Story from My Vizag Navy Days – “XXX” House

A few days ago – I met a Navy Friend – we had served together in the Naval Dockyard at Vizag – and we had a discussion on “Overtime”. 

This made me made me hark back to our glorious “Vizag Days” in the 1980’s – around 30 years ago – and – I remembered this story. 

During my longish tenure in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) – I had two appointments – one afloat on a frontline warship – and one ashore in the inimitable Vizag Dockyard.

Later – I had a most satisying tenure of 6 years in the premier Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. 

Serving in a Naval Dockyard is a unique professionally fulfilling experience. 

I have permanently etched in my mind – many unforgettable memories of my time in the two “Yards”.

Here is a hilarious story which happened during my delightful Vizag Dockyard Days...

“XXX” HOUSE 

Unforgettable Memories of My Navy Life

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

This happened around 30 years ago – in the 1980’s – during my Vizag Dockyard Days.

A Senior Foreman was promoted to Officer Rank (Civilian Officer).

He called us to his house for a party to celebrate his promotion.

We were pleasantly surprised to see that he had built a posh bungalow.

When we saw the name of his bungalow – we was even more surprised and puzzled.

He had named his bungalow after a submarine – INS “XXX”

Engraved in large letters was the name of his impressive bungalow:

“XXX” HOUSE

I had never seen anyone name his house after the name of a ship or submarine.

Of course – some old “sea dogs” had named their homes with the ubiquitous Navy name “ANCHORAGE” – but I had not seen any Naval Officer name his house after the name of a Ship or Submarine.

Hence – I was quite curious about the unusual name for his house – so I asked him the reason for naming his home after a submarine. 

The Senior Foreman candidly said to me:

“Sir, I could build this bungalow only because of the overtime (OT) money that I earned from the refit of submarine INS “XXX” 

You know, Sir – that “XXX” is under refit for so many years – and we have regular “OT” almost every day – and so many full night “OT’s” – and I have been working on the refit of “XXX” right from the beginning – so I got plenty of “OT” money thanks to INS “XXX” – which I saved to build this bungalow. 

So – I named my bungalow “XXX” House as a mark of gratitude to submarine INS “XXX” – because of whose refit OT money – this bungalow was possible...” 

“That’s great...” I said.

Then – I smiled – and I remarked to him: 

“By the way – the way the refit of “XXX” is progressing – it appears that it may take many more years to finish – and I am sure you will earn much more Overtime (OT) from the remaining refit of “XXX” – and you will be able to build an even more lavish bungalow – maybe you can name it “XXX” PALACE – or – “XXX” MANSION – or maybe – “OT” HOUSE...”

“Sir – sadly that is not possible...” he said.

“Not possible – why...?” I asked him.

“Sir – now I have become an Officer – and Officers do not get Overtime (OT)...” he said, with a pensive look on his face.

VIKRAM KARVE

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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.

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This is a revised re-post of my story “XXX” HOUSE posted online by me Vikram Karve more than two years ago on 06 April 2015 in this Blog (Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve) at url http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/humor-in-uniform-xxx-house.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/04/humor-in-uniform-overtime.html etc