Blithe Spirits

Razia Khan (in orange) returns to conduct exercises

We were supposed to be picnicking at Saina Resort today… or Golden Valley… or wherever. Instead, we were at our usual stomping ground in Lokhandwala Garden No 4 doing what we always do every morning. The picnic has been postponed indefinitely.
But that did not take away from our normal fun and games. Razia Khan was back today for the exercises, having evidently recovered from a persistent throat infection. Arun Patil invited her to the middle for old time’s sake and as expected, began picking faults and correcting her.

Settling dues on the jinxed picnic

The only difference this morning was that he loudly kept count of the mistakes she was making, much to her intense annoyance. But they are old antagonists and the absurdity of this ‘comedy of errors’ made for crackling humor right through the exercises.
For a brief while though, Shekhawat tried hitting back (for Razia’s sake?) and picked on Arun for being a constant nag, but to no avail. Being ignored, he turned his attention to his favorite punching bag, Bijoy Gupta and the two spent the rest of the morning taking wild swipes at one another.
Incidentally, there’s good news from Tara Chand Seth (ref post of August 12). He is back home after five days of hospitalization at Nanavati for a suspected brain tumor. He claims to be “absolutely fine” now, but will have to go for frequent check-ups and restrict his movements to the house for the time being. He cannot stir out on doctors’ orders, let alone drop by to see us in the Garden.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Frequent discussions on picnic had kept interest alive. However, too much postponing of the picnic had forced everyone to lose interest. It is good Tara Chand Seth is back home. I am sure he will be able to join us in the Club soon.