Girl “Seeing”

GIRL “SEEING”

A Story from My Mumbai Navy Days

By

VIKRAM KARVE

40 Years Ago (Circa 1978)

Mumbai (Then Called Bombay)

My ship returned to our Base Port Mumbai after a long sailing program – we had returned to Mumbai after nearly 3 months.

By the time we “secured” – it was almost lunchtime – and the Captain declared “make and mend” (half day) – to enable married officers and sailors to go home to their families.

Like all “in-living” officers – I had plenty of beer in the afternoon – followed by a hearty lunch – and I was in deep sleep in my cabin – when I was shaken out of my beer-induced stupor.

It was my course-mate “X” – my best friend. 

“Come on – Wake Up – we are going to see a “girl”…” he said.

“Let me sleep for some time…” I protested.

“It is already past 5 – we must reach her house by a decent time…”

“Where…?” I asked, sleepily.

“Dadar…”

“Why Dadar…?”

“The “girl” lives there…”

“What “girl” are you talking about…?”

“My “fiancée”…”

“What…? Fiancée…? Have you got engaged…?” I asked, surprised.

“Not yet. I want you to approve the “girl” – if you like her – we will have the “formal” engagement ceremony…” he said.

I noticed that my course-mate “X” was wearing uniform – so I said to him:

“Are you going in uniform to see the “girl”…?

“No. No. The moment I came to know that your ship has returned to harbour – I came straight to your ship from office. You go and get fresh and come to your senses – you still look all “Beered Out”…” he said.

When I returned after having a refreshing shower – I saw that “X” was all “dressed-up” in my clothes – he was wearing my favourite shirt with my best pair of trousers.

“I have seen people borrow shirts – but you have “bummed” my trousers too…” I said to “X”.

“What are best friends for…?” he said, “there is no time to go all the way to my cabin in Command Mess…”

My course-mate “X” liberally splashed on my perfume – and he said to me:

“I’ll go to the gangway and use the shore phone to tell my fiancée that we are reaching by 6/6:30…”

(Dear Reader: Please remember that this story happened 40 years ago – in 1978 – when there were no mobile phones. Those days – even landlines were considered a “luxury” – and – a common landline shore phone was rigged up on the gangway when the ship was in harbour…)

15 minutes later – at 5:30 PM to be precise – we were sitting in a taxi – heading for Dadar.

Normally – for travelling to Dadar – we would have taken a double-decker bus (Route No. 1) from Museum – or travelled by local train – from CST (then called VT) by the Central Railway or from Churchgate by the Western Railway.

But today – we were going to “see” a girl – and we wanted to look our best when we arrived at her place.

There was quite a bit of traffic – and by the time we reached the girl’s home – it was well past 6 – the time was around 6:15 PM.

Inside – I found a huge crowd – it seemed they were having a family function – or maybe – the neighbours had turned up to “see” the boy.

There were a number of girls – and – my friend generally introduced me to them – and I was confused as to which of the girls was his fiancée.

We sat down on the sofa – with all the girls giggling and looking at us.

Suddenly – a beautiful girl came into the room carrying a tray of snacks.

She served us the snacks.

There was the quintessential “Kande Pohe” and hot “Gulab Jamuns”.

Ah – so this girl was my friend’s fiancée.

I asked her the classic question:

“Did you make the Pohe and Gulab Jamun yourself…?”

“Yes…” she said, “please start eating – and do tell me if you like them…?”

I ate the Kande Pohe – they were okay.

Then – I put a piece of Gulab Jamun on my tongue – the Gulab Jamun was so soft and succulent that it just melted on my tongue.

Yes – the Gulab Jamuns tasted heavenly – they were the best Gulab Jamuns I had ever eaten.

So – I said to my friend’s fiancée:

“Your Gulab Jamuns are really good. In fact – these are the best Gulab Jamuns I have ever eaten in my life…”

My friend’s fiancée blushed – and said to me:

“Thank you – I am so happy you liked them – you must have some more Gulab Jamuns…”

“Of course…” I said, “I will have at least 10 more…”

Yes – I easily had 10 more Gulab Jamuns – maybe much more – the Gulab Jamuns were so delicious that I lost count of how many I had eaten.

