SHORT FICTION STORY
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LOVE IN LOCKDOWN
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LOCKDOWN LOVE STORY
Short Fiction
By
VIKRAM KARVE
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PART 1
LOVE IN LOCKDOWN
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I was thrilled.
My father was getting married.
And – we were going to Switzerland.
______
It all happened during the COVID Lockdown.
My father and this woman called Monika – they met online
on a webinar – and then – they got connected on LinkedIn – professionally.
Both of them were Software Engineers – involved in
developing banking and financial software – and they participated quite often
in online webinars, discussions etc. on the topic – and became members of
various groups interested in the subject.
Also – they interacted on a one-to-one basis quite often.
At first – their interaction was mostly work related
Then – they became friends – on “Social Media” – on
Facebook and Twitter.
And soon – they started interacting online at a more
personal level – DMs – emails – private messages – chats – video calls – on
Zoom – on WhatsApp – almost every day.
And – in due course – they took their relationship to the
next level – and they became quite intimate with each other – virtual romance –
online dating – call it what you like – it went on for 2 years – and finally –
they decided to get married.
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PART 2
NISHA
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My father’s office colleague Nisha – she is taken aback –
and baffled – at my father’s decision to get married to Monika.
“You haven’t even met her…!!!” Nisha says to my father,
“how can you marry someone you haven’t even met…!!!”
“We are interacting online for over 2 years now – we know
everything about each other – we are both Software Engineers – our interests
are the same – financial and banking software – and we are so compatible – we
are “made for each other” – I really feel she is an ideal wife for me…” my
father says to Nisha.
“How can you decide that someone is “ideal” for you just
by an online friendship…?” Nisha says.
“We have been quite intimate…” my father says to Nisha.
“Intimate…? Online…?” Nisha says, perplexed.
“I don’t want to discuss all this – she proposed marriage
– and – I agreed…” my father says.
“I strongly feel you should meet her in person first –
spend time with her – before taking such a big step – and directly getting
married to her…” Nisha says.
“Please Nisha – we have taken the decision to get married
– there is no going back now…” my father says.
“But you should have asked me before taking this
decision…” Nisha says.
“I have told you everything about Monika – you have even
“talked” to her once or twice when we were having a Video Call and you were
here with me…” my father says to Nisha.
“But you never said that you were going to marry her…”
Nisha says.
“I am telling you now – in fact – you are the first
person I am telling…” my father says.
“I wish you would have asked me – we could have
discussed…” Nisha says.
“It happened so fast – just a few minutes ago we had a
Video Chat – she asked me to marry her – and – I said “YES” – and I called you
over to tell you the news. Monika is a good person – we know each other for
more than 2 years now…” my father says.
Nisha looks at my father and speaks.
“I am not saying that she is a bad person – she seems to
be a good person – but how can you just marry someone based on a few Video
Calls – shouldn’t you meet her in person – assess her – do due diligence –
before taking the most important decision of your life…?” Nisha says to my
father, trying to convince him.
“I am in love with her…” my father says.
“Are you crazy…? How can you fall in love with her by
just interacting with her online…? Without even meeting her in real life…?”
Nisha says, in assertive tone.
“Please Nisha – it is my personal matter – I don’t want
you to discuss this any further…” my father says.
“It seems you have made up your mind to marry her…” Nisha
says, looking a bit angry.
“Yes – it’s final – I am getting married to Monika…” my
father says to Nisha.
“When are you planning to get married…?” Nisha asks my
father.
“As soon as possible…” my father said, “maybe this month
itself…”
Nisha looks at my father – she looks disconcerted and
speaks in a flabbergasted tone.
“What…? Are you crazy…? What is the crashing hurry to get
married…?” Nisha says, anxiously.
“I am in my 30’s – isn’t it high time I get married…?” my
father says, emphatically.
“So – she is going to come and live with you over here in
Pune…?” Nisha asked my father.
“No – I am going to migrate to Switzerland…” my father
said.
“What…? You are going to Switzerland…? What about your
job…?” Nisha asked my father, curious.
“There are plenty of jobs for me over there…” my father
said, “Switzerland is one of the best countries to work in as a Software
Engineer – especially for developers of financial and banking software, like
me…”
“Oh – so you have thought about everything…” Nisha said,
looking pensive.
“Yes – I have discussed all this in detail with Monika –
she is in Switzerland for over 10 years now – she is a Swiss Citizen – as her
husband – I can get a permanent residency – and eventually – I can become a
Swiss Citizen too…” my father says.
“Oh – so she has everything well planned and worked out…”
Nisha says, sarcastically.
