Good Old Ways

Banoo Apa's tea session outside the garden gate

After a long and patient wait for a week, we were back to our old ways. More specifically, we were back to having Banoo Apa with us in the Garden. Even the rain gods waited for her all this while. It did not drizzle a drop in her absence and we did our exercises out in the open for a full week. Only today we returned to the China Hut as sporadic showers greeted Banoo Apa while she made her way inside with a bagful of goodies and steaming hot tea.
What could be any better on a cool, rain-soaked morning?
Banoo Apa was away to be with her younger sister who had come early last week on a visit from Paris. The latter is staying with their mother and this was obviously one opportunity for the three of them to spend quality time together. But so possessive have we become about her that none of that mattered to us. We insisted that she join us for our picnic the day after tomorrow. And being the eternal sport, she has agreed.
Once again, welcome back Banoo Apa.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Banoo Apa is a very regular, incisive and lively participant in all activities of the Club. She keeps everyone in good humour. Wishing her a happy, long, healthy and enjoyable life.

Bihari Milwani:
It looks like Banoo Apa had influenced the rain gods to create a demand for her goodies and steaming hot tea. I only wish it doesn't rain day after tomorrow, on Picnic Day.