Grim Shadow

Exercises continue amid uncertainties 

Shekhawat is in two minds on tomorrow's picnic

The weather gods have cast a huge shadow on our Juhu picnic tomorrow (ref yesterday’s post). Suddenly, for no reason, the skies were overcast this morning and we had to exercise close to the China Hut amid a steady drizzle. Many regulars, including Srichand Arora, Monthi Serrao and Santosh Tyagi did not show up, obviously fearing the worst.
Luckily, we were spared a cloudburst and managed to complete the exercises without event. But a niggling concern remained uppermost in our minds: What if the bad weather persists till tomorrow? Will it be feasible to set out on a picnic in these conditions? Rather, would it be advisable. While Shekhawat, Razia Khan and a few others declared that come what may, we must go on the picnic tomorrow, many were not too sure.
“Even if nobody goes, I shall go,” Razia said valiantly. “Anyone wanting to join me is welcome. If not, it is still fine by me. From Monday I would be away in Pune. This will be my last chance to enjoy Mumbai's departing monsoon.”
“Should I get breakfast?” inquired Mallika Kagzi. “Believe me, it is absolutely no problem organising breakfast for everyone. It will be enjoyable having something to munch on by the sea after the exercises. After all, what is a picnic if there is nothing to eat?”
Shekhawat was caught between the devil and the Arabian Sea. On the one hand, he had realized that the timing was all wrong for the picnic and that chances were it could rain whales and sharks on Juhu Beach tomorrow morning. On the other hand, he could not overlook the enthusiasm of some members, knowing that cancelling the trip at this juncture would be a bigger dampener than any thundershower.
Finally he took a call: “We will all assemble in the Garden as usual at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. If it rains, we shall drop the picnic idea. If the weather is fine, we will pile into cars and the rest of us will take autorickshaws. All depends on the weather tomorrow morning.”
Srichand Arora:
I may not be joining Juhu picnic and / or laughter in the Garden due to some domestic work. Sorry.
Jagmohan Papneja:
Juhu beach is most famous for its street food and local elegance. They offer excellent meal and snack items. The question is whether anything will be available to eat in early morning.