For some time – there is silence.
Then – my father speaks.
“I need your help, Nisha…” my father says to Nisha.
“My help…?” Nisha says, looking confused.
My father looks at me lovingly – and then – he speaks to
Nisha.
“I will be taking “Tiger” with me to Switzerland – I want
you to help me out…” my father says to her.
“Of course – I’ll find out the procedure and we’ll talk
tomorrow – on our way to work…” Nisha says.
“I am depending on you…” my father says to Nisha.
“Come on, Amit – you can always depend on me – you know
that…” Nisha says, with a loving look in her eye.
Then – Nisha looks at me and smiles.
I run up to her.
She lovingly cuddles me.
________
PART 3
TIGER
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My name is “Tiger”.
But – I am not a Tiger.
I am Dog.
Dear Reader – let me tell you my story.
_______
After reading the story I have told you so far – you must
be wondering if I understand human language – when human people speak to each
other.
Most humans think that dogs cannot understand “human
language”.
But – I can understand what humans are speaking – at
least – I can clearly understand what my father says to me – and also – when
humans speak to each other.
Maybe – this is because I have lived with a human (my
father) ever since I was born – around two years ago.
And – I have met only human beings so far in my life –
mostly Nisha – and some of my father’s friends who visit occasionally.
________
I live in a bungalow in a posh residential society in
Pune – it is a society of spacious bungalows – no multistorey buildings – no
flats – no apartments.
Our bungalow – has a huge garden – a lovely lawn – plenty
of place for me to play.
I live in the bungalow with my father – yes – my human
father – he is around 30 years old – his name is Amit – he is single – yes – he
doesn’t have a human wife – and – he is a Software Engineer – an “IT Techie” –
who works in a prestigious IT Company in Hinjewadi IT Park.
My father doesn’t own the bungalow – the owners live in
the US with their children – and they come to live here once or twice in a year
– to spend their holidays.
The bungalow has an “outhouse” – a small cottage – where
my father lives as a “paying guest” – or a “tenant” – and – though the bungalow
is locked – we have the entire compound to ourselves – which is really great for
me – to play around in the garden whole day.
_________
One evening – around 2 years ago – my father came home
from work in the evening – and – he found a small puppy outside the gate of the
bungalow.
The small puppy was me.
I don’t know how I landed up outside the gate of the
bungalow.
My father (Amit) – he picked up the small puppy (Me) –
and – he carried me inside his house – and – he put me on a sofa.
Then – my father called Nisha – his office colleague –
and he told her about me – the small puppy he had found abandoned outside his
bungalow gate.
Nisha is an animal lover – an animal rights activist –
she rescues animals – especially dogs.
Yes – she is a true dog lover.
Nisha and my father, Amit, - they were classmates in
college where they studied Computer Science – and later – they joined the same
Software Company – and now – they are work colleagues too.
Nisha lives nearby – and both of them – my father and
Nisha – they catch the company bus at 8 AM in the morning to go to work to the
IT Park in Hinjewadi – and – they return in the evening by the same bus.
They have been good friends for many years now – though
my father is not much of an animal lover – and he doesn’t share the same “love
of animals” passion as Nisha – who spends her weekends at the animal rescue
shelter – and tending to stray dogs and getting them neutered – she always
rushes to rescue abandoned cats and dogs – and animals in distress – and tries
to find them homes where they can be adopted.
_______
My father knows all about Nisha’s love for animals –
especially dogs – and her animal rights activities.
So – after picking me up from roadside outside his
bungalow gate and bringing me home – the first thing my father did – was to
call Nisha – and tell her to take me away with her to the rescue shelter.
“He is very small…” Nisha said, taking me in her hand and
looking at me, “he’ll have to be kept home for some days till I can find
someone to adopt him…”
“You take him to your home…” my father said, “You know
that I don’t like dogs…”
“You say that you don’t like dogs – but you rescued him –
didn’t you…?” Nisha says to my father.
“He is so small – and he looked helpless – he seemed so
scared and I think he was crying – so – I felt pity on him and I brought him
home – now – you take him…” my father says.
“He must be the runt of the litter – he must have got
separated from his mother – anyway – he is very small – he is an orphaned puppy
– just a few days old – I’ll go out and try to find his mother and the litter
of puppies – meanwhile – you feed him some baby dog milk…” Nisha says.
“Baby Dog Milk…?” my father asks Nisha.
My father looks at Nisha, clueless.
Nisha laughs and she picks up her bag and gives it to my
father.
