Breakup Proceedings

BREAKUP PROCEEDINGS

Short Fiction – Story of a Modern Marital Relationship

By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives: 

One of my early stories – I wrote this story 14 years ago – in the year 2003.

It is a Story of Modern Marital Relationships – and I think it is relevant even today.

This story features in my collection of Short Fiction Stories about Relationships  “COCKTAIL”

Here is an abridged and updated version of the story for you to read.

Do tell me if you like it.

BREAKUP PROCEEDINGS – A Story by Vikram Karve

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 20’s – 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.

He opens a folder on the table between them and says, “I have 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.

Then she 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 that 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 that I have always wanted to own.” 

The woman looks at the wall-clock and says: “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 especially got made for the house.” 

“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 always 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 have 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 have done. Buy books and wallow in them. With the money you have 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.

They even divide 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.

The split-up is precise and the break-up of their relationship is now fully completed, emotionally and materially, and they are properly separated from each other. 

Now they will await the formal divorce. 

It is just a matter of time and their marriage will be officially over.

“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...” 

“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 puppy dog as a wedding gift. 

The Colonel had already named the cute little puppy dog “Dolly”. 

The Colonel’s wife scolded him – saying that the pet dog would encumber the young newly-married couple’s married life.

In fact – their darling pet dog Dolly saved the DINK marriage. 

She – the pet dog Dolly – turned out to be their “bundle of joy” – the “Kid” in the “Double Income No Kids” family.

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.

 

I wrote this story more than 14 years ago in in the year 2003. I have posted this story online a number of times including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/bundle-of-joy-by-vikram-karve_143723_blog  and  http://vikramwamankarve.blogspot.in/2006_05_01_archive.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/10/breakup-story-of-marriage-and-divorce.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/breakup-of-double-income-no-kids-dink.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/breakup-of-modern-dink-couple.html

DOES YOUR WIFE “LIKE” YOU

DOES YOUR WIFE “LIKE” YOU ?

(or – Does Your Husband “Like” You ?)

Incoherent Gobbledygook of a Veteran on Mystery of Marriage

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

DOES YOUR SPOUSE “LIKE” YOU ?

In a “Love Marriage” – the question “Does your spouse like you…?” – is irrelevant.

In a love marriage – the husband and wife marry because they are in love.

And – the very fact that they are in “love” – means that the husband and wife “like” each other – “ipso facto” – because – if you do not “like” a person – how can you fall in “love” with that person?

So – in a “Love Marriage” – it is obvious that the husband and wife like each other.

However – in “Arranged Marriages” – the situation is entirely different.

When I was in the Navy – I saw many marriages where the wife did not seem to “like” the husband – or vice versa.

Of course – these were all “arranged marriages”.

Why go further – even in my case – after more than 33 years of marriage – I still cannot accurately fathom whether my wife actually “likes” me – though – over the years – I seem to have developed a liking for her.

There can be countless reasons why your spouse may not “like” you.

Every husband and wife may have their own unique reasons why they do not like their partner.

However – recently – I heard a phrase which encapsulates all these myriad reasons in a nutshell – “compatibility issues”.

COMPATIBILITY ISSUES

Let me tell you how I heard of this term – “compatibility issues”.

A few years ago – I attended the wedding of a “Techie” Boy – and “IT Nerd”.

Last week – while strolling on Main Street – I suddenly ran into him.

The “Techie” boy was with his wife.

He introduced me to his wife.

His wife gave me a courteous smile – and said that she was glad to meet me.

She behaved as if this was the first time she was seeing me.

I was surprised – since I had attended their marriage just a few years ago – and generally – no one forgets my face – thanks to my handsome beard – and my rather “abrasive personality”.

“Don’t you remember me?” I asked the young lady.

“No – I don’t think we have met before,” she said to me.

“Well – I attended your wedding reception…” I said.

“How is that possible? We had a very private marriage ceremony…” she said.

I noticed a strange expression on my “Techie” friend’s face – as if he was non-verbally telling me not to ask these questions – so I did not pursue the conversation further – and – instead – I suggested that we have some rolls, sandwiches and cold coffee at one of my favourite places just opposite the road.

Once inside the eatery – when the wife was seated – and we were standing near the self-service counter – the young “Techie” told me that this lady was his second wife – he had divorced his first wife (whose wedding I had attended 3 years ago) – and he got remarried to this woman (his second wife) just one month ago.

“Oh – I am sorry – but – what happened – why did your first marriage breakup so quickly – you got divorced within 3 years of your wedding…?” I asked.

