Vikram Karve

Romantic “faux pas” : a Love Story

May 11, 2024

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IT STARTED ON A RAINY NIGHT

Romantic “faux pas”

Love Story By Vikram Karve

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Dear Reader :

This afternoon – I saw a movie.

Then – in the evening – it suddenly rained during my evening walk – and – I got drenched in the rain.

These two things – the plot of the movie – and – my getting drenched in the rain – they reminded me of a story I had written many years ago.

Here is the story – I am sure you will enjoy the amusing romance…

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IT STARTED ON A RAINY NIGHT

A Romance

Love Story By Vikram Karve

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Mumbai (Bombay)

Circa 1977

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PART 1

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A RAINY NIGHT

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It was a scary night – dark – windy – thunder – lightning – and heavy torrential rain.

After the official “cocktail-cum-dinner” party in the Western Naval Command Officers Mess (Wardroom) was over – seeing the heavy rain – my friend advised me.

“It is raining heavily. Why don’t you stay over for the night in the Mess – you can sleep in my cabin if you want…” my friend said to me.

“No…” I said, “I will go back to my ship.”

“You have had quite a bit to drink…” my friend said, “Do you really want to drive in this heavy rain…?”

“I am okay – you don’t worry – I will reach safely…” I said.

“Be careful…” my friend said, “Drive slowly…”

“Yes…” I said to my friend.

Then – I put on my black oilskin raincoat over my evening “Red Sea Rig” uniform.

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A Digression – “Red Sea Rig”

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RED SEA RIG

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Red Sea Rig was originally a Royal Navy concept appearing during the nineteenth century.

In the 19th Century – when the Sun never set on the British Empire – and the British Royal Navy ruled the waves – Royal Navy Officers were required to wear the full Naval Mess-Dress Uniform in Wardrooms on Warships.

The sole exception was when the ship was in the Red Sea – where the heat and humidity often made this physically impossible.

Here – Naval Officers were permitted to remove their mess jackets in the wardroom – provided they added a Cummerbund to temper the somewhat informal look.

Since this evening mess-dress was worn when ships were in the Red Sea – this Naval Uniform was nicknamed as the “Red Sea Rig”.

Because of its comfort and practicality in hot and humid climates – “Red Sea Rig” was gradually adopted as daily summer evening mess-dress in tropical waters on ships and in Stone Frigates located in hot climate stations.

The Indian Navy (IN) evolved from the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) and adopted all its customs and traditions from the Royal Navy (RN).

At the time of this story – in the 1970s – “Red Sea Rig” was worn by Naval Officers as daily informal summer evening mess-dress in Wardrooms on board Warships and Naval Establishments.

“Red Sea Rig” consists of a white short sleeved shirt, worn with shoulder-boards (rank stripe epaulettes) and chest medal ribbons and badges, with black trousers, black shoes, and a black cummerbund.

“Red Sea Rig” is worn at night in darkness hours – from sunset to sunrise.

“Red Sea Rig” is never worn during the daytime.

On most ships and naval establishments – officers change into “Red Sea Rig” after sunset.

A Naval Peak Cap is worn as headgear with “Red Sea Rig” when the Officer is outside the Wardroom.

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End of Digression on “Red Sea Rig”.

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Story continues …

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It was a scary night – dark – windy – thunder – lightning – and heavy torrential rain.

After the official “cocktail-cum-dinner” party in the Western Naval Command Officers Mess (Wardroom) was over – my friend said to me:

“It is raining heavily. Why don’t you stay over for the night in the Mess – you can sleep in my cabin if you want.”

“No…” I said, “I will go back to my ship.”

“You have had quite a bit to drink…” my friend said, “Do you really want to drive in this heavy rain…?”

“I am okay – you don’t worry – I will reach safely…” I said.

“Be careful…” my friend said, “Drive slowly…”

I put on my black oilskin raincoat over my evening “Red Sea Rig” uniform.

I wore my helmet.

Then – I started my motorcycle – and I drove off in the rain.

A few minutes later – while I was driving through the married accommodation area – there was a sudden “cloudburst”.

Suddenly – there was a huge torrent of rain – a flood of water on the road.

I lost control – my motorcycle skidded – and I fell into a gutter.

And – I got totally drenched in the deluge of water.

I struggled and got up – hauled up my motorcycle – and dragged the bike into the parking lot of the multistory high-rise married accommodation building nearby.

I was totally drenched – soaked to the skin – and my oilskin raincoat was covered with muck from the gutter.

It was raining very heavily – and – in this torrential rain – it was impossible to drive my motorcycle.

Yes – in this terrible rain – and the flood of water on the roads – even going back to the Command Mess was out of the question.

And – from the way it was raining – it did not look like the downpour of rain was going to subside very soon.

I stood shivering in the parking lot of the multistory high-rise building – wondering what to do.

My eyes went to the wooden board on the wall – on which the names of occupants of the high-rise building were listed.

I was delighted to spot the name of “course-mate” – against Flat No. 303.

I had not met this “course-mate” after graduating from the Naval Academy.

In fact – I did not know that he was in Mumbai.

But then – that was the “Bombay Culture” those days – where everyone was “index” – on his own trip.

I took off my stinking oilskin raincoat and helmet – and left them on my bike.

Then – I walked to the lift – and pressed the 3^rd floor button.

I stood outside Flat No. 303 and rang the doorbell.

After some time – a young woman opened the door.

It was obvious that this charming young woman was my course-mate’s wife.

She was dressed in her night-clothes – and it was evident that she had been sleeping.

“Sorry for disturbing you, Ma’am…” I said.

She looked at my wet “Red Sea Rig” uniform – but she said nothing.

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So – I said to her:

“I am a course-mate of “X”.

“X” lives here – isn’t it…?

I had a small accident on my motorcycle – and I thought I will spend some time here till the rain lessens a bit…”

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She gave me a friendly smile.

And – she said to me:

“He is not here – he is away on duty…”

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“Oh – I am sorry – I will go…” I said.

“No…No – it is raining very heavily – please come in…” she said.

“Thank you…” I said.

I walked in – and I sat on the sofa in the drawing room.

“Shall I make you a cup of coffee…?” she asked.

“No – Ma’am – I have already troubled you so much – please go to sleep – I will relax here on the sofa – and I will quietly go away once it stops raining…” I said.

She smiled – and she went away – leaving me alone in the drawing room.

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I do not know when I dozed off to sleep on the sofa.

What I know is that when I woke up – and opened my eyes – the first thing I saw was my course-mate’s wife looking at me.

She was freshly bathed – and she looked very beautiful – incredibly attractive and alluring.

She looked very sensuous and desirable – and I could not take my eyes off her.

She responded to my yearning look of admiration with a sweet smile.

I felt ashamed at having eyed her so brazenly – so I quickly moved my eyes away.

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“Good Morning…” she said.

“Good Morning, Ma’am…” I said.

I looked out of the window.

It has stopped raining – in fact – there was bright sunlight.

“What time is it…?” I asked.

“7:30 AM…” she said.

“Oh My God – I slept whole night – I am so sorry – I must go…” I said, filled with embarrassment.

“At least wash up – and have a cup of tea…” she said.

“No – Ma’am – thanks a lot – but I have already overstayed my welcome – and I have to get back to my ship quickly…” I said.

“Okay…” she said.

“When will my friend “X” be back…?” I asked.

“He should be back by tomorrow evening…” she said.

“Okay – then I will come over – and we will have a proper dinner…” I said.

“Yes…” she said.

“Thank you again, Ma’am…” I said – and I left the house and drove down to my ship.

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Three Days Later

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PART 2

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FAUX PAS

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I asked around – and I found out the “X” was posted in an inconsequential appointment in the back of beyond.

No wonder I had not met him all these days.

Three days later – in the morning – I called up his office.

“Yes – “X” had reported back the previous day from outstation duty – and he would be in office by 9:30 AM…” I was told by his staff.

I reached his office at 10 AM.

“X” was happy to see me.

I shook hands with him – and I said to him:

“I have come to thank you for the hospitality when I was stuck in the rain the other night.

It was very sweet of your wife to let me stay…”

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On hearing my words – “X” gave me a curious look.

“Wife…?” he asked – looking confused.

“Yes – I was all drenched in the rain – I took shelter in your building – then I saw your name on the board – so – I just barged into your house – and – it was very kind of your wife to let me stay all night…” I explained to him.

“Wife…? How could she be there…?” he asked.

“Of course your wife was there…” I said.

“Impossible…” he said.

“Then who was that charming lady…?” I asked.

“That “charming lady” you met in my house was my “Maid”. Yes – Ha Ha – she is my “Maid”…” “X” said – laughing.

“What…?” I said, stunned.

“Yes – the woman you met at my home that evening was my “Maid” – she is my “Kaamwali Bai” – she is certainly not my wife…” he said – giving me humorous look.

“What…? She was your “Maid” – she was not your wife…?” I blurted out – totally bewildered.

“Yes – the woman who you met is my “Maid” – she told me that some friend of mine had got stuck in the rain and he slept on the sofa – she didn’t remember your name – so now – I know that it was you…?” he said.

“Oh – I am very sorry. But – your “Maid” is so smart and elegant – she is so chic that I mistook her for your wife – yes – I really thought that she was your wife…” I said.

“Ha Ha – I must tell my wife this…” he said – laughing loudly.

“No – please don’t tell her – it will be very embarrassing…” I said to “X”.

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Tea arrived – and we sipped our tea.

I noticed that “X” wasn’t telling me anything about his wife.

So – I asked him:

“By the way – your wife – is she out of station…?”

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“My wife is an “air-hostess” in an international airline – so she is out on flight duty for around 15 days in a month…” he said.

“Oh – that’s great – we must meet sometime in the club – I owe you a dinner…” I said.

“Sure – my wife should be back by weekend…” he said.

“One more thing – please don’t tell anyone about my faux pas – it was a stupid blunder on my part to think that your “Maid” was your wife…” I said to “X”.

“X” laughed – and he said to me:

“Okay – you don’t worry – I won’t tell anyone that you thought that my maid was my wife…”

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But – alas – “X” told everyone about my stupid goof-up.

And – I became a laughing stock in the entire Naval community.

This angered me so much – that I did not visit “X” again.

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Three Years Later

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PART 3

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THE AIR HOSTESS

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I was flying abroad for some work.

An “air-hostess” came to me – and she asked me my name.

I told her my name.

The “air-hostess” smiled at me – and she said to me:

“Come – we’ll upgrade you to “business class”…”

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I was delighted to be ugraded.

When I was comfortable in my new luxurious seat – the “air-hostess” came over to me – and she said to me:

“Didn’t you recognize me…?”

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“I am sorry…” I started to say.

But the “air-hostess” interrupted me – and she said to me:

“Of course – we have never met.

I saw your name on the passenger manifest – and I guessed it must be you.

Well – I am the wife of your ‘course-mate’ “X”.

Remember – you and the “Maid” episode.

That night when you thought that my “Kaamwali Bai” was Me…”

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She said these words giving me a mischievous smile.

Oh My God – the “air-hostess” was my ‘course-mate’ X’s wife – and her husband “X” had told her about that night’s episode when I had mistaken his maid for his wife.

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I smiled at her and said to her:

“Oh – yes – how can I forget that “faux pas” on my part – I thought your “Maid” was my course-mate X’s wife.

Yes – I mistook your “Maid” for You.

Your husband “X” told everyone about it – and I became a laughing stock…”

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My ‘course-mate’ X’s wife smiled naughtily – and she said to me:

“In fact – my husband told our “Maid” too – that you thought that she was his wife…”

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On hearing this – I felt totally embarrassed.

“Oh My God…!!! Did your husband “X” tell your “Maid” that I thought that she was you…?” I asked.

“Well – my “Maid” did have some inkling – she told us that you kept addressing her as “Ma’am” again and again…” X’s wife said with a mischievous smile.

“I wanted to come over to your place – but I was so embarrassed to face your “Maid” again – after my terrible faux pas…” I said.

“Well – you can meet her when you are in Delhi – the same “Maid” is still with us…” X’s wife said.

“You’ve got the same “Maid” even now…?” I asked her.

“Yes – we took our “Maid” along with us when we were posted to Delhi – she is a big boon – it is because of her that I am able to do this “air-hostess” job which requires me to be out from home for so many days…” she said.

“Yes – I saw that your “Maid” was very good…” I said.

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X’s wife – the smart “air-hostess” – she looked at me and said to me:

“Yes – my “Maid” is indeed very good.

She looks after everything at home – in fact – I have handed over all “homemaker” duties to her.

She manages each and every thing – she even looks after my husband so well.

In fact – my “Maid” is so good – that I just don’t have to bother about anything…”

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I looked at X’s wife – the smart “air-hostess” – a successful career-woman – and – I gave her a mischievous smile and spoke to her in a joking tone.

“You know – there is saying – “Behind Every Successful Woman there is a “Kaamwali Bai”…” – Ha Ha Ha…” I said to her – in jest.

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X’s wife – the smart “air-hostess” – she laughed as she spoke.

“Ha Ha – well – this surely seems true in my case…” she said – sportingly.

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Suddenly – there was a call for her.

So – X’s wife smiled a “good-bye” – and she left to attend to her cabin-crew duties.

