The “Butterfly”

THE “BUTTERFLY”

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

“Do I need to flirt with every man I meet in the hope that he would marry me…?” she said, “That’s what my mother wants me to do – she literally pushes me towards every officer she thinks is an “eligible bachelor” – hoping that he would marry me….”

I remained silent – to let her vent out her emotions.  

She looked at me and said: “My mother – she pushed me into the arms of your course-mate – hoping he would marry me – but – your course-mate did exactly the opposite – he fucked me – and then – he dumped me….”  

“Please don’t use such vulgar language…” I said.

“Vulgar…?” she said, “You are a real prude – aren’t you…?”

“It doesn’t look good – a nice girl like you using such “four letter words”…” I said.

“Ha – Ha – “four letter word” – you want me to use the word “lovemaking” – do you…?” she said, “Well – there was certainly no “love” involved – it was an act of “lust” – he got me drunk – he took me to his cabin – and he fucked me…”

“He got you drunk…? Did he…?”

“No. No…” she interrupted, “I got drunk willingly – to loosen my inhibitions. It was my first time – and I was a bit nervous…”

“Oh…” I said.

“I had flirted with many officers before – but I knew where to draw the line. But all those flirtations turned out to be transitory – fleeting romances – but with your course-mate – it was different – he wooed me quite intensely – I felt that he was genuinely interested in me – I thought that if I let him fuck me – he would marry me – but – exactly the opposite happened – the moment I let him fuck me – he dumped me – I think that was all he wanted – to fuck me…” she said.

“That’s bad…” I said.

“He probably thought I was a woman of “loose morals” – not “wife material”. I was good enough to have a “good time” with – but not good enough to marry…” she said, “So – he went home – and he got married to the “back home type” girl selected by his parents. And – I have lost my virginity – so now – no one will marry me…”  

“Don’t say that…” I said, “Times have changed. People are more broad-minded nowadays…”

She looked at me and smiled.

“Will you marry me…? I am telling you that your course-mate fucked me and I am not a virgin. Come on – you marry me…” she said to me.

I remained silent – not knowing what to say.

“You see – it is easy to talk modern things – but doing it in actual life is difficult – most of you officers I have met – you show off that you are very modern and liberal – but actually – you all are narrow-minded MCP’s – like your course-mate – who fucked me and dumped me…” she said.

“Why are you saying all this to me…? Did I ever do anything wrong to you…?” I said to her.

“No. No. You are the best officer in your course. I still remember what you told me when I tried to flirt with you…” she said.

“What did I tell you…?”

“You told me what your grandfather had said to you – “If you don’t want to go to a certain town – then don’t take the first step on the road to that town…” – she said, “You made it quite clear that since you didn’t intend to marry me – you were not interested in flirting with me…”

“You follow the same principle too – albeit in the opposite manner – you flirt with a boy in the hope that he will marry you – like your mother advised you…” I said.

“Yes – but it boomeranged with your course-mate…” she said, “I flirted with him – I even let him fuck me – in the hope that he would marry me – and instead – he dumped me – and I lost my virginity in the bargain too…”

“But you have decided to “Bash on Regardless”…” I said, “You are going to keep “flirting” till you find a husband…” 

“Yes. I am meeting someone tonight…” she said.

“Here – in the Club…?” I asked her.

“Yes…” she looked at her watch and said, “It’s almost 8 o’clock – he should be coming now…”

“Oh. Then I should go – I don’t want to be a “Kebab Mein Haddi”…” I said.

I got up to leave – and I said to her: “All the Best…”

“I enjoyed talking to you…” she said, “Just talking for the sake of talking – no intention – no ulterior motive – no expectations – just simple conversation…”

“Me too…” I said – and I walked across the club lawns towards the bar.

Dear Reader – did I tell you the name of the girl I was talking to…?

Well – her name was “Nisha” – yes – Nisha.

THREE YEARS LATER

“Why don’t you sit in the wardroom and have a drink…” the OOD said, “I’ll finish off my rounds and join you…”

[The Wardroom is a Naval Officers’ Mess on a Warship or Stone Frigate (Naval Shore Establishment). OOD is the acronym of “Officer of the Day” – the “de facto” and “de jure” Commanding Officer of the warship in off-hours in harbour]

I walked down to the Ship’s Wardroom.

