Humor : Toothache

TOOTHACHE : a story 

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A Man had such a terrible toothache that he thought he was going to die because of the toothache.

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He asked his friend: 

“I have got a dreadful toothache and the pain is unbearable. 

Tell me, what can I do to relieve the pain...?”

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“I will tell you what I do...” his friend said, “Whenever I have a toothache and am in pain, I go over to my wife, and she puts her arms around me, and caresses me, and soothes me until finally I forget all about the pain...”

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The man brightened up and said: 

“Oh, that’s wonderful. 

Hey, tell me, your wife, is she home now...?”

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Redevelopment

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SHORT FICTION by VIKRAM KARVE

REDEVELOPMENT

A STORY

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REDEVELOPMENT

Fiction Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

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“I have decided to give the bungalow for redevelopment…” his mother says.

“Re-development…?” he asks – surprised.

“Yes – redevelopment of our old bungalow into modern high-rise apartments – I discussed it with your sister – she wants it too…” his mother says.

He looks at his sister and smiles at her sarcastically.

“Oh – so this is why you have come to Pune all the way from the US – after a gap of 3 years…” he says to his sister.

“We were busy…” his sister says.

“So busy that you couldn’t come for father’s funeral last year…?” he says in an accusatory tone.

“I wanted to come – but couldn’t – and you were here to do everything…” his sister says.

“Oh – Yes – I am always here to do everything…” he says with sarcasm in his voice.

His mother looks at him and speaks.

“Let’s talk about the redevelopment of our bungalow…” his mother says to him.

“I am not interested in redevelopment – I love living in this bungalow…” he says.

“But your sister wants redevelopment…” his mother says to him.

“What has she got to do with this…?” he says, “father had clearly said that this bungalow was mine…”

“No – but…” his sister starts speaking.

He gestures for her to be silent.

Then – he looks at both his mother and his sister – and he speaks in a firm voice.

“10 years ago – in this very room – father had said that this bungalow would be mine after he died – do you remember…? I wanted to buy a flat near Baner – and move out to live independently – but father said there was no need for me to buy a flat – that I should live here and look after him and mother – and after his death – I would be the owner of this bungalow…” he says to his mother and sister.

“That was 10 years ago…” his sister says.

“So…? He gave me his word. Doesn’t his word of honour have any significance to you…? In fact – knowing that I would be living here permanently – I got the bungalow renovated – I built two extra rooms – improved the terrace – beautified the garden – now – the bungalow is in good condition – and – we are quite comfortable here – so – there is no need to demolish this beautiful bungalow…” he says to his mother and sister.

“Those are your views – we feel redevelopment is the best option – the builder is giving us a very good deal too – one 3 BHK flat for each of us – and quite a nice amount of money…” his mother says.

“What…? You have already talked to a builder for redevelopment…? You didn’t even bother to tell me…” he says – shocked.

“He had come here in the afternoon – when you were at work – so – I am telling you now – the moment you have come back from work…” his mother says.

“You should have asked me before speaking to him…? And – did the builder land up here suddenly on his own…? Someone must have spoken to him…” he says – curious – looking at his mother and sister.

His sister speaks.

“My husband spoke to the builder – he is a classmate of my husband…” his sister says.

“Oh – so it is your husband who is the culprit – sitting in the US – and creating mischief here…” he says to his sister – contemptuously.

“Don’t speak like that about your brother-in-law – he is elder to you…” his mother says to him – in a tone of admonishment.

“Then tell him to mind his own business…” he says curtly – then he looks at his mother and sister – and he says, “I am the owner of this bungalow now – and I have decided that there is going to be no redevelopment – that is final…”

His sister looks at him and speaks.

“You are not the owner of this bungalow – this bungalow was originally built by our grandfather – so – it is ancestral property – after father’s death – the bungalow belongs to all 3 of us – mother, you and me…” his sister says.

“But father clearly promised me that he would be giving me this bungalow…” he says – assertively.

“Father is dead now…” his sister says – matter-of-factly.

“I know he is dead – I was the one who performed his last rites – but you didn’t even bother to come for his funeral…” he says reproachfully to his sister.