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Ten Years Later

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PART 4

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MY COURSE-MATE “X” AND HIS “CONSORT”

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Ten years later – one morning – while driving down from Mumbai to Pune by the Expressway – I stopped at the ‘Food Court’ for a cup of tea.

A car entered the ‘Food Court’ parking lot.

I could not believe my eyes.

My course-mate “X” was in the Driver’s Seat – and sitting next to him was his “Maid”.

Both of them got out of the car – they walked to a vacant table and sat down.

Obviously – “X” had not seen me.

Or – if he had seen me – then “X” probably did not want to meet me.

But – I was curious to meet “X”.

And yes – I was quite intrigued by his rather intimate demeanor towards his “Maid”.

I wondered why “X” had seated his “Maid” beside him on the front seat of the car.

And even now – “X” and his “Maid” – they seemed to be talking in a rather friendly and intimate manner.

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I picked up my cup of tea – and I walked towards their table.

“Hello…” I said to my course-mate “X”.

“Oh – Hi – so nice to see you after so many years…” my course-mate “X” said to me with a smile.

“May I join you…?” I asked.

“Of course…” he said.

“I will just “freshen up” and come…” the “Maid” said – and she left for the washroom.

“So – I heard that you suddenly quit the Navy…” I said to “X”.

“Yes – I quit 5 years ago – I am in the Merchant Navy now…” he said.

“That’s great…” I said.

“Yes – the Merchant Navy is much better – especially moneywise…” he said.

“So – are you going to Pune…?” I asked “X”.

“No – I am driving down to Mahabaleshwar…” he said.

On hearing this – I was totally aghast and shocked.

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So – I said to my course-mate “X” :

“What is wrong with you…?

Why are you driving with your “Kaamwali Bai” sitting next to you on the front seat…?

Where is your wife…?

Just you and and your “Maid” – going to Mahabaleshwar together…?

Are you going to Mahabaleshwar – to have a good time – with your “Maid”…?”

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My course-mate “X” looked at me – and he said to me :

“She is no longer my “Maid”…”

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I was taken aback – totally bewildered – on hearing this.

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So – I said to my course-mate “X”:

“What do you mean…?

She is no longer your “Maid”…?

Don’t tell me that you have married her…?”

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My course-mate “X” looked at me – and he said nonchalantly:

“Not yet…”

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Baffled out of my wits – I blurted out excitedly to my course-mate “X”:

“What…?

“Not Yet”…!!!

What do you mean by “Not Yet”…?

Are you saying that you intend marrying your “Maid”…?

You are going to marry your “Kaamwali Bai”…?

So that means that you two are living together…?”

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“X” did not say anything – he just looked down at the table.

His silence spoke volumes.

For me – the whole thing was unbelievable – most bizarre.

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Then – after I recovered my wits – I looked at “X”– and I said to him:

“Have you gone crazy…?

Have you have dumped your “air-hostess” wife for your “Maid”…?

Are you really thinking of marrying your “Maid”…?”

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“X” did not answer – he just looked away.

I followed his gaze.

I saw that the “Maid” had come out of the washroom and she was walking towards us.

I got up from my seat.

“Okay – Good Bye – it is time for me to move on…” I said to “X”.

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Meanwhile – the “Maid” had reached our table – and she was smiling at me.

So – I looked at the “Maid” – and I said to her:

“All the Best – Ma’am…”

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Yes – I addressed her as “Ma’am”.

Last time – calling her “Ma’am” was a faux pas on my part – because then – she was my course-mate’s “Maid” – his “Kaamwali Bai”.

But now – she was no longer my course-mate’s “Kaamwali Bai”.

Now – the “Maid” had become my course-mate’s “Consort”.

So – she had earned the right to be called “Ma’am”.

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The “Maid” gave me a cute smile.

I smiled back at her.

Then – I turned – and I walked towards my car.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Link to my source blog posts in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/02/hostess-and-air-hostess.html and writing blog: https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/08/09/a-rainy-night/

This is a revised and abridged version of my story titled THE MAID posted online earlier by me Vikram Karve on this blog on July 13, 2015 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/the-maid-love-story.html AND http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/faux-pas-with-beautiful-woman-on-rainy.html AND http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/romance-maid.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/01/my-friends-maid-passionate-love-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/the-air-hostess-and-her-kaamwali-bai.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/05/the-housekeeper.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/07/24/are-you-too-dependent-on-your-maid/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2018/10/05/the-charming-lady/ and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/maid-of-honour.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/02/03/the-maid-a-romance/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/08/04/the-maid/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/05/19/romance-a-rainy-night-a-sensuous-woman/ and https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pretty-woman-fiction-story-vikram-karve/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/it-started-on-a-rainy-night/ etc.

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Do You Resent “Successful” People…?

May 10, 2024

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“TALL POPPY SYNDROME”

Do You Resent “Successful” People…?

Blog by Veteran Vikram Karve

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SOCIAL MEDIA “BASHING”

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Nowadays — we see plenty of “bashing” on the Social Media — especially of “the rich and famous”, celebrities, politicians, and successful people.

We also see Social Media “bashing” of Top Brass and Veterans by fellow Veterans.

Some of this social media bashing may be due to the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.

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“TALL POPPY SYNDROME”

Musings by Veteran Vikram Karve

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Are You a Victim of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”…?

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In the inimitable war novel Catch-22 — there is a character called “Major Major Major Major”

(For brevity — let’s call him “Major Major”)

“Major Major” is a simple amiable officer who is liked by everyone — officers and enlisted men.

One day — the Squadron Commander Major Duluth is killed in action — and — “Major Major” is appointed the Squadron Commander.

Suddenly — everything changes for “Major Major”.

The very same people who earlier loved “Major Major” — now — their attitude towards “Major Major” changes drastically — and — everyone starts resenting his success

Many of his fellow officers have feelings of envy and animosity towards “Major Major” once he is promoted to Squadron Commander.

The most acrimonious and spiteful of them is Captain Black — who believes that he himself was the logical choice to replace Major Duluth as Squadron Commander — and — grave injustice has been done by appointing “Major Major” as Squadron Commander.

Captain Black makes every effort to discredit and disparage “Major Major”

Captain Black uses various stratagems to sabotage and humiliate “Major Major” — and — cut him down to size.

This is an example of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.

Thanks to his “success” — “Major Major” is a victim of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” — which results in hostility towards successful people.

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TALL POPPY SYNDROME

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The “Tall Poppy Syndrome” is a culture where “successful” people are resented, attacked, cut down or criticized because of their success.

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Successful People are called “Tall Poppies”.

And — cutting them down to size is called “Tall Poppying”.

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In an organization — the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” can cause in destructive feelings in the colleagues of the successful person — which can lead to resentment, hostility — and “envy attacks” on the “successful” person.

In the Defence Services — some “passed over” (superseded) officers feel a sense of resentment towards those successful officers who have been promoted — and sometimes — this resentment can metamorphose into “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.

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(hostility towards successful persons)

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The “Tall Poppy Syndrome” is visible in personal relationships too — in families, friend-circles and in society — where we often see a tendency to resent and disparage successful people due to envy.

Yes — you observe the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” everywhere — at work, in society and in personal relationships — at the macro and micro levels.

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In a nutshell:

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The “Tall Poppy Syndrome” is hostility towards successful people — and manifestations of that resentment.

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Let us see how this term originated.

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HOW DID THE TERM “TALL POPPY SYNDROME” ORIGINATE…?

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There are many mythical stories about the origins of the term “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.

In one such apocryphal story — a young son of a King conquers a new land.

The young son asks the King for advice on how to deal with the newly conquered kingdom.

The King — who is strolling in the garden in a grove of poppies — draws his sword — and — with his sword — the King strikes off the heads of the tallest poppies in the grove.

The King’s son gets the message — and he methodically proceeds to kill all the prominent men (the “tallest poppies”) in the newly conquered land.

Once the influential men are eliminated — the son is able to easily govern the conquered land.

The term “Tall Poppy Syndrome” may have been probably derived from this apocryphal story.

Another fable hints that the underlying premise of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” is that the tallest plants be cut down to the same size of all the others (cutting down to size)

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So — in today’s world:

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“Tall Poppying” successful persons means — trying to “cut them down to size”.

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Don’t we see examples of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” all around us…?

I saw plenty of instances of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” in the Defence Services — where career prospects are limited due to the pyramidal hierarchy structure — and — it is very difficult to get promoted to high rank — which results in a large number of deserving officers getting “superseded” or “passed over” for promotion.

Many “superseded” officers feel a sense of resentment and envy towards their successful course-mates and erstwhile juniors — and they try to “Tall Poppy” them.

You will see plenty of examples of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” everywhere — in politics, in the corporate sector, in society, in families and personal life too.

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The “Tall Poppy Syndrome” manifests at the societal level too.

One example is the cultural resentment against “migrants” who are more “successful” than the original inhabitants of a country.

Information Technology has been a catalyst in proliferation of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.

Nowadays — the Social Media has become a ubiquitous medium for “Tall Poppying”

People can easily express their resentment against “successful” persons on the Social Media — by Trolling and “Bashing” them on the Social Media in a malicious manner.

And — such vicious online “Tall Poppying” (Trolling and “Bashing”) of an individual on the Social Media can go “viral” very fast — and have a devastating effect on the victim of “Tall Poppying”.

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ROOT CAUSE OF “TALL POPPY SYNDROME”

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What is the root cause of the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”…?

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Is the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” a manifestation of the “Crab Mentality” …?

If I cannot have something — neither can you have it…!!!

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Or — is it an offshoot of “The Dog in the Manger” Syndrome …?

People frequently begrudge something to others — that they themselves cannot enjoy.

Even if it does them no good — they won’t let others have it.

This mentality is like the mythical dog in fable — the Dog in the Manger — who did not eat the grain — but — who nevertheless prevented the horse from eating the grain either…

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Or — is it just basic human nature…?

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Well — I really don’t know — but — I have been on both sides of the fence as far as the “Tall Poppy Syndrome” syndrome is concerned.

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Dear Reader:

Have you experienced the“Tall Poppy Syndrome”…?

Did you experience it — as a “victim” — or — indulge in it — as a “perpetrator”…?

Do you feel a sense of resentment against successful people…?

If you are a successful person — do you feel others are hostile towards you…?

Have you observed the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”– at work, in society and in your personal life…?

Do tell us about it.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Link to my source blog post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/03/are-you-victim-of-tall-poppy-syndrome.html and in my writing blog at url: https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/success-tall-poppy-syndrome/

Repost of My Article Written By me in 04 Feb 2017 and Posted on My Various Blogs.

Links to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/02/tall-poppy-syndrome.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/immigration-tall-poppy-syndrome/ and https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/Human-Behavior-Psychology-%E2%80%93-Tall-Poppy-Syndrome and https://karve.wordpress.com/2018/07/15/tall-poppy-syndrome-cutting-successful-people-down-to-size/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/success-tall-poppy-syndrome/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/02/17/tall-poppy-syndrome/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/07/04/tall-poppy-syndrome-and-social-media-bashing/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/09/20/do-you-resent-successful-people/ and https://vikramkarve.medium.com/tall-poppy-syndrome-do-you-resent-successful-people-1be5d5acadcb etc

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Posted in writing | Tags: blog, career, HR, imposter-syndrome, job, leadership, life, management, psychology, self help, success, tall-poppy-syndrome, veteran, wisdom, writing | Leave a Comment »

How to be in a Good Mood

May 10, 2024

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HOW TO “SWING” YOUR MOOD

Self-Help Tips for “Moody” Persons Like Me

Blog by Veteran Vikram Karve

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HOW TO “SWING” YOUR MOOD

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Are you a moody person…?

Do you have “mood swings”…?

Do you want to be always in a “good mood”…?

I constantly try to be in a “good mood”.

Whenever I am in a bad mood — I try to swing my mood to a good mood.

The trick is to use your thoughts to drive your feelings and swing your moods.

It is easier said that done — but I keep trying my best.

Let me share my Self Help for Moody Persons “Mantra” with you.

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HOW TO BE IN A GOOD “MOOD”

Musings By Vikram Karve

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I am a “moody” person.

That is my nature.

Since I am a “moody person” — I have “mood swings”.

Owing to my “mood swings” — I am prone to negative emotions like anger and depression — and worse — I wear my emotions on my sleeve — so everyone can see my “mood”.

Hence — whenever I start feeling depressed, angry or experience negative emotions — I try to “swing” my mood to the positive side.

Mostly I succeed — but — on a few occasions — I am not so successful in “swinging” my mood totally — but then — I try my best to get into a “good mood”.

Before I “pontificate” on how to “swing” your mood — let me tell you a bit about the “Emotion — Mood — Temperament” continuum — and why it is important for you to remain in a “good mood”.

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The “EMOTION” — “MOOD” — “TEMPERAMENT” Continuum

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EMOTION is a response to a “stimulus” (or situation).

This “stimulus” can be either external (outside you) or internal (inside you).

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MOOD is a long duration feeling as compared to emotion.

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Emotions come and go — but Mood persists.

Emotion remains as long as the trigger (stimulus) remains.

But Mood remains for some time — even after the stimulus goes away.

And — sometimes — mood may not need a specific stimulus.

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TEMPERAMENT

When Mood persists for a long period it becomes Temperament.