I was surprised to see Nisha sitting inside – she was all alone – except for the steward standing behind the bar.

I smiled at her – she smiled back.

I sat down in front of her.

“So nice to see you here…” I said to Nisha.

“Yes – it’s been 3 years since we last met – isn’t it…?” she said.

“Yes…” I said, “In the club…”

“I didn’t know you were on this ship…” she said, “in fact – I didn’t see you on other ships too – or – in the club – or in the mess…”

“No. No…” I said, “I am not on this ship – in fact – I am not even posted in Mumbai – I am in Delhi – I have come on Temporary Duty here – the OOD is my Boss’s brother-in-law – I have come to collect some duty free canteen stuff for him…”

The steward asked me what I would like to drink.

“Get me a “Chivas Regal” – Large…” I said – and – I looked at the glass on the table in front of Nisha. She seemed to be drinking whisky too – so – I asked her, “same for you…?”

“Okay…” Nisha said – looking at her glass, “But I am having “Black Dog” with Soda…”

I looked at Nisha and asked her: “So – where is your “host”…?”

“He has gone to his cabin – to “tidy up”…” Nisha said.

“So – are you still flirting with every man you meet in the hope that he would marry you…?” I said – tongue-in-cheek.

“No…” Nisha said, with a naughty smile, “Now – I flirt just to have a “good time”….”

Suddenly – the OOD popped into the Wardroom – he smiled at Nisha – then he looked at me – and – he said to me: “Ah – I can see that you are comfortable. I’ll just go to the gangway and call up the Captain – I’ll make the “rounds report” to the Captain – and I’ll join you here for a drink…”

(This story happened 45 years ago – in the 1970’s – and those days – when a ship came to harbour and berthed alongside a jetty – a landline telephone was rigged up at the Quartermaster’s Post near the Ship’s Gangway)

The OOD left – and – an Officer entered the Wardroom.

I knew the officer – not intimately – but – I knew him just by face.

The Officer had a “spoken reputation” of being an ardent womanizer – a “Casanova”.

I wished him – he wished me back.

Then – the Officer looked at Nisha and said to her: “Let’s go up to my cabin…”

Nisha finished her drink – she smiled at me – and – she left with the Officer – to his cabin – to have a “good time”.

After Nisha and the Officer had left – I pondered over Nisha’s words:

“Now – I flirt just to have a “good time”….”

Earlier – she was flirting with the intention of “hooking” a husband – and now – she had become a “hooker” – a “fleet auxiliary”.

________________

Dear Reader:

If you wish to know more about the sobriquet “fleet auxiliary” – please read this story (click the link below):

THE “FLEET AUXILIARY” CALLED “SEMAPHORE SIGNAL”

https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/09/18/humor-the-fleet-auxiliary-called-semaphore-signal-a-naval-yarn/

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)

How to “cover up” mistakes

HOW TO “COVER UP” MISTAKES

Musings of a Veteran

By

VIKRAM KARVE

An old “Sea-Dog” once told me a Naval Yarn – maybe it was an apocryphal story.

A Navy Captain rammed a jetty while berthing his ship thereby damaging his ship as well as the masonry structure on the wharf.

Normally – a Ship’s Captain would have been court-martialled and punished for this professional lapse of poor navigation and shoddy seamanship.

However – the Captain was well-connected – in fact – he had “Royal” connections and patrons in high places.

Instead of punishing him for his mistake – the “powers-that-be” commended the Captain for “keeping a cool head in a crisis”.

Yes – instead of being punished for ramming his ship on the jetty – the Captain was rewarded for keeping cool in a crisis – and hence – his professional lapse was covered up.

This is a time-tested subterfuge to cover up mistakes – to reward the person who makes a mistake instead of punishing him for it.

You don’t accept your mistake – instead – you glorify it. You act boastfully about something you ought to be ashamed of.

