Absence makes the Heart grow Fonder

Sometime ago – I met a “long-distance marriage couple”.

They had lived apart for most of their married lives – each pursuing their careers – in different continents.

They had come to India – and were briefly together – for their annual Christmas Vacation.

When I asked them how they managed their “long-distance marriage” – they “pontificated” the oft-repeated famous saying:

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder…”

This reminded me of a fiction short story on the subject that I had written more than 13 years ago in the year 2006 – on this theme of marital relationships in a “long distance marriage”.

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder…?

Read on…

DOES ABSENCE REALLY MAKE THE HEART GROW FONDER…?

Story of a Long Distance Marital Relationship By Vikram Karve

At exactly 8 PM at night – her cell-phone rings in her hand.

She is expecting the call – that’s why she’s holding the cell-phone in her hand.

She looks at the caller-id – she accepts the call – she moves the mobile phone near her ear – and she says into the cellphone:

“I love you, darling…!!!”

“I love you, Sugar…!!!” says her husband’s voice from half way around the globe.

The husband is relaxing in his bed.

On his bed beside him – sprawled with arms and legs outstretched like a fallen statue – the naked woman is still asleep – her breathing untroubled.

It is a long distance marriage – and – the “married bachelors” have been following the same drill for quite some time now – two calls every day – synchronised – at exactly the same time.

There is a 12 hour gap between their time zones.

At precisely 8 AM in the morning – she calls him up – just before leaving for work.

And – at 8 PM at night – she receives his call from half-way across the globe – just before he leaves for work.

And – both of them start their conversation automatically with the same words of endearment:

She says:

“I love you, Darling…!!!”

He says:

“I love you, Sugar…!!!”

He is her “Darling”…!!!

And – she is his “Sugar”…!!!

Right now – for the wife – it is 8 PM at night.

She is sitting in a restaurant – a lounge bar – having cocktails and dinner with her colleague – a handsome young man.

For the husband – half-way across the globe – it is 8 AM in the morning.

He has just woken up after a hectic night of passionate lovemaking with the woman lying in bed beside him.

And – the moment he is awake – the first thing he does – is to call up his “long-distance wife”.

“How was your day…?” the husband asks his wife.

“Hectic. Lot’s of work – deadlines to meet – it was a tough working day…!!!” the wife answers.

While talking on her mobile phone to her “long-distance husband” – she steals a glance at the handsome young man – sitting beside her – in the darkened lounge bar.

“It’s terrible here too…” the husband says, “It’s killing – the work. Too much travelling. Sales meets, seminars, conferences. One hotel to another. I am living out of a suitcase. I am feeling exhausted…”

It’s true.

The husband is indeed feeling exhausted – a relaxing, satiating kind of exhaustion – after a hectic night of lovemaking.

He gets up and opens the window.

He allows the early morning air to cool his body.

Then he turns around – and he looks at the marvelous body of the woman on his bed.

She looks lovelier than ever before.

As he remembers the ferocity of her lovemaking – he feels waves of desire rise within him.

Not for a long time has the mere sight of a woman aroused the lion in him to such an extent.

He smiles to himself.

He feels proud and elated – it was a grand performance.

With this woman it was spontaneous lovemaking at its best – not like the planned and contrived “quality” lovemaking with his wife – full of performance anxiety – each performing for the other’s gratification – pretence – charade – putting on an act – both “faking” pleasure – thinking that the other would not know.

Suddenly – he hears his wife’s voice.

“Yes, darling. Poor you. I can understand…” the wife says – and she sips her potent cocktail.

It is her third drink of the evening.

She wonders what it is – the mysterious but deadly intoxicating cocktails her companion is plying her with – and she is feeling gloriously high.

“I am just waiting for this hectic spell of work to be over – so we can meet…” the husband says.

He sits on the edge of the bed – and he looks at the sleeping woman.

Mesmerized.

Marvelling.

It is difficult to believe that in a few hours from now they – he and the woman –they would be addressing each other formally – once they are in office.

His train of thoughts is broken – as he hears his wife’s voice on the mobile phone.

“Oh, yes. It’s been 3 months – and I am dying to meet you. When are we meeting…?” the wife asks.

“I am planning a fantastic vacation. I’ll let you know soon. We’ll go to some exotic place. Just the two of us. “Quality Time”…!” the husband says to his faraway wife.

And – at the same time – he looks lasciviously at the gorgeously sexy woman lying so close to him.

“That’s great…!!! We must spend some “Quality Time” together…” the wife says to her distant husband – while she snuggles close against her strikingly handsome colleague sitting next to her on the sofa in the lounge bar.

He presses his knee against hers.

She presses hers against his.

He moves his hand around her over her soft skin and pulls her gently.

She feels an inchoate desire.

He gently strokes her hair – and she turns towards him – her mouth partly open – as he leans over her.

Fuelled by the alcohol in her veins – she can sense the want churning inside her – like fire.

She looks into her companion’s eyes.

She feels the intensity of his caresses.

And – she can sense her resistance melting.

Suddenly – she hears her husband’s voice on the mobile phone.

“I love you, “Sugar”…!!!” the husband says.

“I love you, “Darling”…!!!” the wife says.

Their lovey-dovey conversation completed – both the long distance spouses disconnect their cell-phones – and they focus on their present “objects of affection”.

And – with renewed zeal – they carry on the passionate amorous lovemaking activity – with their respective partners.

After all – a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

At the beginning of this story – I had quoted a famous saying:

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder…”

Yes – it seems to be true.

“Absence does seem to make the heart grow fonder – for someone else…”

Or – to put it succinctly:

In a long distance marriage:

“Absence makes the heart “wander”

And – when the heart wanders – the heart grows fonder – for someone else…”

Dear Reader: Do you agree…?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. 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.
2. 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:

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.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/05/long-distance-marriage-does-absence.html

This is an Updated and Revised Version of My Story I LOVE YOU written by me Vikram Karve more than 13 years ago in the year 2006 and posted by me online a number of times on my various creative writing blogs including at urls:

http://creative.sulekha.com/i-love-you-a-short-story-by-vikram-karve_159325_blog and http://creative.sulekha.com/long-distance-love_60260_blog and http://creativekarve.blogspot.in/2006/07/i-love-you-short-story-by-vikram-karve.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/10/does-absence-really-make-heart-grow.htmland https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/absence-makes-heart-wander-my-favourite.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/09/my-favourite-short-stories-part-38.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/does-absence-make-heart-grow-fonder.html etc

Pune – Walking Down Memory Lane

Once in a while – I stroll down Main Street (MG Road) in Pune Camp.