“Don’t worry – I have got everything with me – you’ll
find the feeding bottle with nipple inside – I will show you everything – how
to feed and look after a baby puppy…” Nisha says to my father.
“After you feed him – please take the puppy with you to
your home – I don’t want to keep the dog here…” my father says, anxiously.
“Okay – Okay – Amit – Relax…” Nisha says, “I’ll feed the
puppy – take him with me and look for his mother if she is nearby – and – if I
find her – I will leave the puppy with his mother…”
After some time – Nisha thrusts a baby milk bottle nipple
into my mouth – but – I can’t drink much of the baby dog milk.
Then – Nisha wraps me in a towel – and takes me outside –
and my father Amit follows her.
They search for my mother – but can’t find her – so – we
return to my father’s home.
“I am hungry…” Nisha says to my father, “you order some
food – then – I’ll go home…”
“You take the puppy with you…” my father says to Nisha.
“Yes – Yes – I am taking the puppy with me…” Nisha says
to my father, “I am feeling hungry – you quickly order some good food now –
even a pizza will do…”
The pizza arrives and they start eating the pizza.
Then – suddenly – Nisha’s mobile phone rings.
Nisha looks at the screen and says: “It’s my mother…”
Then she takes the call and says to her mother: “Hello,
Ma…”
Nisha listens for some time – there is a look of
confusion on her face – as she speaks to my father, Amit.
“Hey, Amit – just switch on the TV – my mother says that
they have announced a “lockdown” for COVID – she is calling me to her home…” Nisha
says to my father, Amit.
My father switches on the TV.
They have announced a nationwide lockdown from midnight –
for a period of 21 days.
I still remember that date – the 24th of March
2020 – the day my father found me abandoned outside his bungalow gate – rescued
me – and gave me a new life.
“My mother is all alone – it’s already 9 o’clock – just 3
hours to lockdown – I’ll go and get her over here to my house…” Nisha says.
“Okay…” my father says, “what about the puppy…?”
“Let me go and get my mother first…” Nisha says to my
father, “I’ll take the puppy with me in the morning – I think we will be
allowed to move around within our society…”
“Okay – but – what should I do…?” my father asks Nisha.
“You just keep him warm – let him sleep in the bed with
you – let him feel you – he must be missing his mother…” Nisha says.
Nisha goes away.
I sleep comfortably in my father’s arms – he feeds me “Baby
Dog Milk” in the morning.
Nisha doesn’t come next morning.
So – my father calls up Nisha.
“I am sorry, Amit – I am stuck at my mother’s place – she
refused to leave her house – so – I have no option but to stay with her in her
house till lockdown is relaxed…” Nisha says to my father.
“But what about the puppy…? I can’t look after it myself…”
my father says, anxious.
“You don’t worry, Amit – you can call me whenever you
like – also – I will keep sending you instructions by WhatsApp – and – I will have
a few cans of “Baby Dog Milk” delivered to you at your house – I know some
influential Vets and Animal Rights Activists – they will manage a lockdown pass
and have the items delivered to you – I will see if one of my Vet friends can
visit you and have a look at the puppy – you don’t worry – I will come and take
the puppy the moment lockdown is relaxed…” Nisha says to my father, trying to
assure him.
True to her words – Nisha sends a Vet to visit us the
next day – he checks me up – and he gives my father some medicines – and some
Baby Dog Milk, Puppy Milk Replacer etc – and he tells my father what to do.
My father looks after me with love and care.
He is home all day – and he starts working from home –
sitting in bed in front of his laptop – while is nestle and cosy up next to
him.
Nisha and my father – they keep talking and exchanging
messages about me.
Nisha has to stay at her old mother’s place since her mother’s
servants and caretaker can’t come because of strict lockdown.
_______
The lockdown keeps getting extended – and – by the time Nisha
comes back to her house – almost two months have passed.
Nisha looks at me – and seems very happy.
“I must say that you have looked after the puppy very
well…” she tells my father.
“By the way – the puppy is 2 months old now – ready for
adoption – I asked around and have found a nice home for him – a family who
wants an Indie puppy…” Nisha says to my father.
“No…” my father says, “let him stay with me – anyway – I
am working from home – and – he is good company…”
“Why the sudden change of heart…?” Nisha asks, curious, “You
didn’t even want to keep him for one night…”
My father smiles at Nisha – he picks me up – and cuddles me.
“I have started loving him – maybe because he is an
orphan – just like me…” my father says.
“Please don’t say such things, Amit – don’t keep saying
you are an “orphan” – I have told you so many times…” Nisha scolds my father.