This stratagem may be unethical – but it seems to work everywhere – in all spheres of life – especially in politics – in bureaucracy – and – in the military too.  

I was fortunate that I read the classic military war novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller before I joined the Navy.

Reading Catch-22 gave me a better understand the curious goings on and peculiar behaviour of some of the idiosyncratic characters I came across in the Navy and it helped me maintain my sanity in the rather atypical Naval Environment.

There were plenty of  “Cathcarts” “Dreedles” “Scheisskopfs” “Peckems”“Korns” “Captain Blacks” “Milo Minderbinders” “Doc Daneekas” and “Wintergreens” around – and occasionally – you also noticed a “Yossarian” – or a “Dunbar”.

In fact – during my career in the Navy – I saw an analogous caricature of every character of Catch-22 – including some of the female characters.

I am sure you have read Catch-22.

In case you haven’t – do read the book – it will surely bring a smile to your lips.

There are many themes and morals in Catch-22 – including the truism I had told you about on how to cover up mistakes.

The best way to “cover up” a mistake is to reward the person who commits the mistake instead of punishing him for it.

A pertinent example of this dictum is illustrated in a story enunciated in chapter 13 of the war novel Catch-22.

The protagonist of the novel – Captain Yossarian – he is a bombardier – in a bomber squadron.

Yossarian’s Squadron is tasked to demolish an important bridge.

Yossarian is leading the bombing mission.

Due to navigational error – the bomber formation is not exactly over the target – so Yossarian orders the bombers not to drop their bombs.

So – the bomber squadron is unsuccessful in its mission.

As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in force – it is irregular to go for a second bomb run over the target – especially when there is heavy anti-aircraft fire (flak).

Despite this – Yossarian takes his formation over the target for a second time – this time they are exactly above the bridge – the bombers drop their bombs – and – the bridge (target) is destroyed in the second bomb run.

Unfortunately – one of the bombers in the formation is hit by anti-aircraft fire and blows up mid-air – and the entire crew is killed in action.

The Bomber Group Commander Colonel Cathcart is furious at the loss of the bomber aircraft and its crew.

He wants to court-martial Captain Yossarian for not following the SOP.

But – the Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Korn advises against it.

Korn is Cathcart’s right-hand man – an “intellectual” who does most of thinking and work for Cathcart who only takes the credit.

Korn knows that Cathcart is extremely ambitious and is obsessed with getting promoted to General.

So – Lieutenant Colonel Korn tells Colonel Cathcart that till now – his bomber group has had an exceptional record and having a court-martial on the base may spoil that perfect record.

Also – a court-martial may expose many other flaws – and this may blemish the excellent reputation that Colonel Cathcart and his Bomber Group enjoys till now – and – this may reflect poorly on the Group Commander Colonel Cathcart – and adversely affect Colonel Cathcart’s promotion prospects.

So – Korn tell Cathcart that punishing Yossarian by Court-Martial may not be advisable.

Korn advises Cathcart that instead of punishing Yossarian – it would be best to cover-up the shameful incident by awarding Yossarian a Medal for Bravery.

“We can easily justify the gallantry award – after all – I suppose it did courage to go over the target the second time in heavy anti-aircraft fire – and he did hit the target, destroy the bridge and successfully achieve the mission…” Korn says, “You know – that might be the answer – to act boastfully about something we ought to be ashamed of. That's a trick that never seems to fail…”

And so – Yossarian is awarded a medal (instead of being punished).

Dear Reader:

Look around.

Don’t you see examples of this phenomenon everywhere...

1. You “cover up” a mistake by rewarding the person who commits the mistake instead of punishing him for it.

2. You act boastfully about something you ought to be ashamed of.

3. You create hype by touting your failure as your “success”.

I have seen many such cases during my Naval Career – and even now – I see this happening everywhere – politicians seem to be especially adept at doing this.

Military History is replete with examples where defeats in war have been “glorified” – and – and avoidable casualties due to military incompetence are hyped as “sacrifice” – the most famous example being “The Charge of the Light Brigade” at Balaclava.

Political History will reveal plenty of such “cover ups” too.

