Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve

THE DANGERS OF CRONYISM

2012-02-01T20:52:00.000+05:30

THE DANGERS OF CRONYISM

VIKRAM KARVE

Nowadays, when things go wrong, we hear so many persons in high positions blame their advisers and subordinates and give the excuse that they were given the wrong advice and that they trusted their advisers and staff and merely followed their advice. This underlines the dangers of cronyism. Yes-men, sycophants and cronies may lead you up the garden path and then leave you high and dry leaving you to fend for yourself when you are in trouble. You must choose your advisers and friends carefully.

In his marvellous autobiography A Soldier's Story General Omar Nelson Bradley vividly describes how he learnt the rudiments of effective leadership from General Marshall which he himself applied throughout the war: “When an officer performed as I expected him to, I gave him a free hand. When he hesitated, I tried to help him. And when he failed, I relieved him”.

Rather than encourage yes-men and cronies who indulge in ego-massage and sycophancy, General Marshal sought contrary opinions: “When you carry a paper in here, I want you to give me every reason you can think of why I should not approve it. If, in spite of your objections, my decision is to still go ahead, then I’ll know I’m right”.

I feel that, in both your professional and personal lives, it is better to seek the opinion of devil’s advocates than surround yourself with yes-men masquerading as advisers. Cronies and Yes-men will indulge in sycophancy and tell you what you want to hear whereas good colleagues and true well-wishers will give you proper advice on what is really good for you.

So, Dear Reader, remember to steer clear of cronies and learn to recognise your true friends.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this article?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book: Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
vikramkarve@gmail.com

THE PETER PRESCRIPTION - Book Review

2012-02-01T10:59:00.000+05:30

How to make things go right

Prescriptions on How To Be Creative Confident and Competent

THE PETER PRESCRIPTION

Book Review

VIKRAM KARVE

Title: The Peter Prescription

Author: Dr. Laurence J. Peter

Published: 1972 (William Morrow)

A Blissful Retired Life gives me the golden opportunity to dust off my favourite books from my bookshelves, sit in the warm morning sun and re-read these lovely books sipping a hot cup of refreshing tea to warm my insides and stimulate my brain.

I have realized that re-reading good books gives me even greater pleasure.

So that’s what I’m going to do for the next few days – browse my bookshelves, re-read some of my favourite books, and tell you about them.

During my college days, in the 1970’s, when I was studying for my B. Tech. degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I read three non-fiction and non-technical books which had a lasting impact on me.

The first was Parkinson’s Law (written in 1958) by Cyril Northcote Parkinson based on the author’s study of the British Civil Service and the Admiralty.

The other two books were written by Dr. Laurence J. Peter – The Peter Principle (1969) and The Peter Prescription (1972).

These three Management Classics greatly influenced my way of looking at life in general and human resource management issues in particular, sometimes with a sense of humor, and I feel that these three books are a must for the bookshelves of every manager.

Written with incisive wit, Parkinson’s Law is a seminal book on the workings of bureaucracy which is essential reading for any student of Management. It is consummate management classic, a masterpiece, which is a “must read” for every manager and management student.

The Peter Principle, a delightful read, provides a superb insight and intriguing study of hierarchiology.

Let me state in brief the Peter Principle:

In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence

and its corollary:

In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent.

If The Peter Principle is Dr. Peter’s seminal pioneering work, then The Peter Prescription is his definitive book, a wondeful all-time management classic.

If you have not read ‘The Peter Principle’, do read my review of the book, the previous post in my weblog right here.

Understanding ‘The Peter Principle’ is sine qua non, essential prerequisite reading, before you embark upon ‘The Peter Prescription’.

Whereas both Parkinson’s Law and The Peter Principle formulate and substantiate their respective theories, The Peter Prescription is a philosophical self-help treatise on how to achieve happiness in all aspects of life.

Written in his same hilarious inimitable style, Dr. Peter exhorts us to be creative, confident and competent by replacing mindless escalation with life-quality improvement. The message of the book is in congruence with eastern philosophies which focus on inward enhancement rather than outward escalation.

In his introduction Dr. Peter states: “Many authors offer answers before they understand the questions…….. I understand the operation of the Peter Principle, and the remedies offered are the product of years of research……… prescriptions will lead to great personal fulfillment and joy of real accomplishment.”

The book, interspersed liberally with quotations and case studies, comprises three parts.

The first, titled Incompetence Treadmill explores why conventional solutions not only fail to alleviate the effects of the Peter Principle but may actually serve to escalate the problems.

His analysis of ‘marital incompetence’ is hilarious.

"A bachelor is a man who looks before he leaps – and then does not leap," Dr. Peter concludes.

With the flattening of hierarchies, I wonder whether, in today's world, there still exist any Professional Processionary Puppets – the organization-men.

It would be worthwhile to look dispassionately, from a distance, into your own organization for similarities to prototypes adorning bureaucracies of yesteryear in order to ascertain whether your own organisation is a modern state-of-the-art progressive one or a rigid hierarchy bound archaic organization heading for decay.

The meat of the book is in Part Two, titled ‘Protect your Competence’which elucidate a total of 25 “prescriptions” on how to remain creative and competent throughout your working and personal life.

There are two things to aim at in life:

First, to get what you want; and second, after you get what you want, to enjoy it.

The prescriptions, which are condensed wisdom of the ages, from ancient to modern, guide us on how to achieve this cardinal aim of life.

“The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness” Dr. Peter quotes with elan in this delightful book.

Competence is a system-governed factor – your competence is as viewed by your bosses (like beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, your competence lies in the eyes of your boss!) and thus the yardsticks of competence are governed by the HR policies in your organization.

Why is everyone around you so competitive...?

Do the HR policies in your organization encourage competition, rat-race and reward escalationary behaviour, and if so, what can you do about it...?

Maybe you can find some answers by exploring the prescriptions.