Their mother intervenes.

“Please stop arguing…” his mother says to him, “that fact is that your father didn’t make a will – and even if he did – you won’t be the sole owner of this bungalow since it is ancestral property…”

“But he promised me – in front of you – doesn’t his promise have any credence…?” he asks his mother emphatically.

“We have to be practical in these matters – we feel that redevelopment is the best option – we are getting a good deal – so – we should go ahead…” his mother says to him.

“I am not interested in redevelopment – I want to live this bungalow…” he says.

His sister looks at him and speaks in a combative tone.

“What do you mean “I want to live in this bungalow”…? You can’t always dictate terms and bulldoze your way. I have an equal share – as much as you have – so you have to listen to my views too…” his sister says insistently.

He looks at his sister coldly and speaks.

“Oh – “equal share” – okay – so – from now on – you look after mother…” he says to his sister.

“What do you mean…?” his mother interjects.

“You keep out of this…” he says to his mother sternly, “I am talking to her…” he says pointing to his sister – then – he turns to his mother and says, “till now – I looked after you and father – now – father is dead – and – and you say that his promise is dead too – so – your daughter will look after you from now on…”

His sister is taken aback.

“How can I look after mother – I don’t live in Pune…” his sister says.

“Then – you relocate to Pune and live here…” he says to his sister.

“I am an American Citizen – I am happy living in the US – why should I relocate to Pune – I don’t want to live in Pune…” the sister says.

“If you don’t want to live in Pune – why do you want a house in Pune…?” he says to his sister.

“Why not…? It is my right to have a share in my parents’ property…” the sister says.

“Yes – and it is your responsibility to look after your parents too – I looked after them for the last 10 years – now – it is your turn…” he says to his sister.

“My turn…? What do you mean…?” the sister says.

 “Well – rights and responsibilities go together – if you have equal rights to your parents’ property – you have equal responsibility of looking after them too – I have done my bit – I looked after both father and mother for 10 years – now – only our mother is alive – so – it is your responsibility to look after mother for an equal duration…” he says to his sister.

“And you – what about you…?” his sister asks him – questioningly.

“I am moving out of the bungalow soon – so you can stay here and look after mother…” he says.

“Moving out…? Where…?” his sister asks.

“That’s none of your business…” he says rudely.

“What do you mean…? How can you just go away like that…?” his sister says.

“Don’t worry about me – you worry about doing your duty – rest assured – I’ll be back after 10 years once your turn is over…” he says.

“I told you that I can’t come and stay here in Pune for such a long time…” his sister says.

“Then – you can take mother to America to live with you – anyway – that’s none of my business – it is your prerogative how to look after mother…” he says firmly to his sister.

Then – he walks out of the room – before his mother can react.

_________

He means what he says – and – he walks his talk.

A few days later – he moves out of the bungalow and relocates to another city – taking up a new job.

His mother pleads with him to not to go – but doesn’t pay any heed to her entreaties.

_________

Meanwhile – his sister has returned to the US – back to her husband and family.

_________

His mother keeps beseeching him to come back to Pune – but it is of no use – he doesn’t come back.

Then – a few months later – he migrates overseas for better career prospects.

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So now – with her son and daughter both abroad in foreign countries – the mother lives all alone in the bungalow – lonely and desolate.

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And – the bungalow…?

Well – though his mother and daughter are keen on redevelopment and building high-rise apartments in place of the bungalow – the redevelopment cannot happen without his NOC – which he consistently refuses.

He also makes it clear to his sister that she is responsible for looking after their mother for the next 10 years – when it will be his turn again – as per the “equal rights – equal responsibility” hypothesis.

_________

Living in the US – the sister can’t look after her old mother living in the bungalow in Pune – and – taking her old mother to the US doesn’t seem practicable – and – neither is her old mother inclined to relocate to America – so – the old mother leads a lonely existence in the bungalow.

_________

The daughter does whatever she can – remotely – from the US – to arrange caretakers for her old mother – who is becoming infirm day by day.

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When the daughter realises that her mother can’t live alone – she moves her mother to an “assisted living facility” – and the bungalow lies unoccupied – locked up – uninhabited.