Even now – as the COVID Crisis has gripped the entire world – don’t you see examples of this “Cover-Up Strategy” being successfully used by Politicians, Bureaucrats and various International, National and Local Agencies…?

Dear Reader – please comment and tell us if you have you seen examples this “cover up” strategy – glorify failure – reward mistakes – and act boastfully about something you should be ashamed of…”

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) 

Humor in Uniform – The Captain with a Guilty Conscience

THE CAPTAIN WITH A GUILTY CONSCIENCE

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The Captain looked at my “Name Tally” above my right breast pocket.

Then – he said to me: “Thank you for coming for my farewell party…”

Before I could say anything – the Captain said: “It’s good you came. I wanted to meet you before I retire from the Navy. I wanted to talk to you and clear my conscience…”

I looked at the Captain - like all of us – he was dressed in “Red Sea Rig” Navy Evening Uniform – probably for the last time in his life – as this was his official retirement farewell party.

I did not know the Captain – I had not served with him – I had never seen him on ships – or in the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai - or in the “Stone Frigates” where I had served.

I wondered how the Captain knew me – at least – he seemed to know me by name.

And – he was saying that he wanted to talk to me and “clear his conscience”.

This made me quite curious.

“I have done injustice to you…” the Captain said.

“Injustice…?” I said.

“Yes. I have wronged you…” he said, “I had nothing against you – I didn’t even know you – but – if you favor someone – you automatically do injustice to someone else – don’t you…?”

“Sir – I did not understand…” I said.

“Do you know “S”…?” the Captain asked me.

“Yes, Sir – “S” is my course-mate…” I said.

“Do you know where “S” is right now…?” the Captain asked me.

“I don’t know exactly – but I heard that he is on a foreign deputation…” I said.

“Yes. “S” is on a foreign deputation. You were supposed to go for that foreign deputation…” the Captain said.

“Me…?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. As per the Qualitative Requirements (QRs) – we made a merit list – you were on top – you were “No. 1” on the merit list – and – your course-mate “S” – he was at “No. 2” of the merit list. I tweaked the QRs – so that “S” became “No. 1” – and you were pushed to “No.2” – so – he went on the foreign deputation instead of you…” the Captain said, “I am very sorry I did this to you. Please forgive me…” 

I looked at the Captain – he seemed genuinely repentant and contrite.

Suddenly – an officer arrived – and he took the Captain away – saying that it was time for the farewell speech.

I had arrived in New Delhi the previous evening – and reported for duty in the morning.

My boss had told me that there was a farewell party in the Navy Mess and I was required to attend.

So – here I was – on the Mess Laws – attending the Farewell Party.

Though I had never served in New Delhi – I did know a few officers – and – after some small talk with them – I was walking to the bar to get a drink – when the Captain had accosted me.

And then – he had said all those remorseful things – about how he had done me injustice by sending “S” on a foreign deputation – though it was I who had deserved to go.

Of course – since I was working far away in a Naval Station – I had been blissfully unaware about all these machinations going on in the “Northern Naval Command” aka Naval Headquarters.

I was an idealist – and thought everything in the Navy was “fair and square” – but now – during my tenure as a “Babu” in Uniform in New Delhi – I would learn how things actually happened.

I was thinking these thoughts – when – suddenly – I heard my name being called out.

It was the President Mess Committee (PMC) speaking on the mike.

The PMC called out my name again – and he asked me to raise my hand.

I raised my hand.

The PMC welcomed me to the Mess – saying that I had just reported in the morning.

Then – the PMC spoke a bit about the retiring Captain.

After a short speech – the PMC handed over the mike to the Captain and requested him to deliver his farewell speech.

The Captain gave a most perfunctory farewell speech – standard platitudes – thanking everyone – saying that he would cherish his Naval Career – etc. – etc.

Then – everyone walked towards the buffet dinner laid out on tables.

After dinner – as I walked towards my cabin – an Officer accosted me – and he said to me: “The Captain wants to speak to you…”

“The Captain who retired today…?” I asked.

“Yes…” the Officer said, “Come with me – he is waiting for you…”

I walked with the Officer to the foyer of the Mess.