And – whenever I do so

Once in a while – I stroll down Main Street (MG Road) in Pune Camp.

And – whenever I do so – I remember this memoir I had written many years ago after a stroll on Main Street.

Strolling Down Main Street (MG Road) Pune

Travel Memoir By Vikram Karve 

Pune, the Queen of the Deccan, in the 1960s and 1970s, was indeed a “paradise” – one of the best places to live in.

Life was good.

It was easy to be happy.

The threshold of our happiness was so low that it was very easy to be happy.

Those days – in the 1960s – Pune was known as Poona.

Poona comprised two main parts – Poona City and Poona Camp.

(Poona was renamed Pune in the 1970s. So – for ease of understanding – I will use the present name “Pune” in this article – and – I will call the two parts of Pune as Pune City and Pune Camp).

Pune City comprised the “Peths” – the older Peths named after the days of the week in Marathi (Somwar, Mangalwar, Budhwar, Guruwar, Shukrawar, Shaniwar, Raviwar Peth) – and the newer ones like Kasba, Narayan, Rasta, Ghorpade, Sadashiv, Nana, Bhavani, Ganj, Ganesh, Navi Peth etc. Of course – the newer “posh” localities like Deccan Gymkhana, Erandawane, Shivajinagar etc were included in Pune City later.

Pune Camp comprised of Main Street (MG Road), East Street, Centre Street, Arsenal (Moledina) Road, and the adjoining Cantonment Areas.

(Today’s “suburbs” of Pune were villages or farmlands or desolate places…)

In those days of the 1960s/1970s – Pune primarily comprised of the “Peths” and Pune Camp.

We lived on Tilak Road, in Sadashiv Peth, and one of our most enjoyable highlights was the occasional visit to Pune Camp – to see the latest Hollywood Movie in royal style relaxing on those unique easy chairs at the inimitable West End Cinema, relishing tasty mouth-watering bites and soothing thirst-quenching sips at the Soda Fountain during the interval.

This was followed by a leisurely stroll on Main Street (MG Road) and East Street, window-shopping, bird-watching and snacking, nourishing fulfilling satiating continental dishes at Greenfields, maybe a browse at Manney’s, and then a hearty Chinese meal at Kamling or Chung Fa, or a Mughlai repast at Latif, or Punjabi Food at Kwality, Biryani at Dorabjee or George, or Sizzlers at The Place (the first Sizzler Place in India) next to Manney’s.

The icing on the cake was a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with us the lingering flavour and fragrance of the delightful evening.

Let me take you back in time, to those glorious days of the 1960s/1970s.

So come with me, Dear Reader, and let’s start from the West End of Main Street and stroll down memory lane.

Opposite West End there is Naaz, so let’s go in and relish those delectable Mutton Samosas, Bun Maska and refreshing Irani style Chai.

A few years later, Naaz split into two – a Non-Veg Naaz at the original location and a Veg Naaz at the other end of the building, towards George. “Liberalisation” and “Globalisation” took its it toll and in due course the Non-Veg Naaz was replaced by a Barista and then the Veg Naaz was replaced by a shoe store. Greenfields, the delicious breakfast place at the other end of Main Street has disappeared too.

Next we stop at Pasteur Bakery, for here we are going to sample their signature Almond Macaroons – wonderful, divine, scrumptious crisp crunchy crust, sumptuous rich moist chew, the lingering heavenly flavour of almonds, luxuriant sweetness, supreme, unforgettable, unsurpassed, fantastic – the best Macaroon I have ever tasted.

And then there is the one and only Marz-o-rin next door for Chicken Rolls, Sandwiches and Cold Coffee. I am so happy that Marz-o-rin still retains its friendly character and is still going strong, becoming better each day. The signature dish of Marz-o-rin is the Chicken Roll – it is matchless. I have tasted Chicken Rolls all over the place but there is nothing like the lip smacking one served by Marz-o-rin. Generous boneless pieces of delicious chicken, the lip smacking mayonnaise, and the soft mellifluous roll yummy treat I love it. If you are vegetarian, try the slightly tangy tomato and green chutney vegetable sandwiches. And wash it down with a cold coffee.

Well that’s what we old fogies always did in the good old days and still do whenever we visit Marz-o-rin. Now there are many more delightful options, and comfortable seating upstairs and friendly atmosphere in the balcony where you can sit and observe the goings on below while enjoying your snack. I like the hot bakes, especially the Bean Bake Chicken or Cheese, Macaroni, and Spaghetti with the zesty sauces. And, of course, there are all kinds of excellent Burgers, Rolls and Sandwiches, including whole wheat versions for the health-conscious foodies.

“Health-Conscious Foodie” – now that’s a nice oxymoron, isn’t it…?

The chillers are exciting too Kool-Blue or Green Apple on a hot and sultry afternoon. And there a variety of juices, shakes, and ice creams to choose from. You can try what you want, everything is appetizing and tasty, but remember, in Marz-o-rin you must relish the Chicken Rolls, vegetable sandwiches and Cold Coffee for old times sake. And don’t forget to take a yummy parcel for the folks at home…!

A bit ahead, across the road, there is Mona Food – whose delicious fulfilling chola bhatura is still unsurpassed but Mona Food is no longer the simple, unpretentious, no-nonsense value-for-money eatery it once was, but it is still worth a visit so we will relish those delectable chole bhature some other time – we want to keep our appetite for dinner, isn’t it…?

So let’s build up an appetite, and just stroll, past Needlewoman, D. Phillips, Imperial Hosiery, Footwear, Clothes, Sports, Stores and Shops of all kinds – window-shop and bird-watch. The old faithful die-hards still patronise these stores, but the youngsters prefer shopping in the glittering Malls proliferating all over Pune.

