Relentless Rains

This was the scene (right) early morning in the Chinese Hut, minutes before exercises were to start. The area, which usually buzzes with activity at that time of the day, remained dark and desolate – but for Nahid Khan waiting patiently for people to arrive. They were held up as it had been raining all night continuously and there were no immediate signs of abatement.
Gradually, one by one, they trickled in and after an hour, there were 15 members to wrap up the exercises. For their effort, Nahid rewarded them with an apple each brought from Kashmir. Shekhawat too had brought a load of goodies – walnuts and almonds neatly sealed in cellophane bags. And for all those who missed Monthi Serrao’s birthday treat yesterday, the lady had kept packets of sweets and savories ready separately.
So, even as it was wet and gloomy, there was enough to bring warmth and cheer for those who had turned up at the Garden today.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Come on, it did not rain all night and that too heavily. After all, the masterni (Nahid-ji) could still reach the Garden in time. A rainy day is one when masterni cannot reach school (garden) and all members end up with Badmaash Company for chai instead!
* Thank you Nahid-ji for the fresh fruits (green apples) and thank you Shekhawat-ji for the dry fruits. Nice of you both to have remembered us in Kashmir. Also, birthday greetings (though belated) to Monthi-ji.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
"I sit alone patiently as the rain gods play outside."