I saw the Captain standing with a group of Officers.

From his body language – he seemed to be quite drunk.

Maybe – the Officers had forced him to gulp the customary “down the hatch” Pegs of Neat Whisky given to Officers being Wined Out.

The moment he saw me – the Captain slurred: “I wanted to see you before I go…”

Yes – he was quite drunk.

The Captain looked at me – and – he said to me: “I am very sorry for the injustice I have done to you….”

I said to him: “It is okay, Sir – I believe that everything happens for the good…”

“Not for me…” the Captain said, “I am paying for my sins – my “Karma” has caught up with me…”

“Please, Sir – don’t get emotional…” the other Officers said – and – they took to Captain to the Staff Car in the Porch.

The Captain got inside the Staff Car – and – the Staff Car drove away.

Next morning – my Boss called me to his office and asked me to take over duties quickly so that my predecessor could be relieved and proceed to Mumbai for his “sea time”.

We finished handing/taking over by 12 Noon – and – my predecessor invited me for a glass of beer in the Navy Wardroom.

While we were sipping beer – I told my predecessor about the way the retiring Captain had apologized to me.

“That Captain – had it not been for this stupid mistake – he would have reached Flag Rank…” my predecessor said.

“Stupid mistake…?” I said.

“Yes – he was forced to “put in his papers” and retire…” my predecessor said.

“But why…?” I said.

“Moral Turpitude – Conduct unbecoming of an Officer…” my predecessor said.

“Conduct unbecoming of an officer…?” I said – surprised.

“Yes. He was caught stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife…” my predecessor said.

“Bloody Hell…” I said.

“The Officer with whose wife the Captain had an affair – the “cuckold” officer – his name is “S” – you may know him – he is roughly of your seniority…” my predecessor said.

“Of course – I know “S” – he is my course-mate – but we haven’t met after the Academy days…” I said, “But hasn’t “S” gone on foreign deputation – so – how could the Captain have an affair with his wife…?”

“Well – “S” has gone a 6 month foreign deputation – and – you can take your wife only if the deputation period is for more than a year – so – “S” left his wife behind in Delhi – and the Captain was having a “good time” with her – and rumors reached the ears of the Big Boss – and you know how “straitlaced” he is…” my predecessor said, “so the Captain was asked to put in his papers and leave the service the honorable way…”

“That’s sad – now wonder the Captain was feeling so guilty…” I said.

“Well – it’s a double whammy for the Captain – he lost his job – and – he lost his wife too...” my predecessor said.

“He lost his wife…?” I said.

“The Captain was living alone in Delhi – his wife lives in Bangalore – it seems that she was totally clueless about her husband’s affair going on in Delhi – but now – she has come to know about her husband’s adultery – and – I believe she is divorcing him…” my predecessor said.

“What about “S”…? Does “S” know about his wife’s “hanky-panky” – that she was having an affair with the Captain…?” I asked.

“Well – I don’t know – “S” is still abroad – but then – I believe the affair was going on for quite some time – even before “S” left for the foreign deputation…” my predecessor said.

“So – it may be a “Quid Pro Quo”…?”

“Maybe…” my predecessor said, “let’s finish our beers and get back to office and tell the Boss that you have taken over my duties…”

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)

Coursemates

COURSEMATES

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

PROLOGUE

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”

This quote by American Poet Maya Angelou is so true – at least in my case.

I have so many untold stories inside me – and – I want to tell them as quickly as possible – to alleviate the “agony” of bearing untold stories inside me.

Dear Reader:

The story I am going to tell you – well – I kept it inside me – for a long time – untold – and – even now – I am quite hesitant to tell you this story – because I had promised someone that I would keep it to myself – but now – I must tell you this story – and mitigate the “agony” of carrying the burden of untold stories.

COURSEMATES – Story by Vikram Karve

This story happened long ago when I was on the faculty of IAT Girinagar Pune.

Girinagar is a picturesque and most verdant place – surrounded by green densely forested hills.

Every evening – I would walk up the steep climb to the top of Girinagar Hill.

The view from Girinagar Hill is awesome.

