Uneasy Calm

After it rained camels and donkeys the whole of yesterday, the morning dawned on an ominous note. The sun did not come out. The streets were deserted. Those who came to the Garden had the frightened look of having survived a holocaust. They were there, clearly, by force of habit. Yet, they all agreed that the rains were overdue.
Given these conditions, there was no question of exercising out in the open. Nobody was willing to take punga with the rain gods today.
And so inside the Chinese Hut, Pratap Bhatt emerged a star of sorts (for conducting the exercises so well yesterday) with everyone demanding a repeat performance, if only to brighten the atmosphere. But he pleaded helplessness and excused himself. He said he felt giddy whenever he exerted himself after an angioplasty left him with a “spring” (read stent) in his heart.
In his place we had Ramila Mistry, in the avatar of Goddess Mahakali, determined to punish anyone caught talking. “Out!” “Out!” she screamed angrily, till some terrified ladies ganged up and appealed for “changing the teacher”. Once again Bhatt was asked to step in, but he threw up his hands.
Sadly, today was the last day for Sardar Teja Singh (bottom pic), before he leaves for his Faridabad home. He has been here at his son’s place for some time and was attending our exercises religiously every morning. Before dispersing, he delivered an ardaas and gave us his blessings, while we wished him all happiness and robust health. He promised to be back in a couple of months.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "I am armed and ready to battle the rains."
* "I shall return soon, my friends."
Harish Wadhwa:
* Our heartfelt regards to Sardar Teja Singh-ji, a true gentleman and such a soft-spoken person. He is welcome every time he is in Mumbai.
* Today's blog made very interesting reading. Good writing Blog Monster! Looks like we have learnt the art of enjoying every moment and whatever situation we are put into.
* Thank the Almighty for the torrential rains. We can all brave the small inconvenience it may have caused. I want children to get at least some "rainy day" holidays at school, which they are deprived of so far. Hope it rains so hard that there is a 'general holiday' for one and all in Mumbai!