But before we decide where to go for dinner, let’s not forget to get those peerless Shrewsbury Biscuits, Wine Biscuits, Chocolate Walnut Cake and Cheese Papri from Kayani Bakery and my favourite irresistible Sev Barfi from Bhavnagari Sweets.

Hungry…?

In a mood for some delicious Chinese food. Okay, let’s go to Kamling on East Street.

Kamling…? Hey, where’s that…?

Kamling was the best Chinese Restaurant in Pune, famous for its signature pork dishes (especially the sweet and sour pork) and inimitable American Chopsuey. Despite the fact that Kamling was patronised by number of distinguished personalities and famous film stars – it always remained a down-to-earth affordable restaurant.

Snap to the present.

Kamling has vanished – and in its place there is Mayur Dining Hall where you can savour an excellent Vegetarian Thali. (I believe even Mayur Dining Hall has relocated)

And many other heritage places have disappeared too – like Naaz, Greenfields and the West End Soda Fountain and Lords, the best tailoring shop in Pune, but many like Pasteur, Marz-o-rin, Mona Food, Dorabjee, Chung Fa, Sizzlers, Burger King, and George are still going strong, and Main Street still hasn’t lost its captivating charm. Some eateries like Olympia on East Street, which served delectable kababs and rolls, have transformed into new avatars.

Even the iconic Manney’s Bookstore shut down a few years ago.

After a stroll down Main Street (MG Road) – I feel hungry.

I want to have a leisurely “heritage” meal.

I decide to head for Dorabjee.

So – I walk leisurely towards Sarbatwala Chowk till I reach Dorabjee and Sons.

I dive in through the low entrance of Dorabjee’s and look around.

The eatery is crowded, with noisy families bashing away regardless greedily devouring the heaps food before them.

The mouth-watering aroma, and the sight of the appetizing food, creates in me such ravenous pangs of hunger that I quickly sit on the only vacant table and order a Mutton Biryani – the signature dish of Dorabjee.

As is the hallmark of authentic speciality cuisine restaurants the menu is select just a few choice dishes a single page.

There’s Sali, Curry, Masala and Biryani in Mutton and Chicken; Kheema, Brain, Eggs, and combinations thereof, cutlets in gravy, and a few Veg dishes, for appearance sake.

On Sunday afternoons, you can have Dhansak, maybe on your way to the races in the season.

I spoon some Biryani onto my tongue, seal my lips, close my eyes, turn my senses inwards with full consciousness to imbibe and savour the unique medley of juices released by the succulent piece of mutton, the bitterish-sweet taste of the slightly burnt crisp fried onions, and the spicy flavoursome rice.

It is superlative delicious authentic cuisine at its best.

Dorabjee serves the best heritage mutton biryani in Pune – no doubt about it.

Yes, Blue Nile, George and Good Luck serve good heritage Biryani too and now there are many new high falutin places in Pune which serve good biryani too but the charm of these heritage eateries remains.

I don’t know why, but it appears that, of late, the unpretentious Blue Nile is trying to masquerade as an upscale restaurant – the quality of the biryani is certainly not what it used to be.

But Dorabjee still remains the same, as if time has stood still.  The fervent atmosphere of the place and exquisite quality of the food is such that one can eat enthusiastically, with wholehearted zest and gusto. ; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

At Dorabjee, you can enjoy every morsel of your food with passionate ardour; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

And as I reach blissful satiety I realize that a well-filled stomach radiates a kind of spiritual happiness.

The ideal way to end this rich spicy repast is to cool it off with a Falooda. Falooda is to Mutton Biryani what Mastani is to Mutton Kolhapuri.

So – I walk down Sachapir Street, cross Main Street, and head for Badshah on East Street to down a deliciously sweet and chilled Rose flavoured Royal Falooda.

Of course, what better way to conclude the nostalgic food walk than with a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with you a lingering flavour and delightful elevating fragrance.

Pune may have changed – and the “food district” may have shifted to Koregaon Park – but heritage institutions like Dorabjee, George, Kayani in Pune Camp – and a few heritage eateries in Pune City still preserve the flavour of yesteryear Pune.

But these are a few exceptions as everything seems to be getting “standardized” and Pune’s unique culinary culture and landmark heritage foodie institutions are slowly vanishing.

Pune – the “Oxford of the East” – the “Queen of the Deccan” – the salubrious “Pensioners Paradise” – a city which once famous for its laid back lifestyle, lovely charm and unique culture of its own – is fast metamorphosing into a faceless metropolis.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a repost of my article written around 13 years ago in the year 2006 and posted online earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/02/living-in-pune-down-memory-lane-food.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/yesteryear-pune-strolling-down-main.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2016/03/strolling-down-main-street-pune-travel.html etc

I remember this memoir I had written many years ago after a stroll on Main Street.

Strolling Down Main Street (MG Road) Pune

Travel Memoir

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Pune, the Queen of the Deccan, in the 1960s and 1970s, was indeed a “paradise” – one of the best places to live in.

Life was good.

It was easy to be happy.

The threshold of our happiness was so low that it was very easy to be happy.

Those days – in the 1960s – Pune was known as Poona.

Poona comprised two main parts – Poona City and Poona Camp.

(Poona was renamed Pune in the 1970s. So – for ease of understanding – I will use the present name “Pune” in this article – and – I will call the two parts of Pune as Pune City and Pune Camp).

Pune City comprised the “Peths” – the older Peths named after the days of the week in Marathi (Somwar, Mangalwar, Budhwar, Guruwar, Shukrawar, Shaniwar, Raviwar Peth) – and the newer ones like Kasba, Narayan, Rasta, Ghorpade, Sadashiv, Nana, Bhavani, Ganj, Ganesh, Navi Peth etc. Of course – the newer “posh” localities like Deccan Gymkhana, Erandawane, Shivajinagar etc were included in Pune City later.

Pune Camp comprised of Main Street (MG Road), East Street, Centre Street, Arsenal (Moledina) Road, and the adjoining Cantonment Areas.

