Love that Grows

Banoo Apa (c) prepares the glasses of lassi

Yesterday’s talk on lassi firmed up this morning – just that neither Shekhawat nor Bijoy Gupta bothered about the treat (ref previous post). It was left to Banoo Apa (who else?) today to come up with two heavy flasks filled with the chilled drink all the way from her house at Imperial Heights, Goregaon.
She had to take an autorickshaw, which meant additional costs. Otherwise (like her neighbour, Rukhsana Khan) she has been commuting to and fro by bus. For our sake, she hired a rickshaw

Saeeda Sayed (l) with Yusuf Rassiwala

today and brought the two heavy flasks to the Garden.
There is something grossly unfair about this. Much as Banoo Apa will never mention it, no other member would ever go to such lengths simply for the love of the Club. Even when she was staying nearby (within walking distance) there was scarcely a day without her treating us to something special from home. We are yet to find a way to reciprocate – let alone, compensate her for all she has done for us, selflessly, over the years.
Coincidentally, this was to come up with Saeeda Sayed this morning when she appeared to be unusually disturbed and restless during the exercises. She came in late and spent a long time on her mobile before joining us in the circle. Clearly, something was bothering her.
While it is not for us to probe into anybody’s personal affairs, we cannot remain indifferent either when someone is in distress – more so, when she is the youngest among us. Years of togetherness have taught us these basics. Saeeda also did not deny that she was stressed out, but stopped short of admitting to what the problem was. She said she could not sleep last night.
Eventually, it needed some plain speaking to bring a smile on Saeeda’s lips. The examples of Banoo Apa and Rukhsana were cited, of what draws them to the Garden every day despite the distance. Not just they – Shekhawat, Gupta, Urmila Sinha and many others who are committed to our morning regimen so that they begin their day meaningfully, on a positive note. It is a habit that grows.
Saeeda could see the logic. She left the Garden a happy person – a noticeable spring in her step.

Karun Sharma:
Truly, Big Laaf should work towards bringing smiles on the faces of its family members. The perfect example is that of Saeeda today. And the 'Dada Sahab Falke Award' of the club must go to Banoo Apa.