Pleasant Shock

Today, on a dark, desolate morning, the sun shone on the Club. Sardar Teja Singh Bhambra was there! He looked a little frazzled, but kept up a brave front. After what we had heard of him (see yesterday’s post), his presence came as a pleasant shock.

Teja Singh explains about the mishap day-before yesterday

I-DAY Menu: Swati Punjabi wants to get dhoklas for us

“But what happened?” Shekhawat asked, unable to believe his eyes.
“Koi nahi,” Sardarji said dismissively. “It was a little spondylitis problem… But I am fine now.”
Since early morning, the talk among members had centred on Teja Singh and whether anyone knew of his latest condition. Was he taken to a doctor after all? Was it a BP or sugar problem? If he has a low sugar issue, why does he not keep lozenges in his pocket at all times? Or is it some other problem? He looks so frail… Clearly, we had all assumed that he would not return any time soon and might have to undergo prolonged medical treatment and care.
So on seeing him back so early today, everybody was overjoyed. A fourth laughter went up for him soon after the exercises. But Teja Singh appeared distinctly uncomfortable being the centre of attention. He kept shuffling his feet and dismissed all expressions of concern, only to make his way out in a hurry to attend the yoga session in the China Hut.
Shekhawat meanwhile finalized the menu for the Independence Day celebration (this Saturday) in consultation with Harbans Kaur, Monthi Serrao, Bhaswati Bose and Santosh Tyagi. Earlier on, he did some plain speaking with members, bluntly telling them to refrain from commenting on what is served by way of a birthday treat or celebration.
“It is not our business to check or inquire where someone purchases any eatable,” he explained. “Let us gracefully accept what is offered and should you not like something, don’t accept it. Go away, but do not insult the person who wants to share his or her happiness with us. For that matter, if someone does not want to celebrate or cannot afford anything but a toffee, you are nobody to ask… not even jokingly.”
Shekhawat was referring to the incident of August 5 (see post) following which the Guptas have stopped coming to the Garden.
Bihari Milwani:
* Sardar Taja Singhs's presence in the morning shows his addiction towards the morning exercises. Cheers!
* I thought our picnic master does not need anybody's help for finalising a menu. Then why does he take the help of others, much less from non-saalis?