(Today’s “suburbs” of Pune were villages or farmlands or desolate places…)

In those days of the 1960s/1970s – Pune primarily comprised of the “Peths” and Pune Camp.

We lived on Tilak Road, in Sadashiv Peth, and one of our most enjoyable highlights was the occasional visit to Pune Camp – to see the latest Hollywood Movie in royal style relaxing on those unique easy chairs at the inimitable West End Cinema, relishing tasty mouth-watering bites and soothing thirst-quenching sips at the Soda Fountain during the interval.

This was followed by a leisurely stroll on Main Street (MG Road) and East Street, window-shopping, bird-watching and snacking, nourishing fulfilling satiating continental dishes at Greenfields, maybe a browse at Manney’s, and then a hearty Chinese meal at Kamling or Chung Fa, or a Mughlai repast at Latif, or Punjabi Food at Kwality, Biryani at Dorabjee or George, or Sizzlers at The Place (the first Sizzler Place in India) next to Manney’s.

The icing on the cake was a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with us the lingering flavour and fragrance of the delightful evening.

Let me take you back in time, to those glorious days of the 1960s/1970s.

So come with me, Dear Reader, and let’s start from the West End of Main Street and stroll down memory lane.

Opposite West End there is Naaz, so let’s go in and relish those delectable Mutton Samosas, Bun Maska and refreshing Irani style Chai.

A few years later, Naaz split into two – a Non-Veg Naaz at the original location and a Veg Naaz at the other end of the building, towards George. “Liberalisation” and “Globalisation” took its it toll and in due course the Non-Veg Naaz was replaced by a Barista and then the Veg Naaz was replaced by a shoe store. Greenfields, the delicious breakfast place at the other end of Main Street has disappeared too.

Next we stop at Pasteur Bakery, for here we are going to sample their signature Almond Macaroons – wonderful, divine, scrumptious crisp crunchy crust, sumptuous rich moist chew, the lingering heavenly flavour of almonds, luxuriant sweetness, supreme, unforgettable, unsurpassed, fantastic – the best Macaroon I have ever tasted.

And then there is the one and only Marz-o-rin next door for Chicken Rolls, Sandwiches and Cold Coffee. I am so happy that Marz-o-rin still retains its friendly character and is still going strong, becoming better each day. The signature dish of Marz-o-rin is the Chicken Roll – it is matchless. I have tasted Chicken Rolls all over the place but there is nothing like the lip smacking one served by Marz-o-rin. Generous boneless pieces of delicious chicken, the lip smacking mayonnaise, and the soft mellifluous roll yummy treat I love it. If you are vegetarian, try the slightly tangy tomato and green chutney vegetable sandwiches. And wash it down with a cold coffee.

Well that’s what we old fogies always did in the good old days and still do whenever we visit Marz-o-rin. Now there are many more delightful options, and comfortable seating upstairs and friendly atmosphere in the balcony where you can sit and observe the goings on below while enjoying your snack. I like the hot bakes, especially the Bean Bake Chicken or Cheese, Macaroni, and Spaghetti with the zesty sauces. And, of course, there are all kinds of excellent Burgers, Rolls and Sandwiches, including whole wheat versions for the health-conscious foodies.

“Health-Conscious Foodie” – now that’s a nice oxymoron, isn’t it…?

The chillers are exciting too Kool-Blue or Green Apple on a hot and sultry afternoon. And there a variety of juices, shakes, and ice creams to choose from. You can try what you want, everything is appetizing and tasty, but remember, in Marz-o-rin you must relish the Chicken Rolls, vegetable sandwiches and Cold Coffee for old times sake. And don’t forget to take a yummy parcel for the folks at home…!

A bit ahead, across the road, there is Mona Food – whose delicious fulfilling chola bhatura is still unsurpassed but Mona Food is no longer the simple, unpretentious, no-nonsense value-for-money eatery it once was, but it is still worth a visit so we will relish those delectable chole bhature some other time – we want to keep our appetite for dinner, isn’t it…?

So let’s build up an appetite, and just stroll, past Needlewoman, D. Phillips, Imperial Hosiery, Footwear, Clothes, Sports, Stores and Shops of all kinds – window-shop and bird-watch. The old faithful die-hards still patronise these stores, but the youngsters prefer shopping in the glittering Malls proliferating all over Pune.

But before we decide where to go for dinner, let’s not forget to get those peerless Shrewsbury Biscuits, Wine Biscuits, Chocolate Walnut Cake and Cheese Papri from Kayani Bakery and my favourite irresistible Sev Barfi from Bhavnagari Sweets.

Hungry…?

In a mood for some delicious Chinese food. Okay, let’s go to Kamling on East Street.

Kamling…? Hey, where’s that…?

Kamling was the best Chinese Restaurant in Pune, famous for its signature pork dishes (especially the sweet and sour pork) and inimitable American Chopsuey. Despite the fact that Kamling was patronised by number of distinguished personalities and famous film stars – it always remained a down-to-earth affordable restaurant.

Snap to the present.

Kamling has vanished – and in its place there is Mayur Dining Hall where you can savour an excellent Vegetarian Thali. (I believe even Mayur Dining Hall has relocated)

And many other heritage places have disappeared too – like Naaz, Greenfields and the West End Soda Fountain and Lords, the best tailoring shop in Pune, but many like Pasteur, Marz-o-rin, Mona Food, Dorabjee, Chung Fa, Sizzlers, Burger King, and George are still going strong, and Main Street still hasn’t lost its captivating charm. Some eateries like Olympia on East Street, which served delectable kababs and rolls, have transformed into new avatars.

Even the iconic Manney’s Bookstore shut down a few years ago.

After a stroll down Main Street (MG Road) – I feel hungry.

I want to have a leisurely “heritage” meal.

I decide to head for Dorabjee.

So – I walk leisurely towards Sarbatwala Chowk till I reach Dorabjee and Sons.

I dive in through the low entrance of Dorabjee’s and look around.

The eatery is crowded, with noisy families bashing away regardless greedily devouring the heaps food before them.

The mouth-watering aroma, and the sight of the appetizing food, creates in me such ravenous pangs of hunger that I quickly sit on the only vacant table and order a Mutton Biryani – the signature dish of Dorabjee.

