Hospitalised

Razia Khan leads special prayers for Shekhawat

As you read this, Hari Singh Shekhawat should be through with his carotid artery surgery (ref post of January 18). He was admitted to the military hospital at Colaba late last evening and the time given for the surgery was 11:00 a.m. today. Further details are awaited.
Shekhawat had gone to the hospital early morning yesterday with the intention of getting his blood sugar checked.

When Nahid's shoulder serves as a table

Doctors figured out that any further delay (with more tests) would be too risky because the blockages in his left carotid artery had reached a critical stage. Shekhawat took time out to be at home with his family till the evening and got himself admitted at 8:00 p.m.
As things stand, Shekhawat will be in ICU for 24 hours post-surgery and thereafter, he shall be shifted to a general ward where he would be under observation for the next 48 hours.

The irrepressible Mallika and her 'tea friends'

Evidently, doctors felt it prudent not to interfere with the right carotid artery (which is 100% blocked) for the moment and are working on unclogging the left artery (30% functional). Should all go well (as indeed, we all hope and pray for) Shekhawat would be discharged on January 23 (Saturday).
The news was received in the Garden with guarded optimism and trepidation, mainly because of Shekhawat’s advanced age. He is 76 and had already undergone a bypass surgery, following a major heart stroke three years back. Razia Khan graciously led the ‘special prayers’ this morning after the exercises, imploring for success in the surgery and his safe return and recovery.
In this air of unease and concern, Mallika Kagzi managed to create a pleasant diversion with her round of tea and practical jokes. Nowadays, she saves the tea until most members disperse and she is able to let her hair down with a few select friends. The latter are no less ‘imaginative’ in matching her madcap antics – the best part being their ability to celebrate humor, even in the most worrisome of times.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
God certainly listens to prayers. The collective prayers of all the members of the Laafter Club will certainly be answered by the Almighty. God willing, Shekhawat will be alright and be among us soon to make the morning sessions more colorful and lively.