“Actually – we got divorced within 2 years – but the marriage had broken down much earlier – within a year…” he said.

“What happened…? What was the reason for your divorce…?” I asked.

“Compatibility Issues,” he said.

What a simple all-encompassing expression for breakup of a marital relationship – “compatibility issues”.

Call it a coincidence – but the very next morning – I read on ‘Page 3’ of a tabloid that a small-time celebrity had said that her marriage broke up due to “compatibility issues”.

I laughed to myself – if “compatibility” had been an “issue” – my wife and I would have been divorced at least a thousand times by now.

But – jokes apart – I seem to have digressed from the moot question:

Does your spouse “like” you…?

As I have said – there can be umpteen reasons why a wife does not like her husband – or vice versa – there may be even more reasons why a husband does like his wife.

WHY DOESN’T YOUR SPOUSE “LIKE” YOU ?

In literature – many stories, novels and plays have been written on this theme.

One notable story I remember on this theme of a wife who does not like her husband is THE WREATH by Luigi Pirandello

I read the English translation of this story in the short fiction anthology GREAT SHORT STORIES OF THE WORLD published by Reader’s Digest.

In this story – a young woman who is 22 years old is married to a 40 year old man – the husband is 18 years older than the wife.

The youthful wife does not like her middle-aged husband.

And – why does she not “like” her husband – who is a kindhearted doctor…?

When the woman was an 18 year old girl – she had fallen in love with a boy.

But – sadly – the boy suddenly died due to typhus.

The same doctor had been called to treat the boy and was by the boy’s bedside when he died.

Stricken by grief – the girl almost lost her mind – and became a recluse.

She refused to get married – and declined many good matrimonial offers.

Sometime later – the doctor proposed to her – and – surprisingly – the girl accepted.

Everyone else was surprised too – since the doctor was 18 years older than the girl.

Soon – the doctor realized that his young wife did not like him.

The doctor loved his young wife – but she did not like him.

In her heart – she still yearned for her first love – the young boy – her dead lover – and she secretly placed a wreath at his grave on every anniversary of his death.

One day – the doctor accidentally discovered this.

What happened next – for that – you will have to read the story.

But – the moot question is:

Why did the young wife not “like” her husband…?

Was it because of the age difference – because her husband was much older than her…?

Was it because of her love affair with the boy – her first lover – who she was unable to forget – although he was dead…?

Or – to use my newly learnt clichéd phrase – was it due to “compatibility issues”…?

CONCLUSION – LIKES, DISLIKES, AND MARRIAGE

In conclusion – Dear Friends – if you are “enduring” an arranged marriage – and if you feel that your spouse does not “like” you – just put it down to “compatibility issues” – and do not bother too much about it – and get on with your “happy” married life…

If you want to enjoy your married life – don’t delve too much...

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This is a spoof, light-hearted 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.

BREAKUP OF A MODERN “DINK” COUPLE

BREAKUP OF A MODERN DOUBLE INCOME NO KIDS (“DINK”) COUPLE

Short Fiction – Story of a Modern Marital Relationship

By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives: 

One of my early stories – I wrote this story 12 years ago – in the year 2003.

It is a Story of Modern Marital Relationships – and I think it is relevant even today.

This story features in my collection of Short Fiction Stories about Relationships  “COCKTAIL”

Here is an abridged and updated version of the story for you to read.

Do tell me if you like it.

BREAKUP OF A MODERN “DINK” COUPLE – story by Vikram Karve

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.

He opens a folder on the table between them and says, “I have 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.

Then she 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 that 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 that I have always wanted to own.” 

The woman looks at the wall-clock and says: “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 especially got made for the house.” 

“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 always 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 have 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 have done. Buy books and wallow in them. With the money you have 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.

They even divide 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.

The split-up is precise and the break-up of their relationship is now fully completed, emotionally and materially, and they are properly separated from each other. 

Now they will await the formal divorce. 

It is just a matter of time and their marriage will be officially over.

“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...” 

“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 the cute little puppy “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 – the pet dog Dolly – turned out to be their bundle of joy – the “Kid” in the “Double Income No Kids” family.

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.

 

I wrote this story more than 12 years ago in in the year 2003. I have posted this story online a number of times including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/bundle-of-joy-by-vikram-karve_143723_blog  and  http://vikramwamankarve.blogspot.in/2006_05_01_archive.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/10/breakup-story-of-marriage-and-divorce.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/breakup-of-double-income-no-kids-dink.html