“Okay – Okay – but I want to keep the puppy with me – I
am home 24/7 – I can look after the puppy – and – you can help me out too…”
“Of course – I’ll help you out in looking after your
puppy – I am so happy you have started loving animals…” Nisha says.
My father looks at me – comfortable in his arms – and
then – he looks at Nisha – who speaks.
“Now that you have decided to keep him – have you decided
a name for him…?” Nisha asks my father.
“Tiger…” my father says, “I have decided to call him
“Tiger” – it’s a good name – isn’t it…?”
“Yes – but why “Tiger”…?” Nisha asks my father.
“Because of the way he growls…” my father says.
“Really…? He is so small…!!!” Nisha says.
“Yes – but I know when he is angry – he makes an internal
sound – like a growl…” my father says.
“He is just like you – “Angry Young Man” – like Father –
like Son…” Nisha says, and she laughs.
______
PART 4
WORK FROM HOME
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For 2 years – from the 24th of March 2020 –
the day my father rescued me from outside his bungalow gate – till March 2022 –
me and my father – we live together 24/7 – as my father works from home.
I enjoy playing in the spacious compound of our bungalow –
and sometimes – my father joins me outside – sitting with his laptop – working –
while he watches me play in the garden.
As I had told you earlier – the bungalow has an
“outhouse” – a small cottage – where my father lives as a “paying guest” – or a
“tenant” – and – though the bungalow is locked – we have the entire compound to
ourselves – which is really great for me – to play around in the garden whole
day.
The owners are still in the US with their children – they
haven’t visited even once since I have come due to COVID – and it seems they
are in no hurry to come back.
Nisha visits us almost every evening – and – once in a
while – some friends of my father come to visit – but due to the fear of COVID –
visitors are very few.
The only time I go out is when we go to the Vet in Nisha’s
car – for my vaccinations and check-ups.
Two years pass happily – and suddenly – my father decides
to get married to Monika – and we are all set to go to Switzerland – where Monika
lives.
As I told you earlier – at first – Nisha is not very
happy about my father marrying Monika – his online love – who he has not even
met personally.
But seeing how much my father loves Monika and is desperate
to marry her – Nisha reconciles and happily accepts my father’s decision to
marry Monika.
Of course – I am going with my father to Switzerland.
Nisha promises my father that she will help out in
arranging my relocation to Switzerland.
Just like humans need passport and visa to travel to another
country – we dogs need travel and relocation documents to relocate to another
country – for which many formalities and procedures have to be done.
Through her contacts – Nisha gets the best pet relocation
agency to arrange my relocation to Switzerland as fast as possible.
Everyone says that Switzerland is one of the most
pet-friendly countries and a lovely place for pets – especially dogs – in natural
beautiful surroundings.
My Father’s Visa comes quite quickly – but my relocation
formalities are going to take some time – as the procedures are quite lengthy
and elaborate.
My father has already quit his job in India – Monika has
arranged a nice job for him in Switzerland – in the same company where she
works – and the online interview and selection process is over.
Now – the moment my “pet passport” is ready – we will fly
to Switzerland.
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PART 5
MONIKA
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“We will have to postpone our
wedding…” my father says to his fiancée Monika.
“Why…?” Monika asks him.
“The Pet Relocation Agency says
it will take around 3 months to complete all formalities…” my father says.
“Pet Relocation Agency…?” she
asks, curious.
“Yes – Tiger has to be
microchipped, vaccinated, rabies titer test and waiting period for a month or
so – before I can apply for an import permit to bring him to Switzerland with
me and get a “pet passport” – all this may take around 3 months or so…” my
father says to his fiancée Monika.
“Don’t tell me you are getting
your dog with you…?” Monika asks my father.
“Of course…” my father says.
“But you didn’t tell me…” Monika
protests.
“What is there to tell…?” my
father says.
“But why didn’t you ask me…?”
Monika says to my father.
“I presumed…” my father says –
when Monika interrupts him.
“You presumed…? How can you take
me for granted…?” Monika says to my father.
“You know I have a pet dog called
“Tiger” – you have seen his pictures with me…” my father says to his fiancée
Monika.
“Yes – I know you have a dog – I
have seen his pictures – but – I don’t want you to get your dog over here – I
am uncomfortable with dogs…” she says.
“How can you suddenly say all
this…? Don’t you remember – when I showed you Tiger’s pictures and videos – you
said he is so lovable and smart…” my father says to Monika.
“That’s all fine – but – I don’t
want you to get the dog here…” Monika says to my father.