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“Temperament” is “Long Term Mood”

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Emotion comes First whenever you are in Danger — leading to impulsive action to save you from that danger

(fight or flight response)

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Otherwise — normally:

Thought comes First — and then — Emotion Follows.

That is the desired rational way.

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THOUGHT MANAGEMENT IS THE KEY

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It is desirable that Thought precedes Emotion.

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If you can manage your THOUGHTS — you can manage your EMOTIONS — and consequently — you will be able to manage your MOOD and TEMPERAMENT.

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Hence — if you can control your thoughts — you can manage your moods.

This may be easy for you — but for a “moody” person like me — this is easier said than done.

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DO FEELINGS DRIVE YOUR THOUGHTS…?

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Thoughts play a very important role in your life — whereas your feelings can make or break you — and also affect the lives of others around you.

Very often:

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We let our Attitudes or Feelings hold sway over our lives — rather than let our Thoughts govern our lives.

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Hence — your Feelings (Emotions) control your thoughts (and your life).

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NEVER LET YOUR FEELINGS DRIVE YOUR THOUGHTS

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You let your Feelings drive your Thoughts.

You do not realize that Thoughts drive Actions — and — Actions produce Results.

These Results produce more Feelings.

And these Feelings — in turn — drive your Thoughts.

This leads to a “vicious circle” — which may ultimately lead to loss of self-control.

If you start off with negative feelings — this “vicious circle” will happen:

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“Feelings –> Thoughts –> Actions –> Results –> Feelings –> Thoughts –>…”

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This “vicious circle” can spiral into depression or anger.

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YOU CANNOT CONTROL YOUR FEELINGS

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Feelings are not totally controllable — especially for a “moody” person like me.

Many times — Feelings are produced by external circumstances beyond your control.

If Negative Feelings are allowed to drive your Thoughts and Actions — then Undesirable Results may emanate.

These Undesirable Results in turn produce further not-so-good Feelings — and — the vicious cycle continues.

This is true for any unpleasant or negative Feelings — like anger, envy, worry, disgust or hatred — which tend to drive our Thoughts and Actions — and quickly take charge of our lives.

An analysis of other options indicates that both Actions and Results are not suitable alternative drivers — since they also are not totally controllable — and will not always be pleasing.

The best solution is to establish “THOUGHT” as the driver — because it is controllable — and — we can get good Results.

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LET THOUGHTS DRIVE YOUR FEELINGS

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Your Thoughts are in your control.

You you can choose what you want to think about — hence you have full control on your thoughts.

Moreover — there is a matter of choice.

It is very much in our control to think good and interesting thoughts.

The happiest persons are those who thinks the most interesting and good thoughts.

The human mind cannot totally prevent poor quality thoughts from arising — but you can choose whether or not to dwell on them.

You can move your mind from dwelling on poor quality thoughts by selecting alternative beneficial or pleasant thoughts to focus on.

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Choosing to be driven by thoughts — and — then controlling those thoughts — will get you the best possible results.

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Positive thoughts lead to good performance (right actions) — which yields desirable results — which in turn produces good feelings.

Good feelings are conducive to better thoughts.

And — progressively — this positively reinforcing cycle facilitates a high degree of self-control — and creates an overall feeling of happiness.

When good thoughts are combined with good potential — the results can be remarkable.

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SELF-CONTROL

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Thus — the very basis of self-control is:

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1. Refuse to allow our feelings to control our responses.

2. Instead — dwell on good, pleasant, joy-producing positive thoughts.

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Develop and apply your skill to control your thoughts.

Certain NLP techniques like Swish Pattern are highly effective in achieving this.

By “Positive Thinking” you can gain mastery over controlling your thoughts and thereby letting your thoughts govern your lives.

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HOW TO BE IN A GOOD MOOD — in a Nutshell

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Try this positive reinforcing cycle to be in a good mood:

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1. “Good Thoughts” will make you “Feel Good”.

2. “Feel Good” will generate “Positive Feelings”.

3. “Positive Feelings” will make you perform “Good Actions”.

4. “Good Actions” will produce “Good Results”.

5. “Good Results” in turn will produce “Good Thoughts”.

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And — this positive reinforcing spiral will keep you in a good mood.

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That is the key to a happy and healthy life.

It works.

You can take my word for it.

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Let me end with a quote from the famous Stoic philosopher Epictetus:

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Some things are under our control — others are not.

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle:

Some things are within our control — and some things are not.

It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule — and learned to distinguish between what you can control and you cannot control — that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.

~ Epictetus

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You must be able to distinguish between things you can control and things you cannot control.

Remember:

1. Thinking “interesting thoughts” is fully within your control.

2. On the other hand — your feelings may be dependent on things beyond your control.

This is the mantra for self-control of your mood.

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DON’T LET YOUR FEELINGS DRIVE YOUR THOUGHTS

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Hence — don’t let your feelings drive your thoughts.

But — take control of your thoughts and try to ensure that your thoughts drive your feelings.

And — you can “swing” your mood by thinking happy interesting thoughts.

You can experiment on this technique of of using thoughts to create positive moods:

1. Happy Thoughts will put you in a “feel good” mood.

2. Interesting Thoughts will put you in a “creative mood”.

3. Inspiring Thoughts will put you in an “optimistic mood”.

4. Romantic Thoughts will put you in a “romantic mood”.

5. Erotic Thoughts will put you in a “amorous mood”.

etc. etc. etc.

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Let your imagination run wild to create good moods.

The moment you start feeling any negative emotion — don’t let your feelings take charge of your mind and spoil your mood.

Instead — immediately start thinking good thoughts and swing your mood to a happy and positive one.

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I did this quite effectively during my Navy days.

Whenever my boss started shouting at me — I used to “switch off” and stop paying attention to what he was saying — and start thinking interesting thoughts — romantic, erotic, food thoughts etc. — and keep myself in a good mood despite the hollering of my boss.

Those days — I used to call it “overhead transmission”.

Since my mind was absorbed in lovely thoughts — whatever bullshit my boss was saying did not enter my mind — but would fly away above my head (overhead transmission).

Sometimes — my “interesting” thoughts would bring a smile on my face

(since I ensured that my thoughts controlled my emotions and feelings)

On seeing me smiling and in a happy mood — despite his angry hollering — my boss would get even more livid — and he would start yelling at me even more furiously — and in the end — it was my boss who would be in a bad mood — whereas — I remained in a good mood.

Once — during my Naval Dockyard Days — the Admiral Superintendent (ASD) told me that my boss (a Commodore) — my boss was complaining to the Admiral that working with me was giving him high Blood Pressure (High BP)

I jokingly said to the Admiral:

“Sir — isn’t it better that he gets High BP rather than me…?”

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PS:

Dear Reader — I had served with the Admiral when he was a Commander and I was a young officer.

The Admiral knew me very well (and my independent style of working).

The wise Admiral kept me in the same job — despite repeated pleas by my boss to have me moved out.

Maybe — the Admiral was enjoying seeing my boss going crazy.

Or — maybe — he was trying to convey a lesson indirectly to my boss that “micro-managing” did not work in the Naval Dockyard — and Managers must be left “index” (independent) to do their jobs.

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Cheers — Dear Reader.

Be Happy.

Do keep your emotions in check by thinking interesting thoughts.

I wish that you always be in a good mood — and may you have a happy, optimistic and calm temperament.

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Remember — your “mood” is in your “mind”.

If you learn to control your thoughts — you can gain mastery over your moods.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

These are my personal views. Please do your own due diligence while selecting a philosophy of life.
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my source blog post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-to-swing-your-moods.html

Revised Version of my Article LET THOUGHTS DRIVE YOUR FEELINGS written by me around 33 years ago in early 1990 and Posted Online Earlier by me Vikram Karve in my blog at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2009/06/monday-morning-meditation.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/06/types-of-human-feelings-emotion-mood.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/09/feel-good-by-positive-thinking-key-to.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/self-help-mantra-for-moody-persons.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/06/mood-swings-how-to-control-your-mood.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/how-to-be-in-a-good-mood/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/08/29/how-to-swing-your-mood/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/09/21/mantra-for-moody-persons/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/01/29/self-help-for-moody-persons/ and https://vikramkarve.medium.com/mood-swinging-18229eea254a etc

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Posted in writing | Tags: blog, control, depression, emotions, happiness, health, imagination, mental-health, mind, mood, psychology, reading, selfhelp, thoughts, veteran, writing | Leave a Comment »

21 Days Romance : Love Story

May 9, 2024

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21 DAYS

Story from My Curzon Road Apartments Days

VIKRAM KARVE

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This story happened 42 years ago in the year 1982

So — Dear Reader — please transport yourself 42 years back in time to the early 1980’s — when many of the things you take for granted today did not exist.

For example — things like mobile phones, internet, social media, online banking, online shopping etc. — these things did not exist in 1982

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Curzon Road Apartments, New Delhi

Circa 1982

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It was exactly 7 PM in the evening.

As per my daily routine — I was about to pour my first drink of “Rum Pani” (Rum and Water).

The doorbell rang.

I put the Rum bottle on the table — wondering who the visitor was — feeling irritated at the timing of the visitor who had interrupted the start of my evening drinking session.

I walked to the door — and opened it.

It was Nisha — my wife’s best friend — and our next-door neighbor too.

She smiled at me.

I smiled back.

“My wife has gone to Pune to her mother’s place…” I said to her.

“I know — I have come to meet you…” Nisha said to me.

“Me…?” I said, surprised.

“Yes — can you please take me to Bengali Market — it’s getting dark — and I am scared to walk all the way…” she said, with a beseeching look in her eyes.

“Okay…” I said to her.

I went inside — got my bike keys and helmet — and soon — we were on our way to Bengali Market on my Yezdi motorcycle — with Nisha sitting on the pillion seat — holding me tight.

After she had bought what she wanted — Nisha smiled at me.

“Let’s eat some Gol Gappa and Chaat…” she said to me.

“Gol Gappa and Chaat…? Now…? It’s almost 8 o’clock…” I said, looking at my watch.

“So what…? It will be sacrilege to come to Bengali Market and not eat Gol Gappa — you guys call it Pani Puri — isn’t it…? Don’t you want to eat the best Pani Puri in the world…?” she said, with an imploring look.

So — we — Nisha and I — we ate some zesty Gol Gappa and lip-smacking Chaat — and then — we ate some delicious sweets — hot juicy syrupy Gulab Jamun too.

Nisha was a foodie — and — so was I — and — I really enjoyed the evening with her in Bengali Market.

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Next evening — when I came back from work — I saw Nisha standing outside my door — all dressed up — wearing red lipstick and blush on her cheeks — looking “Tip Top”.

She seemed happy to see me.

“Come on — hurry up and change — we are going for a movie — it’s already 5:45 and the movie starts at 6:30 — and I don’t want to be late…” Nisha said to me.

I was nonplussed.

“Which movie…? Where…?” I asked her.

“An Officer and a Gentleman — at Plaza — I got the tickets in the morning when I gone to CP for some work…” she said to me, “you wanted to see the movie — didn’t you…?”

“Yes — Yes — but in such a hurry…?” I was saying — when she interrupted me.

“Stop arguing and get ready quickly — there will be lots of evening traffic now — we’ll take half-an-hour to reach…” she said to me — in an assertive tone.

We enjoyed the movie.

Then — we relished Pizza at Nirulas — the best Pizza in Delhi.

Nisha knew I loved Pizza — so — she took me to Nirulas after the movie.

Then — I took her on my bike to India Gate — where we picked up sticks of Choco Bar Ice Cream — and then — we walked on the beautiful lawns enjoying the Ice Cream and talking to each other.

By the time we returned to our homes in Curzon Road Apartments — it was almost midnight.

“I really enjoyed the evening…” I said to her.

“Yes — such a nice movie — and delicious pizza too — and — yummy Choco Bar…” she said to me.

“Thank you for getting the movie tickets…” I said to her.

“It’s okay — I enjoyed watching the movie with you — we’ll go for some more movies…” she said.

“Yes…” I said, “I had enjoyed watching the movie with her too…”

“Do you like plays — theatre…?” she asked me.

“Of course — in Pune and Mumbai — I loved watching plays — but there doesn’t seem to be much of a theatre scene over here — except those experimental plays which I don’t like…” I said to her.

“I’ll check if there is some good play at Kamani sometime soon…” she said.

“Okay…” I said to her.

We wished each other “Good Night” and went to our respective flats.

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Next evening — the moment I came home from work — once again — like the previous evening — I saw Nisha waiting for me.

“You are in luck — I checked up and found that A Streetcar Named Desire” is being staged at Kamani this evening…” she said to me, with a happy smile.

“Oh — that’s a lovely play…” I said, “I saw it in NCPA last year…”

“Want to see it once again…?” she asked me.

“I don’t mind…” I said to her.

“So — let’s go…” she said, “you get ready fast — and I’ll get ready too…”

“You’ve got tickets…?” I asked her, in amazement.

“Complimentary “VIP” Passes await us…” Nisha said with a smug expression, “and an invitation for dinner with the cast after the play…”

“Wow…” I said to her, “you are really resourceful…”

She smiled at me.

