Indisposed

Razia Khan is well on the road to recovery (January 23 post). But all is not well with others in the Club. Shekhawat created a mild scare this morning when he came in wheezing and complaining of chest congestion. He could hardly speak. Before entering the Garden, he stopped at the gate for a few minutes to catch his breath. “Saans chadh gaya” was all he could say.
Shekhawat is the latest victim of the exceptionally high levels of nitrogen oxide and SPM (suspended particulate matter) in the morning air. Barring two 'young men' known for showing up in summery cottons and shorts, nobody has been spared by the winter chill and pollution. From Nahid Khan to Ram Shankar Shukla to Harish Wadhwa to Nafisa Sayyad to Sushma Gupta... everyone has been down with fever, cough and cold, sore throat and/ or breathing problems.
Prakash Motwani has altogether stopped coming (January 9 post) to the Garden, lest his bronchial asthma gets aggravated by the cold. Even Sitaram Hivarkar (pic top right) is down. An ex-serviceman with a rigid temperament, he too has had to take an indefinite break because of a sprained leg muscle which refuses to heal in the winter. He was last seen about a fortnight back with a crepe bandage on his left leg.
But the worst affected is Najma Sayyad (top left pic) who continues to be in deep agony because of body weight and orthopedic issues. For the last two months, she has been under the care of Dr Ram Chaddha of Lilawati Hospital, Bandra but nothing has come of it. She appeals tearfully to everyone through this blog to suggest some cure/ therapist... someone who can somehow provide some relief from the unrelenting pain.
Today being Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, let us pray for her well-being and expeditious relief. Let us also wish of each other the blessings of the Almighty, abundant love and happiness and the strength to follow the teachings of the Prophet. Mawlid Mubarak!
Harish Wadhwa:
* By the grace of God, I am now fine, healthy, but not wealthy and yet wise. I am finding the morning chill the best time to sleep. But I try not to miss the Badmaash Company chai sessions.
* It is a divine experience to tuck oneself into a light blanket and dose off in the morning.
* Mawlid Mubarak to my fellow bretheren. Good wishes to Najma-ji, especially. You will be fine. Don't worry.
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Fever coupled with joints pain and respiratory distress has become widespread. People suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder(COPD) are worst hit. Do not turn on fans and ACs in full blast -- particularly when entering the room sweating. Children and seniors should be kept away from fans and ACs.
* Aap sab ko Jashan-e-Milad un nabi Mubarak ho!
Srichand Arora:
* Eid Mubarak mere sub pyare doston ko!
* Razia-ji, we are all very happy to know of your progress. Come on, recover fast and attend your Big Laaf!!!