First Shower

MONSOON HAS ARRIVED!

We received the first rainfall of the season this morning. It was more in the nature of a passing shower – rather, a fleeting drizzle – but wet enough to deter the likes of Yusuf Rassiwala, Sunita Jajodia and Mallika Kagzi from showing up in the Garden. Moreover, it left a hot, vapid air trapped under the cloud cover, making exercising strenuous and uninspiring.
The rain had actually arrived about half-an-hour before our exercising time, which accounted for the absence of some members. For the rest of us, the question of whether to venture out in the open or retire to the China Hut (as we do every year during the monsoon) hung heavy. But since another group had already occupied our space inside, we were left with little option but to trust our luck. With occasional gusts of wind and the skies gradually clearing up, we realized it was not much of a risk.

Shekhawat's briefing on Lonavala picnic

Moreover, some members who had gone to 'examine the pitch', found the ground not too wet or slushy and gave us the all-clear signal. Still, towards the end of the exercises, we were treated to another light drizzle – once again, sending alarm bells all around.
Against this backdrop, scraps of conversation were exchanged over the music playing on Arun Patil’s new box-amplifier – about the melody of yesteryear hits, the versatility of singers like Lata and Rafi and how utterly idiotic some lyric writers had been. Everybody had a blast over some melancholic numbers, particularly when Shekhawat attempted enacting lines like “…rotey huey, hanste huey” like a mimicry artiste. Clearly, the monsoon was a mood changer.
On a serious note though, Shekhawat read out quotations from tour operators on hiring a bus for two days to Lonavala. He is now looking at June 20 - 21 for the trip. But before that, we will have to felicitate Sitaram Hivarkar on his Diamond Jubilee (see yesterday’s post). The general consensus was to celebrate inside the Garden, rather than at a restaurant and make it a contributory affair. A final decision on this will be taken tomorrow.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Club members were relieved after the mild shower today. Shekhawat-ji is organizing a special monsoon picnic at Lonavala. So hurry up, reserve your seats and enjoy the trip.
Harish Wadhwa:
Umad-Ghumad Kar Aayi Re Ghataa / Kaare-Kaare Badaraa Ki Chhaayi-Chhaayi Re Ghataa...
Looks like you all are having a ball. Nice pic today!