As is the hallmark of authentic speciality cuisine restaurants the menu is select just a few choice dishes a single page.

There’s Sali, Curry, Masala and Biryani in Mutton and Chicken; Kheema, Brain, Eggs, and combinations thereof, cutlets in gravy, and a few Veg dishes, for appearance sake.

On Sunday afternoons, you can have Dhansak, maybe on your way to the races in the season.

I spoon some Biryani onto my tongue, seal my lips, close my eyes, turn my senses inwards with full consciousness to imbibe and savour the unique medley of juices released by the succulent piece of mutton, the bitterish-sweet taste of the slightly burnt crisp fried onions, and the spicy flavoursome rice.

It is superlative delicious authentic cuisine at its best.

Dorabjee serves the best heritage mutton biryani in Pune – no doubt about it.

Yes, Blue Nile, George and Good Luck serve good heritage Biryani too and now there are many new high falutin places in Pune which serve good biryani too but the charm of these heritage eateries remains.

I don’t know why, but it appears that, of late, the unpretentious Blue Nile is trying to masquerade as an upscale restaurant – the quality of the biryani is certainly not what it used to be.

But Dorabjee still remains the same, as if time has stood still.  The fervent atmosphere of the place and exquisite quality of the food is such that one can eat enthusiastically, with wholehearted zest and gusto. ; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

At Dorabjee, you can enjoy every morsel of your food with passionate ardour; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

And as I reach blissful satiety I realize that a well-filled stomach radiates a kind of spiritual happiness.

The ideal way to end this rich spicy repast is to cool it off with a Falooda. Falooda is to Mutton Biryani what Mastani is to Mutton Kolhapuri.

So – I walk down Sachapir Street, cross Main Street, and head for Badshah on East Street to down a deliciously sweet and chilled Rose flavoured Royal Falooda.

Of course, what better way to conclude the nostalgic food walk than with a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with you a lingering flavour and delightful elevating fragrance.

Pune may have changed – and the “food district” may have shifted to Koregaon Park – but heritage institutions like Dorabjee, George, Kayani in Pune Camp – and a few heritage eateries in Pune City still preserve the flavour of yesteryear Pune.

But these are a few exceptions as everything seems to be getting “standardized” and Pune’s unique culinary culture and landmark heritage foodie institutions are slowly vanishing.

Pune – the “Oxford of the East” – the “Queen of the Deccan” – the salubrious “Pensioners Paradise” – a city which once famous for its laid back lifestyle, lovely charm and unique culture of its own – is fast metamorphosing into a faceless metropolis.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a repost of my article written around 13 years ago in the year 2006 and posted online earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/02/living-in-pune-down-memory-lane-food.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/yesteryear-pune-strolling-down-main.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2016/03/strolling-down-main-street-pune-travel.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/03/pune-poona-memories-walk-down-memory.html etc

Humor in Uniform – April Fool’s Day

Today – is the 31^st of March.

Tomorrow – is the 1^st of April – April Fool’s Day 

So – here is my story for April Fool’s Day:

HOW I WAS MADE AN “APRIL FOOL” 

PROLOGUE

One of my weaknesses is that I am a simpleton.

I easily trust people. 

And – due to my trusting nature – I am most “gullible” – as can be seen from this story – where I was made an “April Fool”…

“APRIL FOOL” ON ALL FOOLS’ DAY 

Unforgettable Memories of My Delightful Navy Life

A Spoof By Vikram Karve

April Fool’s Day (also known as All Fools’ Day) is celebrated annually on the First Day of April.

It is a time for the traditional playing of pranks on unsuspecting people – the victim of such a prank being called an April Fool.

One of my weaknesses is my trusting nature – I easily trust people.

Because of my simple trusting nature it is easy for anyone to take me for a ride.

Yes – you can easily make a fool of me – and so – I have been made an “April Fool” so many times – right from my childhood.

In fact – owing to my trusting nature – I am a simpleton.

Yes – I am quite a gullible person.

Therefore – I am a prime target for April Fool Pranks.

When I hark back and think of the occasions when I was made an unsuspecting victim of April Fool Jokes – and when I recall all the April Fool Pranks I was subjected to – I can never forget how I was made a total “April Fool” – 36 years ago – on the 1^st of April 1983.

Here is my “April Fool” story – have a laugh…

HOW I WAS MADE AN “APRIL FOOL” – a “Memoir” by VIKRAM KARVE

New Delhi

01 April 1983

It was 10 AM (1000 Hrs in Navy Parlance) on the 1^st of April 1983 – and was I busy with my research work in IIT Delhi.

Yes – after slogging for more than 5 years in the Navy – afloat and ashore – I got a call for the M. Tech. selection interview.

I appeared for the interview in February 1981 – and – I was selected to undergo the prestigious Two Year M. Tech. Post Graduate Course in Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi aka IIT Delhi from July 1981 to July 1983.

This story happened on 01 April 1983 – when I was in my last semester (4^th semester) of my Two Year M.Tech. Course – and – I was busy with my dissertation/research work.

My ex-shipmate entered the “Tropo Lab” – located right on top of IIT Delhi.

He was also doing M. Tech. at IIT Delhi – but in a different specialization.

He said excitedly:

“Hey Vikram – congratulations. 

Your appointment letter has been issued. 

You will be going to “IAT Pune” after your M. Tech.”

I was very happy and joyfully excited to hear this.

Pune is my hometown.

I had never expected a posting to Pune in my Naval Career.

I was under the impressiont that – except for a few “billets” at the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla – there were hardly any billets for Naval Officers in Pune – especially for Technical Officers.

In fact – I was worried that they may transfer me back to INS Valsura Jamnagar – where I had spent less than one year (1980-81) on instructional duties – before escaping from there – as I was selected for my M. Tech. at IIT Delhi.

I had no desire of going back to that godforsaken place again.

My Navy Friend said to me:

“You don’t seem to be happy to go to Pune…”

“I am very happy to go to Pune…” I said, “but how do you know about my appointment…?”

My Navy Friend said to me:

“I had gone to INS India – to the Base Supply Office – for some work.