Let’s have a look at Peter Prescription 3 – The Peter Panorama – which I have used to great effect, which comprises listing your satisfying activities, joyful experiences, pleasant reminiscences, and after introspection make a second list of those which are feasible to do regularly and then make sure you do them whenever feasible.

Enjoyable events begin to crowd out the unpleasant and you feel happy. And, in the extreme, there are prescriptions like utter irrelevance – hilariously effective.

Do read, experiment, and try to imbibe the prescriptions in your professional and personal life, and experience the results for yourself.

Introspect, evolve a philosophy of life, fine tune the art of living, concentrate your efforts within your area of competence, and have an improved quality of life consisting of abiding competence and contentment.

If you cannot be happy here and now, you can never be happy.

Part Three of the book is written from the management perspective giving 42 “prescriptions” to Managers to contain and mitigate the effects of The Peter Principle in their domains and manage for competence.

It views The Peter Principle from the viewpoint of a Human Resource Manager, and assuming the manager himself is not a victim of the Peter Principle and reached his or her level of incompetence, offers valuable tips in the HR Management, particularly recruitment, promotion and selection.

Obviously, outsourcing wasn’t that prevalent way back then in the sixties and seventies, otherwise organizations may even have ‘outsourced’ incompetence.

Isn’t it a brilliant idea to outsource incompetence...?

Maybe some are doing it already...!

As stated in the introduction, the purpose of The Peter Prescription is to help you explore how you yourself can mitigate the effects of The Peter Principle by avoiding the final placement syndrome, and as a manager, it tells you how to keep your employees at their appropriate competence levels so that they remain happy and productive and help achieve mutual optimal benefit.

First read and understand The Peter Principle.

Then apply to your own life The Peter Prescription and experience genuine personal fulfillment and joy of real accomplishment.

VIKRAM KARVE

THE PETER PRINCIPLE - Book Review

2012-02-01T10:36:00.000+05:30

Why Things Always Go Wrong

THE PETER PRINCIPLE

Book Review

VIKRAM KARVE

The Book: The Peter Principle

Authors: Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull

Published: 1969 William Morrow

I think there is a Chinese saying that it is a misfortune to read a good book too early in life.

I think I read ‘The Peter Principle’ too early in life.

And at that time, I being of an impressionable age, the book influenced me so much that I “rose” to my level of incompetence pretty fast, either unintentionally or by subconscious design.

I read ‘The Peter Principle’ in the early seventies, maybe sometime in 1972, when I was studying for my B. Tech. degree in Engineering, and even bought a personal copy of the book in 1974 (which I possess till this day) which, considering my financial status those days, was quite remarkable.

The book, written by Laurence J. Peter in collaboration with Raymond Hull, a management classic and masterpiece in the study of hierarchiology, is so fascinating, riveting and hilarious that once you start reading, it’s unputdownable.

In the first chapter itself, giving illustrative examples, the author establishes the Peter Principle:

In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence

and its corollary:

In time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent.

Dr. Peter writes in racy fictional style and as you read you experience a sense of verisimilitude and in your mind’s eye can see the Peter Principle operating in your very organization. That’s the way to savor the book and to truly understand and imbibe the spirit of The Peter Principle – read an illustrative “case study” in the book and relate it to a parallel example in your organization.

The authors discuss cases which appear to be exceptions like percussive sublimation, lateral arabesque etc and demonstrates that the apparent exceptions are not exceptions.

The Peter Principle applies to all hierarchies.

Discussing the comparative merits and demerits of applying ‘Pull’ versus ‘Push’ for getting promotion, Dr. Peter concludes: Never stand when you can sit; never walk when you can ride, never Push when you can Pull.

He then tells us how to recognize that one has reached one’s state of incompetence (final placement syndrome) and should one have already risen to one’s state of incompetence suggests ways of attaining health and happiness in this state at zero promotion quotient.

Towards the end of his book he illustrates how to avoid reaching the state of incompetence by practicing various techniques of Creative Incompetence. I probably practiced Creative Incompetence quite competently and hopefully I am still at my level of competence!

In conclusion Dr. Peter tries to briefly explore remedies to avoiding life-incompetence which he has elaborated in his follow up book ‘The Peter Prescription’ which is a must-read once you are hooked onto The Peter Principle.

The Peter Principle is a compelling book, written almost forty years ago, and with the flattening of hierarchy and advent of flexible organizational structures and HR practices, it would indeed be worthwhile for young and budding managers to read this book and see to what extent the Peter Principle applies and is relevant in today’s world.

Dear Reader, read The Peter Principle, then look around you in your workplace. Do you see the Peter Principle in operation?

And next, you must read THE PETER PRESCRIPTION - do read the book review right here in my blog.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this book review.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this article?
Why don't you read my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL - Stories About Relationships.

I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: h ttps://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

BREAKUP - My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 42

2012-01-31T21:27:00.000+05:30

My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 42

BREAKUP

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives:

One of my earliest stories - A Short Story of a Modern Relationship

It’s a warm Sunday morning in Pune.

Let’s go to the apartment of a young Double Income No Kids (DINK) couple in a posh residential complex in Aundh.

The man and the woman, both in their late twenties, sit across a table in the drawing room.

Let’s eavesdrop and hear what they are talking...!

“Let’s start with the house,” the man says.

“Okay,” the woman says.

“We bought it for 25. It’s worth more than 50 today.”

“You keep the house,” the woman says.

“Thanks. I knew you would let me keep it,” the man says with a sigh of relief and opens a folder on the table between them. “I’ve worked it out exactly. Here’s a cheque for 15 Lakhs. I’ll take over all your EMIs and your part of the loan. Have a look at the papers and sign.”

The woman signs the papers without reading, picks up the cheque without even looking at it and puts it in her purse.

“The car. You want to keep it...?” the man asks.

“Of course. It’s on my name. I got the loan, remember...!”

“Please. Let’s not start yours and mine again. We agreed the breakup would be as amicable as possible.”

“I’m sorry,” the woman says a bit contrite.

