Peacock That Wasn’t

Bihari Milwani, back from USA 

Siba Prasad Maitra is congratulated for becoming double grand-pa

Whoever wants to learn how to turn adversity to advantage must come to us. For, even in the worst of conditions – be it peak summer, a torrential downpour or bone-chilling cold – we always find a reason to laugh. There can never be a dull moment for us.
Today, while huffing and puffing in the Garden, suddenly a peacock made an appearance. That was enough to provide some comic relief from the sweltering heat. The exercises were suspended and everybody got together to engage in serious bird watching. The peacock strutted majestically across a bar over the practice nets of the adjoining cricket ground. Rather than checking how it could balance itself at such a height, we were more intent upon ascertaining its gender – till a lady passing by informed that it could neither be a peacock nor peahen. “It is a bird that does caw caw,” was the extent of education she could provide us. She flapped her arms wide to demonstrate what a peacock looks like.
But Sitaram Hivarkar was not convinced. Razia Khan and Khatoon Baig also wanted the damn bird to be a peacock, even as it could be a kingfisher. And since it was at a distance, there was no way to be sure. In fact, many were disappointed they couldn’t prove the smarty lady wrong. In all this, all was forgotten about the terrible weather conditions, the heavy stillness in the air, the punishing humidity and perspiration and we got back to exercising with renewed gusto. A trapeze artiste of a peacock made all the difference.
But there was hope in the end, since Bihari Milwani showed up from his trip to the United States. We welcomed him back with the customary extra fourth laugh and were duly rewarded with chocolates. But more than that, it is his ever-smiling presence and wise cracks in the blog that we would be expecting now.
Siba Prasad Maitra was also back, with good news. He has become grandfather, twice over, as his elder daughter was blessed with a baby boy last Monday. According to him, mother and child are doing fine. Our good wishes and blessings go to both of them.
Bhaswati Bose:
* The heat is having its effect on members. Now they are spotting peacocks in the Garden! Guys, take a break.
* Thank you for the lovely chocolates, Milwani-ji.
* Mr Maitra, when is the treat? Keetnaa deen intezaaar kornaa podeygaaa?