“Wear something formal — we’ll be sitting in the first row — and the dinner will be a classy affair…” she said, “the play starts at 7 — so — we must leave latest by 6:30 — maybe a bit earlier…”

I wore a lounge suit — Nisha wore a Saree — having seen her in casual dresses till now — I marveled at how resplendent she looked in a Saree.

We left Curzon Road Apartments at 6:30 PM on my motorcycle — Kamani Auditorium was nearby on Copernicus Road — we reached at 6:40 AM — well in time for the play.

It was a splendid evening — the play — and the highfalutin dinner — with the beautiful Nisha as my companion.

Someone complimented us — “you are such a handsome couple” — and we smiled to ourselves.

It was a most memorable evening — we had a marvelous time together — and — when I thanked Nisha before wishing her “good night” — she said to me: “Come on — don’t say “Thank You” — there is no “Thank You” between friends…”

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Next evening — when I returned from work — I wondered what surprise Nisha had in store for me — so — I was surprised when I didn’t see her waiting for me — and a bit disappointed too.

I decided to see what she was doing — but I saw that her door was locked from outside — she had gone out somewhere.

I made a cup of tea for myself — showered — and was wondering if I should go for a walk — when the doorbell rang.

It was Nisha.

“Sorry — I’m late…” she said — as if it was her duty to welcome me when I returned from work.

“It’s okay…” I said to her.

“I was getting some documents ready — it took a long time…” she said.

“Oh — come inside — would you like a cup of tea…?” I asked her.

“No. No. I’ve to go for some work — the office closes at 6:30 — I have to submit these documents there — can you give me a lift…” she asked me.

“Of course…” I said to her, “where do we have to go…?”

“Not very far — the office is near CP…” she said.

“Let’s go…” I said to her, “I’ll be ready in 5 minutes…”

I took her on my bike to the office — it was a law firm.

While she went inside — I sat in the waiting room.

Nisha came out smiling at around 6:15 PM.

“Thank you — the job is done…” Nisha said to me.

“Shall we go home…?” I asked her — as we walked out of the office.

“What’s the point going home and getting bored…? Let’s loaf around CP…” she said to me.

And so — we loafed around CP — such a pleasant walk — followed by delicious Butter Chicken and Naan at the famous Dhaba on the outer circle.

“Take me for a spin on your bike…” Nisha said to me — after dinner — and we drove around the city — she told me where to go — and I drove on those roads — she asked me to stop at a place in Old Delhi — we had “pan” at her favourite pan shop — and by the time we returned to our homes in Curzon Road Apartments it was almost midnight.

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Nisha was a delightful girl — fun-loving, bubbly and vivacious — so full of life — and — I really enjoyed her company.

For me — the next few days passed in a haze of delight — every evening we went out somewhere exciting — movies, shopping, eating out — or just loafing or driving around — and on the weekends — she took me to an Expo exhibition at Pragati Maidan — the Rail Museum — and — believe it or not — she even took me to see the Zoo.

I had a lovely time with Nisha — easily the most enjoyable days of my life.

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And then — my wife returned — back from her mother’s place.

She had been away for 3 weeks — exactly 21 days.

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Nisha was there to welcome my wife when I brought her from the airport in the evening.

“This evening — I am taking you to the club…” Nisha said to my wife.

“That will be great…” I exclaimed — with gusto.

My wife didn’t seem very enthusiastic — she wanted to relax at home.

But — Nisha convinced her.

“Come on — be a sport — you are my best friend — I missed you so much — I was eagerly waiting for you to come back — we must celebrate your arrival…” Nisha said to my wife.

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In the evening — we sat on the lovely green lawns of the club.

The waiter arrived to take our orders for drinks.

“Fresh Lime Soda…” Nisha said.

“I’ll have a Fresh Lime Soda too…” my wife said.

“Me too — I’ll have the same — Fresh Lime Soda…” I said to the waiter.

The waiter raised his eyebrow and looked at me curiously.

“Are you sure, Sir…? Won’t you be having your usual large peg of Rum…?” the waiter asked me.

“No — I’ll have Fresh Lime Soda…” I said to the waiter.

After the waiter had gone to fetch our orders — my wife looked closely at me.

“Having a soft drink today…? I hope you are feeling okay…” she said — with a disbelieving look.

“Yes — Yes — I am absolutely fine…” I said to my wife.

I noticed that Nisha was smiling at me like a Cheshire Cat.

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My wife got up from her chair.

“You two talk…” my wife said, “I’ll go to the STD Booth and make a call to my father and tell him that I have reached safely…”

My wife walked away towards the STD Booth.

Nisha looked at me.

She gave me a warm smile.

“I am so happy to see that you are having a soft drink…” Nisha said.

“I don’t know why — but — I don’t feel like drinking rum…” I said to her.

“That’s great — my experiment has worked…!” she said.

“Experiment…?” I asked her, curious.

“Your wife told me that you drank rum every evening and she was fed up with your excessive drinking — she was extremely worried about your addiction to alcohol…” Nisha said, “so — I decided to do something about it…”

“You decided to do something about my drinking…?” I said, flabbergasted.

“Yes — your wife is my best friend — she told me that her biggest worry was your drinking habit — and it was the main source of unhappiness in her marriage — so — I decided to help her out…” Nisha said.

I looked at her, confused.

Nisha continued speaking.

“I read somewhere that it takes 21 days to break a habit — so — I decided to try it on you — and — I succeeded — I made sure that you didn’t drink for 21 days — and now — after 21 days of abstinence from alcohol — it seems you have overcome your alcohol addiction…” Nisha said to me.

“Is it so easy — just 21 days to break a habit…?” I asked her, curious.

“That’s the first step…” she said, “once you ensure his abstinence from addiction — curing an addict is the easiest thing in the world. To reduce his craving for his addiction — all you have to do is find something that will interest him more than the thing he is addicted to. For example — you seemed to take more interest in me than in alcohol…”

“Interest in you…?” I exclaimed, taken aback.

“I mean — you found spending time with me more interesting than sitting at home and drinking alcohol…” she said.

“That’s true — I really enjoyed your company…” I said to Nisha.

“I know — I became a substitute for alcohol in your life — and now — you have overcome your alcohol addiction…” she said, with a proud smile.

“Thank you so much, Nisha…” I said to her.

“You are most welcome…” she said, “I did it for my best friend — and I am so happy that I succeeded in breaking your habit of drinking every day…”

“You said it takes 21 days to break a habit…?” I said to Nisha.

“Yes — and I have proved it too…” she said, confidently.

“Maybe — it takes 21 days to form a new habit too…” I said to her.

“What do you mean…?” Nisha asked me.

“Now — after 21 days of abstinence from alcohol — I may be de-addicted from alcohol — but — I have got addicted to you…” I said to Nisha — looking lovingly into her eyes.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my source post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2022/07/short-fiction-21-days.html

This story was also posted by me in my writing blog at URL: https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/07/20/21-days/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2023/02/17/21-days-romance/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2023/07/18/21-days-story-from-my-curzon-road-apartments-days/ and https://medium.com/@vikramkarve/21-days-674608efc9bd etc.

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Posted in writing | 1 Comment »

Two Friends

May 7, 2024

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TWO FRIENDS

THE POLITICIAN AND THE SOLDIER

Story By Vikram Karve

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PROLOGUE

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Dear Reader:

Before I start telling you the story of the friendship of “The Politician and The Soldier” – let me first introduce myself – the narrator of this story.

Yes – I am the narrator of this rather curious story.

I am the politician’s “manager” – his “right-hand man” – his “major-domo” – his “all in one” assistant – or – if you wish to use more uncharitable terms – I am his flunkey – his lackey – his stooge – his minion – you can call me what you like – but I have become indispensable to him.

My “Master” – the politician – he is the “uncrowned king” of the place – wealthy – powerful – he controls everything – and – nothing moves here without his approval.

Everyone is terrified of him – including me.

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THE POLITICIAN AND THE SOLDIER

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PART 1

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One evening the phone rings – the landline number.

I recognize the voice – it is the “Soldier”.

“Is he there…?” the soldiers asks me on the phone.

“Yes…” I say – and I connect the call.

The “soldier” speaks to the “politician” for around 5 minutes.

Then the “politician” summons me inside his office – he looks at me and speaks.

“Is there anything in the evening…?” he asks me.

“Yes…” I say, “you have to attend the party meeting followed by dinner…”

“Tell them I am not coming…” he says.

“Sir – it is a very important meeting – top party leaders are coming – the general-secretary will also be there – you must go there…” I say.

“Nothing is more important than my friend – I have already told him to come for dinner – you call up my wife and tell her to make something special – get whatever she wants from the market – and organize some good snacks to go with the booze…” he says.

“Sir – should I arrange some “Single Malt” Whisky…” I ask him.

“You have been with me for 3 years now – don’t you know – my friend will be getting a bottle of “Military Rum” for me…” the “politician” says – admonishing me.

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PART 2

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The “Soldier” arrives at 7 PM in the evening.

The “Politician” is genuinely delighted to see him.

“What have you got for me…?” the “politician” asks the “soldier”.

The “soldier” pulls out a bottle of rum from his bag.

“Ah…” the “politician” says, “let’s go inside and open the bottle…”

The “soldier” goes inside.

I look at the “politician” and say: “Sir – I have got all types of snacks – chicken dry fry, mutton kababs, fish fry, peanuts, pakoras etc. – and – I have briefed the servants how to serve them…”

“Good…” the “politician” says to me, “did you tell my wife…?”

“Yes, Sir – she is preparing a special meal…” I say to my boss – the “politician”.

“Wonderful…” the “politician” says.

“Sir – I have informed them that you won’t be attending the meeting as you are indisposed…” I say to the “politician”.

“Ha – Ha – “indisposed” – you have become an expert at inventing excuses…” the “politician” says, “you can go home now – if I want something – I will call you…”

“Thank you, Sir…” I say – and – I turn towards the office to lock it up.

The “politician” goes inside his house to join his friend – the “soldier”.

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PART 3

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NEXT MORNING

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“How was the evening, Sir…?” I ask the politician.

“We really enjoyed ourselves till the wee hours of the morning…” he says.

“Sir – I have been wanting to ask you something for a long time – but I don’t have the courage to ask…?” I say.

“Come on – you have been with me for over 3 years now – you can ask anything you want…” he says.

“Sir – it is about your soldier friend – you always give him an immediate appointment – and you cancel everything – however important – just to spend time with him…” I say.

“He is my best friend…” the politician says.

“But, Sir – he is just a soldier – and – you are such an eminent person – so wealthy – so powerful – and – you only move in “high-society” – and – you eat and drink the best – but – when your soldier friend comes – you drink cheap military rum with him…” I say, “and yesterday – you cancelled a most important appointment – a crucial political meeting…”

“I told you once – my soldier friend is the most important thing to me – so – when he comes – other things just don’t matter…” the politician says.

The politician pauses – looks at me – and says:

“Okay – I know you are curious – today – I will tell you about our friendship. We – the soldier and I – we were classmates in school – best friends. After finishing school – both of us wanted to join the Army – so – when there was a recruitment rally – both us went there – we both wanted to join the Army…”

“Oh – so you too were in the Army – Sir…?” I say.

“No. He was selected – but – I was rejected…” the politician says.

“You were rejected – why…?” I asked him.

“Till today – I really don’t know why the rejected me…” the politician says, “they made us do all the tests – and – they selected him and rejected me…”

“You must have been disappointed…” I say.

“Yes – I was terribly disappointed – but – my friend was even more disappointed than me – and he said that he would not join the Army since I was not coming – you see – we had been inseparable friends since childhood…” the politician says, “but I convinced him to go and join the Army…”

“And you…? Sir…?” I ask him.

“Well – I did odd jobs – here and there – for a few years – and then – a political party asked me to do campaign work during elections – later – I joined that political party – and – the rest is history – as they say…” the politician says, “but throughout my bad days my friend would write to me and boost my morale…”

“And your friendship remains as strong as ever…” I say.

“Yes – whatever happens – we will always remain friends…” he says.

“Sir – if you don’t mind – I wanted to ask you if your soldier friend mentioned that he was in a bit of trouble – and – did he ask your help…?” I say.

“No – he didn’t say anything – what is the matter…?” the politician says, looking surprised.

“His family had taken a loan from the cooperative bank for their farm – they couldn’t pay back the loan – so – the bank had declared them as defaulters…” I say.

“Defaulter…? How do you know all this…?” he asks me.

“Sir – he is your close friend – and it is my job to keep track of such matters – I knew he would meet you when he came on leave – and probably ask your help…” I ask.

“You have not understood him – he will never ask for help – it is a question of dignity – he is a man of honor – a soldier – and – you have not understood our friendship – obligations can destroy the best of friendships…” he says.

“So – you are not going to help him…?” I ask the politician.

“Of course – I am going to help him – but he should not know that I have helped him – do you understand…?” the politician says, “you do one thing – pay off the entire outstanding loan and interest amount – and tell the bank manager to tell my soldier friend that his loan has been waived under some government scheme. No one should know that I have paid the money – do you understand…?

“Yes – Sir – it shall be done in a most discreet manner…” I say to the politician.

“That’s good…” the politician says, “you have done the right thing to inform me – keep a track of his family – in case they have any problems – especially when the soldier is away – in case they need something – but – remember – whenever you help them – do it quietly and anonymously…”

“Yes, Sir – may I go now…?” I say to the politician.