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Dear Reader:

I wonder what will happen to the bungalow…?

Will the son come back and live in the bungalow…?

Will the bungalow be demolished and redeveloped into high-rise apartments…?

I really don’t know.

Let’s see what happens.

_________ 

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. 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.

3. E&OE

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.

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Romance : “Tete-a-Tete” with a Pretty Techie Girl

SHORT FICTION STORY

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“Tete-a-Tete” with a Pretty Techie Girl

Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

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I love walking – and – I love talking.

That’s why no one wants to come for a walk with me.

“Oldie Goldies” of my age feel that I walk too much.

“Youngsters” feel that I talk too much.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when a pretty techie girl smiled at me and asked me if she could join me in my evening walk.

“Hello Uncle…” she said, “can I walk with you…?”

“Of course…” I said, “I would love your company – come along…”

“Thank you…” she said – and – she started walking beside me.

______

Dear Reader – after my retirement – I live in a modern residential complex in a posh suburb of Pune.

It is a well-designed gated community – quite expansive – comprising of a number of high-rise buildings – well laid out – in verdant environment – and with good amenities – gym, swimming pool, sports facilities, walking and jogging track lined with trees, soothing green lawns, a lovely garden, nice shopping complex, basement parking et al. – located in beautiful spacious environment.

Most of the residents are young “IT Software Techies” who work in the IT Park nearby – young couples – Double Income Single Kid (DISK) – or – Double Income No Kid (DINK) – who lead busy lives – and believe in maintaining a “hail-fellow-well-met” type of relationship with fellow residents of the gated community.

The pretty techie girl who was walking with me – she was around 35 – married to another “IT Techie” – they were a “DISK” couple.

I had seen her in the mornings – with her school-going son – waiting for the school bus – along with other parents.

She lived in our building – or “Tower” as the builder had named it – and – we met each other quite often – but – as I said – it was a “hail-fellow-well-met” acquaintance.

Her name was Nisha.

_______

For some time – Nisha and Me – we walked in silence.

Then – Nisha spoke.

“Uncle – I wanted to talk to you…” she said.

“Okay – go ahead…” I said to her.

“It’s about your tweet about “quiet quitting” in relationships…” she said.

“Oh – so you follow me on Twitter…” I said – feeling a bit elated.

“Yes, Uncle – and – I read your blogs too…” she said.

“So nice to hear this…” I said, “which blogs did you like…?”

“I read your blog on “How to Survive Incompatible Marriage” – and then – I saw your tweet on “Quiet Quitting” in relationships – so – I thought you were the best person I should talk to…” she said.

“Okay – I am all ears…” I said to her – guessing that she probably wanted to talk about her marriage.

I was right.

She spoke about her marriage.

“It’s about my married life…” she said, “I am feeling suffocated…”

“Suffocated…?” I said to her – with a questioning look.

“Last evening – it was so bad – that – I was seriously thinking of divorce – then – I remembered your blog “To Divorce or Not to Divorce” – I read it again – I thought of all the stakeholders – I read your tweet on “Quiet Quitting” – and – I thought it would be best to talk to you…” she said.

“So – you want to “quiet-quit” your marriage…?” I asked her.

“Yes…” she said, “I want to know exactly how to do it…”

“It’s simple…” I said, “reframe your marriage as a “job” – you know how to do “quiet quitting” in a job – you put in the “bare minimum inescapable effort” to keep your job – similarly – you do the minimum required to maintain your marriage…”

She gave me a thoughtful look – maybe she was confused – trying to digest what I had said.

So – I decided to help her out.

“Tell me – when did all this start – when did you start feeling “suffocated” – as you put it…?” I asked her.

“It was always there – but it became worse during the COVID Lockdown – my in-laws came to live with us – then “Work-From-Home” started – for both me and my husband – and online school classes for my son – and – I had to bear the whole burden – overload of “work from home” – they expected us to be on our laptops 24/7 – and then – cook – clean – shop – do all the housework – cater to the idiosyncrasies and never-ending demands of my in-laws – my son’s school work – everything – it became too much for me – and now – it continues – my in-laws have moved in with us permanently – I am totally stressed out and suffocated…” she said.

