Cynosure

It is not every day that you see a 10-year-old walking into a group of elderly people and joining them for exercises. Kids that age are usually shy, if not intimidated by the presence of so many adults, most of them more than 50 years senior by age. But here was a boy who, far from feeling inhibited, took on the whole lot sportingly and became the centre of attention for the time he spent with us.
Nazma Sayed came into the Garden to unleash her grandson, introduced simply as Ali. Monthi Serrao promptly picked on the name and welcomed him as “Ali Baba” in the company of Chaalis Chor. The little boy looked around and could count only half the number. “Baki kahaan gaye?” he asked impishly. “Baki ko chori karne ke liye bejj diye,” Mumtaz Jahan informed.
That broke the ice. Ali warmed up to us, standing next to his gran’ma and like any other restless kid, not always concentrating on the exercises. He had too many questions. He wanted to know where the music was coming from. He was told it was from a cellphone. He took out his cell to demonstrate that he too had music recordings. “We also have a camera with us,” Bhaswati Bose teased. The boy showed how he too could click pictures with his phone.
There were many distractions to engage the kid, but all the while, he kept a vigilant eye on his gran’ma exercising. At times he corrected her (as only cute kids do) and by way of explanation, said, “You know, she cannot do this (exercise) properly because her legs pain when she tries.” Srichand Arora got so taken in by the boy that he invited him to a snarling contest (lead pic) in the middle during the Lioness and Lion Laughter round. Later, at the end of the exercises, Shekhawat-ji insisted on dancing with him (left). No prizes for guessing who outdid whom on both occasions.
It was a morning well-spent, thanks to the little boy.
Anonymous says:
Thanks for posting this.
--Anon
Renu Babani says:
Let's just say kids these days learn while they are young. They are able to outdo anyone and their smartness is far beyond their years. Seems like a fun-filled morning; too bad I missed it. I am sure all those who are attending the picnic, are looking forward to Saturday, when we all gather at the Garden before heading out for the day. Kindly ensure that all of you reach on time.
--Renu