Vanishing Act

We realize the value of a tooth when it is not there. So it is said. In like manner, we value a person’s worth when s/he does not show up. So was it when not one, not two, but three key members did the vanishing act this morning. For once we were made to realize what it is to take Hari Singh Shekhawat, Yusuf Rassiwala and Srichand Arora for granted.
Not that the others don’t count for anything. For instance, had Nahid Khan not shown up today, we’d have had a problem on who'd conduct the exercises. Bapu Rane is here today, but from the day-after, he’d be gone to his village, leaving us handicapped for the laughter rounds. Likewise, whether it is Sunita Jajodia or Monthi Serrao, Tara Chand or Ved Prakash Grover, Gopvinita or Mumtaz Jahan, everybody has an important role to play. If nothing else, they contribute to the energy during the exercises.
Shekhawat’s absence this morning was perhaps the most surprising to everybody. He is by far, the most regular among us and in fact, a stickler for attendance. The immediate conclusion drawn from his no-show today was that he had had one-too-many last night and was too groggy to get up in time. Tara Chand however, gave him the benefit of doubt as today was Ramnavami and he could be having an early morning puja at home.
Yusuf-bhai’s absence has by now, gone well beyond the realm of speculation. As one who used to stand out for setting standards in self-discipline and correctness, he is now unable to explain his own erratic behavior. He says he gets up early, does his morning prayers, reads the Qu’ran… but his legs refuse to take him to the Garden!
And finally, there’s Arora-sah’b (right) whose continued absence can only raise concern. Not only is he, by nature, reluctant to burden anybody with a problem, it is completely out-of-character for him to play hooky with the morning exercises. We know how attached he is to the Club. And we also know how the renovation work at his house has taken a toll on his health. Let us hope he is done with it earliest and is able to join us at the Garden regularly, as before.
Renu Babani says:
Yes, our Principal had taken an off this morning. Everyone was quite surprised too. We sure looked like lost students, although we went through the exercise routine, but the question asked was, "Where is he today?" I guess everyone plays hooky at one point and time. So today was his turn. The turnout was surprisingly low, but the constant chatter did make the exercise fun.
--Renu