“Okay – keep be briefed…” he says.

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On my way out – I smile to myself – even ruthless people have a compassionate side.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-politician-and-soldier-story.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/05/24/story-the-politician-and-the-soldier/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/08/08/the-politician-and-the-soldier-story/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/01/25/the-politician-and-the-soldier/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/12/24/friendship/ etc

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Posted in writing | Tags: blog, career, ethics, fiction, friendship, life, love, military, politics, polittician, reading, soldier, story, veteran, writing | Leave a Comment »

Love Story : Me, My Girlfriend and My Girlfriend’s Sister

May 6, 2024

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ROMANCE

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ME — MY GIRLFRIEND — AND — MY GIRLFRIEND’S SISTER

Story By Vikram Karve

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NB:

This story happened 47 years ago in the 1970’s when internet, mobile phones, social media etc did not exist and snail mail letters by post were the medium of communication.

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ME — MY GIRLFRIEND — AND — MY GIRLFRIEND’S SISTER

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Dramatis Personae

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Me (Vikram)

My Girlfriend (Nisha)

My Girlfriend’s Sister (Alka)

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ME — MY GIRLFRIEND — AND — MY GIRLFRIEND’S SISTER

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Mumbai (Then called Bombay)

Circa 1970’s

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PART 1

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ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND

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“Something very important has come up — so — I won’t be able to come this evening…” my girlfriend Nisha said to me on the phone.

“What do you mean you won’t be able to come…? How can you ditch me like this at the last moment…?” I said, disappointed.

“I am really very sorry — but it’s really urgent — I can’t postpone it — I have to go this appointment today evening…” Nisha said.

“But what is it that has suddenly come up and is so important that you want to cancel all our plans for the evening…?” I said to her.

“I will tell you everything tomorrow…” Nisha said.

“I am very disappointed with you…” I said angrily to Nisha, “I took so much trouble to get tickets to that movie you wanted to see — first day first show…”

“I know…” Nisha said — sounding contrite.

“And — I have made reservations for the dinner and dance at my club — a sea-side table — for a romantic evening…” I said to Nisha.

“I know, Vikram — I was really looking forward to spending the evening with you — but — something very important has come up — please try to understand — I’ll tell you everything tomorrow…” Nisha said.

“Okay — I’ll cancel all plans — I’ll give the cinema tickets to someone — and I’ll cancel the dinner reservation…” I said to Nisha.

“No — No — don’t cancel anything — Alka will come with you…” Nisha said.

“Alka…?” I said, puzzled.

“Alka — my younger sister…” Nisha said.

“Of course — I know your sister Alka…” I said to Nisha, with a tinge of annoyance.

“You take her out this evening — your movie tickets and restaurant reservation won’t go waste…” Nisha said.

“Okay — I will take Alka for the movie — but — how can I take her to the club…?” I said to Nisha.

“Why…? Why can’t you take her to the club…?” Nisha asked me.

“She is just a kid…” I said.

“Alka is 21 years old — she is an adult…” Nisha said.

“Maybe — but for me — she is just a kid — I will take her for the movie — not for the dinner and dance…” I said to Nisha, “also — I don’t think Alka will like to come to the club…”

“She was jumping with joy when I told her…” Nisha started saying — but I interrupted her.

“Have you already told Alka…?” I asked, taken aback.

“Yes — I told her in the morning before she went for college — you pick her up from her college — she will be waiting for you at 3 — the movie show is at 3:30 — isn’t it…?” Nisha said.

“From college…? Movie is okay — but — how can I take her to the club in her college clothes…?” I protested.

“You don’t worry — she is properly dressed today — in fact — she is wearing a saree…” Nisha said.

“Sari…?” I said, surprised.

“I told her to wear a dress suitable for the club — but she insisted on wearing a saree — she said she wanted to be dressed like lady for the club…” Nisha said.

“Okay — I’ll pick her up from her college — and I’ll try to have an early dinner and drop her as early as possible…” I said to Nisha.

“There’s no hurry — you take your time — enjoy the evening — I know she is safe with you…” Nisha said.

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PART 2

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ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND’S SISTER

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My girlfriend’s sister — Alka — she was waiting for me outside her college when I reached there at 3 PM

She looked very beautiful dressed up in a saree.

I had never seen her in a saree before.

Whenever we had met — Alka always wore scruffy jeans and a T-shirt — and looked quite unkempt.

It was evident that she had titivated for the occasion — maybe for me — because today — she looked very attractive.

Till now — I had looked at her as my girlfriend’s kid sister.

Today — I looked at her as a woman — yes — she had blossomed into a desirable woman.

She looked so alluring that — unconsciously — I could not take my eyes away from her.

The sound of her voice broke my trance.

“Are you going to keep staring at me — or — shall we go…?” she said naughtily.

“Of course — let’s go — come on — sit behind…” I said to Alka.

Alka sat on the pillion seat of my motorcycle — and — she held onto me tightly.

It felt good.

We drove towards the cinema theatre and reached in time for the movie which started at 3:30 PM (first day first show)

The movie ended at 6:30 PM — and — we drove to my club — which was located at Land’s End.

At 7 PM — we were seated at the seaside table that I had reserved.

The band started playing music.

There was a beautiful sea breeze — and a lovely twilight — as the sun had set below the horizon a few minutes earlier — swallowed up by the sea.

I truly romantic setting.

“This is such a beautiful place…” Alka said — admiring the lovely scenery.

“Yes — especially in the evenings…” I said to her.

“Nisha told me that you bring her over here quite often — but — this is the first time I have come here — thank you so much for agreeing to take me out for the evening — I am a middle-class girl and can’t afford to come to such exclusive places…” she said to me.

“Please don’t say such things…” I said to Alka — then — wanting to change the topic — I said to her, “come on — let’s dance…”

“The band is playing slow music — I don’t know ballroom dancing…” she said — with a tinge of embarrassment.

“Come — I will teach you…” I said — holding out my hand.

I taught her the basic steps of Waltz — she picked up quickly — and we danced the waltz.

I felt good dancing with Alka — she was a much better dancer than Nisha.

Alka and I — we danced continuously — for quite some time — till the music changed — on popular request — to a Bollywood number — so — I lead her off the dance floor — and we sat down on our sea-side table.

“You are so sophisticated…” she said, “I really enjoyed dancing with you…”

“Thank you…” I said with a smile, “I am thirsty — I’ll get some soft drinks for both of us — or lemonade — if you prefer…”

“Why soft drink…?” she asked me, “Nisha said that you like to drink beer — or even whisky…”

“Yes — but — since I am with you…” I said hesitantly.

“I am not a small girl — I will also like to have beer — just like Nisha does — when you bring her over here — and you must have whatever drink you want…” she said — in a rather impish tone.

“Okay…” I said, “we’ll both have beer — and — I’ll get some snacks too…”

We sipped our beer — she talked about her college life.

She was talking quite animatedly — while I was admiring her face — her perfectly shaped eyebrows, her dancing eyes, her lovely little nose, her juicy lips — when she suddenly interrupted me.

“Why are you staring at me…?” she said.

“I am sorry…” I said, contrite.

“I am looking beautiful isn’t it…?” she said, with a smile.

“Yes…” I said, “you are looking very beautiful — you look very attractive…”

“I know — that’s why Nisha sent me out of the house…” she said.

“Nisha sent you out of the house because you look beautiful…?” I said — confused — as I didn’t understand what she was implying.

Before I could ask her — Alka spoke.

“Do you know why Nisha didn’t come with you and sent me instead…?” Alka asked me.

“She told me that she had some important work…” I said to Alka.

Alka gave me a smile — and then she spoke.

“Nisha told you that she had some “important work”…!!! Do you know what that “important work” is…?” Alka asked me.

“Nisha didn’t tell me — maybe it is something in her bank — audit or something…” I said to Alka.

Alka looked into my eyes for some time before speaking.

“Nisha is seeing a “Boy” for marriage…” Alka said.

I was stunned on hearing this — totally taken aback.

“Boy…? Marriage…? Nisha is seeing a “Boy” for marriage…?” I said — shocked with disappointment.

“You thought she wants to marry you — did you…?” Alka asked me.

“Yes…” I mumbled.

I was still not able to think coherently — as I had not fully recovered from the shock of disbelief.

I sensed Alka’s hand on mine.

I looked up at her.

Alka pressed my hand tenderly and spoke in a soft voice.

“She wants to marry an NRI boy — preferably from the US — she wants to settle down in America after marriage….” Alka said.

“Oh…” I said — my heart sinking.

“Nisha didn’t want me home when she was “seeing” the “Boy” — she didn’t want the “Boy” to see me…” Alka said, “that’s why she sent me out with you…”

“She didn’t want you home…? She didn’t want the “Boy” to see you…? I don’t understand…!” I said — curious.

Alka paused for a moment before speaking.

“Last week — an NRI “Boy” had come to see her — but — he said that he wanted to marry me instead of Nisha — and — he asked my mother for my hand in marriage…” Alka said.

“Oh My God — it must have been quite embarrassing…” I said to Alka.

“Well — actually — I felt quite good — and I told my mother and Nisha that I wouldn’t mind marrying that “Boy”…” Alka said.

“Oh — so what did they say…?” I asked her.

“Nisha was furious — she scolded me — said I was too young to get married — that — I should finish my studies first — and my mother — she said that it is not customary for a younger daughter to get married while her older sister remains unmarried…” Alka said.

“Oh…” I said.

“Nisha seems to have become very insecure after this incident…” Alka said.

“Insecure…? Why…? It happened just once — maybe that particular “Boy” was attracted to you…” I said to Alka.

“Not once — not twice — it has happened thrice — in quick succession — it seems all her marriage prospects — the “Boys” who come to see her — they find me more attractive — and they want to marry me instead of her — so — this time — Nisha wants to play safe — she wants to keep me “out of sight” — so that the “Boy” doesn’t see me…” Alka said.

“So — it seems that Nisha has developed an inferiority complex about her looks — especially in your presence…” I said to Alka.

“Yes — I think so…” Alka said, “she has become jealous of me because I look more beautiful — and boys find me more attractive than her…”

What Alka had told me in the last few minutes was most revealing — and for me — I thought Nisha wanted to marry me — it was a bolt from the blue that she was seeing boys for marriage — and I was clueless — as she hadn’t mentioned it to me even once.

I looked at Alka and spoke.

“I really didn’t know all this. Nisha never told me that she was seeing “Boys” for marriage — I thought she wanted to marry me. I loved her so much — why did she hide all this from me…?” I said — distraught — and tears welled up in my eyes.

“Please don’t feel bad…” Alka said to me — pressing my hand tenderly, “I am so sorry — I shouldn’t have told you all this…”

“No — No — it is good you told me…” I said to Alka, “otherwise I would have had false expectations — and the hurt would have more severe later…”

“Let’s go — you can drop me home — the “Boy Seeing” Ceremony must be over by now…” Alka said.

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PART 3

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EPILOGUE

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Dear Reader — let me tell you how this story ended.

Next morning — Nisha called me on the shore telephone.

She asked me about my evening with her sister Alka.

I told her it was fine — that we both enjoyed ourselves.

I asked her about her evening.

Nisha said that she had a very busy evening.

Nisha didn’t mention that she had spent the evening “seeing” a Boy for marriage.

I was upset that she was lying to me — and hiding the fact that she trying to get married behind my back — “seeing” other Boys for marriage — whereas she always gave me the impression that she wanted to get married to me.

I felt angry, betrayed and heartbroken.

Nisha asked me if I was free in the evening — she suggested we could go out somewhere.

I lied to her that I was busy.

(In fact — we had a “make and mend” half-day — and I was absolutely free in the evening)

Nisha kept calling me every day — but I stopped taking her calls — I told the quartermaster that in case Nisha calls — he should tell her that I was busy with work and I would call her back — but — I never called her back.

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Three days later — we sailed out to the east — to the Bay of Bengal — for long exercise at sea.

A few weeks later — our ship berthed at Vizag Port.

The mailbag was waiting for our ship.

Among the letters for me — there was a wedding invitation card — Alka was getting married.

Yes — Nisha’s sister Alka — she was getting married and sent me her wedding invitation card.

Inside — there was a note for me from Alka.

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Alka had written to me:

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“The Boy who I am getting married to — it is the same “Boy” who Nisha saw on the evening you took me out to the movie and your club.

The “Boy” had “rejected” Nisha— my mother got a call the next day — and she was quite dejected.

Nisha was in office when the call came — but I happened to be home — getting ready to go to college.

I quietly found out where he was staying — it was easy — there was a letter lying in my mother’s cupboard safe.

I went to the house where the “Boy” was staying (his parents’ house)

I told him I was Nisha’s sister — and I brazenly proposed to him — I told him that I wanted to marry him.

He laughed it off — but I persisted — I met him again the next day.

Two days later — he called up my mother — and he told her that he wanted to marry me.

This time — I managed to “persuade” my mother — by emotional blackmail — that I will never marry if she didn’t let me marry this boy.

So — I am off to America.

By the way — Nisha has sunk into a depression — so — you can try your luck — since she is quite vulnerable now.

Maybe — you can propose to her during my wedding…

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I was taken aback by last two sentences of Alka’s letter.

