Mother of a Single Mother

A Single Mother and Her Mother 

Fiction Short Story 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

“Dramatis Personae”

S: A Single Mother

M: Her Mother (Mother of the Single Mother) 

“S” and “M” are having a conversation after dinner… 

S: How can you stay with such a horrible man…?

M: He is your father. Speak respectfully about him.

S: I know he is my father. But I am surprised how are living with him for 36 years.

M: He is my husband.

S: Yes – a most terrible and cruel husband. I don’t understand why you tolerated his cruelty for all these years…?

M: Cruelty…? What are you saying…? Your father has never been cruel to me.

S: He keeps shouting at you – in fact – he just yelled at you during dinner.

M: That is his nature – but – he doesn’t mean it at all.

S: I have seen him shouting at you in public. I don’t understand how you can tolerate such insults…?

M: I know – sometimes he reacts impulsively – that is a fault of his. But otherwise – he has been a very good husband.

S: Good Husband…? You call such an uncouth man a “good husband”…?

M: He has always been loyal to me.

S: “Loyal”…? What are you trying to imply…?

M: No nothing…

S: Are you talking about my divorce…?

M: No. Let’s not talk about that…

S: My husband tried to treat me like a “doormat” – so – I taught him a lesson. But just look at you...? You have meekly accepted being a “doormat” all your life while your husband walks all over you.

M: He is a good man. He has looked after me well – and you too – he ensured that you got the best possible education.

S: That was his duty…

M: Duty…? He worked hard so that we had everything – house, money, a comfortable life, whatever things we wanted – even now – he takes care of all my needs – he never says “No” whenever I want anything. He was the “breadwinner” – and even now – after he has retired – it is his pension and savings that keep us comfortable…”

S: Oh. So – that is the real reason why you are living with him despite his arrogant behavior – you are “financially dependent” on him…

M: No. It has got nothing to do with that.

S: Of course it has got everything to do with that – I could leave my husband because I am “financially independent”.

M: You made a mistake – you could have adjusted – and also – just because you had a fight with your husband doesn’t mean that you...”

S: I told you that I don’t want to talk about that…

M: Then – what do you want to talk about…?

S: I want you leave that horrible man – and – you come and stay with me…

M: What…? You want me leave your father – and you want me to come and stay with you…? Are you mad…? How can I leave my husband just like that…?

S: You have suffered him for your entire life just because you were “financially dependent” on him. Now – there is no need for you to meekly tolerate his insulting behavior…

M: What do you mean…?

S: You come and live with me in Mumbai. You will be more comfortable over there than in your small stuffy flat over here. I have moved into an even more luxurious house than the one you saw last time when you visited – you will have all the facilities you want over there – I will keep a car and driver at your disposal whenever you want…

M: And what about your father…?

S: He can stay back here…

M: What are you saying…? You want me to live there in Mumbai with you – and – you want him to live all alone over here…?

S: He is quite capable of staying alone…

M: But – why should he stay all alone…?

S: Because I want you to stay with me and have a comfortable life. After suffering all these years of tyranny – living with that oppressive man – you deserve a bit of happiness and freedom…

M: He is your father. Yes – he may be a bit dominating – but – that is between him and me. I don’t like you talking like this…

S: Okay. Okay. I will not talk about that obnoxious man. Let him remain here. I am taking you with me to Mumbai tomorrow – I am going to “liberate” you from slavery…

M: What…? Tomorrow…? How can I come with you to Mumbai leaving your father all alone over here…?

S: Please mummy – no discussion now. We are flying tomorrow to Mumbai – I have already booked your ticket. Now you go inside and start packing your bags. I have to make an important call…

EPILOGUE

The Daughter “S” goes out into the balcony.

She looks at her smartphone.

It is past 9 o’clock at night.

Normally – she wouldn’t think of disturbing her boss at this late hour – but the matter is most important.

She dials the number of her boss.

After a few rings – she hears the voice of her boss.

“Hello…” her boss says.

“Sir – I have decided to accept the assignment – I want the promotion…” she says to her boss.

“Are you sure…? This job requires a lot of travel – you will be out of town for almost 20 days every month…” the boss says.

“I know, Sir…”

“Who is going to look after your small daughter when you are away…?”

“I have made arrangements…”

“Arrangements…? A “Nanny”…?”

“I am bringing my mother to Mumbai to stay with me – she will look after my daughter…”  

Story to be continued in “Mother of a Single Mother” Part 2...