You can see the backwaters of Panshet and Varasgaon Dams in the distance – and close-by – down below – is the serene expanse of the blue waters of Khadakwasla Lake – held back by the mighty Khadakwasla Dam.

The metamorphosis at sunset is enthralling.

The dance of colours – on the waters of the lake – from yellow to orange to crimson to blue to grey to black – and – a corresponding synchronized panoply of colours in the sky.

And then – twilight – followed by a still darkness.

Every evening – I would watch this fascinating spectacle of sunset – and then – I would leisurely walk down – relaxed in mind and body – have a comforting hot shower – enjoy a leisurely drink or two – and eat a fulfilling dinner – then drowse off into tranquil soothing sleep – sheer bliss.

One evening – when I reached the top of Girinagar Hill – I saw a young woman standing there – a beautiful youthful lady – she looked very pretty in Jeans and a Red T-Shirt – which suited her slim and trim figure very well.  

I recognized her at once – she was Mrs. “R” – the wife of a “student” officer.

Dear Reader – let me digress and tell you that – at that point of time – I was the “Officer-in-Charge” of an Advanced Post Graduate Course – aka – “Course OIC”.

The “Students” of that course were Naval Officers of roughly 10 years’ commissioned service – senior Lieutenants.

In those days – around 35 years ago – in the 1980’s – in the Navy – you were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant after 3 years’ commissioned service – you remained in the rank of Lieutenant for 8 long years – and then – you were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander after 11 years’ commissioned service.

Most of the “student officers” were newly-married – yes – most of them had got married after finishing off their sea-time – just before coming for the 2 years’ long course – and – a few were married for 2-3 years and had small babies – and – sometimes – there was a solitary bachelor.

Mrs. “R” had married Lieutenant “R” while he was doing the course – and – they were married for around 6 months. For them – it was “honeymoon time” on the course – in the lovely “hill station” environment of Girinagar.

Mrs. “R” smiled at me.

I smiled back at her.  

“Good to see you here…” I said, “The air is so pure and the view is so lovely – I come here every evening to watch sunset…”

“I know…” she said, “I have come to meet you…”

“You came here to meet me – over here…?” I said – my imagination aroused.

“Yes…” she said, “I thought this would be the best place where we could talk in private…”

“In private…?” I said – wondering what she had in mind.

“Yes…” she said, “my husband said that you were sending transfer recommendations…”

“Yes. In fact – I am going to Delhi myself for some work – so – I will go to DOP and get their transfer letters issued…” I said, “I will try and get all officers their first choice…”

“My husband had given INS Valsura Jamnagar as his first choice…” Mrs. “R” said.

“I know – that’s the best place for him to go – INS Valsura is a prestigious training establishment – ideal for your husband – he is topping the course – so instructional duties are most suitable for him – it will be good for his career too – besides – you will easily get married accommodation over there – which will be good for you too – so that you can enjoy a happy married life…” I said to Mrs. “R”.

“I believe Lieutenant “H” has also given the same choice of station…” Mrs. “R” said to me.

“Yes…” I said, “Lieutenant “H” has also given his first choice as INS Valsura. I am sure Lieutenant ”H” and your husband – both of them will get their first choice – since they like to appoint officers as instructors over there when they are fresh from their Post-Graduate Course…”

“That’s what I don’t want…” Mrs. “R” said.

“What do you mean…?” I asked her, “You don’t want to go to Jamnagar…?”  

“I don’t care where we go. But – I don’t want to go to the same place where Lieutenant “H” goes. I want to separate my husband from Lieutenant “H” – so – please transfer my husband to some other place – or – transfer Lieutenant “H’ to some other place – I don’t want both of them to be transferred to the same place…” Mrs. “R” said in a beseeching voice.

“Oh. But I thought that “H” and your husband were good friends…” I said.

“That’s the problem – they are not just friends – they are inseparable – “H” and my husband – they constantly want to be together – and – that is causing problems for me – and – affecting our marriage…” Mrs. “R” said.

“Affecting your marriage…?” I said, taken aback.

“Yes – there can’t be three persons in a marriage – isn’t it…?” she said.