The catty suggestion angered me.

Was I a plaything…?

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I angrily tore up Alka’s wedding invitation card and threw it out of the porthole into the sea.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
This story is a work of fiction. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2022/03/short-fiction-story.html (part 1) and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2022/03/romance-me-my-girlfriend-and-my.html (full story)

My Complete Story ME MY GIRLFRIEND AND MY GIRLFRIEND’S SISTER has been posted earlier in my writing blog at url: https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/me-my-girlfriend-and-my-girlfriends-sister/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/my-girlfriend-and-her-sister/ and https://vikramkarve.medium.com/romance-me-my-girlfriend-and-my-girlfriends-sister-8ce28d60265 etc

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Humor in Uniform – The NWWA “Activist” (Unfinished Story)

May 4, 2024

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Humor in Uniform

THE NWWA “ACTIVIST”

Fictional Spoof By Vikram Karve

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PROLOGUE – especially for Civilian Readers

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The meaning of NWWA

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NWWA was an acronym for Navy Wives Welfare Association.

During the time of this story slightly after the mid-1980’s – NWWA was the new “welfare oriented” avatar of erstwhile Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA) – which was purely a Social Organization.

I think NOWA became NWWA in 1985.

Why did NOWA metamorphose into NWWA…?

Maybe – it was a ramification of “jointmanship” – if Army had AWWA – if Air Force had AFWWA – then Navy should have NWWA – not NOWA – which didn’t rhyme with AWWA and AFWWA.

AWWA – NOWA – AFWWA : sounds incongruous – doesn’t it…?

AWWA – NWWA – AFWWA : don’t they nicely rhyme together and sound harmonious…?

That’s the essence of “jointmanship” – forcing harmony in all aspects of life – professional, social, cultural – even personal.

Anyway – whether we liked it or not – a social organization NOWA had metamorphosed into a “welfare” organization NWWA – and now – this “welfare” organization NWWA had started sending letters to ships and demanding answers.

At the recent Navy Veterans Meet – I heard that NWWA had been renamed “Navy Welfare and Wellness Association”.

(Earlier NWWA was “Navy Wives Welfare Association”)

So now – the word “Wives” is no longer a part of NWWA – though the acronym remains the same.

Obviously – as the new gender-neutral name indicates – NWWA must have been revamped and the role of NWWA must have been changed quite substantially.

Maybe NWWA was made gender-neutral to enable Civilian Husbands of Lady Navy Officers to become members of NWWA and participate in NWWA activities.

It may be interesting to see if romance blossoms between Civilian Husbands of Lady Navy Officers and Civilian Wives of Gentlemen Navy Officers during their interactions at NWWA.

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However – Dear Reader – the story I am narrating happened slightly after the mid-1980’s when NWWA was purely a “Wives” Association.

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Circa – mid-1980’s

(On a Frontline Navy Warship)

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PART 1

A CASE OF “WIFE-BEATING”

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The Chief Petty Officer (CPO) said angrily to the Executive Officer (XO):

“Sir – let me tell you that – first of all – I did not beat my wife – I don’t beat my wife.

But – suppose – even if I beat my wife – who are you to ask me about it…?

Tell me, Sir – am I beating your wife…?

If I beat my own wife – it is my personal matter – and it’s none of anyone else’s business – especially NWWA…”

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Observing that the situation was getting out of control – I said sternly to the CPO:

“Carry on, Chief…”

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And – I motioned to the CPO to go away.

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(A CPO (Chief Petty Officer) is colloquially addressed as “Chief” in the Navy.

The command “Carry on, Chief” meant that I was ordering the Sailor to go away)

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The CPO looked at me – and he said smartly to me:

“Aye Aye, Sir…”

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Then – the CPO put on his cap – he saluted the XO – and he walked out of the XO’s cabin.

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The XO looked at me angrily – he seemed furious at my intervention.

He marched me up to the Captain.

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After hearing the XO’s diatribe against me – the Captain looked at me with questioning eyes.

I remained silent.

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So – the Captain asked me:

“Do you have anything to say…?

Why did you rudely interrupt the XO when he was speaking to your Chief…?”

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I explained my conduct to the Captain.

I said to him:

“Sir – I prevented an aggravated offence – my Chief is a “hot-headed” guy – and – the XO was unnecessarily taunting him – so – I sent my Chief away before the situation got out of hand.

And – Sir – I want to know one thing – Sir – please tell me – why should we be concerned about a sailor’s personal life…?

What he does in his bedroom is his business – isn’t it…?”

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The Captain heard me out patiently.

After I had finished speaking – the Captain smiled at me – and then – he looked at the XO.

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After some time – the Captain spoke.

“Well – to be frank – as long as they are doing their job well on board my ship – I don’t give a tinker’s damn about the personal lives of my officers and sailors – but – you must remember – now – we are in the “East” – we are no longer based in Bombay – now – we are in Vizag – here – in the “East” – things are different…” the Captain said to us.

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(Those days – in the 1980’s – Mumbai was known as Bombay – and – Vizag is the colloquial name for Visakhapatnam)

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Our Captain was right.

Those days – in the 1980’s – there was a huge cultural difference between the “Working” Naval Command (WNC) – and – the “Entertainment” Naval Command (ENC).

And – of course – the “Sleeping” Naval Command (SNC) had an altogether different relaxed laid-back culture.

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The Captain said to us:

“Okay – carry on – I have work to do…”

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“Sir – what should we do about this NWWA letter…?” the XO asked the Captain.

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Dear Reader – the root cause of the story I was telling you was the NWWA letter which “directed” our CO to take disciplinary action against my Chief Petty Officer as he had allegedly indulged in “wife-beating”.

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The XO gave the NWWA letter to the Captain.

“Sir – what should we do about this NWWA letter…?” the XO asked the Captain.

“What to do with the NWWA letter…? Simple – throw the bloody letter out of the porthole and forget about it. Don’t you know “Porthole Strategy” …?” the Captain said to the XO.

“Sir – he has already done “porthole strategy” to the first letter – this letter is a reminder…” the XO said, pointing at me.

“Okay. File the letter – and forget about it…” the Captain said, giving me the NWWA letter.

After he gave me the NWWA letter – the Captain looked at us.

“Come on – guys – let’s not waste time on such trivial issues – we are sailing tomorrow for an important “operational exercise”. I hope you are ready…?” the Captain said – looking particularly at me.

“Yes, Sir. We are ready in all respects…” I said to the Captain.

We – the XO and Me – we saluted the Captain – then – we exited from his cabin.

______

As we walked towards the XO’s cabin – I apologized to the XO:

“Sir – I am sorry for my behaviour…

______

The XO said to me:

“It’s okay – you did the right thing by asking the sailor to go away.

I suggest you advise your sailor to “keep-off” his wife tonight.

Tomorrow we sail out.

And – by the time we return – hopefully this issue will be forgotten…”

_____

Of course – I did not talk to my Chief Petty Officer (CPO).

It was none of my business to interfere in his personal life.

Next morning – we sailed out for the operational exercise – my CPO’s professional performance was excellent – and our ship did very well in all the evolutions.

Then – after the exercise – we sailed away on a cruise.

______

Story to be continued in Part 2…

______

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my source post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/12/unfinished-story-no-3-activist.html

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Posted in writing | Tags: activism, fiction, fun, HR, humor, management, navy, nwwa, story, veteran, women, writing | Leave a Comment »

Transfer on “passionate” grounds

May 2, 2024

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HUMOR IN UNIFORM

TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

SPOOF BY VIKRAM KARVE

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Humor in Uniform

Transfer on “Passionate” Grounds

Story by Vikram Karve

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TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

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The Commanding Officer (CO) – an old “Sea Dog” – looks angrily at the young Lieutenant sitting in front of him.

Then – the Commanding Officer (CO) shouts at the Lieutenant:

“Are you crazy or something…?

In my long Naval service – I have seen many Officers and Sailors requesting a transfer on “compassionate” grounds.

But – I have never heard a Naval Officer or Sailor requesting transfer on “passionate” grounds…”

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Dear Reader:

If you have served in the Defence Services or Civil Services or in any Govt Organisation – you must have heard of of a provision for transfer on “compassionate” grounds.

But:

Have you heard of transfer on “passionate” grounds…?

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Here is the story of how the young Lieutenant got a transfer on “passionate” grounds…”

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TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

Story By Vikram Karve

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Place:

Office of the Commanding Officer (CO) of a “Stone Frigate” (Navy Shore Establishment)

Time:

This Story happened around 47 years ago – Circa 1970’s

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NB:

During the time of this story in the 1970’s – after you were commissioned as a Navy Officer – you became a Lieutenant after 3 years – and – you remained in the rank of Lieutenant for 8 long years before you were promoted to Lieutenant Commander – so it took you 11 years of commissioned service to become a Lieutenant Commander.

The protagonist of this story is an officer in his late 20’s – an officer who has spent around 4 years in the rank of Lieutenant – a Naval Officer with around 7 years commissioned service.

Dear Reader – in the 1970’s – Commander was a senior rank – a select list rank – an officer became a Commander in his late 30’s – after around 16 to 17 years service – and – if selected – he became a Captain after completing more than 20 to 21 years of service.

Later – in 2004 – I think – the AVSC Cadre Review Bonanza changed everything.

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TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

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PART 1 – THE INTERVIEW

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The Commanding Officer (CO) of the “Stone Frigate” – a Commander – he looks at the Lieutenant – sitting in front of him.

Then – the Commander (CO) speaks to the Lieutenant.

“You have sought a personal interview with me…?” the Commander (CO) asks the Lieutenant.

“Yes, Sir…” the Lieutenant says.

“You refused to discuss the matter with the Executive Officer (XO) – you told the XO that you would discuss the matter only with me…” the Commander (CO) says.

“Yes, Sir…”

“Do you have a personal complaint against the Executive Officer…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“No, Sir…” the Lieutenant says.

“Then – what is the issue that you can’t discuss with him and come to me through proper channel…? Why do you want to bypass the chain of command…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – the matter is “delicate” in nature…” the Lieutenant says.

“What the hell do you mean “delicate in nature” – there is nothing bloody “delicate” in the Navy…” the Commander (CO) says, raising his voice.

“Sir – please hear me out…” the Lieutenant says.

“Okay – be brief – I haven’t got all day…” the CO says.

“Sir – I want an immediate transfer out of this place…” the Lieutenant says.

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The CO looks at the Lieutenant and says:

“No one wants to come to this remote “Kala Pani” – in the middle of the ocean.

Every bugger who is posted here to the “islands” – first – he tries to avoid coming here by pulling strings to get his appointment cancelled.

And – if that doesn’t work – and he lands up here – the moment he arrives – he starts putting up applications for transfer – because he wants to get out of here as fast as possible…”

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But – the Lieutenant is not convinced and he persists in his request for transfer.

“Sir – I have been here for a long time…” the Lieutenant says.

“You have spent only six months here…” the Commander (CO) says.

“No, Sir – I have completed more than two years over here in “Kala Pani”…” the Lieutenant says.

“What…? You have spent two years in the islands…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Yes, Sir – I have been here for more than two years here. Sir – before reporting to this establishment – I spent more than one and half years on a ship based over here…” the Lieutenant says.

“That doesn’t matter. I have taken over command of this establishment only a few days ago…”

“Sir – that is the reason I want to be transferred out…” the Lieutenant says.

“What…? Are you saying that you want to be transferred out of this establishment only because I have taken over as the Commanding Officer…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Yes, Sir…” the Lieutenant says.

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The CO is surprised on hearing that the Lieutenant doesn’t want to serve under his command.

So – the CO asks the Lieutenant:

“What are you saying…?

You don’t want to serve under my command…?

This is the first time someone has said that he does not want to serve under my command – and – I am very upset – because I pride myself as a good Commanding Officer.

Young man – let me assure you – I may be a hard taskmaster as far as work is concerned – but I have never harmed anyone’s career.

In fact – I give “thumping” appraisal reports – so – you don’t worry about your ACR…”

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After saying these words – the Commander (CO) looks at the Lieutenant – hoping that the Lieutenant would be convinced.

But – the Lieutenant persists.

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“Sir – it is not that…” the Lieutenant says.

“Then – what is it…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – I told you – it is a very “delicate” matter – so – I don’t wish to discuss it…” the Lieutenant says.

“You don’t worry – I will be very “discreet” about it – whatever you say to me – it stays within the four walls of my office. Do you understand…?” the Commander (CO) says to the Lieutenant.

The Lieutenant remains silent.

He seems reluctant to speak.

_________

So – the Commander (CO) says to him:

“Come on – speak up – why do you want a transfer out of this place…?”

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The Lieutenant seems reluctant to tell the Commander (CO) the reason why he wants a transfer.

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“Sir – I don’t wish to tell you the reason…” the Lieutenant says.

“Let me make it clear – if you want me to forward your application – you will have to tell me the exact reason why you want transfer out from this place. Tell me – on what grounds do you want transfer…? It seems to me that you want transfer on “compassionate” grounds…” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – I want transfer on “passionate” grounds…” the Lieutenant says.

“What…? You want transfer on “passionate” grounds…?” the CO asks him, curious.

“Yes, Sir…” the Lieutenant says.