“It’s just that I thought you’d like to buy a new car.”

“No. I like the Santro.”

“Okay. I’ll make do with my old bike for a few days. Then I’ll go in for the SUV I always wanted.”

The woman looks at the wall-clock. “Oh my God...! It’s ten thirty already. The packers and movers will be here any moment. Let’s hurry and finish it off once and for all...!”

“Okay. Let’s go room by room,” the man says.

He gives the woman a notepad and a pen, “You better write it down, so you can tell the packers.”

“You write,” the woman says.

“Okay. Let’s start with the living room.”

“The TV, DVD, Music System – you can keep everything. I only want all the beautiful wrought iron furniture I’ve specially got made.”

“At least leave me a couple of chairs and a table...!” the man pleads.

“Oh, come on...! When will you understand...? It’s a whole set...! You can buy the cheap molded furniture you always liked.”

“Okay. Let’s go to the kitchen.”

“I’ll take the microwave and dishwasher; and some good crockery and cutlery. You keep the stainless steel stuff which you love for its utilitarian value.”

“Don’t be sarcastic...!” the man snaps.

“I’m not being sarcastic...!” the woman answers, “I’m sick and tired of your ‘Value For Money’ obsession. You never like anything elegant and refined.”

“I prefer to drink the best scotch in a stainless steel tumbler rather than a third rate whisky served in fancy cut-glass...!”

“Oh yeah...So go ahead Cheapie...! Once I leave, you can eat out of earthenware bowls and sit on straw mats for all I care...! But I like classy stuff. Oh, yes... I’m taking the new carpet you’ve kept packed inside, those new lace curtains and all the curios.”

“Sure. Take anything you want. Except my books...Please let me have all my books...!”

“Books...! I don’t want any of your books,” the woman says, “That’s all you’ve done. Buy books and wallow in them. With the money you’ve squandered on your books you could have bought me a diamond, the solitaire I wanted for my last birthday.”

“Please Anju...! Let’s not start again.”

“Okay Abhi. I’m sorry. Let’s get all this over with as quickly as possible and part happily as good friends.”

And so they go about it, without a trace of acrimony, scrupulously and systematically, room by room, cupboard by cupboard, item by item – clothes, air conditioner, computer, washing machine, furniture, beds, linen, everything; even the playthings and investments they had diligently accumulated for the unconceived and unborn baby they had planned to have after they both were well established in their careers – each and every asset in the house is meticulously divided between the two and the woman’s items are segregated, packed and loaded in the truck by the packers.

“Thanks for making it so easy,” the woman says.

“You too...!” the man says.

“No hard feelings...?”

“No hard feelings...! It’s best for both of us.”

“I know. We were mismatched, just not compatible, that’s all.”

"There were good times too...!”

“Yes.”

“It had to happen. I’m so happy it’s happened so amicably.”

“Me too. Bye Abhi. Take care,” the woman says and calls out, “Dolly...! Dolly...!”

A cute and fluffy little snow-white Lhasa Apso dog, who till now was sitting quietly in the balcony, runs up to the woman, excitedly wagging its tail. The woman lovingly picks up the adorable little dog in her arms and begins to walk towards the door.

“Hey...? Where are you taking Dolly...?” asks the man apprehensively.

“With me, of course,” the woman says holding the adorable dog in her arms.

“No, you’re not...! Dolly stays with me...!” the man says firmly.

“How can she stay with you...?”

“What do you mean ‘how can she stay with me’...? This is her house. She will stay here like she has stayed all these days. I’ll look after her...” the man says emphatically.

“No. I’m taking Dolly with me. Look how she’s cuddling in my arms...” the woman says.

“She cuddles in my arms too...! Dolly stays with me.You can’t take her...” the man says firmly.

“I’m taking her. Try stopping me...!” the woman says defiantly and moves towards the door.

In a flash, the man rushes to the door and menacingly blocks her way.

The dog senses the tension and stiffens.

“Look, you’re scaring her,” the woman says.

“Give her to me,” the man says in a firm no-nonsense voice and he takes Dolly in his arms and begins baby-talking to her, petting her and gently fondling her neck lovingly with his hand. The dog relaxes, snuggles and begins to lovingly lick his hands.

“Be reasonable, Abhi,” the woman says. “I always assumed Dolly would be coming with me. That’s why I’ve found a ground floor flat with a small garden where she can play. She feels cooped up here and you’ll find it difficult to look after her.”

“How can you assume such things...? Dolly is staying with me. I’ll look after her. You don’t worry.”

“Don’t be stubborn, Abhi...! Give her to me please...” the woman pleads.

“No. Dolly stays right here with me.”

“I’m not going without her.”

“Don’t go...” the man says.

“What do you mean ‘Don’t go’...! We had agreed to the separation and that we would work out things amicably. That there would be no acrimony or rancor and we would always remain good friends. Then why this bitterness at the last moment...? Please give Dolly to me...” the woman says.

“No. Dolly stays with me right here. I can’t live without her.”

“I too can’t live without her.”

“Then stay here...!” the man says.

“Okay. I’ll stay put right here,” the woman says defiantly. “I’m not moving an inch from here till you don’t let me take Dolly with me.”

“Fine...”

In the evening, the man and the woman, the DINK couple, are playing with their cute little dog, Dolly, on the lush green lawns of their residential complex.

Epilogue

Three years ago when our protagonists, the man and the woman, newly married, were in Shillong for their honeymoon, their jolly dog-loving uncle, a retired Colonel, presented them with a beautiful month old baby female Lhasa Apso pup as a wedding gift. He had already named her Dolly. The Colonel’s wife scolded him saying that the pet would encumber the young couple’s married life.

In fact, their darling pet dog Dolly saved the DINK marriage. She turned out to be their bundle of joy - the "Kid" in the "Double Income No Kids" family.

VIKRAM KARVE

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

This is a story from my short stories book COCKTAIL.

Did you like this story?

I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships.