“Three persons in a marriage…? I hope it is not what I am thinking. Is “H” trying to “misbehave” with you in any way…?” I said.

“No – No – Not at all. Lieutenant “H” is a thorough gentleman…” she said.

“That’s what I thought – from whatever I have observed as the OIC of the course – “H” seems to be a well-mannered and refined person – a good officer and a true gentleman…” I said.

“That’s true – but – how can I explain to you…?” she said.

“Well – you’ll have to tell me something…” I said.

Mrs. “R” paused for a moment – then she said to me:

“My husband and “H” – they have been close friends for over 12 years – in boarding school – in the Academy – and later – in the Navy – they were hostel-mates – course-mates – squadron-mates – and later – both joined the same Technical Branch so that they could do their degree engineering course together – they did their training together – they opted for Vizag so that they could be on ships based there – and now – they have come for this course together – someone told me that they could have opted for “M. Tech.” at IIT’s – but then – they may have got selected for different IIT’s – so – they opted for this course at IAT – so that they could be together for 2 years…”

“So – they are really good friends – “inseparable” – as you say…” I said.

“Yes – it’s terrible – they just can’t be without each other. And worse – it seems that “H” has got my husband under his spell…” she said.

“Under his Spell…? Your husband is “under his spell”…?” I asked – curious.

“My husband is constantly thinking of him – even when my husband is physically with me – it is “H” who is in my husband’s thoughts – it seems that my husband is in love with him – the way they behave – my husband and “H” – they seem to be in love with each other…” Mrs. “R” said.

“Love with each other…? Oh No…!!! I hope they are not…” I hesitated, “I don’t know how to say it…”

“Say what…?” she said.

“I hope they are not “Bum Chums” – I mean – have you noticed anything “unnatural” about their relationship…?” I said – feeling embarrassed.

“No. No…” she laughed, “I don’t think they have a “gay” relationship – it’s just intense brotherly love – a deep friendship…”

“That’s good…” I said.

“But – it’s an unequal friendship – “H” seems to dominate my husband – and – my husband “Hero Worships” him – my husband is devoted to “H” – as if “H” were his “God”…” she said, “My husband blindly listens to “H” – he wants to involve “H” in everything – and – I feel as if I am the “odd man out”…”

“Oh…” I said.

“Just yesterday – we wanted to go shopping – and – as usual – “H” tagged along – and – I wanted to buy yellow curtains and bedcovers – but “H” suggested blue – so – my husband bought blue curtains and bedcovers…” Mrs. “R” said, “He interferes in everything – and – my husband listens to him and ignores me…”  

“Should I talk to your husband – or – should I warn “H” to keep away…?” I said.

“No. No. It will make matters worse – and – my husband should never know that I spoke to you and told you all this…” she said, “I just want to separate them – I want to get “H” out of my husband’s life – and then – I will claim my husband for myself. It has to be done quietly and subtly. And – I thought the best way is to get them transferred to different places – and get “H” out of our lives. So – I thought it would be best to speak to you…”

“I will see what I can do…” I said.

“Please – you must help me – I am depending on you – I am ready to go to any place – as long as “H” is not there…” Mrs. “R” said.

“Okay – I will ensure that your husband and “H” are not posted at the same place…” I said.

“Thank you so much…” Mrs. “R” said, “I shall always remain grateful to you…”

While we were talking – the sun had gone below the horizon – the sky was enveloped with a light orange glow of the last rays of the sun from below the horizon.

Soon – twilight would descend – and – it would get dark.

So – I said to Mrs. “R”:

“It’s getting late – let’s go down before it gets dark…” 

We started walking back.

An amusing thought came to my mind – so – I smiled to myself.

“What are you thinking…?” Mrs. “R” asked me.

“Nothing…” I said.

“I know what you are thinking…” she said.

“No. No. I am not thinking anything…” I said.

“Are you wondering whether “H” came with us on our honeymoon…?” she asked with a mischievous smile.

“Did he…?” I asked her.

“Thankfully not…!!! But he had arranged everything – our honeymoon was a gift from “H”…” Mrs. “R” said.