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The Commander (CO) looks at the Lieutenant and says to him:

“Are you crazy or something…?

In my long Naval service – I have seen many Officers and Sailors requesting a transfer on “compassionate” grounds.

But – I have never heard a Naval Officer or Sailor requesting transfer on “passionate” grounds.

Could you please elaborate what these “passionate” grounds are…?”

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On hearing these words spoken by the Commander (CO) – the Lieutenant speaks reluctantly.

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“Sir – a woman is in love with me…” the Lieutenant says.

“Oh – I knew it would be a “matter of the heart”. So – this “girlfriend” of yours – she is on the “mainland” – is it…? And – you are desperate to be close to her over there. Where is this girlfriend – Mumbai, Vizag, Cochin, Delhi…? Please tell me – so I can recommend accordingly…” the Commander (CO) says sarcastically.

“Sir – the lady is over here…” the Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO).

“Oh – your “Girlfriend” is a “Lady” – a “Lady-Love” to be precise…!!! So – your “Lady-Love” is over here – on the islands…? So – what is the problem…? You should be happy to be with her over here – isn’t it…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – it’s not that…” the Lieutenant says.

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The Commander (CO) looks at the Lieutenant and says:

“Ah – now I understand.

You said that “a woman is in love with me”.

This means that “you are not in love with her”.

So – you want to “dump” her.

And – the best way to dump her – is for you to escape from here to the mainland – and never come back.

So – that’s why you want to be transferred out from here – isn’t it…?”

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The Commander (CO) looks questioningly at the Lieutenant.

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The Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO):

“Sir – I am also in love with the lady – we both are in love with each other…”

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“Really…? You both are in love with each other…? So what’s the problem…? You should want to stay here forever – so that you can have a good time with your “Lady-Love”…” the Commander (CO) says to the Lieutenant.

“Sir – she is married…” the Lieutenant says.

“Oh…!!! Well – you have certainly managed to keep your “Affair” discreet. No one seems to know about your “Love Affair” – at least – no one in the Navy seems to know…” the Commander (CO) says – mischievously.

“Sir – please don’t say such things…” the Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO).

_________

The Commander (CO) says to the Lieutenant:

“Well – as far as I am concerned – it is your personal affair – so – you can have a “good time” with your “Lady-Love” – as long as you can keep your “affair” discreet.

Tell me – this “Lady-Love” of yours – her husband – he must be living away on the mainland – so she feels “lonely” over here in the islands – and she finds “solace” in your arms…”

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Seeing the Commander’s curiosity – the Lieutenant knows he will have to tell the Commander (CO) some more details.

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“Sir – her husband is living with her – right here in the islands – in this very place…” the Lieutenant says.

“Oh…? Then – you must be very careful. I don’t want an angry cuckolded husband knocking at my door…” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – please listen…” the Lieutenant says

“Ah – one more thing – I hope your ladylove’s husband is not in the Navy…” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – her husband is in the Navy…” the Lieutenant says.

__________

On hearing this – the Commander (CO) looks angrily at the Lieutenant and says in a stern voice:

“What…?

Your Lady-Love is a Naval Officer’s Wife…?

You are having an “affair” with a Naval Officer’s Wife…?

Then – you must stop your love affair at once.

I don’t want a “stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife” scandal under my command.

Do you understand…?

By the way – for how long is this “love affair” of yours going on…?

__________

The Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO):

“Sir – there is no “affair” – the “lady” has just come here recently…”

_________

The Commander (CO) exclaims:

“What…?

She has come here only recently…?

Who is she…?”

_________

The Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO):

“Sir – she was my classmate in college – my ex-girlfriend – we were very close – we had a very “intimate” relationship.

Then – I joined the Navy – and we lost contact.

I was surprised to see her over here in the Club last evening.

But – she told me that she knew that I was posted here in the islands.

She told me that she is still in love with me – and – she “propositioned” me.

Let me be frank, Sir – I still have feelings for her – and it will be difficult for me to resist the temptation.

After all – she is an “old flame” of mine.

And – just a “spark” could “rekindle” old flames.

So – it would be best for me to go away from here…”

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The Commander (CO) looks thoughtfully at the Lieutenant and says:

“I get your point.

“Prevention” is better than “Cure”.

I can’t afford a “stealing affections” scandal under my command.

I am in the promotion zone.

If anything goes wrong under my command – it will be the end of my Navy career…”

________

After saying this – the Commander (CO) seems to be absorbed in thought.

There is silence.

So – the Lieutenant decides to speak and break the silence.

“Sir – when will I get my transfer order…? I want to go away as early as possible. Do you want me to submit a formal application…?” the Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO).

“You don’t worry – I will get it done unofficially. Tell me – given a choice – where would you like to go…?” the Commander (CO) says.

“Sir – if possible – I would like to go to Mumbai…” the Lieutenant says.

“Okay – I will try to get you transferred to Mumbai…” the Commander (CO) says.

“Thank you, Sir…” the Lieutenant says.

“Before you go – you tell me one thing – who is this “old flame” who “propositioned” you last evening in the club – who is she – you will have to tell me her name – your ex-girlfriend – your “Lady-Love” – with whom you had a very “intimate” relationship – tell me – who is this lady…?” the Commander (CO) says to the Lieutenant

“Sir – please don’t ask me who this lady is – I can’t tell you her name – it’s a question of her honour – she is married now – and that too – she is married to a Naval Officer…” the Lieutenant says.

_________

But – the Commander (CO) insists and says to the Lieutenant:

“You will have to tell me her name – the Admiral may ask me – so – I must know the name.

But – you don’t worry – we will keep it in the strictest confidence…”

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The Lieutenant looks hesitant.

“Please, Sir…” the Lieutenant pleads, “I can’t tell you her name…”

“No. You will have to tell me her name. If you want me to expedite your transfer case – you will have to tell me her name…” the Commander (CO) says to the Lieutenant.

“Sir – I thought you would have guessed her name by now…” the Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO).

“Who…?” the Commander (CO) asks.

“Your wife…” the Lieutenant says.

“What…? My wife…? She was your girlfriend…?” the Commander (CO) says, stunned.

“Yes, Sir – your wife and I – we were classmates in college. Yes, Sir – I was a classmate of your wife in college. Didn’t she tell you…?” the Lieutenant says to the Commander (CO).

_________

After saying this – the Lieutenant looks at the expression on the Commander’s face.

And – the Lieutenant realises that is best to beat a hasty retreat.

So – the Lieutenant gets up – puts on his cap – salutes the Commander – and he walks out of the CO’s Office.

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TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

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PART 2 – THE COMMANDER (CO)

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After the Lieutenant has left – the CO – the recently married Commander – he sits alone in his office.

The Commander (CO) ponders – and – he says to himself:

“Why did my wife not tell me about all this – that this Lieutenant was her classmate – and that they were in love with each other…?

What did the Lieutenant mean when he said that they had an “intimate relationship”…?

Was the Lieutenant her only “flame”…?

Or – did she have many “affairs”…?

What other things from her past life has my wife hidden from me…?

Did I make a mistake in marrying a girl 11 years younger than me…?

And – why did she agree to marry me – a man 11 years older than her…?

Why didn’t she marry someone her age…?

Couldn’t she find a younger husband than me…?

Is it something to do with her character…?

Is she a “nympho” or something…?”

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All sorts of suspicious thoughts perambulate in the Commander’s mind.

“I must be careful. I must keep a close watch on my wife…” the Commander says to himself.

Then – the Commander picks up the phone and tells his PA to book a trunk-call to his friend in Naval Headquarters.

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TRANSFER ON “PASSIONATE” GROUNDS

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PART 3 – THE LIEUTENANT

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Next morning – while waiting at the airport to board his flight to the mainland on his way to Mumbai – the Lieutenant feels a wicked sort of happiness – as he thinks of the Commander’s wife (the Lieutenant’s ex-girlfriend).

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The Lieutenant says to himself:

“I have taken my revenge against her for “dumping” me so cruelly.

Her husband – the old bugger – he swallowed my story “hook, line and sinker”.

I have sown the “seed of suspicion” in his mind forever – so he will always suspect his wife – and she will never be happy in her marriage.

I have “slam-dunked” her nicely – good and proper…”

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And soon – the Lieutenant sits happily in the aircraft – on his way to his choice posting – Mumbai.

The Lieutenant feels good.

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TWO “BIRDS” : ONE “STONE”

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To put it metaphorically – he has “killed two birds with one stone”.

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1. He has taken “revenge” against his ex-girlfriend who “dumped” him.

2. He has managed to “escape” from “Kala Pani” and got a choice transfer to Mumbai.

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Yes – indeed – he has “killed two birds with one stone”.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/08/a-passionate-slam-dunk.html

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Posted in writing | Tags: blog, fiction, humor, life, love, military, navy, online, romance, story, veteran, writing | Leave a Comment »

Humor – Election Memories – Voting Day in Girinagar

April 30, 2024

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ELECTORAL HUMOR

VOTING DAY IN GIRINAGAR

ELECTION MEMORIES BY VIKRAM KARVE

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ELECTIONS

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Election Days are here.

The Lok Sabha Elections are being held in 7 phases from 19 April 2024 to 01 June 2024.

The counting of votes will be conducted on 04 June 2024 and the results will be declared on the same day.

Monday 13 May 2024 is Voting Day in Pune.

All this reminds me of a story that happened many years ago.

Of course – things have totally changed since then – and voters are much more aware, savvy and prudent today.

So – Dear Reader – let me tell you this rather humorous story.

Please remember that this is a fiction story – a spoof – so – please don’t take this story seriously – it is just a piece of humor.

As I said – this story happened many years ago – in quite a remote place – and – things must have changed for the better.

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As a disclaimer – let me say that this story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone – so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

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VOTING DAY IN GIRINAGAR

Humorous Spoof By Vikram Karve

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Dear Reader – as a disclaimer – let me say that this story took place many years ago – and things have changed for the better – and now – voters exercise much more thought and diligence – and apply their minds before voting – so – take this hilarious story with a pinch of salt and have a laugh…

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VOTING DAY IN GIRINAGAR

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This story happened many years ago when I lived at a place called Girinagar near Pune.

“I want the day off…” Sushila, our maid, said to my wife.

“Why…?” my wife asked her.

“We have to vote. Today is election day…” she said.

“That’s good…” I said – and we gave her the day off for voting.

I was quite surprised at Sushila’s eagerness to vote – because Sushila was totally illiterate.

Yes – she lived just a few kilometres away from a modern city like Pune

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Pune is known for being an educated and intellectual city.

That is why Pune is called the “Oxford of the East”

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Yet – like so many others – Sushila was illiterate – she could not read or write.

But her keenness to vote indicated the vibrancy of our democracy.

“Who are you going to vote for…?” I asked, in jest.

Sushila described an Election Symbol – “XXX” – and she said: “I am going to vote for “XXX” symbol…”

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An Election Symbol is a standardised symbol allocated to each political party.

Symbols are used by political parties in their campaigning.

The Election Symbols are printed on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or Ballot Papers where voters must make a mark to vote for the political party of their choice.

Their purpose of Election Symbols is to facilitate voting by illiterate people – who cannot read the political parties’ names on EVMs or ballot papers

Yes – symbols are meant for individuals like the illiterate Sushila – the protagonist of this story.

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“I am going to vote for “XXX” symbol…” Sushila said.

“But why…? What is the reason you want to vote for “XXX” symbol…” I asked her, curious.

“WE have decided…” Sushila said.

The sobriquet “WE” meant her husband.

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Apparently – her husband had gone for a “meeting” – and – in the “meeting” – it was decided that the entire neighbourhood will vote for XXX symbol.

“So you vote for “XXX” symbol every time…” I asked her.

“No – last time we all voted for “YYY” symbol…” she said.

“Why…? Why did you vote for “YYY” symbol in the last election…” I asked her.

“Because “WE” had decided…” she said.

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Of course – Sushila did not know anything about the ideology of the political parties to which the symbols “XXX” and “YYY” belonged.

In fact – I doubt she knew the names of the political parties representing “XXX” and “YYY” symbols.

It was none of her business.

Before every election – it was the men who had a “meeting”.

At that “meeting” – it was the men who decided who to vote for in the election.

And – the women dutifully complied.

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(Of course – the men had a “leader” who guided them in these matters)

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Like Sushila’s husband – in that neighbourhood – at that point of time – most of the men in that area were “drunkards” who lived off their wives’ earnings.

But all that did not matter.

In the patriarchal society that prevailed – the women dutifully obeyed their men – even if the men were good-for-nothing “drunkards”.

There were 7 voters in Sushila’s family – she, her husband, her two sons and two daughters-in-law, and an unmarried daughter.

So – all 7 voters in Sushila’s family would be voting for the symbol “XXX” – as had been “decided” at the “meeting” of the menfolk of the neighbourhood.

Added up – it was quite a large number of votes in the locality – and since they all of them voted “en-bloc” for a certain “symbol” – it was quite a sizeable “votebank”.

A few more such solid “vote-banks” could ensure victory in the election – as the victory of the “XXX” candidate proved later.

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When we returned home after voting followed by lunch – at around 3 PM in the afternoon – we saw Sushila standing near our gate.

“Have you voted…?” I asked her.

“No…” she said.

“Voting time will be over soon. Why didn’t you vote in the morning…?” I said.

