Hooked On

Kiran Prakash

The other day Kiran Prakash described his compulsion every morning to visit the Garden as an “addiction”. He has often to drive down from his other home at Malad to keep his appointment for the exercises. So committed is he that he is never late.
Prakash could well be speaking for all those who are scrupulously regular and punctual to a fault. Coincidentally, the same day, Mallika Kagzi was heard ruminating about the “amount of joy and happiness” she has found in the last two years (since joining Big Laaf) which she could not experience all her life.

Happy Birthday, Sardar Teja Singh

“I can no longer stay at home in the mornings,” she added.
Similar sentiments are regularly expressed by other club ‘junkies’ -- from Shekhawat and Arora to Santosh Tyagi, Arun Patil and Siba Prasad Maitra. They may come late, even miss the exercises, but come they must. “Sorry, I got up late, but I needed to come here,” quipped Mumtaz Jahan this morning. “I may not be able to come at times, but my heart is always with the Club,” Yusuf Rassiwala has maintained.
So what makes this addiction so compelling?
A small incident could provide a clue. Ever since we adopted the ta’i-chi warm up exercises, counting up to nine (and resuming from one) is an obligatory drill.

Razia Khan (third from left) holds her own

In effect, it would seem that we are incapable of going beyond the count of nine. In fact, for many of us, even counting up to nine in English is a challenge.
Today, Razia Khan underlined this by complimenting everyone who achieved the ‘feat’ with a “Shabaash!”, “Wah Wah”, “Keep it Up!” and so on.
This was no doubt amusing, but after a point, it got irritating. So when Razia’s turn came, some of the men ganged up and led by Banoo Apa marched en bloc to congratulate her.
Taken aback by the sudden onrush, Razia panicked. She turned and clung on to an equally startled Mallika standing alongside.
The look of raw terror in the eyes of both ladies had to be seen to be believed. It all ended in a flash with everybody dissolving into laughter.
But this much must be said: Even in that terrified state, the way Mallika shielded Razia with her body during those brief moments spoke volumes of her protective instinct and courage. That was a big takeaway for all of us -- today's 'morning fix' if you like.
Lt Col Angad Singh:
Coming to the Garden and joining the laughter session is a joy by itself. In the beginning every day, there are a few participants, but as time passes the flow increases. It is heartening to note that ladies are more in number than the men. This shows their keenness and the enjoyment they derive from the exercises. The fun and frolic and the comments passed during the session bring more laughter and joy. Everyone enjoys these. Even the walkers stand and enjoy our funny exchanges. All these elements of laughter are tonics for good health.