“Did “H” oppose your marriage…? I mean – your husband and “H” were bosom friends – so maybe – “H” didn’t want to share his friend with anyone else…” I said.

“Well – he seemed to “approve” of me…” Mrs. “R” said, “When we send my photo – my husband showed my photo to “H” – he liked me – and later – he came along with his husband to our place when they had come to “see” me – and – he attended our marriage too…”

“That’s good…” I said, “At least – “H” is not jealous of you…”

“I am jealous of him – of his close friendship with my husband…” Mrs. “R” said, “I have to claim my husband for myself – and you are going to help me…”

“Yes…” I said, “I will ensure that your husband and “H” are posted as far apart as possible…”

“Thank you…” she said, “The campus is near. I will go ahead – it won’t look good if we are seen together. And by the way – my husband has called “H” for dinner – so – I will have to endure their “band of brothers” comradeship for the entire evening…”

A few days later – when I visited my friend at DOP in Delhi – I did the needful – and – Mrs. R’s husband – Lieutenant “R” – he was posted to Bangalore – and – Lieutenant “H” would go to Jamnagar (as per his choice).

(There was a billet vacant in Bangalore – and – it was sheer coincidence that Bangalore was the hometown of Lieutenant and Mrs. “R”…)

A few days later – when the transfer orders came and were distributed – at the end of working hours – I found Lieutenant “H” and Lieutenant “R” standing outside my office.

“What is the matter…?” I said – in an authoritative voice.

Lieutenant “H” spoke first:

“Sir – Lieutenant “R” has been posted to Bangalore – he had given his choice as Jamnagar…”

I shouted at Lieutenant “H”:

“Why the hell are you bothered about Lieutenant “R”…? You worry about yourself. You have got your choice – haven’t you…? Now – you bugger off from here – vamoose…”

Both of them started to move away.

I said to Lieutenant “R”:

“You wait – I want to speak to you – alone…”

After Lieutenant “H” had gone away – I said to Lieutenant “R”:

“You are lucky – you have got a prestigious R&D appointment – and that too – in your hometown Bangalore – now – you make the most of it – and do well in your career. Do you understand…?”

“Aye Aye, Sir…” Lieutenant “R” said to me.

Then – he saluted me – and he went away.

EPILOGUE

As was the practice – we held a grand course farewell party when the course passed out – there was music – there was dancing – and the booze was flowing freely.

We – my Wife and I – we were watching the dancing couples – when Mrs. “R” walked up to me – and – she said to me: “May I have a dance with you…?”

“Sure – I would love to dance with you…” I said to Mrs. “R”.

As we danced – Mrs. “R” said to me: “Look at them – sitting at the bar and drowning their sorrows…”

I looked towards the bar – I saw Lieutenant “H” and Lieutenant “R” sitting together and drinking. Indeed – they seemed to be “drowning their sorrows” – they looked quite morose – maybe they were feeling sad at being separated after so many years of togetherness.  

“So – off to Bangalore…?” I said to Mrs. “R”.

“Yes. We are leaving tomorrow morning by Train – “H” is coming to see us off at the Railway Station – and – I am just waiting to see the tearful farewell scenes when the train leaves…” she said, naughtily.

“Now – you will have your husband fully to yourself – and – that too in your hometown…” I said to Mrs. “R”.

“Thank you so much…” Mrs. “R” said, “It is all because of you – I will always be grateful to you…”

Suddenly – my wife “cut in” – and – I had to interrupt my dance with Mrs. “R” – and – I started dancing with my wife.

While leaving – Mrs. “R” said to me once again: “Thank you so much for all you have done for me…”

My wife asked me: “What was she thanking you for…? What have you done for her…?”

“It’s nothing…” I said.

“What do you mean “it’s nothing”…?” my wife said, “She is a student officer’s wife – and – you are so “pally” with her – she asks you for a dance and you dance so romantically with her – and then – she “Thanks You” – I hope you two haven’t been doing some “hanky-panky”…”

I looked at my wife and said to her: “Let’s go out – I will explain everything…”

We walked out towards the lawns – and – I told my wife the whole story.

VIKRAM KARVE

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