To order the book please click the links below:

FLIPKART

http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme

INDIAPLAZA

http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm

APK Publishers

http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the link below:

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6

SMASHWORDS

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

AN UNFORGETTABLE INDIAN DERBY - a Punter Walks Down Memory Lane

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000+05:30

INDIAN DERBY 1980

An Unforgettable Race

A PUNTER WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

VIKRAM KARVE

It’s been a long time since I visited the race course to watch horse racing, the King of Sport and the Sport of Kings.

But Derby Day is fast approaching and I am quite excited as to who is going to win the greatest classic of the season at the Mahalakshmi Race Course the Indian Derby on Sunday.

I can never forget that exciting afternoon on my very first day at the races, Sunday the 3^rd of February 1980, when I was so lucky to witness the crème de la crème of horse races in India – The Indian Derby, run on the first Sunday of February every year since 1943.

I still have vivid memories of that wonderful afternoon, though almost 32 years have passed since that delightful Derby day.

I was working in Mumbai then and a number of my colleagues were avid punters, as race-goers are called.

The excitement started on Wednesday when the declarations appeared in the newspapers and the conversations were abuzz with heated discussions as to would win the Indian Derby – Aristocrat or Everynsky?

Well, Aristocrat and Everynsky were both favourites to win the Derby and each had their passionate followers. But there were other good horses in the fray too, notably a horse called Mohawk.

By Friday the papers, both the newspapers and the race tabloids, were full of predictions, and both Aristocrat and Everynsky had top following, but Mohawk too was tipped to win by a few tipsters.

Come Saturday evening and the Cole Race Books were duly picked up from the bookstall at Churchgate and my punter friends were in a frenzy, calculating, computing, what they were going to wager – in the Derby, and in the other races too, at the bookmakers and at the tote, for the jackpot, the treble and the tanala.

The topic of conversation during our Sunday morning walk on the Marine Drive was the Indian Derby, with “expert opinions” being freely aired. After a brunch of Kheema Pav and Chai at our favourite Stadium Restaurant next to Churchgate Railway Station we took off by local train to Mahalakshmi. We made it a point to purchase “return tickets” in case we had a bad day!

Almost everyone got off at Mahalakshmi and the atmosphere in the race course was electrifying. The air was festive, like a carnival, with there were so many two-legged birds in the most fashionable dresses and exotic hats that I wondered whether I should focus on the horses or the beauties.

To a novice like me the whole process was mind-boggling – first see the horses parade in the paddock, then rush to the bookmakers rings, which was surcharged with excitement, look at the odds, look at your own calculations in your Cole, listen to tips, run once more to the paddock to see the jockeys mount and the horses being led off to the starting dates, and then rush back to the bookmakers betting ring to place your bet.

For me it was fun to watch this spectacle because I was only placing modest bets of five and ten rupees on the tote and had decided to just place one bet in the Indian Derby race of a hundred rupees for a win at the bookmakers, though I had not decided on the horse yet – but it was going to be either Aristocrat or Everynsky, whoever offered better odds.

Just before the Indian Derby, as I watched the horses parade in the paddock, I got a premonition, and following my sixth sense I placed my win bet on Mohawk. Most of my punter friends were betting heavily on Everynsky (it seems they had got a last minute “tip”) and the die-hards were backing Aristocrat, those two were the favourites to win, but there was a frenzy of betting on all horses, Mohawk too, as the odds fluctuated wildly.

In the betting ring I observed a pretty young lady observing me as I place my bet and suddenly she asked me, “Who do you like?”

I wanted to say that I liked her, but true to racing form I said, “I like Mohawk,” so she bet on Mohawk too.

It was a fantastic race.

All eyes were on Aristocrat, Jagdish astride, who had a stable-mate as pacemaker, and I think it was the famous Vasant Shinde who was riding Everynsky, but Wally Swinburn magnificently steered Mohawk to victory causing a stunning upset as the Mohawk won the race from a fast finishing Everynsky with Aristocrat left far behind out of the reckoning.

My punter colleagues, most of whom had backed Everynsky and a few who had put their money on Aristocrat, were quite surprised at my win, and as I went to collect my win dividends, I noticed the pretty young girl looking at me and smiling with joy as if we shared some secret. She was delighted that she had outwitted her dad, a dyed-in-the-wool punter, who had bet on Aristocrat. Before she said bye and walked towards the members’ enclosure, she hoped I would be coming to races next Sunday and looked forward to some “expert” tips from me. And that was the beginning of a long and lovely friendship for I was punctually there at the Mahalaxmi Race Course on every Sunday afternoon for the rest of the season. What happened to our beautiful “punters’ romance” – well, that’s another story.

Soon I would have to move out of Mumbai, but whenever I was in Mumbai, I never missed the Indian Derby or any of the other classics. I have enjoyed the races at the magnificent race course at Kolkata, where lady luck favoured me greatly, at Bangalore, where too I was quite lucky, and at Mysore, the most picturesque race course nestling under the Chamundi Hills, and, of course, at the cute little race course at Pune, my home town.

I witnessed many memorable derby races, at Mumbai and elsewhere, but the most extraordinary Indian Derby I remember was in 2003 when a relatively unknown horse called Noble Eagle who was supposed to be a pacemaker flew off from the starting gates, kept galloping at top speed and won the race start to finish causing the biggest upset ever in the Indian Derby.

Guess what – the pretty young lady, who had metamorphosed into a beautiful woman, thanked me once again for the “tip” and this time her winnings were quite a bit. I wonder why I liked Noble Eagle. I looked at the horses parading in the paddock and while they were being led off to the starter gates, suddenly it was a sixth sense that made me wager a place bet on Noble Eagle, though, like my beautiful friend, who seemed to have more confidence in me that I myself had, I wish I had been more daring and placed a win bet and made a small fortune.

But sixth sense doesn't always work, so it is better to follow the conventional way – do your homework, listen to tips and advice, have a look at the horses in the paddock parade, and observe the goings-on in the betting rings, and the make your own judgement before you get on with your punting.

