Warriors are Back

Shekhawat speaks of palaces and elephants

Shekhawat's 32-member gang did not go on a tour of South India. It wasn’t even an expedition. It was more like going into battle – venturing into alien territory, braving treacherous terrain, living in hostile weather conditions, surviving internal skirmishes, narrowly escaping the devastating downpour in Tamil Nadu… And today, after ten days, they were back in the Garden to tell their tale.
Shekhawat came waltzing in, arms raised triumphantly in the air. He was promptly welcomed by Kiran Prakash giving him a bear hug, soon to be followed by others.

Welcome hug from Kiran Prakash

“Those who did not go with us have only themselves to blame,” the veteran of seven long-distance excursions sang merrily. “They do not know what they missed. This was by far the most enjoyable trip from the Club.”
Later, Shekhawat was to elaborate (with repeated prompts from Monthi Serrao) on the places in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh the group had visited since November 24. “We saw so many gardens in Bangalore and what greenery, I must say!

Bhaswati Bose and Monthi Serrao distribute fruit biscuits

We also saw so many palaces with such lovely lighting and fountains in Mysore and on the way to Ooty, we saw such big elephants…” “And what about Bandipur National Park?” prompted Monthi.
“Yes, we saw deer also, peacocks,” he continued. “But the best was Hyderabad’s Ramoji Rao Film City. They have made Japan there, America, London, Paris…”
“Those are actually sets let out to filmmakers for shooting,” interrupted Pushpa Gupta who had obviously been to the place earlier. “They have selectively taken tourist landmarks from different parts of the world and reconstructed them there.”
There were also some anxious moments – like in Hyderabad where Khatoon Baig had to be hospitalized after a severe asthmatic attack (ref post of December 2). Or when members were “presumed lost” for straying away on shopping breaks and not reporting to the tour bus on time. The hilarious part was when the bus drove off, leaving them to their own devices.
And what would you say of the lady who lost her cool when another lady member ‘deliberately’ spilled hot sambar on her in a hotel at Bangalore? “The next time she does this, I will not spare her. I shall thrash her patak-patak ke, patak-patak ke in front of everybody!” she threatened.
That was to be the most memorable quote of the trip.
Kiran Prakash:
"Patak-patak ke, patak-patak ke..." I don't mind going with the group next time if the performer promises to deliver.
Bihari Milwani:
This is really great. The trip, which one week before departure was doubtful because of Mrs Shekhawat's ill-health, has been successfully completed. It should add one more feather in Mr Shekhawat's navy cap.