“And – your husband – doesn’t he help…?” I asked her.

“He is in his own world…” she said – with a tinge of contempt in her voice.

“So – you can be in your own world too…” I said to her.

She looked at me – confused – so – I decided to elaborate.

“Are both of you are still “working-from-home” – aren’t you…?” I asked her.

“My husband works from home – I work “hybrid” – for 4 days a week – I work from home – and one day – on Friday – I go to office…” she said.

“You must start going to office every day…” I said to her.

“Every Day…?” she exclaimed, “you want me to go to office every day…?”

“Will they object…?” I asked her.

“Object…? I don’t think so. In fact – my boss will be very happy…” she said.

“So – start doing it – go to office every day – you don’t feel suffocated at work – do you…?” I said to her.

“Not at all – I love my work – and the office environment…” she said.

“So – start going to office 5 days a week…” I said to her. Start working from office – I have experienced that “out of sight – out of mind” does work…” I said to her.

“But what will happen at home…?” she said – a bit anxious.

“Don’t worry – once you are not physically at home – things will take care of themselves…” I said to her.

She looked a bit apprehensive – so – I assured her.

“Disentangle yourself – emotionally – that’s “quiet quitting” – you go to office – things will work out at home on their own…” I said to her.

She smiled – she seemed to have accepted my suggestion.

I decided to change the topic a bit and ask her about her relationship with her husband.

“You said that you were seriously considering divorce – is your relationship with your husband that bad…?” I asked her.

“I don’t want to live with him – but divorce is a difficult decision for me…” she said.

Observing the expression on her face – I could infer that she didn’t want to talk about it in detail – so – I decided not to delve further – but keep it simple.

I smiled to comfort her and spoke to her.

“If you don’t want to divorce your husband legally – you can divorce him emotionally – that’s what “quiet quitting” is all about…” I said to her.

“Emotional Divorce…?” she said – curious.

“Yes – “Quiet Quitting” is akin to “Emotional Divorce” – sometimes – when it is not be feasible to physically quit your marriage – it may be wise to emotionally “quit” instead – so – “quiet-quit” your marriage – you emotionally disentangle from your husband – you leave emotionally – instead of leaving physically…” I said to her.

She looked at me – a contemplative look – as if she was seriously thinking about what I had told her.

“You make so much sense…” she said to me, “and you think so differently – well – I had never looked at marriage from this angle…”

“If you carefully observe – you will see that all married persons practice “quiet quitting” – in varying degrees – at some time in the marriages – and some have settled down to a “quiet-quitting” equilibrium” in the married life…” I said to her.

“Like you…?” she said – with a smile.

“Maybe…” I said – smiling back at her, “I have just posted one tweet about quiet quitting in relationships – the one you saw – now – I think I will write a detailed blog on how to “quiet-quit” relationships – especially marriage…”

“Yes – you must write blog on “How to Quiet Quit Marriage” – it will help so many who are in a similar situation as me…” she said to me.

“I will certainly do that…” I said to her, “and you think about what we discussed – take your time – do what you think is best for you…”

“Of course, Uncle…” she said with a genuine smile, “thank you so much for talking to me…”

________

For some time – we walked in silence.

It was already dark.

Then – Nisha looked at her smartphone.

“I think it’s time for me to go home…” Nisha said – and – we smiled a “goodbye” to each other – she walked towards our building – and – I walked towards my usual bench in the park to do some meditation.

________

ONE DAY LATER

________

On the next day – as I started my evening walk – I saw Nisha coming towards me – it seemed she was waiting for me – she looked happy and cheerful.

We started walking together.

“I must tell you something…” she said, excitedly.

“Good News…?” I said to her.

“Yes…” she said, “I am going to New Zealand…”

“New Zealand…!!!” I exclaimed.

“Normally – I refuse to go abroad to work on onsite projects – but – this morning – I asked my boss if there was a foreign assignment – and – he said there was one in Auckland, New Zealand – and I immediately volunteered to go…” Nisha said, elatedly.