I love going to the races. There is so much to enjoy – the thrill of punting, the air of excitement, the festive atmosphere, the strong, swift and handsome horses, the beautiful people in their Sunday best and the delicious snacks in between the races.

Why do I like to go for the races? A quote from my favourite philosophical book The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang probably says it all:

“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live”

See you at the Indian Derby on Sunday afternoon. Tell me - who do you think will win the Indian Derby 2012? Come on give me a tip.

Happy Punting!

VIKRAM KARVE

Did you like this article?
Why don't you read my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL - Stories About Relationships.

I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

Movie Town Pune - The Cinematic Heritage of Pune (Poona) - A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

2012-01-31T12:49:00.000+05:30

Dear Reader:

Sometime back I wrote a few articles for my column " A Punekar Walks down Memory Lane" in The Punekar Magazine . Here is one of them - a piece on the Cinematic Heritage of Pune. Do comment and give me your feedback, especially if you are a Punekar.

A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

Movie Town Pune

CINEMATIC HERITAGE OF PUNE

VIKRAM KARVE

In the 1960s and 1970s, Pune was a lovely place to live in. Pune is known as The Queen of the Deccan and was truly a beautiful city with a salubrious climate and a laid-back relaxed lifestyle and that is why it was considered a “pensioners’ paradise”.

Pune was the birthplace of the Indian Film Industry at Prabhat Studio (where The Film and Television Institute or FTII are located now), and it is probably due to Pune’s Cinematic Heritage that The National Film Archives of India or NFAI is located here) and maybe that is why Pune had a large number of cinema theatres to cater to the finer appetites of Punekars who loved theatre and cinema and the fine arts.

They say, that at one time, in India, only Mumbai had more cinema theatres than Pune. Cinema Theatres added the word “Talkies” after their names and most of these “single-screen” movie halls (as they are derisively called now) have disappeared, or are in quite a dilapidated condition, struggling to make ends meet, and some are on the verge of shutting down.

Now, with the proliferation of multiplexes, Pune is like any other faceless metropolis, and, probably, most of today’s young and restless avid moviegoers, who throng the multiplexes for a movie and a good time, hardly know anything about the cinematic heritage of Pune. By the way, I too love the multiplex experience but I also cherish nostalgic memories of those “good old days” so let me walk you down memory lane and tell you about it.

The first film I probably saw was The Guns of Navarone (1961) and I think I saw it at ALAKA which exhibited English Movies. WEST END in Pune Camp, famous for its Soda Fountain and reclining chairs in the balcony, also exclusively showed English Movies, and so did the nearby NEW EMPIRE and HINDVIJAY at Deccan Gymkhana, and in Alaka, West End, New Empire and Hindvijay we saw a lot of those ageless action-packed Westerns like The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966), Mackenna's Gold (1969) and numerous John Wayne movies, of which Hatari (1962) is my all time favourite and, of course, classics like MY FAIR LADY (1964) and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965).

Later, ALAKA would screen the inimitable Dada Kondke blockbusters which celebrated golden jubilees and HINDVIJAY would have a 70 MM screen showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters. But, I remember seeing Pakeezah (1972) there too. Opposite the Bus Depot, next to Poona Coffee House, where KFC is now, was DECCAN where I saw many films, including Jewel Thief (1967) wearing a “jewel thief cap” which was a rage then.

Another film I clearly remember seeing was Dosti (1964) at MINERVA near Mandai. I was in the 4^th standard, and there was a special show for our school, then I saw it again with my grandmother. Dosti ran for 25 weeks in Pune (maybe a Golden jubilee of 50 weeks in Mumbai) and the silver jubilee was celebrated with a band playing the film’s popular songs outside Minerva Theatre.

Near Minerva was ARYAN. Aryan was the oldest cinema in Pune (maybe in India too) and I remember seeing morning shows of Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy comedies, though Aryan exhibited Marathi films in its regular shows. Also near Mandai towards Budhwar Peth was GLOBE (later renovated, air-conditioned and renamed SHREENATH) and further down was VIJAYANAND which showed English movies at the 1 o’clock afternoon matinee show and Marathi films in regular shows.

Most of the cinemas were located either on (or slightly off) Laxmi Road. If you walked down from Alaka Chowk towards camp, you first had VIJAY on your left, then BHANUVILAS in the next lane to your left, some more distance ahead if you turned towards Appa Balwant Chowk side you had PRABHAT, PARAMOUNT (RATAN) and VASANT. I remember seeing many great Marathi films like Paathlag, Jaga Chya Pathivarand Amhi Jato Amucha Gavi in the 1060s with my grandparents in these cinemas.

Though PRABHAT used to screen Marathi films, I remember seeing Aradhana (1969), since I had to run all the way to our place on Tilak Road to get my granny’s specs which she had forgotten (Yes, as a young boy I was physically fit. And, by the way, we cycled all over Pune, including for movies, and all the cinema theatres had robust cycle stands where we would park our cycles safely).

Ahead, opposite City Post Office, there was SRIKRISHNA, and behind at the end of the lane called Dane Ali opposite GLOBE, was VIJAYANAND, which was “out of bounds” as it was in the red light area or bakaal vasti, as my grandmother put it.

On the other side of Laxmi Road, quite far away, on the way to the railway station, towards KEM Hospital in Rasta Peth, there was APOLLO (the first air-conditioned cinema in Pune) which had no balcony.

And as you walked on Laxmi Road towards Quarter Gate, to the right was ALPANA Talkies.

In Pune Camp there were CAPITOL (now called VICTORY), NISHAT and LIBERTY. There was JAIHIND at Khadki (then called Kirkee) and across the Bund Garden bridge towards Yerawada, famous for its Jail, was GUNJAN, but then we never ventured that far, as hardly anyone lived across the river on Nagar Road.

