Relationships

Srichand Arora meets another potential sister

We follow one unwritten rule in Big Laaf. Come what may, we do not allow our relationships to extend beyond the one hour we meet, exercise and play the fool in the Garden. Obvious exceptions are old friends and neighbors who would, in any case, be meeting and hobnobbing by default. But as members, to meddle or probe into one another’s personal lives or families is strongly discouraged.
Probably this explains why there is no room for idle gossip or bitching in the Club. But how can this be explained to people (particularly women) who often get horribly emotional and insist on taking the ‘extended family’ idea to the next level? Mallika Kagzi, for instance, targeted Srichand Arora today and threatened to make him her brother. “If I cannot call you my brother, what shall I call you?” she demanded pointblank.
“Call me friend,” Arora blurted out. But that obviously did not sound right. How would it look if Mallika had to introduce him as her boy friend? Or man friend? Or were he to refer to her as his girl friend?

Delhi biscuits from Jagmohan Papneja

Prequel of birthday treat by Harbans Kaur

That apart, he had recently burnt his fingers after taking a former lady member to be his 'sister'. So he started lamely to beat around the bush, saying that there was no need to qualify a relationship, etc. etc. Harbans Kaur promptly caught on. “Calling one another brother, sister, friend is uncalled for,” she chipped in. “We come to the Garden to exercise, not forge relationships.”
What remained unsaid was that we already share a bonding among ourselves that is far stronger than what most brothers and sisters can claim. And this is to nobody's credit. It is only inevitable when you meet the same set of people first thing in the morning, every day, month after month, year after year, they become a habit that grows. Automatically you develop feelings, start caring for one another, become protective, responsible, tolerant… just that all this does not have to be spelt out. Some things in life are often best left unspoken.

Arora performs the Peacock Dance with Razia Khan

Kiran Prakash:
We are in the best of relationship with everyone in the Garden. We value our relationships, care for each other and don't get into one-another's life. Can there be a better relationship? The source of all trouble in any relation is getting into others' lives and expectations. That has not touched us. We are happy as we are. God bless us.
Anonymous:
The wisest man is Shekhawat. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose. He makes only saalis.
Bihari Milwani:
Mallika should call Arora-ji, President of the Club with respect -- much like saying "My Lord", "Your Honour","His Excellency", "His Highness" or simply, "President Sir"!