Operatic Structure

TAI CHI ROUND: Synchronised head-thumping at breakneck speed

For the first time today, our exercises were structured like an opera – minus the music. We began on a slow pace, picking up when Nahid Khan took over and conducted the free-hand exercises. We adopted the classic fast-slow-fast A-B-A movement of an overture, quickening the tempo during the second laughter session, following it with an upbeat tai-chi round and finally, hitting a crescendo with jubilant hand-clapping to the count of 108.
And then there was silence.
Of course, none of this was intended. But it felt good, despite the sweltering heat and stillness in the morning air.

Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat 

The humidity was killing. But as Razia Khan exclaimed in the end, “Mazaa aa gaya!” It was indeed fun.
The unusual pacing of the exercises today was prompted by a peculiar development. Shekhawat’s wife paid us a visit. Mohan Kanwar Shekhawat has been suffering from a crippling knee problem that refuses to go away.

Milling around Shekhawat (in yellow tee) after the exercises

So her husband, in his infinite wisdom, had fixed an appointment in the Garden with a witch doctor who is supposed to have treated three or four similar cases. And he does not charge anything, said Shekhawat.
In front of him and his wife, nobody uttered a word. The moment the couple left to meet the witch doctor in the China Hut, tongues started wagging. And the exercises went for a toss. Some said he was an “original" Feku Baba who would eventually extract his pound of flesh from Shekhawat. Those who knew him (apparently, Rakhee Bansi is under his treatment) informed that this 'baba' looks you in the eye, blows on to your face and much to Bijoy Gupta’s delight, even spits on you!
The conversation, in bits and spurts, was only delaying the exercises – till suddenly, we woke up to the urgency of wrapping up the session by 8:00 a.m. We stepped on the gas and the result was a bewildering race against time, leaving everybody breathless.
Long and short of Shekhawat’s story: His wife walked out of the gate looking confident, a spring in her step. The 'baba' had told her not to come again – whatever you are to make of this.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
The number of rehearsals of our play, Pheku Baba has obviously created a real 'Pheku Baba' in the Garden. Bijoy Gupta must have cast a magic spell on him and sure enough, the 'baba' has been able to cure Mrs Shekhawat now. Hope the cure is a permanent one.

Bihari Milwani:
If that witch doctor has really been able to cure Mrs Shekhawat, all senior citizens and super-senior citizens should go to him and ask for their youth back.