Then came the advent of 70 MM and we had ALANKAR (near Pune Railway Station), RAHUL (in Shivajinagar), NATRAJ (in place of HINDVIJAY), SONMARG (Timber Market), APSARA (Gultekdi) , MANGALA (opposite PMC), NILAYAM (behind Peshwe Park) and LAXMINARAYAN (near Swargate). I remember seeing PATTON (1970) with my grandfather in glorious 70 MM at Rahul, where I now go to eat seafood at the restaurant rather than see a movie.

Now the multiplexes culture has taken over and you forget a movie the moment you finish seeing it. In fact, “multiplex movies” are designed to make their money over the weekend – it seems that the sole aim is to make money and not to produce memorable films which create a lasting impression in the viewers’ minds. But let me tell you, I too love the multiplex experience – the atmosphere, the food, the everything. One has to change with times.

I don’t like to live in the past and brood over “the good old days” – but there is no harm in harking back to the past once in a while to evoke delightful memories of the “good old days”. That is why I have written this. I enjoyed writing this – I hope you enjoyed reading it too. Do let me know and I will tell some more about my “good old days” in Pune.

VIKRAM KARVE

Did you like this article?
Why don't you read my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL - Stories About Relationships.

I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

How to Accomplish More by Doing Less - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000+05:30

An insightful article worth a read

How to Accomplish More by Doing Less - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

An insightful article worth a read

EATING OUT IN MUMBAI - BREAKFAST IN GIRGAUM

2012-01-31T11:18:00.000+05:30

EATING OUT IN MUMBAI

BREAKFAST IN GIRGAUM

MY FAVOURITE MISAL
Mouthwatering Mumbai Memories
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Mumbai is in Maharashtra. You will get all genres and varieties of cuisine in Mumbai. But tell me - where would you go for an authentic Maharashtrian breakfast?

My favorite place is Vinay Lunch Home near Thakurdwar in Girgaum.

When I used to stay at Churchgate, I used to walk down Marine Drive towards Chowpatty, cross the road near Taraporewala Aquarium, take the lane between Kaivalyadhama Yoga Centre and Savitribai Phule Ladies Hostel, (the lane is called Income Tax Lane), cross the railway overbridge at the southern end of Charni Road Station on the Western Railway, walk straight on Thakurdwar Road, cross Girgaum (JSS) Road, and continue walking till I reached Vinay on my right.

Have you ever tasted a dish called Misal ?

If you want to know what an authentic Misal tastes like, try the Misal at Vinay. It is the signature dish of the place and my favourite Misal. I don’t think anyone else serves a better Misal than Vinay of Girgaum, and, in my opinion, not even the many famous Misals of Pune can surpass this misal.

The place is always crowded and you may have to wait for a seat, but the sight of foodies voraciously eating and the gastronomic ambiance will help build up your appetite.

The moment you sit down in the shiny bright eatery, with mirrors all around, order a Misal. The misal will arrive quickly as service is prompt and efficient.

Don’t delve too much on the contents, or the ingredients, which basically comprise an Usal, a Rassa (the spicy curry) and a zesty garnish of sev, chiwda, farsan, onions, fresh corriander and green chillies, arranged in three tiers and served with a wedge of lemon.

There are two bowls and two spoons.

Using both spoons, mix the contents thoroughly, squeeze the lemon, and eat.

It’s hot and lip-smackingly delicious. Soon your tongue will be on fire, your nose will run and your eyes will water – that's the true test of a genuine Misal.

Bash on regardless.

Never try to douse the appetizing zesty fire in your insides by sipping water or ruin the gastronomic experience by succumbing to a bite of pav or bread they may have the temerity to place alongside. That's right - never have pav or bread with a misal.

Pav with Bhaji or Vada may be fine, but if you want to savor the genuine taste of misal, and experience the "proof" of the real stuff, it would be tantamount to sacrilege to have pav with misal.

Vada-Pav, okay; Pav-Bhaji, okay; Misal-Pav, it's a No, No!

If you like things less spicy try Dahi Misal.

The sweet cool curds (dahi or yoghurt), fiery chillis, zesty onions and spicy crisp chiwda-shev provide an excellent contrasting symbiosis of tastes and flavors.

And if you do want to have something with pav, try the Patal Bhaji or Usal. Fresh soft bread (pav) drenched in those delicious gravies – it’s heavenly.

You’ll find all the Maharashtrian specialties on the menu, including the Upas (Fast) food like sabudanyachi khichadi and wade, but you must go there and discover for yourself.

There are quite a few exquisite preparations of pohe too.

But do remember to end your breakfast with chilled piyush or mango lassi to savor a sweet end to a delightful repast.

If you are looking for authentic value-for-money pure vegetarian Maharashtrian cuisine in Mumbai, head for Vinay – and you will carry mouthwatering memories of the place forever.

It has been a long time, maybe more than six years ago, since I last relished a Misal at Vinay. I wonder if the place still exists.

If you are a Mumbaikar, and live nearby, please do visit Vinay and let us know whether the place is still going strong and does it still serve the same high quality Misal and other dishes. And if you know of a place that serves a good Misal, please be so good as to inform us.

Happy Eating!

VIKRAM KARVE

Did you like this article?
Why don't you read my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL - Stories About Relationships.

I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

Mouthwatering Mumbai Memories - KERALA CUISINE IN THE HEART OF MUMBAI

2012-01-31T01:37:00.000+05:30

Mouthwatering Mumbai Memories
FOUNTAIN PLAZA
KERALA CUISINE IN THE HEART OF MUMBAI
By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Foodie Archives:
Mouthwatering Mumbai Memories of a Foodie Adventure many years ago
Can someone please tell me whether the place is still going strong

If you happen to be in Fort area of Mumbai and are famished and hungry for a sumptuous lunch and are in a mood for Kerala cuisine, try Fountain Plaza.

There a number of eateries who derive their names from the erstwhile Flora Fountain (now Hutatma Chowk) and I am not referring to the more famous upscale Fountain Restaurant opposite HSBC Bank which is a Sizzler and Steak place, or Fountain Inn, the Mangalorean seafood eatery in Nanabhai Lane.

