Some Relief

Our prayers were finally answered this morning as the heavens opened up with a brief splutter, bringing us some respite from the oppressive heat and humidity.

A time to pray

Kajal and Dilip (centre) celebrate their daughter, Neelam's engagement

So happy were we that for once, the exercises were not discontinued and most of us celebrated by getting drenched. Only a few ran for cover, fearing a deluge! But that was not to be.
Nahid Khan had for long, been urging us (in the course of conducting the exercises) to pray for the rains. But of late, she too had given up. It had turned incredibly hot and sticky for close to a month now, almost negating the effect of the torrential downpour in early June. So when dark clouds were seen hovering over the north-west horizon this morning, our hopes were revived. Moreover, with most parts of north and eastern India experiencing heavy rainfall, we can expect another wet spell in days to come.
Our only problem during the rains is that we end up being cramped for space. Perforce we need to withdraw from the open spaces of the Garden and confine ourselves to the China Hut for the exercises. This can be quite distressful, especially on days when attendance is peaks.
During the last couple of monsoons, we had the option of exercising in a shed outside the China Hut, which was more accommodating – even as the tarpaulin roofing leaked at places. That shed broke down last month and has not been repaired since. So very soon, when Ramzaan gets over and our Muslim friends rejoin us, we could face a real problem of space constraint whenever it would rain.
Meanwhile, here is some good news. The Babanis, Kajal and Dilip came in today with chocolates and announced that their daughter, Neelam has found her ‘prince charming’ and that the families have solemnized the match with a formal engagement some time back. The boy is from their community, but resides in Australia – which means Neelam will have to quit her job as a speech therapist in Mumbai and start afresh in Melbourne. But this is all for the good and as always, our blessings and good wishes rest with her.
The wedding is slated for December.
Bihari Milwani:
How will it pour in Adhik month? Rains will come only when Adhik month is over.