“What do you mean: “you don’t
want me to get my dog”…? How can I leave him behind…? Tiger has been with me
for more than 2 years now. We have been living together 24/7 – “Tiger” is much
more than a mere dog – he is like a child to me. I have to get him with me to
Switzerland. I can’t abandon him…” my father says.
“I am not telling you to abandon
him – you can give him for adoption – or – put him in a shelter…” Monika says.
“No. No. Tiger is not going
anywhere. He is coming with me – and – he will stay with us in our house…” my
father says to Monika.
“I don’t want your dog over here
– not in my house – that’s final…” Monika says, in a firm voice.
“What do you mean by saying:
“that’s final”…?” my father asks Monika.
“You have to choose between me
and your dog…” Monika says to my father, sounding adamant.
“Are you giving me an
ultimatum…?” my father asks her.
“Yes – if you want to marry me –
you will have to come alone – you can’t get that dog with you…” Monika says, in
a categorical tone.
“Okay – if that’s what you want –
I’m not coming…” my father says, irked at her obstinate stance.
“What…? Have you gone crazy…? Are
you dumping me for the sake of a dog…? You want to call off our marriage…?”
Monika asks my father, in disbelief.
“I didn’t say that – I just said
that I will be bringing Tiger along with me – come on – be a little
accommodating – I am sure we will be able to live together happily…” my father
says, in a conciliatory tone.
“No. I don’t want a dog in the
house…” Monika says, uncompromising and obdurate.
“But why…? I clearly remember you
saying that you like “Tiger”…” my father says, trying to placate her.
“Well – “liking” a dog – “liking”
a picture of a dog – it is different from living with a dog in your house 24/7
– I can’t do it – sorry – but – I can’t live with a dog in my house…” Monika
says.
“Please try – I am sure you will
like having Tiger in the house – he will love you too…” my father says to his
fiancée Monika, trying to convince her.
“I think we are going round in
circles – saying the same thing again and again – you just give me a
“YES” or “NO”…?” Monika says,
with irritation in her voice.
“What do you mean “Yes” or
“No”…?” my father asks her, “there is no need to be so abrupt – we can talk
about this…”
_______
There is silence for some time.
Then Monika speaks to my father –
in a persuasive voice.
“Please be reasonable – I am sure
you can find a good home for your dog – ask your friend Nisha – she can keep
him – or find him a good home…” Monika says to my father, trying to convince
him to keep me behind in Pune – while he goes alone to her in Switzerland.
“You are not getting the point…!
I love Tiger like my own child. I can’t live without him…” my father says,
unequivocally.
“Oh – but you can live without
me…?” Monika says, incredulously.
“I have been living without you
till now – we haven’t even met so far…” my father says to Monika,
matter-of-factly.
“I have got my answer – Thank You…!!!”
Monika says, angrily.
Before my father can say anything
– Monika starts talking again.
“I don’t want to have anything to
do with you – I am deleting you from my life – so – goodbye – forever – please
don’t try to contact me – I want to cut-off all ties with you – I am
“unfriending” you and blocking you everywhere…” Monika says angrily – and she
disconnects the phone.
________
PART 6
EPIPHANY
_______
My father keeps his smartphone in
his shirt pocket.
He closes his eyes – he has a
pensive look on his face.
After some time – he pulls out
the smartphone from his pocket – and he calls up Nisha.
________
My father calls up Nisha – he
tells Nisha that he is feeling low – and – he asks her to come over.
Nisha comes to our home after a
few minutes.
My father tells Nisha about the
phone conversation with Monika.
Nisha looks at my father and she
tries to console him.
“If you really want to marry her
– you go alone to Switzerland – you don’t worry about Tiger – I will look after
him…” Nisha says to my father.
I feel a tremor of anxiety – a
sense of unease and apprehension.
Will my father leave me behind
and go alone to Switzerland…?
What would happen to me…?
Would Nisha keep me with her…?
Or – would she give me to someone
else to adopt me…?
Or worse – would I have to live
the rest of my life in a horrible dog shelter…?
I feel distraught and frightened.
I desperately want to be with my
father – I love him so much – I can’t imagine living without him.
I feel scared and worried as I
wonder about my uncertain future.
Suddenly – I hear my father’s
voice.
“No…” my father says to Nisha,
“if Monika wants to marry me – she will have to accept Tiger – he is my child –
my son – he comes with me wherever I go…”
Nisha looks at my father and
speaks to him in a loving voice.
“Amit – you are a gem of a person
– if I wasn’t already married – I would have married you…” Nisha says to my
father – and then – she walks up to him and she hugs him tightly.
________
VIKRAM KARVE
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