Holding Fort

Old warhorse Hari Singh Shekhawat (l) conducts the exercises today

With that massive exodus to Rajasthan (ref post of February 4) over the weekend, it was only natural that the Club should wear a deserted look this morning.
But to have just two people showing up to start the exercises today was totally unexpected.
Never before had the Club presented such a pathetic sight. It appeared as though we were orphaned.
But, as the saying goes, the show must go on. And after Shekhawat took charge of the freehand exercises, did the numbers trickle in gradually – Qadeer Bano, Manisha Kolhe, Khatoon Baig, Tara Chand Seth, Karuna Waghmare… For the best part though, we were still in single digits. Only towards the end, attendance hit the one dozen mark.
Significantly, the nine-member managing committee is almost entirely out – barring Geeta Latte and Kajal Babani. Of the two Chairmen (Emeritus), Yusuf Rassiwala is also away in Rajasthan. Even our president, Mallika Kagzi has taken a break to visit Surat. Among other regulars, Karun Sharma is at away in Delhi, till February 19. And Arun Patil is caught up in an early morning film shoot (and is likely to move to Chennai soon). That precludes Rukhsana Khan also as she depends on Arun to be ferried to and fro in his car.
Given this scenario, holding fort every morning has become somewhat of a challenge.
Bihari Milwani:
Mallika bulao, fort bachao!!!
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
Karvaan chalta gaya aur humsafar milte gaye... Our Club is functioning on this motto and we are moving successfully on the road of prosperity and happiness. Nevertheless, our daily routine should continue without interruption.