Nisha was so excited that she ran out of breath – so – she took a pause before continuing to speak.

“My Boss was surprised – and so delighted too – he said I was the best person for it – so – I am off to New Zealand for 6 months…” she said.

“Wow – 6 months…?” I exclaimed, “congratulations…”

“I must thank you…” she said to me.

“Thank me…? For what…?” I said to her.

“Last night – before going to sleep – I was thinking about the “quiet quitting” concept you told me in the evening – and – I thought – wouldn’t physical distance help me emotionally disentangle myself…?” she said.

“Long Distance Marriage – excellent – that’s taking “quiet quitting” to another level...” I said to her.

“Yes – physical distance will make emotional detachment easier – “out of sight – out of mind” – as you said…” she said.

“What about your son…? Will you take him to New Zealand with you…?” I asked her.

“No – he will stay here – my husband and in-laws will look after him…” she said.

“Oh – that’s good…” I said to her, “your son is big enough now – he is 9 – I had gone to boarding school when I was 9 – he will manage – but he will miss you – since you are such a doting mother…” I said to her.

“You know – like my marriage – I am too involved with my son – I think it is better for me to do a bit of “quiet quitting” on the parenting front too…” she said.

I marveled at her ingenuity.

Indeed – she was taking “quiet quitting” to the next level.

___________

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. 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.

3. E&OE

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.

________

What is the “Value” of Knowledge

 TEACHING STORY 

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________ 

VALUE OF KNOWLEDGE

Teaching Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

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I love teaching – and – I got plenty of opportunity to train and teach during my Navy days and thereafter. 

______

I have encountered two types of students:

1. Students interested in learning (knowledge oriented students)

and 

2. Students interested in marks/grades (examination oriented students)

______

This second category of examination-oriented students would often say that I taught much more beyond the syllabus – and – they would ask me of what use was all this extra knowledge from the “examination point of view”. 

To these students – I would often narrate this classic Teaching Story.

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VALUE OF KNOWLEDGE 

TEACHING STORY RE-TOLD BY VIKRAM KARVE

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There was once a wise man – a “Guru” – who narrated “teaching stories” to explain his points.

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One day – a man interrupted his sermon – and he rudely said to the ”Guru”:

“You are talking all nonsense. 

I cannot understand head or tail of what you are saying.

And – your so-called “teaching stories” are at best poor jokes – they don’t make sense or have any meaning...”

_______

On hearing this – the ”Guru” smiled at the man.

Then – the ”Guru” calmly removed the diamond studded gold ring on his finger.

_______

The ”Guru” politely called the man who had interrupted him.

When the man came – the ”Guru” gave the ring to the man – and he told the man: 

“Go outside to the flea market and roadside stalls – and ask them the cost of this ring.

Ask them for how much will they will buy this ring. 

I want to sell this ring.

So – if you get a good price – you sell the ring.

The minimum price is One Lakh Rupees. 

Don’t sell it for less than a lakh of rupees...”

_________

The man returned after some time and he angrily said to the ”Guru”: 

“You have made me a laughing stock. 

No one is prepared to pay One Lakh Rupees for this ring. 

They say this ring is not worth even a hundred rupees...”

_________

The ”Guru” then told the man: 

“Now go to the best jeweller in town and ask him...”

_________

After some time – the man returned dumbfounded.

And – he said to the ”Guru”: 

“I just can’t believe it – the jeweller paid Rupees Two Lakhs for your ring...”

_________

The ”Guru” looked the man in the eye and said: 

“Just as only a good jeweller can understand the true value of my ring – only the truly wise can understand the true meaning of my teaching stories. 

Yes – only the truly wise can understand the value of genuine knowledge...”

_________

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. 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.

3. E&OE

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.

 

Parts and Versions of this story have been posted by me earlier posted in my various writing blogs - including at urls: https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2011/08/real-wisdom-and-fake-wisdom.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2021/12/value-of-knowledge.html etc

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

_______

Short Fiction Story : Parenting

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Short Fiction

_______ 

_______

PARENTING

Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

________

PART 1 

_______

She comes out of the College Principal’s Office – she goes to her best friend’s room – and – she tells her friend the exciting news.