I saw your name in a NA List over there.

I have just come from there – and I came straight here to tell you the good news that you have been transferred to IAT Pune on Instructional Duties after your M. Tech.”

Those days Naval Headquarters (NHQ) published a weekly Navy Appointments List (NA List) which listed all appointments (transfers/postings) issued during that week.

Now – things must have changed – I understand that even the name of NHQ has been changed to IHQ (Integrated Headquarters).

Also – Base Supply Office (BSO) is now called Base Logisitics Office (BLogO) since the erstwhile “Supply and Secretariat” branch was renamed as the “Logistics” Branch.

By the way – IAT was the acronym for Institute of Armament Technology – which was renamed as DIAT (Defence Institute of Advanced Technology) – and later – after bifurcation – a part of the institution was renamed as MILIT (Military Institute of Technology.

As you can see – the Navy has a penchant for changing Names (and uniforms too).

So – to come back to my story – my friend said to me:

“I had gone to INS India – to the Base Supply Office – for some work.

I saw your name in a NA List over there.

I have just come from there – and I came straight here to tell you the good news that you have been transferred to IAT Pune on Instructional Duties after your M. Tech.”

“What about you…? Is your name in the NA list…? Has your new appointment been issued too..?” I asked my friend.

“No – I saw only your name in the NA list. Why don’t you go down to NHQ and personally get your appointment letter…?” he prompted.

As I said – I was really delighted to be transferred to Pune – my hometown.

So – so I immediately drove down on my scooter to NHQ.

First – I went to INS India – to the Base Supply Office – and I checked the NA List folder.

Yes – my name was very much there – at Serial No. 12 of the list of 20 names – and entry in the NA list said that – I was appointed on Instructional Duties to IAT Pune July DTBR.

(In Naval Parlance – DTBR means “Date to be Recorded” – which meant that I could report to IAT Pune on any date in July – from 1^st to 31^{st of} July…)

I wrote down the relevant details of the NA list on a piece of paper (a chit).

Then – I went to the Base Supply Officer (BSO) – a Commander.

I showed him the chit – and I asked him if my appointment letter had come.

The Base Supply Officer (BSO) called for the NA List folder.

The BSO looked at the NA List – and he said to me:

“This NA list has just been issued. 

It will take some time for the appointment letter to reach here. 

They take their own sweet time to dispatch the letters. 

Why don’t you go across to DOP and get your personal copy…?”

(DOP was the acronym for Director of Personnel at Naval Headquarters)

Those days we were very scared to go anywhere near DOP – because they were always on the prowl looking for “murgas” to transfer to “Kala Pani” – and other such remote places.

But I was so excited – that I drew up courage – and I walked into the office of the DDOP (Deputy Director of Personnel) who looked after our appointments.

I was delighted to see an officer who I knew very well sitting in the chair of DDOP – a Commander – he was a course-mate of my previous ship’s XO.

During those glorious sea-time days – when he was a Lieutenant Commander – he used to visit our ship quite often.

He was fond of drinking – and we had spent many evenings drinking together – and drinking together develops a unique camaraderie.

The DDOP was happy to see me.

He told me that he had just taken over as DDOP just a day earlier on the 31^st of March.

He enquired about me – about my M. Tech. course – and then – he asked me what I wanted.

I told him the story.

Then – I gave him the chit on which I had written details of the NA List – and – I asked him if I could have a copy of my appointment letter.

The DDOP called his deputy – the ADOP (Assistant Director of Personnel) – a Lieutenant Commander.

The DDOP handed the ADOP the chit with NA List details – and the DDOP told the ADOP to give me a copy of my appointment letter.

The ADOP looked at the NA List details.

Then – looking confused – the ADOP said to the DDOP:

“Sir – we haven’t yet issued any appointment letters for officers doing M. Tech. at IIT’s.

Anyway – I will just check and get back to you, Sir.”

After a few minutes – the ADOP came back and said to the DDOP:

“Sir – the NA list with this number has still not been issued.”

“What…? How can that be…?” the DDOP said, surprised.

Then – the DDOP looked at me – and he said to me:

“Are you sure you saw this NA List in the INS India Base Supply Office…?”

“Yes, Sir…” I said, “it is right on top in the NA list folder in the Base Supply Office.”

The DDOP picked up the telephone and he dialled a number.

He seemed to be speaking to the Base Supply Officer (BSO).

The DDOP read out the number of the NA list – he waited for some time – he listened to the voice on the other side – and then – he said to me:

“You just go down to the Base Supply Office and get the NA list folder – I want to get to the bottom of this mystery.”

As I was leaving – I could hear him speak on the phone to the BSO:

“I am sending the officer to you…”

The moment I reached the hutments where the Base Supply Office was located – I found a big gang of my friends waiting outside for me with broad smiles on their faces.

Among my friends – standing prominently with a big smile on his face – was the Captain of my previous ship – my ex Commanding Officer (CO) – who was now a Commodore posted in Naval Headquarters (NHQ).

My ex ship’s CO told me that it was he who had orchestrated the whole practical joke.

I knew that I had been made an “April Fool”.

That afternoon – as the “victim” of the “April Fool” joke – I had to treat everyone to Beer in the INS India wardroom – and the DDOP and Base Supply Officer (who were also parties to the “April Fool” prank) – they also joined in the “elbow bending” PLD session for a glass of chilled beer.

EPILOGUE

During the PLD Beer Session – I put on a mask of cheerfulness – but deep inside – I was feeling terrible.

I think the Commodore (my ex ship’s CO) and the DDOP noticed this – so they asked me:

“Tell us your choice of transfer on completion of your M. Tech.”

I said tongue-in-cheek to my ex ship’s CO and the DDOP:

“Sir, my choice of transfer is IAT Pune – I want to be posted to IAT Pune – just like you did in the “April Fool” joke…”

The DDOP smiled at me.

So – I said to the DDOP:

“Sir – if IAT Pune is not possible – please post me anywhere except Jamnagar.”

But – the DDOP did not transfer me to IAT Pune.

Thankfully – they did not transfer me to Jamnagar – as I had feared.