“They haven’t come to take us for voting…” she said.

I was confused at hearing her words and I was curious as to what she meant.

“They haven’t come to take you for voting…! What do you mean…?” I asked her.

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A friend of mine had come over and he was hearing the conversation.

He said to me:

“Don’t you know…?

Someone has to come and take them to the polling booth in a vehicle.

And then – they have to be given some “inducement” to vote.

Around here – the “incentive” is mostly a bottle of liquor for the men – these guys and their families will vote only after the men are given a bottle of liquor…”

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After some time – I saw a van arrive near our gate.

The van had come to take all them for voting.

And so – they all sat in the van and went to cast their votes in the election.

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EPILOGUE

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In the evening – we saw Sushila’s husband and her sons lurching in a drunken manner on the road.

We observed that most of the men were drunk that evening – after consuming the liquor being distributed freely on election day – as an “incentive” for them to vote.

It was obvious that liquor was flowing freely on election day

(though strictly speaking – election day was supposed to be a “dry day”…)

________

At night – when Sushila came to work – we saw tears in her eyes.

She said that her husband and her sons were totally drunk – after drinking all the free liquor distributed on election day.

Sushila’s husband had thrashed her – he had bashed her up – as he always did when he was drunk.

And now – one of her drunk sons had beaten up his young wife too.

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My wife said to Sushila:

“See what you did…?

You voted for the person who gave liquor to your husband and sons.

And – what did you get in return for your vote…?

Your husband got drunk and he beat you up – and – your drunk son beat up his wife.

In fact – most of you women must have voted for those who are causing you more harm than good…”

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What an irony…!!!

Why did Sushila vote for someone who caused her more harm than good…?

Does this happen at other places too…?

Why do some people vote for someone who causes them more harm than good…?

That is the “moot question” of democracy.

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VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
E&OE

Copyright Notice:

Link to my source blog post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/03/election-humor-election-day-in-girinagar.html

Extract from my Article WOMEN’S VOTEBANK – A Distant Dream? first Posted Online by me Vikram Karve in this blog on Dec 1, 2013, at 12/01/2013 07:03:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/12/womens-votebank-distant-dream.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/10/humor-in-democracy-election-day-in.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/05/girinagar-memories-election-day.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/05/election-day-in-girinagar-humor-in.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/03/24/how-to-vote-election-day-a-story/ and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/02/humor-in-democracy-election-day-in.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/humor-elections-voting-day-in-girinagar/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/humor-in-politics-election-day-in-girinagar/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/05/02/humor-memories-of-a-election-story/ etc.

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“Love Trap”

April 27, 2024

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LOVE TRAP

Story by Vikram Karve

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Mumbai

circa 2005

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LOVE TRAP

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I look at myself in the full-length mirror.

I like what I see.

Yes.

I am beautiful.

Very beautiful.

I am very beautiful — very beautiful indeed.

No doubt about it.

I always was a great beauty.

They say that a beautiful woman often has a tragic life.

Does tragedy always come from being a great beauty…?

I don’t know whether this is universally true — but certainly — I have had a very tragic life.

But — I will not tell you too much about it right now — and spoil my mood.

Now — I will look into the mirror — and I will admire myself.

I look at my exquisite body.

Not many women close to 40 can stand in front of a mirror with so much pride and assurance.

I look like a woman in full bloom.

I admire my perfect body.

I fall in love with my own body.

Like Narcissus.

Suddenly — I experience a tremor of anxiety — as I see the first signs of the process of ageing.

Infinitesimal.

Almost indiscernible.

But indisputable.

Two small furrows on my forehead.

The slight coarsening of the skin below the eyes.

The almost unnoticeable heaviness of the abdomen with its suggestion of fold.

I can easily cover them up.

With make-up.

And — the right dress.

But — for how long can I wear a “mask”…?

Time is running out for me.

Sameer is my last chance.

I am already regretting the lost opportunity.

I had put the matter so lightly the last time we had met — and before that.

Tonight is my probably my last chance.

I have to go in for the kill.

Love Trap.

What a phrase to use.

But that’s exactly what I am going to do.

I am going to ensnare Sameer in my “Love Trap”.

And then — I will move in for the kill.

Like a predator.

For the first time in my life — I will use my beauty to my advantage.

Yes — for the first time in my life — I will not be taken advantage of — like it happened all these years.

_________________

I was just 19 years old — a fresh graduate — wondering what to do in life — when my elder sister Nisha died in childbirth — leaving behind a newborn girl — and a young heartbroken husband — Ashok.

Nisha’s husband Ashok was totally devastated.

So — we — my mother and Me — we went to stay with Ashok in Mumbai — to nurse the baby girl — and to help Ashok recover from the tragedy.

After a few months we named the baby “Smita” — as she was a cheerful smiling baby.

From time to time — especially on weekends — my father — who was still working at that time — he would come over from Pune — and I could see that he was getting quite irritable — having to stay separated from his long-married wife — though he didn’t say it in so many words.

One day Ashok proposed to me.

Yes — my brother-in-law — the husband of my dead sister — he proposed marriage to me.

Actually — he asked my mother for my hand in marriage.

My mother was overjoyed.

She put lovingly her hand on my arm — looked into my eyes — and said to me:

“Ashok loves you and wants to marry you.

He is still young — only 27.

He needs a wife.

And — Smita needs a mother…”

_________________

“Yes, Smita needs a mother…” I said, tightly holding the baby — wondering what would happen to the small baby if Ashok married someone else — who would be a stepmother to Smita — and maybe — the stepmother may have antagonistic feelings towards Smita.

My mother spoke to my father.

He agreed.

To him — it seemed quite a logical thing to do — and maybe — he was relieved that my mother — his much-married wife — she would be coming back to live with him.

So — I got married to Ashok.

And — I put on hold all my immediate dreams of higher studies and a career.

How should I describe my marriage…?

No expectations, no disappointments, no role-ambiguity, a cordial relationship, a happy family, a blissful marriage — at least from the outside.

Children…?

Our children — Ashok’s and Mine.

It just didn’t happen.

With Nisha’s death — a little something in him had died.

Ashok must have loved her very much — too intensely.

I accepted the situation with grace.

I tried to focus on being a good wife and a doting mother.

As Smita grew older — Ashok encouraged me to study — do my MBA — and start a career.

Ashok was married to his job.

Things were fine — till one evening Ashok came home looking distraught — and — he broke the news that he had been passed over for promotion.

Ashok was shattered.

He had worked sincerely, slogged hard.

He given his life for his career.

And now — he had failed in is career.

He had remained loyal to his company without getting loyalty in return.

He felt terribly betrayed.

For Ashok — after Nisha had gone — his career meant everything.

He just couldn’t take it — being sidelined in his career — having to work under his erstwhile juniors.

He just could not cope with this setback — so he tried to find solace in alcohol.

Within months — he slipped into the abyss of alcoholism.

From a workaholic — he became an alcoholic.

Day by day — he became more and more bitter and cynical.

And then — one day — my world disintegrated.

Ashok died in a car accident — while driving home — totally drunk.

I wish he had died in some better way.

_________________

So — after eight years of marriage — at the age of 27 — I found myself widowed — with an 8 year old Smita.

Though Smita was my “step-daughter” — I loved her more than birth-mothers love their actual daughters.

Smita meant everything to me — she was my world — the light of my life.

And — I knew that Smita loved me too.

Yes — I was single — a single mother — but I was not helpless — as I was doing quite well in my career as a bank executive.

12 years passed.

And now — Smita is 20 — already working in my bank — and doing her MBA in the evenings.

She is earning while she is learning — and I am so proud of her.

And then — I fell in love — for the first time in my life.

Let me tell you about it.

_________________

I still remember the day Sameer breezed into my office announcing that he would be working with me.

“Hi, Nalini — I am Sameer — your new Deputy…” he announced superciliously — sitting down and lighting a cigarette.

“Put off that cigarette…!!!” I shouted, “And don’t you dare come into my office unless I call you.

“Hey, Sweetie — you look red hot sexy when you are angry. My wife is going to be really jealous when I tell her how stunning my boss is…” Sameer said, laughing mischievously.

“She won’t — when you tell her that your boss is a middle-aged widow with a college going daughter…” I retorted in anger.

And then — I stormed out of my office and went to my Boss to protest against Sameer’s appointment — for which I had not been consulted.

__________________

My Boss said to me:

“Sameer is a genius.

The directors head-hunted him and managed to lure him over from our biggest rival with great difficulty.

He is going to rejuvenate your department…”

__________________

I got the message.

This new man was a threat — and — if I wasn’t careful — it wouldn’t be surprising if he leap-frogged over me — or — even eased me out of my job.

I walked back to my office.

Sameer was waiting in my office.

“I am sorry Ma’am — I didn’t know the culture was so formal out here. I will maintain decorum in future…” Sameer said, contrite, when I returned.

“It’s okay…” I said — and — I began to tell Sameer about our work.

Sameer was extremely intelligent, knowledgeable, supportive, open, sincere, affable and great to work with — but initially — I kept my distance — and I treated him with forced geniality — tinged with wariness.

Gradually — I got to know more about him — and his personal life.

However — we — Sameer and Me — we became close friends only during his painful divorce — the seeds of which seemed to have been sown much earlier.

Maybe — that was the reason why he had relocated to Mumbai — to separate from his wife who stayed on in Delhi.

During those depressing days — I often lent him my shoulder to cry on.

It was inevitable that we fell in love.

We were lonely buddies with a thirst for life — “soul-mates” — attracted to each other — “office-spouses” — who now needed to become real spouses.

Normally — a man is supposed to make the first move.

So — I waited for Sameer to propose to me.

But — maybe — he was shy — being seven years my junior.

Now — I realized that I had waited long enough — for him to propose to me.

Maybe — he too had waited long enough — for me to propose to him.

And — I shuddered to think — what would happen to me if I lost him.

Oh My God — it would be so terrible.

I was already 39 years old.

Sameer was my last chance — he was my only love.

Soon — my daughter Smita would get married — and — she would go away — and — I would be all alone.

I did not want to live the rest of my life like a loveless lonely maid — a forlorn spinster — with nothing to look forward to — for the rest of my life.

Yes — time was running out for me.

Sameer was my last chance.

I had to act fast.

Yes — I had to talk to him today.

I looked at the wall-clock.

7:30 PM.

Sameer would he here any time now to take me out for dinner.

Normally we take Smita out with us too — but tonight — I had insisted that only the two of us — Sameer and me — only we two would go — and surprisingly — Smita did not protest.

I put on the final touches of make-up — then generously dabbed on my favourite perfume.

The door-bell rang.

“Mummy — Sameer is here…” I heard Smita yelling.

___________

I gave myself a final look in the mirror.

I looked really gorgeous.

Yes — I looked truly stunning — dressed to kill.

I couldn’t have titivated better than this.

“Wow…!!!” Smita said — looking at me with delightful surprise in her eyes, “You look dashing…!!!”

Sameer looked at me — he seemed mesmerized.

I could see that he was attracted to me.

He desperately tried to stop his eyes from roaming all over my body — especially to those places where it would be considered naughty.

___________

“Hey — what’s with you two…? Aren’t you two going to go out fast — and let me enjoy my TV and popcorn…?” Smita teased us.

___________

Soon — Sameer and Me — we were driving on Marine Drive towards our favourite restaurant — the best place for an unhurried romantic dinner.

“It’s a beautiful evening. Let’s sit by the sea…” Sameer said spontaneously — slowing down the car.

“I would love to…” I said to Sameer.

___________

We sat close to each other on the parapet — facing the placid waters of the Arabian Sea — the lights of the ships in the distance — the twinkling stars in the clear sky above us — the sea breeze blowing in our faces — pure and refreshing.

___________

“I want to say something…” Sameer hesitated.

“Say it. Please say it…” I urged him.

“I wanted to ask you…” he faltered.

“Then ask me. Please ask me…” I beseeched him.

____________

Sameer looked at me — directly into my eyes — and he said to me:

“I want ask your permission to marry your daughter Smita.

We love each other.

We want to get married.

I told her to tell you — but Smita said that I must ask you.

Smita said that she will do as you say.

I promise I will keep your daughter Smita happy…”

________________

Sameer kept on speaking.

Yes — Sameer kept on speaking.

But — his words did not register — as my mind had gone blank.

I could see his lips moving — but I could not hear his words.

I kept staring at Sameer.

My mind went blank — as if I had become a Zombie — a living corpse…

_________________

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/06/a-love-trap.html

This is an abridged and revised re-post of my story LOVE TRAP written by me 17 years ago in the year 2007 and published in my book COCKTAIL. This story was posted online by me earlier a number of times in my various creative writing blogs at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/a-beautiful-woman-often-has-a-tragic-life_81543_blog and http://creative.sulekha.com/love-trap_73693_blog and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/06/cougar-on-hunt.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/11/setting-love-trap.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/03/blog-fiction-story-no-14-love-entrapment.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/love-trap-intriguing-romance.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/love-trap-2/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/03/10/love-trap-story/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/09/06/love-trap-3/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/07/07/love-trap-short-story/ and https://vikramkarve.medium.com/the-love-trap-24c1e40c49c9 etc

_____________

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VIKRAM KARVE

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VIKRAM KARVE

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