“It’s a chance of a lifetime – don’t refuse…” her friend says.

“But – what about my daughter – I can’t take her with me…?” she says.

“Your daughter Nisha – she can stay at your husband’s place…” her friend says.

“My husband’s place…? Why should Nisha stay at my husband’s place…?” she says – taken aback by her friend’s suggestion.

“Where else can she stay for 6 months…? There is no place in the hostel – there is a huge waiting list – and – I don’t think she can manage living all alone in your flat – besides  - it may not be safe for a young girl to live all alone too – you know how the environment is nowadays…” her friend says, “I would have kept her with me – but I live in a huge joint family – you know my situation – so – I think keeping Nisha with your husband seems the only option…”

“But – will my husband look after her for six months…?” she says – looking skeptical.

“Why not…? He is her father…” her friend says.

“But – he doesn’t know anything about her – he hasn’t met Nisha for 5 years…” she says.

“That’s because you didn’t allow him to meet her – your husband has visitation rights – but you told him that you didn’t want him to meet your daughter…” her friend says, “I am surprised how he agreed…?”

“That’s because I gave up everything – no alimony – no maintenance – no child support – I didn’t take a single rupee from him – not even my share in the house – nothing – absolutely nothing – when I walked out – I took nothing from him – I just wanted my daughter for myself – that’s all…” she said.

“It must have been painful for him – for a father to be separated from his daughter who he loved so much…” her friend says, “anyway – forget about the past – you call him and ask him…”

“Right now…? You want me to call him right now…?” she says to her friend – feeling a bit uneasy.

“You told me that the Principal wants your consent by closing hours today – so – it is better you call your husband immediately and settle your daughter’s issue…” her friend says, “you have your husband’s number – don’t you…?”

“I don’t know…” she says.

“What…? You don’t know…? Don’t you ever call your husband…?” her friend says.

“I called him around 3 years ago regarding some banking issue – I haven’t spoken to him after that…” she says.

“Look in your contacts…” her friend says, “otherwise – we can find out from somewhere…”

She looks in her contact list on her smartphone – and – she finds her husband’s number.

“It’s there – should I call him now…?” she asks her friend.

“Yes – call him right now – if you want – I’ll leave you alone…” her friend says.

“No. No. I want you to stay here…” she says – and – she calls her husband.

She hears her husband’s voice on the phone.

“Is everything okay…?” her husband asks her – he is surprised that she has suddenly called him out of the blue – and that too – after 3 years.

“Yes – all is well – how are you…?” she asks her husband.

“I am fine…” her husband says, “is there anything I can do for you…?”

“Actually – yes – I called you because I wanted your help…” she says to her husband.

“You want my help…? How much…? I will transfer it today – is it the same account…?” her husband asks.

“No. No…” she interrupts her husband, “I don’t want your money – I want to you to look after Nisha…”

“You want me to look after Nisha…?” her husband says, surprised and a bit confused.

“Yes – can you keep her with you for 6 months…?” she says to her husband.

“Six Months…?” her husband says, flabbergasted.

Her husband is baffled – because – when they split – she didn’t want him to meet their daughter – she said that she didn’t want their daughter to come under his influence – he had meekly accepted – after “hints” and “subtle threats” were given to him by her lawyer – so – for 5 years – he had not met his daughter Nisha – and now – she wanted him to look after Nisha for 6 months – it is all very confusing to him.

His thoughts are interrupted by his wife’s voice.

“I have been selected for a “Faculty Exchange Program” – I am going to New Zealand to teach at a prestigious university over there for one semester – I can’t take Nisha with me – besides – she can’t miss her college for 6 months – so – I thought it was best if she could stay with you…” she says.

“Can’t you make some other arrangements…? Maybe – in a hostel – or – you can hire a full-time maid…” he says.

“There is no time for all that – there is no place in the hostel – and – I don’t want her living all alone in the flat – it’s not safe – Nisha is still a teenager – she’s just 19 – please let her stay with you – after all – you are her father…” she says.

“Okay…” he says, “let me ask Monika…”

“Monika…? Who is Monika…?” she asks – surprised.

