Parting Shot

Back in the shed as it poured outside

Just when we thought that the monsoon was over, torrential rains lashed the Garden this morning in the middle of our exercises. Left with no option, we scurried into our good old shed for cover. Many described this as the season’s 'parting shot'. But it came with such ferocity and suddenness that even those with umbrellas, arrived for the exercises dripping from top to toe.
Harbans Kaur had to take shelter midway to the Garden, go home, fetch her umbrella… but when she turned up, she was soaked to the skin.

Harbans Kaur

Not taking any chances, Sitaram Hivarkar scampered back and did not show up till the rains were over. One joker looked like a wet crow and justified his appearance by declaring: “I would rather get drenched than get my umbrella wet!”
But then, there was also a bright side to the rains – as we were to discover later. While we were exercising in the shed, one by one, several new faces began to appear and without even asking, joined us. With some we have had just a passing acquaintance as they are regulars on the walking track every morning. Rather than while away their time waiting for the rains to subside, they exercised in our midst with amazing gusto and what’s more, seemed to be enjoying every moment of it.
In fact, at the end of the exercises, many were heard asking around what it would take to join our Club. An elderly Sindhi lady gave us the most heartwarming compliment: “You are the only people I see in the Garden who, come rain or sunshine, would not skip a single day of exercising.”
Jagmohan Papneja:
Today, powerful showers that pass quickly, were truly a "parting shot". It indicates that monsoon is withdrawing.