I am referring to Hotel Fountain Plaza, on RD Street off DN Road, near Handloom House next to Eastern Watch Company, my favourite Kerala Cuisine restaurant in South Mumbai.

There is plenty to choose from for the hungry carnivore - Fish, Chicken and Mutton.

But not much of a choice for vegetarians, except in the snacks department, which you can try at Tiffin Time in the evenings.

To start off, I like the Fish Curry in white coconut gravy with Malabari Paratha (Parota) with a fried Pomfret on the side.

I pop a piece of the succulent fish on my tongue, followed by a generously soaked portion of the soft paratha in the delicious rich gravy, close my eyes, and press the juicy food between my tongue and palate.

Never bite, just press the tongue upwards against your palate and savor the heavenly taste as the fish disintegrates releasing the delicious juices and spicy flavor.

Next we order Chicken Korma and Mutton Stew with Appams - it is a truly delicious combination which evokes nostalgic memories of Ceylon Bake House in Ernakulam.

We end the meal with a nourishing and wholesome Malabari style Mutton Biryani.

There are a large number of dishes on the menu including Chinese and Mughlai, but at Fountain Plaza it is better to focus on Kerala Cuisine.

In the morning on your way to office you can have puttu, poori bhaji or eggs bhurjee and while heading home in the evening, stop by for tiffin, and enjoy an evening banana based snack like banana roast, banana fry, banana bonda and banana pops which are the speciality of Fountain Plaza with a cup of tea or coffee.

I like Fountain Plaza.

It is a no-nonsense Spartan eatery.

Mouthwatering food. Nourishing snacks. Lip smacking gravies. Satiating meals.

Value For Money eating.

So, Dear Fellow Foodie, the next time you are in Fort, Mumbai, do find out whether the place still exists, have a Kerala Style meal and tell us all about it.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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COCKTAIL ebook
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http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

A Breezy Romance - FLIRTATION SEDUCTION ABORTION - My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 41

2012-01-31T00:35:00.000+05:30

My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 41

FLIRTATION SEDUCTION ABORTION

Fiction Short Story – A Breezy Romance

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives:

Dear Reader,

I spent six of the best years of my life in Mumbai.

I was very lucky - I lived in a beautiful heritage building called Empress Court opposite the Oval.

Every morning I woke up sharp at six to the chimes of the majestic clock on the University of Mumbai Rajabai Tower and I would be off to Marine Drive for my brisk morning jog cum walk from Churchgate to Chowpatty and back right upto land's end at Nariman Point. This was for physical exercise.

In the evenings, after dinner, and on Sunday afternoons, I would browse books in the Oxford Bookstore next door.

I can never forget the many delightful hours I spent browsing books in the comfort of Oxford Book Store on those elegant orange rocking chairs, refreshing myself with delicious cups of invigorating teas in the Cha-Bar.

My wife would keep an eye on me (to ensure I was browsing books only) from our second floor balcony in Empress Court as I sat in a rocking chair enjoying my reading.

Whenever I got time I would go across to Oxford and enjoy my moments there - the staff was very courteous and encouraged browsing.

After relocating to Pune, the one thing I miss is Oxford Bookstore, the tranquil ambiance and the wonderful time I spent there among books.

As a remembrance, I set this story (which I wrote sometime in 2006 I think) in the Oxford Book Store and the surroundings.

I have written many short stories but Flirtation Seduction Abortion remains one of my all time favourites.

I am sure you will love this breezy romance - the story of a bored housewife and her exciting adventure.

Read on ...

What do you do if a man looks at you with frank admiration in his eyes – in an insistent suggestive sort of way that is worth a thousand compliments...?

Nothing...! You do absolutely nothing.

You do nothing because you are a thoroughly bored “happily” married thirty year old housewife sitting comfortably in your favourite rocking chair, browsing through Benjamin Spock’s Baby and Child Care, at the Oxford Bookstore at Churchgate in Mumbai.

So you just look down, act as if you have not noticed, and try to read.

But you cannot read – the words just don’t focus in front of you. You think of the man, his lingering look, his eyes curiously languid, yet inviting – it’s the first time someone looked at you in such a flattering way for a long long time.

You feel a tinge of excitement.

Maybe something is going to happen. Something exciting, something dangerously exciting is going to happen to you. At long last.

Something that you have been secretly wanting to happen, and thought would never ever happen.

Or maybe it’s nothing.

Just your imagination playing tricks.

So just to check. Once. Only once. You quickly look up – a fleeting glance.

He is still looking at you – not furtively, but brazenly, almost unashamedly, with waves of yearning flowing out of his eyes.

He looks a decisive, hot-blooded and masculine man with his smart beard and piercing eyes.

You feel a flush inside. A shiver. A tremor. A tremor of trepidation – mixed with excitement.

You cannot define how you feel – but it feels good.

He looks at you.

You look back at him in return.

He begins to smile.

You quickly look down and bury yourself into the pages in front of you and pretend to read.

But it is no use. You can sense his unseen eyes locked onto you, burning into you, travelling all over your body and lingering exactly where they should not – just like a laser beam.

And now, he knows that you know.

So what do you do...?

Best is not to react – just accept the fact of being looked at – ignore him and keep on pretending to read.

Oh, No...! That may be dangerous. He may get ideas. You never know these types. He may think you are game.

But are you game for some fun...? Or aren’t you...?

Why not play on... have some fun... flirt a bit... see what happens.

Why not have a little excitement to liven up your boring life a bit.

So you take a deep breath, brace yourself and start a dangerous flirtation game.

You look up from your book, pan your gaze slowly across the bookstore, looking at everything – the shelves of books, the people, the cha-bar, the sales counter - and finally, like a dog that has circled its bowl of food long enough, you look directly at him.

Eyes meet.

His and yours.

Yours and his.

His appraising eyes look into yours. And then his eyes travel down and look at the book in your hands.