“She has moved in with me – we are living together…” he says.

“A woman has moved in with you…? Living together…? I didn’t know all this…” she says in a scandalized tone.

“You haven’t spoken to me for 3 years – you are happy with your career and life – you have moved on in life – and you don’t seem to be interested in us getting back together – well – I have to move on in life too – isn’t it…?” he says.

She remains silent – trying to digest the fact that her husband is living with another woman.

Then – she remembers her urgency – she has to confirm her consent to the Principal before closing time today – she has a just few hours.

So – she pleads with her husband.

“About Nisha staying with you – please tell me as quickly as possible – I will wait for your call – I have to give my consent immediately – before closing hours today – and please say “Yes” and let Nisha stay with you for 6 months – this is a life changing career opportunity for me…” she says – with desperation in her voice, “if you want – I can come there and speak to Monika – there is very little time – I am in a hurry – I have to tell the Principal today itself…”

Her husband senses her desperation.

So – he decides to say “Yes”.

“Okay – yes – Nisha can stay with us for 6 months – you can give your consent right now to your College Principal…” he says.

“But – you were going to ask Monika…?” she says – a bit wary.

“I don’t want to disturb her at work – but – you don’t worry about all that – I’ll tell her in the evening – Nisha can stay with us…” he says.

“Thank you so much…” she says to her husband – she says – feeling relieved.

Then – she hears her husband’s voice on the phone.

“I hope Nisha has no issues staying over here…” he says.

“No. No. I will convince her – she has no choice – Nisha will stay with you – she is a good girl – she will behave herself – she will be no trouble at all…” she says.

“You go ahead and give your consent – and – let me know when you are going to New Zealand…” he says.

“Yes. Yes. I will go right now to the Principal and give my consent – I think I’ll have to leave next week – they said they would fast track the visa etc. – I will call you once my travel plans are finalized…” she says.

“Keep me updated…” he says.

“Yes – and – thank you so much…” she says.

“It’s okay – she is my daughter too…” he says.

After the call is disconnected – she puts the smartphone on the table – and – she smiles at her friend.

“He agreed…” she says to her friend.

“I heard…” her friend says.

“There is a woman who has moved in with him – some Monika…” she says to her friend.

“I heard…” her friend says.

“I’ll go to the Principal’s Office and give my consent…” she says.

“Aren’t you going to tell Nisha…?” her friend asks.

“I’ll tell her later…” she says.

“I think it’s better you tell her now before you give your consent – you never know how teenagers will react…” her friend says.

“Okay – I’ll speak to her at lunchtime…” she says.

“No. You better speak to Nisha right now. I will bring her from the classroom. You sit here and rehearse what you are going to say to her…” her friend says.

Ten minutes later – her friend arrives with Nisha.

“Congratulations…” her daughter Nisha says to her – and she hugs her lovingly.

“You told her…?” she questions her friend.

“Yes – and – I told her about the other thing too…” her friend says.

“Don’t worry, Mamma – I will stay with Papa…” Nisha says to her.

She feels relieved.

She thought it would be so difficult to convince Nisha to stay at her father’s place – especially as he has a new partner now.

But – Nisha seems to have agreed so easily.

She wonders how her friend managed to convince Nisha so easily.

She feels grateful to her friend.

Then – she wishes she could have told her daughter herself.

While she is experiencing these conflicting emotions – she hears her friend’s voice.

“Come on – go to the Principal’s Office and give your consent – then – there will have to do the paperwork for your visa etc.

________

In the evening – her husband and Monika come to her flat.

She looks at her husband’s live-in partner Monika.

Monika looks ordinary – very ordinary – a podgy unpretentious looking homely woman – in short – she is a “Plain Jane”.

She feels disappointed – her husband could have chosen someone much better than this pedestrian woman.

The woman smiles at her – and speaks very politely.

She wonders if it is genuine or just fake courtesy.

Her thoughts are interrupted by her husband’s voice.

“Call Nisha…” he says, “I want to see her – and I want to her to meet Monika…”

“Yes…” she says to her husband – and she calls Nisha from inside.

