-mindedness. You don't have to be clever or over-smart to draw a laugh. Like us, you’ve got to revisit your childhood to appreciate this and enjoy the simple rib-ticklers of life. We even laugh when others laugh, not knowing why.
Incidentally, there’s news from Khatoon Baig. She has returned from Umrah but is down with severe asthma. She was already suffering from a bronchial problem and it only got worse due to the harsh climatic conditions during her pilgrimage. Sadly, she did not seek medical help then and by the time she returned home on January 17, she was in deep distress -- in pain and breathlessness. The worst part was she could not find relief immediately. She had to change her doctor twice in three days and now, she says she feels a “little better”. She sends her good wishes to all in the Garden.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Hari-bhau Narayanani is a master at telling jokes. Today I can imagine the funniest moment when he cracked a joke and no one laughed. As an expert, he confuses everyone by this act. It is typical of Hari-bhau.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Quick recovery to Khatoon-ji. May God bless her with good health. She just has to come to the garden and chat with her old friends. Asthama will be gone. Asthma happens when women are unable to talk to their garden friends after a long duration. Long duration defined as "more than a couple of days".
* I must point out that the tonds (bloated stomachs) of the gentlemen seem to be competing and joking with each other. Men are oblivious to this talking. The picture speaks for itself.