Andar-Bahar

Andar-Bahar is a loaded Hindi expression, lending itself to a variety of interpretations. For us, it has become a daily chore, as we have to move in and out (rather, out-‘n’-in) of the Chinese Hut, thanks to the intermittent showers. The extended monsoon this year is turning out to be a terrible irritant as we don’t get to complete our exercises at one place.
No body likes to exercise inside the Chinese Hut as it gets too claustrophobic. Movement is restricted. You are constantly bumping into one another. You can’t even stretch your arms without touching someone standing alongside. Besides, the air turns so humid and heavy that putting on the overhead fans does not help. You end up dripping in sweat.
Outside the Chinese Hut, things get only worse. You enjoy some fresh air, but along with it, a cocktail of smells from the dumping ground on the periphery of the Garden. Over the past few weeks, we have learnt to distinguish the stink of a rotting dog from that of a rotting cat, a rotting bandicoot (yes, frogs as well) from human excreta and such assorted garbage. During the monsoon, the stench becomes so overpowering that it hits you with the vengeance of a sledgehammer every time the wind changes direction.
The worst part is that you allow a variety of insects in the grass to feast on your body. In your unguarded moments, the legs (particularly, if you are in shorts) become the happy playground for all kinds of crawlies – from bugs to centipedes to worms and armies of ants. And if you’ve managed to avoid them, how do you deal with the mosquitoes from the adjacent drain? Early morning mosquitoes are supposed to be carriers of dengue. And here, not a day passes without every one of us having mosquito bumps to show for our morning exercises. It is a miracle that we are still alive!
Little wonder, Sitaram gets restless after exercising for some time outside the Chinese Hut. Today, he kept nudging Shekhawat and Rane long before it had started to drizzle: “Andar kab jayenge?”
Arora overheard him: “Andar toh hamare dushman bhi na jaye!”
Obviously (and deliberately), he had taken “andar” to mean “inside jail”. And the way kept looking pointedly at the Garden gate, it seemed as though he was expecting cops to show up any moment. That was enough to put Sitaram’s anxiety to rest.
Indeed, andar-bahar can have many meanings.
Kishor Babani says:
Still Chinese Hut is like our second home. Every day, morning and evening, we are in it. It saves us from rain, etc.
--Kishor
Kishor Babani says again:
I told God, "Let all my friends be healthy and happy forever!"
God said: "But for 4 days only!"
I said: "Yes, let there be a Spring day, Autumn day, Summer day and Winter day!"
God said: "No, 3 days!"
I said: "Yes, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!"
God said: "No, 2 days!"
I said: "Yes, a Bright day (daytime) and Dark day (night-time)!"
God said: "No, just one day!"
I said: "Yes!"
God asked: "Which day?"
I said: "Everyday!"
God laughed and said: "You really know how to negotiate. But since you are praying and asking happiness for your friends, I can’t refuse. I love everyone who thinks of others first. So don't you worry. All your friends will be happy everyday."
--Kishor
Bose asks:
What if he changes his mind again? How can you trust this funny God who does not keep his word. Thoroughly unreliable fellow!
Renu Babani says:
Whether he changes his mind or not, one has to trust him at times and it does work! Besides, if you have peace and happiness within you, no one can take that away. And he will definitely give you more!
Renu
Renu Babani says again:
The "wonderful" odours really put a damper in the morning. However, exercising in the open is definitely a better option, considering the Chinese Hut is an abode for centipedes, which have approached the jaws of death -- or rather, the foot of death, of a particular member. Strange, that this Garden which should be for everyone to enjoy, has turned out to be a zoo of sorts for cats, dogs and varied insects! Wouldn't it be wonderful if no animals, insects or creatures were around? One could enjoy the greenery, and an odour-free Garden. What is the point of walking/ exercising/ sitting in the Garden if one cannot enjoy nature to its fullest?
--Renu