You spontaneously follow his gaze, and look down at the book in your hands – Benjamin Spock’s Baby and Child Care – most inappropriate for what you have in mind. You quickly put it away into the rack, run your eyes across the shelf and pick up ‘The Art of Seduction’.

You turn the pages – nothing registers – so you look up at him almost seeking approbation.

He smiles – a wry canny smile – as if he knows something you don’t. And suddenly he gets up from the chair, keeps the magazine he is holding back in the rack and begins walking towards you.

Your heart stops – you want to disappear, but he is already standing in front of you.

“Good morning Anita,” he says. “I’m Sen. Dilip Sen.”

Anita...? You are not Anita. Seems to be a case of mistaken identity – but you are curious, and in a playful mood, so you say, “Oh, Hello Mr. Sen. You are late.”

“Late...? No,” he says looking at his watch, a confused look on his face. “The RV is correct - as planned.”

“RV...?”

“Rendezvous... ”

Now you are really curious.

“Why don’t you pull that stool and sit,” you say to the man.

“Not here. Let’s go to the cha-bar. We can talk in peace there,” he says.

“Okay,” You replace the book in its place in the shelf, get up and walk towards the cha-bar.

The cha-bar – the tea lounge – it’s the best thing about Oxford Bookstore. An ideal place to relax, browse, or have a quiet flirtatious chat over a cup of exquisite tea.

As you sip, savouring the fragrance and relishing the rich flavour of premium Darjeeling Tea, you feel a shiver of anticipation. It’s your first time. You wonder what’s going to happen next.

“Well done. Let’s recap,” he says pulling out a pocket diary.

Well done? Recap? You wonder what this is all about. The man seems to be crazy. But you keep your wits about, and to calm down you say to yourself, “Relax. Just keep quiet and go along.”

And to Mr. Sen, you say confidently, “Okay. Sure. Let’s recap.”

“Step 1,” he says looking into the diary in front of him, “you and I independently arrive at the previously agreed upon rendezvous. Your choice is excellent – this bookstore – easy to wait, observe and not be noticed. We just blended in. Much better cover than a railway station, park or restaurant. And the book you chose – Baby and Child Care - easily discernible – so aptly chosen. Perfect for your cover. Looked so natural in your hands.”

“Do I look pregnant...?” you snap at him.

“No. No. I am sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” he says, taken aback, “You look lovely. But the book – it suited your cover – as a bored housewife.”

Cover...? A bored housewife...? What’s he talking...?

That’s what you are, aren’t you...?

Husband busy working, kids at school, and you – a bored housewife... bored to death with nothing to do.

“I’m not bored,” you tease him with your eyes... you flatter him by looking steadily at him without letting your eyes stray.

“Step 2 – making eye contact. We could be a bit more discreet next time, isn’t it...?” he says smiling into your eyes.

Discreet...? Next time...? What’s going on...? Who’s this guy...?

“Step 3 – the signal. Change of book. Okay. But ‘The Art of Seduction’...?” he looks perplexed, “try something more sober – in line with your cover…..”

He goes on and on but you aren’t listening.

You just look at him. A man who looks like a man. Solid, strong, decisive but vulnerable.

You fantasize.

Your imagination begins to run wild.

You feel his touch – he has put his hand in your arm. His touch is electric.

A shiver of anticipation rises within you.

Suddenly he is shaking you.

You snap back to reality.

“Okay Anita. Let’s get on with the tradecraft,” he says, in an almost imperative tone.

“Tradecraft...?”

“Yes. And make sure you don’t grow a tail.”

“Tail...? “

“Yes,” he says, “Be careful. Maybe you’ve already grown a tail – check it out and shake it off.”

“Grown a tail...?” unknowingly you move your hand over your behind to check and instinctively shake your bottom.

“Not there...!” he reprimands, in a voice a teacher uses to scold a careless student.

“Have you forgotten everything – counter surveillance protocol...?”

“Countersurveillance protocol...?” you ask credulous.

“Come on Anita. Snap out of it. Be alert. They told me you were a seasoned detective. Now get on with your mission. We can't afford to abort the mission now...”

Detective...? Mission...? What’s he talking about...?

Oh my God...! Fear starts rising within you. It’s getting dangerous. This is for real... it's no longer fun. It’s time to run.

“Excuse me,” you say, quickly get up and start walking towards the exit. You sense he is following you. So the moment you get out of the bookstore, you deliberately avoid going to your car but walk in the opposite direction towards the Oval.

The Clock on Rajabai Tower is striking twelve – it is twelve noon.

You look back over your shoulder. Dilip Sen is following you.

You break into a run, still looking back, and suddenly bang into someone.

Oh, My God...! It’s Nalini – your gossipy neighbour.

“What happened...?” Nalini asks, steadying you up.

“Nothing,” you say.

“Hey. Why did you abort...?” Dilip Sen asks, catching up with you, his hand clutching your arm.

“Abort...? Did you say 'Abort'...?” exclaims Nalini, her eyebrows arched, a mischievous glint in her eyes... she looks at him and then at me and with an incredulous look in her eyes she says to me in astonishment, "... you... abortion...?"

You look at Nalini. Then at Dilip Sen. And then at Nalini again.

Nalini’s roving eyes travel all over you, look meaningfully at Dilip Sen, for that significant moment her eyes focus on his hand holding yours, taking in everything, till her gaze settles down pointedly looking at where it should not.

Everything seems frozen in silence - a terrible silence, a deafening silence, a grotesque silence.

You look at Nalini, her changing expression.

Nalini looks at you with envious awe.

And you see something mischievously wicked in her large radiating eyes.

You know you are sunk.

Yes, you are truly sunk. Lock, Stock and Barrel. Up the Gum Tree, as they say.

You break out into laughter. That’s the only sane thing left to do. Life isn’t going to be boring any longer.

VIKRAM KARVE

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work

Did you like this story?
This is a story from my recently published anthology COCKTAIL - I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/
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