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This is a repost of my story A Single Mother and Her Mother posted online by me Vikram Karve earlier in my blogs at urls http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/05/a-single-mother-and-her-mother.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/11/11/single-mother-and-her-mother/ etc 

Forgotten Baby Syndrome (FBS)

FORGOTTEN BABY SYNDROME (FBS)

BABY AND CHILD CARE

A Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

This happened 32 years ago – in mid-1985.

I was newly posted as an Instructor (“Directing Staff” – in “Pongo” jargon) at IAT Girinagar Pune – which – in those days – was the premier inter-service advanced technology training institution.

On my very first evening – I set off on a long walk in the beautiful verdant campus nestled in the hills.

On the way – I noticed a pram (perambulator) – with a baby inside.

The baby was around one year old.

The baby was sitting inside the pram.

The pram was unattended.

It was the height of summer – and – the hot sun was shining brightly – directly on the baby.  

Yes – the baby’s face was exposed to the bright sun.

The baby’s face had become red – and – the baby’s eyes were cringed with irritation.

The baby was crying due to discomfort.

I moved the pram into the shade – and – I looked around.

I saw a group of maids chatting nearby.

I called out to them.

A woman came running. 

It was obvious the she was the “ayah” responsible for looking after the baby.

I admonished the maid for leaving the baby unattended in the hot sun.

Well – “admonish” may be a mild word – I shouted at the maid – and – I gave her a severe scolding for neglecting her duties and leaving the baby all alone in the hot sun.

I told the maid to take the baby home – and I waited – till the maid walked away with the pram.

Thereafter – I proceeded on a long evening walk.

On the way back – I stopped off the Officers’ Mess Library to browse magazines. 

Then – I had a couple of drinks in the Bar.

I returned home in “high spirits” at around 8 PM.

The door was open.

I walked in.

I saw a beautiful woman sitting inside holding a baby in her arms.

I recognized the baby – it was the same baby who was left in the hot sun by her maid.

So – this was the mother of the baby who I had rescued from the hot sun.

I thought the lady had come to thank me for my good deed.

But – that lady had not come to thank me. 

Yes – the mother of the baby had not come to thank me.

The mother of the baby was annoyed with me – and – she had come to “caution” me.

“Why did you shout at my maid…?” the lady asked me angrily.

“Your “ayah” had left the baby all alone in the hot sun…” I said.

“There was no need to shout at my maid…”

“But – your baby was crying – your baby was feeling uncomfortable in the hot sun – and your maid was chatting away…”

“That’s none of your business – it is my baby and I will see what to do. Do you know – all because of you – my maid so upset – that – she is threatening to leave me…”

“You should sack her for being negligent in her duties and not looking after your baby properly…”

“Oh. You want me to sack my maid…? And – what should I do…? Should I quit my job and sit at home all day to look after my child…?”

I was about to say: “Yes – you should quit your job and look after your baby yourself instead of outsourcing baby-care to a maid...”

But – before I could say anything – luckily – my wife came out of the kitchen carrying a tray with two cups of coffee.

With her eyes – my wife motioned me to remain silent.

The lady kept her baby on the sofa beside her. 

Then – the lady said to my wife: 

“Please tell your husband not to shout at my maid again. I have a full-time job – I leave my house at 9 in the morning and I come back after 6 in the evening – I am totally dependent on my maid for looking after my baby – so – if my maid quits – I will be in a big problem – I am sure you know how difficult it is to get a full-time maid…”

Once again – I was tempted to tell the lady: “Why don’t you quit your job and look after your baby yourself...? Why are you handing over your baby to a maid...?”

But – I saw my wife desperately signalling to me to keep my mouth shut. 

It was clear that my wife had guessed what I wanted to say – so – she was signalling to me to keep my mouth shut.

My wife said to the lady: 

“I am sorry for the trouble – in future – my husband will mind his own business…”  

I went inside.

When I came out – the lady with the baby had left.

“She is a funny woman – her maid was neglecting the baby and had kept the pram in the hot sun – I did a good deed by scolding the maid – and – instead of thanking me – the baby’s mother is annoyed with me…” I said to my wife.

“Try to understand – she is a “career woman” – she has to work “full-time” all-day at the office – so – she needs someone to look after her baby…” my wife said.

“Why do women have babies if they don’t want to look after them…?” 

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. 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.

 

Revised Version on my story BABY AND CHILD CARE posted online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog on January 9, 2017 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/baby-and-child-care.html

Are Children of Divorced Parents Assets, Liabilities or Bad Debts...?

Recently – I saw a link to an article on The Unintended Plight of Children of Divorce on the Social Media – a thought provoking article which evoked an interesting discussion on Social Media on the effect of Divorce on Children.

