Romancing the Rain

Arora is back. So is Bhatt. And Mumtaz, apart from the usual suspects – Shekhawat, Santosh, Nahi Khan, Grover, Rane, Razia, Bose… each braving the ferocious morning downpour to keep his/her appointment with the Club.
Anticipating low attendance, Arora withheld his customary distribution of chocolates till tomorrow. He returned from Singapore on Saturday, but had to dash to Indore for a couple of days to attend the last rites of an elderly relative there. It was a family obligation, he said.
Bhatt was down with viral fever for close to a fortnight. He looks considerably weak and chose to sit quietly in a corner, watching us all exercise. No sooner had he recovered last week than his wife fell ill. That had prevented him from stirring out of his house all these days.
Exercising while it rains camels and elephants in the Garden has its special charm. For one, you don’t sweat. For another, the relentless trundle of raindrops on the roof of our Chinese Hut sets a magical rhythm, while you silently go through your paces. You are one with nature as the lush greenery around glistens through the monsoon haze – a visual treat, rarely experienced in a city.
It was a wet, but enjoyable morning.
--Big Laaf