Big Laaf 'Express'

RAILGAADI... RAILGAADI: Shekhawat's train chugs along! 

A curious reader yesterday (see post) wanted to know what we do in the Club. Well, the latest is that we have started a special train service for members. Shekhawat is the ‘engine driver’. The train starts towards the end of the free-hand exercises and takes one round of the circle, stopping at regular intervals to pick ‘passengers’ along the way.

Arora on a subscription collection spree

In its inaugural run today, the train set off at 7:35 a.m. sharp and chugged on steadily to pick Kiran Prakash, Banoo Apa, Fehmida Khan, Laxmi Naidu, Bhaswati Bose, Zarina Khan and Bihari Milwani during its circular journey. Some like Santosh Tyagi, Karuna Waghmare and Monthi Serrao, obviously scared of being caught ‘without ticket’, refused to board the train. Arora, who was conducting the exercises, tried to jump in as the ‘guard’ at the last moment, but the train had already reached its destination by then.
Many would like to believe that the inspiration for this jape had come from Shekhawat's recent Toy Train ride at Darjeeling. But the truth lies elsewhere. It began with his classic 'Peacock Dance' (ref post of February 21) with Razia Khan but realizing that he would soon run out partners, Shekhawat started practicing solo. His ‘engine’ moved to and fro for a few minutes, at times with Fehmida in tow. Yesterday Banoo Apa and Rakhee Bansi also joined him and from there, the idea took off. Tomorrow, many more are likely to join and that should mark a spectacularly joyous wrap-up to an otherwise boring free-hand round.
Sunita Milwani:
All the ladies in Shekhawat's railgadi are very safe. In front, as well as at the back, they are guarded by strong male bodyguards!
Kiran Prakash:
On World Health Day, let's all resolve to join the Big Laaf Express for a long, happy and healthy life.