Maybe – I had eaten all the Gulab Jamuns my friend’s fiancée had made.

There were so many people around – so many girls – my friend was talking to them – but my attentions were totally focused on the Gulab Jamuns – and the beautiful girl who was serving me the Gulab Jamuns – my friend’s fiancée.

I refused the cup of tea – saying that I wanted the “aftertaste” of these delicious Gulab Jamuns to linger on my tongue till I went to sleep so that I had sweet dreams.

My friend’s fiancée gave me a sweet smile on hearing these words of praise.

Soon – it was time to go.

We got up from the sofa.

We said “good bye” to everyone – and – I smiled a special “good bye” to my friend’s fiancée.

She too gave me a very loving smile.

As I walked towards the door – I felt my trouser pocket.

And – I suddenly realized that I had forgotten something.

I took out the bottle of exclusive “duty free” perfume from my pocket.

I looked at my friend’s fiancée lovingly.

I held out the bottle of perfume towards her and said: “This is for you…”

My friend’s fiancée looked at me in delightful surprise and exclaimed: “For me…? Thank you so much. I love perfumes. You are really nice – it was so thoughtful of you to get me such a nice gift…”

We said goodbye and walked down the staircase.

As we walked down – my friend “X” said to me: “Are you crazy or what…?”

“Crazy…? What did I do…?” I said.

“Why did you give that bottle of perfume to the girl’s mother…?” he said.

“Girl’s mother…?” I said, stunned.

“Yes. You gift my fiancée’s mother the most exclusive perfume – and for my fiancée – you have nothing. Tell me – what will my fiancée feel...?” my friend “X” said angrily to me. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © 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. 
© 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)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Ulka and Alka - A Flirty Romance

A few days ago – at a get-together – I met a lady called ULKA 

At the same get-together – I met a young lady – she told me her name was ALKA 

Ha Ha – ULKA and ALKA...!!! 

This reminded me of a story that I had written around 14 years ago – in the year 2004 – after a visit to Hyderabad.

I hope this flirty love story will cheer you up on this dull Monday afternoon.

Do comment and tell me if you like this rather amateurish romance.

Have a great week ahead.

And Hey – Dear Reader – please remember that I wrote this story 14 years ago – in the year 2004 – when online “e-ticketing” was not prevalent – and you bought Air Tickets from a Travel Agency. 

Read on...

ULKA and ALKA

Short Fiction - A Flirty Romance

By

VIKRAM KARVE

“Ulka. It’s “Ulka” – I will spell it out for you “– U – L – K – A –” that’s my name – not “Alka”...” screamed the furious lady.

 

“I’m sorry Ma’am. It’s just a small mistake...” the ticketing clerk, a young girl, said apologetically.

 

“Small mistake...? You spell my name wrongly – and you call it a small mistake...?” the beautiful lady fumed.

 

“I must have heard wrongly on the phone...”

 

“It’s carelessness. Anyway – you change the ticket...”

 

The ticketing clerk took the ticket from the lady.

Then – with her pen the ticketing clerk overwrote “U” in place of the “A” – thereby – changing “Alka” to “Ulka”.

 

“What nonsense is this...?” the lady flared up – she looked livid.

 

“How does it matter, Ma’am...? It’s just a minor change of spelling. Besides – your surname is spelt correctly.”

 

“What...? “Minor” change...? How dare you call it a “minor” change...? You need an “attitudinal” change...!”

 

“Excuse me, Ma’am...!”

 

“What do you mean “excuse me”...? You just cancel this ticket – and you issue a new one with my correct name.”

 

“You will have to pay cancellation charges if you cancel the ticket...”

 

“Cancellation charges...? What nonsense...! Why should I pay...? It is your mistake. You think I am a fool...?” the lady shouted – beginning to lose control of herself..

 

Till this moment – I was just watching from the sidelines.

But now – it was time for me to intervene.

 

“What’s the matter...?” I asked the ticketing girl.

 

“She is creating a big fuss over a minor issue...” the ticketing girl said to me.

