Unusual Hush

Gupta (in striped t-shirt) is lost in thought -- as Thakur commiserates

A fortnight after the untimely death of his daughter (ref post of March 19), Bijoy Gupta today returned to an unusual hush in the Garden. The silence, partially prompted by the rigid ‘no talking policy' during the exercises, allowed him to take his position quietly and compose himself as emotions ran high all around. Eventually Banoo Apa could not hold herself back from cutting across the circle to express her condolences in person midway through the exercises.
Gupta had arrived late. The laughter round was thereafter curtailed (to the silent exercises) as a mark of collective mourning and respect towards the departed. But later on, at the instance of Yusuf Rassiwala, we raised three loud laughs at the end of the exercises, as per normal practice. “It is crucial that he returns to his normal self and is not reminded

Geeta Laate presents a framed artwork to Kiran Prakash

of the tragedy repeatedly,” Yusuf R reasoned.
He was right. For Gupta was time and again, drifting into the past as he sat under a tree while close friends Vijay Bhai, Thakur and Tara Chand Seth commiserated with him by turn.
“I still cannot figure out how the person I spoke with at 9:30 in the night and who sounded hale and hearty was to be sent for post-mortem at 2:00 the same night,” he said referring to his daughter.
Gupta was worried about his wife Pushpa also. She was supposed to accompany him to the Garden today, but just before leaving home, she broke down. “I was tying my shoes laces when all of a sudden, she began weeping inconsolably,” he narrated. “After all these days at home, I think she is afraid of facing the real world. She just refuses to stop crying. I don’t know what to do.”
As a means of diversion, Banoo Apa brought lassi from home – though not meant for Gupta alone.

Banoo Apa (l) offers Fahmida lassi

Kiran Prakash studies his gift

After getting roasted by the sun for an hour during the exercises, nothing could have been more refreshing and welcome. Gupta too joined us at the Gate for the lassi, like the old days. And in the end, there was not even a drop left for Banoo Apa.
Geeta Latte provided another diversion by presenting Kiran Prakash a glass-framed artwork with some ceremony. It was an unusual gift, in form and content. Where would you find a scene from Nagaland, of a thirsty man drinking from the traditional bamboo spout held by a water bearer? Executed in lead and charcoal, this was a gift of love from the artist himself -- Geeta’s brother, Dev.

Dilip Babani:
Geeta gave a very nice gift to Kiran-ji. Everybody in Big Laaf appreciated it.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
* The loss of a dear one is not easily forgotten. However, births and deaths are in the hands of the Almighty. He has very strange ways to ordain these activities. The sooner one rejoins the normal routine of life, the better it is. Big Laaf is the best institution to help the individual. I suggest both Gupta-ji and Pushpa ji be regular in the Club activities. After all, laughter is the best medicine for all such types of situations.
* It is nice of Geeta Latte to present such a good sketch. Very nice of her brother. Good show. Keep it up!