Fierce Squall

Lull before the storm

It rained like nobody’s business -- just when the exercises started today. The heavens opened up on cue, strong winds lashed the Garden, the tin roof of the China Hut rumbled on and on... A massive tree branch came crashing down outside the gate, bringing down half the tree. Terrified, two street dogs rushed into the Garden and ran around in circles, finally taking refuge inside the China Hut, like us.
Yusuf Rassiwala, Kiran Prakash, Bihari Milawani, Karun Sharma, Bijoy Gupta

Zarina displays 'Samiry tablets'

and many others did not show up. Obviously they did not want to take chances in the foul weather. Yet, we were almost 15 for the exercises today as several ladies returned from their Ramzaan break -- Banoo Apa, Mumtaz Jahan, Zarina Khan and of course, Nahid Khan and Khatoon Baig. Even Santosh Tyagi was there today.
A happy Eid reuinion was however, not to be as it continued to pour relentlessly outside. In this oppressive gloom, Zarina Khan tried to bring some cheer by sharing strips of colourful ‘Samiry tablets’ her daughter had brought from Qatar. Banoo Apa draped a beautiful pink chadar around Mumtaz. And Dilip Babani went around distributing biscuits after the exercises. Finally, it was left to Arun Patil to load his car and drop all the ladies home.
Karun Sharma:
I would have loved to be there and enjoy the post-Ramzaan togetherness. But I am away in Coimbatore on a professional assignment. See you all soon. Keep enjoying.