This reminded me of a story I had written long back – around 6 years ago in the year 2011 – on a similar theme – from the Point of View (POV) of a small boy whose parents are divorced.

I called the story BADMINTON

Read on...

BADMINTON

A Small Boy Narrates his Life Story

Short Fiction

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Badminton is a game where you volley a shuttlecock back and forth over a net 

BADMINTON – A Story By Vikram Karve

Part 1 – DIVORCE 

BADMINTON SINGLES

My life is like a game of badminton. 

I am the shuttlecock – and my mother and my father are the two opposing players.

Let me explain.

My parents are getting divorced. 

Now – both are highly qualified MBAs – and have very meticulously divided their assets – and very painstakingly shared their liabilities. 

Except me. 

They don’t know how to divide me – so they are fighting it out in court – battling it out for my custody. 

And – till they finally decide this way or the other – I am being tossed from one parent to the other – like a shuttlecock is tossed from one player to the opponent in a game of badminton.

From Monday to Thursday – after school is over – I take the Aundh Bus to stay at my mother’s place.

On Friday – I take the Kondhwa Bus to spend the weekend with my father.

On Sunday evening my father has to drop me off at my mother’s place before 6 o’clock.

And – if we are late even by one minute – my mother raises a hue and cry against my father – and she complains to the family court.

After Two Years

Part 2 – REMARRIAGE

BADMINTON MIXED DOUBLES

My life is still like a game of badminton. 

But now – after 2 years – there is a slight difference. 

Now – instead of Badminton Singles – it is a game of Badminton “Mixed Doubles”.

Let me explain.

On one side of the badminton court – are my REAL FATHER and STEP-MOTHER.

And – across the net – on the other side of the badminton court – are my REAL MOTHER and STEP-FATHER. 

And – I am still the “shuttlecock” – being tossed from one side of the badminton court to the other side of the badminton court – back and forth. 

However – there is also a big difference. 

Earlier – when they used to play “badminton singles” – the rallies were short and sweet – the volleys were gentle – and – each player wanted the “shuttlecock” to fall on their own side of the court. 

Now – in “badminton mixed doubles” – the rallies are long and painful – the smashes are hard – and – the players – especially the new players – they want the “shuttlecock” to fall on the other side of the court – across the net.

Do you want me to explain...? 

I don’t think I need to.

I am sure you have got the drift of what I am trying to say. 

Now – you tell me one thing:

Am I an “asset” to be divided...?

Or – am I a “liability” to be shared...?

And then – a terrible thought comes to my mind – of a third option.

And – I feel afraid of one thing. 

In an actual game of badminton – the shuttlecock may get worn out. 

If this happens – the badminton players toss the shuttlecock out of the court – yes – the players throw away the old shuttlecock – and they get a new one.

Oh my God...!!! 

Will this happen to me...?

Once they have their own children – what will happen to me...?

Will I become like an “old shuttlecock” – to be discarded – and to be replaced by a “new shuttlecock”...?

Yes – once they get rid of the “old shuttlecock” – maybe the “mixed doubles partners” will stop playing “mixed doubles” with the “old shuttlecock”.

Now – the new partners may start playing “badminton singles” with each other with their own “new shuttlecocks”.

Soon – both couples – my REAL MOTHER and STEPFATHER – and – my REAL FATHER and STEPMOTHER – they will have their very own children.

And then – they may abandon me forever. 

Yes – I am really scared that I will be abandoned forever. 

I will no longer be an “asset” to be divided.

I will no longer be a “liability” to be shared.

But – I will become a “bad debt” to be written-off from the balance sheets of my biological parents’ lives.

Part 3 

CHILDREN OF DIVORCED PARENTS – ASSETS, LIABILITIES or BAD DEBTS...? 

Please answer the small boy’s question – and  solve his predicament.

Once parents get divorced – and then – they remarry someone else:

1. Are children of their first marriages “ASSETS” to be divided...?

2. Are children of their first marriages “LIABILITIES” to be shared...?

3. Or – Are children of first marriages “BAD DEBTS” to be written-off from the balance sheet of each parent’s life...?

Dear Reader – please comment – and do let us know your views. 

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This is a revised version of my story BADMINTON which was Written by me Vikram Karve nearly 6 Years ago in May 2011 and First Posted Online by me Vikram Karve in my blog at 5/30/2011 03:45:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/05/badminton.html and susequently revised and re-posted online a number of times including at urls:http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/12/badminton-my-favourite-short-stories.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/04/marriage-divorce-remarriage-and-game-of.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/11/blog-fiction-badminton.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/12/badminton-story.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/children-of-divorced-parents-assets.html etc