 

“Big fuss...! You change my name and you say that it is a “minor” issue...? Suppose the plane crashes – what happens to the insurance...? You are incompetent. I will have you fired from your job...! Who is the “Top Man” over here...?” the lady said, trembling with fury.

 

“Excuse me, Madam...” I said, “May I help you...?”

 

“I want to see the “Top Man” in this office...” the lady shouted. 

Her enormous brown velvety eyes were flaming – her flawlessly smooth cheeks flushed – her slender upturned nose luminous, almost translucent – her deliciously juicy lips quivering. 

In her anger – she looked devastatingly beautiful .

 

“I am the “Top Man” here...” I said to her.

Then – I turned to the ticketing clerk – and – I said firmly: 

“Issue a fresh ticket with the proper name. Don’t make any mistakes...!”

 

“But, Sir...?”

 

“Just do what I say. Do you understand...!!!” I snapped at the hapless ticketing girl.

Then – I turned to the angry lady – and I said politely to her: 

“Ma’am – please come to my cabin.”

 

After a glass of water – a freshen up – and a cup of coffee – she was a composed and appeared a bit contrite. 

With the fresh ticket with her correct name on the table in front of her – the beautiful lady said to me: 

“I am sorry for creating a scene – but I get very upset when I am called “Alka” instead of “Ulka”. My name is “Ulka” – and – I do not like to be called “Alka”....”

 

“I can understand...” I said. “One’s name is important – and people do get touchy if there is a mistake. But then – “Alka” and “Ulka” – both names suit you.”

 

“What do you mean...?” she asked, confused.

 

“Well – “Alka” means a girl with curly hair. Just like you...!”

 

She blushed – and she asked me: 

“And “Ulka”...? What does “Ulka” mean...?”

 

“Well – “Ulka” means a meteor – a star falling on the earth from the heavens, fire, a torch – or a firebrand...”

 

“Are you telling me that I am a hothead firebrand...? Or – do I look like a meteor...?” she smiled mischievously. 

The ice had broken. 

Her anger had melted.

 

“Well – “Alka” and “Ulka”. They sound so similar that one can easily confuse “Ulka” with “Alka” which is a more common name...” I said.

   

“I know. But – because of this “Alka-Ulka” slip-up – I have paid a heavy price for it...” she said.

And then – “Ulka” began to tell me her story. 

I am easy to talk to – and her words came tumbling out.

 

“Around 10 years ago – when I was in my final year at college – a boy saw me in our college canteen – and he fell head over heels in love with me...” she said.

 

“Wow...!” I said.

 

“He was so desperate – that after we had left – he asked a waiter my name – and the stupid waiter made the same mistake – instead of telling the boy that my name was “Ulka” – the waiter told the boy that my name was “Alka”...”

 

“But the boy was in your college, isn’t it...?”

 

“No. No. I never noticed him. He must have been one of those rich types just hanging out in our college – to ogle at girls. He had fallen so madly in love with me – that he tried to find out my address from our college office.”

 

“Then what happened...?”

“I told you – instead to telling the boy my correct name ‘Ulka’ – the waiter told the Boy that my name was “Alka”...”

“Oh...!” I said, waiting for “Ulka” to continue her story.

 

“Ulka” looked at me and said: 

“So the Boy went to the college office and he asked for “Alka” – and unfortunately there was an “Alka” in my class – so they gave him Alka’s address...”

“A goof up...?”

“Now listen to this...” “Ulka” said, “the Boy takes the address – and then the guy goes to his parents – he gives them the address – and he tells his parents them to meet Alka’s parents and ask for her hand in marriage.”

 

“And then...?”

 

“They saw each other – the Boy and “Alka”. The Boy realized his goof-up – and he told “Alka” – he described me accurately to her – the Boy told “Alka” that he had fallen for me – not her. But then – “Alka” is smart – very smart. She wasn't going to let go of such a prize catch. I don’t know what she did. Maybe she told him there was no one like me in her college – or maybe she lied to him that I was from some other college – or some such yarn – but she must have sure worked on him with all her wily charms – and finally – they did get married. And now – “Alka” is having a ball of a time loaded in dough – as the wife of a wealthy businessman – while I slog it out all alone like a slave – day in and day out...”

 

“You never met the boy after that...?”