They gave me an appointment in New Delhi itself – which meant that I didn’t have to move out of New Delhi.

Yes – 3 months later – on completion of my M. Tech. – I was transferred to a billet in New Delhi as Assistant Director Naval R&D.

I was enjoying my tenure in New Delhi.

Suddenly – 2 years later – in June 1985 – one day – out of the blue – I saw an appointment letter placed on my table.

I opened the letter – fearing the worst.

When I read the appointment letter – I was overjoyed.

I had been appointed as Faculty for Instructional Duties to IAT Pune July 1985 DTBR.

Yes – the “April Fool” joke had become a reality – and – I have been given my choice transfer to IAT Pune.

Maybe it was as a recompense for the “April Fool” prank – from the DDOP and my ex ship’s CO – and from all those who had played the “April Fool” joke on me…

As they say – All’s well that ends well

Wish You a Happy “April Fool” on ALL FOOLS’ DAY

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a 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.
2. 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:

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.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

Link to my source blog post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/humor-in-uniform-april-fool.html

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This Story was written by me 6 years ago in 2013 and earlier Posted Online by me Vikram Karve on 01 April 2014 in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at 4/01/2014 11:39:00 AM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/04/humor-in-uniform-how-i-was-made-april.html  and later reposted at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/april-fool-humor-in-uniform.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/humor-in-uniform-april-fool-on-all.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2018/03/31/april-fool-2/ and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/humor-in-uniform-practical-joke.html

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Marutfans

Maj Behram Dadademery (Retd) forwarded this email to me which I could not resist putting up here, it deserves to be read.

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Salutes

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Sunday Routine – Memories of My Navy Days

Today is Sunday.

Out here – in Pune – it is a bright Sunday Morning.

This makes me hark back to my halcyon Navy Days – and remember my “Sunday Routines” in the Navy.

SUNDAY ROUTINE

“Liberty” and Leisure

Reminisces of My Navy Days By Vikram Karve

Once you retire – every day is a “Sunday Routine”.

But – when we were in the Navy – and – our ship was tied alongside in harbour – we looked forward to our Sundays.

Unless you were on duty – Sunday was a day of “Liberty” – when we could enjoy what the Navy calls “Sunday Routine” – our well deserved leisure time.

Let me tell you about a few of my typical “Sunday Routines”.

In the Navy – when you are at sea – you are on duty round-the-clock 24/7 – and there is no “holiday” – so there is no “Sunday Routine” at sea in the true sense.

But – when your ship is in harbour – you have “make-and-mend” (half day) on Wednesdays and Saturdays – and – a “Sunday Routine” on Sundays and Holidays.

Unlike the corporate sector and government civilian babus – an operational organisation like the Navy does not have the luxury of a “5 Day Week” – so we worked 6 days a week – and we had our weekly “off” only on Sundays – unless you were the “Officer of the Day” (OOD) – or you were put on some other “bum job” duty – in which case – you worked on Sundays too.

So – we eagerly waited for Sunday – and coveted our “Sunday Routine”.

“Sunday Routine” was our own personal time which we could spend as we liked – and we could do as we pleased.

Aristotle has wisely said:

“The end of labour is to gain leisure…”

We laboured the whole week to gain our “Sunday Routine” – and – we were determined to enjoy our well earned leisure to the fullest.

Different individuals spend their leisure in different ways.

Your persona is defined by the way in which you spend your leisure.

There is a saying:

If you want to find out the true character of a man – find out how he spends his leisure.

In the defence services – especially in the Navy – how you spend your leisure mainly depends on where you are posted.

If you are lucky to be posted in a “maximum city” like Mumbai – there is a plethora of opportunities for enjoying your leisure.

On the other hand – if you are posted to a back-of-beyond remote desolate cantonment – your choices for spending your leisure are limited.

Let me describe to you – to compare and contrast – two typical Navy Style “Sunday Routines” – one in Mumbai – and one in Vizag – almost 10 years apart – both when I was posted on frontline warships – the first in the latter half of the 1970’s – and the second in the latter half of the 1980’s.

INS “XXX” (Harbour Sunday Routine – as an “In-Living” Officer)

Mumbai (then called Bombay)

Circa – 1970’s

This was the happiest time of my life.

It is great to be on a happy ship.

Ours was a frontline warship – the ship was new – the crew was good – we had a delightful wardroom with friendly officers – and the general atmosphere on the ship was harmonious.

The main reason for the ship being a “Happy Ship” was our Captain – who was a great guy.

His credo was simple – all he demanded is that we do our jobs properly – and once we did that – we were free to do whatever we pleased.

(I have observed during my long service in the Navy – and in inter-service establishments – that – particularly in the Defence Services – much depends on the Commanding Officer (CO) – for creating a harmonious the atmosphere in a ship/unit – and a painful “killjoy” CO can make life miserable for all – like we saw on some other ships)

On a Sunday – we woke up early.

(If you remember – I told you in an earlier article that I never had late nights on Saturdays – and I preferred to have my hangovers on working days).

Early in the morning – we crossed the gangway and went ashore.

Then we embarked on a long Sunday morning walk cum jog – walking out of Lion Gate, past Kalaghoda, crossing the Oval, past CCI, then onto Marine Drive to jog to Chowpatty – and back to Churchgate – where we picked up a copy of the Cole (for the day’s races) – followed by “chota hazri” at Stadium Restaurant.

Later – in the wardroom – we had a leisurely Sunday breakfast on board ship – of dosas and coffee – while “studying” the Cole – and the racing columns in the newspapers.

Ours was a wardroom of “punters”.

At around 10 or 10:30 we were off again – walking down to our favourite Stadium Restaurant Churchgate – for a brunch of sumptuous “Kheema Pav” followed by a cup of invigorating Irani Chai – while discussing our “forecasts” and “predictions” for the day’s races.

Then we caught a western railway local train to Mahalaxmi racecourse – so that we were well in time for the first race of the day – which began at noon – or sometimes a bit later at 12:30 or 1 o’clock in the afternoon.

(We took the precaution of buying a “return ticket” – for obvious reasons)

I loved going to the races.

The atmosphere was electric – the bookie ring – the tote – the stands – the racecourse – the crowds – the excitement – the thrill – the horses – and – not to forget – the beautiful lady punters in their Sunday best – it was a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

In the evening – after a refreshing shower – and fortified with a generous quantity of Scotch and Soda – our hip flasks topped-up – we headed out again – for dinner and a late night movie – followed by midnight ice creams or milkshakes.

The restaurant where we went for dinner depended on our luck at the races – either Olympia or Bade Miyan (on a luckless day) – or Gaylord or Kamling (on a lucky day).

Even during the off-season – when there were no races – there was so much to do on a Sunday in a “maximum city” like Mumbai.

Like I said – those were the happiest days of my life – and my most enjoyable “Sunday Routines” too.

I thought these happy days would never end – but two years later – I was yanked off the ship, and posted to Jamnagar (as an instructor) – and it was still a big culture shock for me after my wonderful days in Mumbai.

I was familiar with the dreary place as a “student officer” – but it was a big disappointment – especially after my glorious days in Mumbai.

I suffered and endured almost one year in that horrible desolate place – almost becoming alcohol dependent – since the main leisure activity there was drinking Rum (while listening to old Hindi Songs on Urdu Service).

I escaped becoming an woebegone alcoholic by getting “selected” for the “prestigious” M. Tech. Course at IIT Delhi.

After two years of “paid holiday” – followed by two years in R&D – and then two more years on instructional duties at IAT Pune – and I was back on a frontline warship in Mumbai.

“Bombay days were back again”

(Yes – Mumbai was still called Bombay in the late 1980’s).

It was back to halcyon “Sunday Routine” days – I lived at Vasant Sagar in Churchgate – and for the first few months we had a great life.

As I was living it up – chanting “Happy Days are here again” – our luck ran out – and the base port of our ship was changed from Mumbai to Vizag (Visakhapatnam) – and we were off to the Eastern Seaboard.

I had been to Vizag only once on my earlier ship – but I did not see much of the Naval Base – since our ship was berthed on the iron ore jetty in the port trust – and we were in Vizag just for a day or so – and we spent our liberty hours ashore in the town.

But it seemed that – as far as Vizag town was concerned – nothing much had changed in the last 10 years.

As compared to Mumbai – Navy life Vizag was a big comedown – as you will realize – when you see how I spent my “Sunday Routine” at Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

INS “YYY” (Harbour Sunday Routine – as an “MLR” officer)

Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

Circa – 1980’s

I was now married (“MLR” or “Money in Lieu of Ration” in Naval Jargon) – and I was living with my family in Naval Park Vizag.

Sunrise is early on the eastern seaboard – so I would get up at 5:30 on Sunday morning – and I would head for my Sunday morning super-long walk – up Dolphin’s Nose – down to Continental Beach – and then head back straight to the “Sunday Market” in the HSL complex near Scindia – and reach there by 7 – just as the market (haat) was opening up.

The entire naval community would be there at the “Sunday Market” – mostly ladies whose husbands are sleeping off their hangover – and some early riser husbands like me.

In Vizag – this Sunday Morning Market was a “must visit” since you lived far away from town in Naval Park – to pick up your weekly stock of vegetables, fruit and fish.

At around 8 – I returned home – I had a bath – we breakfasted on the idlis I had brought from the Sunday market – and at 9 o’clock – we all settled down before the TV set to watch the epic serial Ramayan.

(Later – when Ramayan was over – we would watch Mahabharat from 9 to 10 every Sunday morning).

Then we (self, wife and son) headed to the swimming pool – and spent an hour swimming and cooling off – and chitchatting with friends.

At 12 noon we were sitting in the makeshift club located in the parking lot of the officers’ mess for the Sunday afternoon Beer Biryani Tombola.

(Yes – in Vizag it was the rather prosaic and boring Tombola at the Navy Club – in lieu of thrilling and exciting Horse Racing at the Mahalaxmi Race Course which we enjoyed in Mumbai)

Then – I headed back home for a “Beer and Biryani induced siesta” – which made me feel groggy.

In the evening – maybe we headed for town – full family of 3 on my Bajaj scooter – mostly accompanied by friends – and walked around Ramakrishna Beach – or maybe saw a movie at Jagdamba – followed by dinner at Daspalla.

Then we headed back home – and hit the sack.

Vizag was a big comedown from the glorious “Sunday Routines” of Mumbai.

One thing good in the Navy is that nothing is permanent.

So – many years later – in the year 2000 – I was back in Mumbai – and I enjoyed my “Sunday Routines” even better than before – since the Navy gave me a lovely house in Empress Court – opposite the Oval – in Churchgate.

What better location can you ask for in Mumbai – especially to enjoy your leisure…?

EPILOGUE

My best and most enjoyable “Sunday Routines” were in Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi.

And the most lackluster and dreary Sunday Routines were in Jamnagar – arguably the worst place to be posted to – during my younger days in the Navy.

The Sunday Routines in places like Vizag, Kochi (Cochin) and Pune were somewhere middle-of-the-road – as I have described above.

In IAT Girinagar Pune – on Sundays – we could go trekking up to Sinhagad – or walk up the hills of Girinagar – or we would head for Pune City – to spend the day with our parents/relatives (Pune is my hometown).

How about you…?

How do you like to enjoy your Sundays…?

And especially if you are a “Fauji” – do tell us how you enjoyed your “Sunday Routines” in the “Fauj” – in the Army, the Navy or the Air Force.

And hey – all you young Civilian Friends – especially all you “Techie” Nerds, Geeks and Dorks – do let us know how you spend your Sundays and Weekends.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. 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.
2. This story and 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:

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.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/09/sunday-routine-liberty-and-leisure.html

This is a revised version of my article earlier posted online by me Vikram Karve in my academic and creative writing journal blog at 7/08/2014 11:30:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/humor-in-uniform-sunday-routine.html and later re-posted at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/leisure-management-navy-style-sunday.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/sunday-routine.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/05/sunday-routine-unforgettable-memories.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/sunday-routine-memories-of-happiest.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/memories-of-my-navy-days-sunday-routine.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/06/sunday-routine-liberty-and-leisure.html etc