 

“No. In fact – I have never met him in my life. I don’t even know how he looks...”

“How is that possible...?” 

“I told you that I did not notice that the boy was looking at me in the college canteen. He was looking at me – but I did not know that he was looking at me – there was so much rush in the canteen and I was sitting with my group of girls – so I didn’t even seen the boy looking at me...”

“Oh...” 

“In fact – till yesterday – I did not even know all this story that I told you just now...” Ulka said.

 

“You did know all this till yesterday...? Then how did you come to know...?” I asked.

 

“Well – “Alka” told me...” she said.

 

“What...? “Alka”...? Here. In Hyderabad...?”

 

“I ran into “Alka” at Abid’s last evening. At the jewellery shop. I was just looking at a string of pearls. Too expensive for me. But “Alka” bought a lovely pearl necklace and an exquisite diamond studded watch.”

 

“A diamond studded watch...?”

 

“Yes – just imagine – I couldn’t even afford one pearl necklace – but “Alka” bought a pearl necklace and an expensive diamond studded men’s watch too. I am sure that Alka’s husband must be rich – she must be loaded with money...”

 

“And then...?”

“I noticed that she was staring at me – so I smiled back. Then – “Alka” came towards me and introduced herself – “I am “Alka”...” – then – she told me that she had recognised me – and she asked me: “Your name is “Ulka” – isn’t it?”...”

“Really...? She directly asked you whether you were “Ulka”...? And then what happened...?”

 

“Yes. Then “Alka” took me out to dinner in a restaurant. Do you remember that I told you that the Boy had told her everything about the “Alka-Ulka” name goof-up – well the Boy had accurately described me to her. “Alka” teased me that her husband still remembers me...”

 

“Really...? Didn’t “Alka” invite you home...? To meet her husband...?” I asked

 

“I asked her to take me to her home. I told her that I wanted to meet her husband – the Boy who had fallen for me in our college canteen – the Boy who I had never seen. But – she made up some excuses. Maybe – “Alka” is scared of letting her husband meeting me. After all – a man’s first love always has an enduring place in his heart...”

 

“That’s really sad...!” 

 

“Yes. Just one small “Alka-Ulka” goof-up – and look at the consequences. She is glowing in matrimony in the lap of luxury – and me – lonely in the abyss – all alone...”

 

“All alone...? You did not marry...?”

 

“No.”

 

“Why...?”

 

“Well – I just don’t seem to like any boy – maybe – I still haven’t got over that Boy, I guess...!” Ulka said.

I paused for a moment.

Then – I looked into Ulka’s eyes – and I said: 

“Well – let me tell you – that – what you are imagining – it may not be true...”

 

“What do you mean...?” “Ulka” asked, looking a bit confused.

 

“Alka’s husband – the “Boy” who fell head over heels in love with you – he is not a hot-shot businessman. Alka’s husband is just the owner of a modest travel agency...” I said.

 

“Do you know him...? Do you know Alka’s husband...?” “Ulka” asked me.

 

“Of course I know him. That “Boy” is me. I am Alka’s husband...” I said.

 

She froze. 

Then – she melted. 

And then – she broke into a smile. 

We – “Ulka” and Me – we looked wistfully into each other’s eyes in silence for a long long time.

 

After “Ulka” left my office – there were just two thoughts perambulating in my mind.

 

Firstly – I wondered what life would have been like if had I married “Ulka”.

 

Secondly – I wondered why my wife “Alka” was hiding things from me.

My darling wife “Alka” had gleefully shown me the lovely pearl necklace – the moment I reached home last night. 

I wondered why she had not told me about the exquisite diamond studded men’s watch – which she had bought along with the pearl necklace – at Abids last evening...? 

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:

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story 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)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This Fiction Short Story was written by me Vikram Karve 14 years ago in the year 2004 and Earlier Posted Online a number of times by me Vikram Karve in my Creative Writing Blogs at various urls including: http://creative.sulekha.com/alka-and-ulka-a-short-story-by-vikram-karve_31668_blog and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/11/ulka-and-alka.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/02/alka-versus-ulka-flirty-romance.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/04/alka-and-ulka-romance.html etc