She wonders how her daughter will react – meeting her father after five years – and – if Nisha will accept Monika – her father’s girlfriend.

She observes that the three of them – her daughter – her husband – and her husband’s girlfriend – they are decorous to each other – cordial – but not very friendly.

A daughter meeting her father after five years – it may take some time for the ice to melt.

But it seems Nisha has accepted the situation.

They talk about Nisha’s college – her routine – and – her husband and Monika says that they will be most happy to have Nisha stay with them.

One week later – she is on her way to New Zealand – with Nisha settled in her husband’s house.

___________

PART 2

__________

SIX MONTHS LATER

__________

She arrives from New Zealand six months later – her flight arrived in the wee hours of the morning – she takes the Airport cab from Mumbai reaches Pune – she asks the driver to drive via her husband’s house – so – she can pick up her daughter Nisha and take her home.

It’s 8 AM in the morning when she reaches her husband’s house.

Her husband, his girlfriend Monika and her daughter Nisha are having breakfast.

“Come on, Nisha – finish your breakfast quickly and go get your bag – the taxi is waiting outside…” she says to her daughter Nisha.

“I am not coming with you…” Nisha says.

“What do you mean “I am not coming with you”…? I had told you to pack your bags and be ready – and I will be picking you up in the morning on my way home…” she says to her daughter.

“I have decided to stay here…” Nisha says.

“You have decided to stay here…? What nonsense are you talking…?” she shouts at her daughter Nisha – then – she gives her husband a questioning look and asks him, “what is all this…?”

Before her husband can answer – Nisha interrupts.

“You don’t ask him…” her daughter Nisha says to her, “it is my decision…”

“When did you decide…? I have been talking to you every day from New Zealand – you never told me anything…” she says to her daughter.

“I knew you would be very busy focusing on your work – so – I didn’t want to upset you…” her daughter Nisha says.

“You can’t decide these things – I am your mother – you will have to come with me – get your things quickly – the taxi is waiting…” she says to her daughter – emphatically.

“I am not coming with you – I am staying here…” her daughter says – unequivocally.

“You have to come with me – you have no choice…” she shouts at her daughter.

“I am an adult now – you can’t dictate terms to me any longer – I will decide for myself – and – I have made my choice – I want to live with my father…” Nisha says.

“But why…?” she asks her daughter.

“I like it here – my father is such a nice person – and Monika is so friendly – she is not a control freak – like you…” Nisha says.

“Control Freak…? I love you so much – I have given you the best of everything – I look after you so well – and you are calling me a “control freak”…?” she says angrily to her daughter.

“You are so domineering – living with you – I felt suffocated. Here – with Papa and Monika – I feel free…” Nisha says.

She trembles with anger on hearing her daughter’s words and raises her hand to slap her daughter – when she hears her husband’s voice.

“Cool down – you go home now and settle down – we will talk later…” her husband says.

“No – I am taking my daughter with me right now…” she says assertively.

But her daughter Monika is defiant.

“I am not coming with you – I told you I want to stay here – and we are getting late – I have to go to college – and – they have to go to work – to their offices – you please go…” her daughter Nisha says firmly – and she goes inside.

She feels faint – the ground slipping below her feet – and – she senses her husband’s hand on her arm – supporting her.

“You go home and relax – we’ll sort this out later…” her husband says.

She observes Monika looking into her coffee mug – sipping coffee – as if she hasn’t seen anything – or heard anything.

She feels shattered – overcome by a sense of defeat – as her husband guides her out of the house towards the waiting taxi.

_______

PART 3

_______

A FEW HOURS LATER

_______

She and her best friend – they sit on a bench in a secluded place in the expansive university garden – and they have a discussion – about her daughter, her husband, her marriage.

“Nisha called me a “control freak”…” she says to her friend.

“It’s okay – you were too attached to her – you tried to monopolize her – let her be – she is at a difficult age – and she is an adult now…” her friend says.

“Monopolize…? I love her so much – I wanted her to do well in life – and – as a single parent – I had to be careful – so – I was a bit strict – that’s all…” she says.

“A child needs the love of both parents – you deprived her of that – I feel you hastily walked out of your marriage – you could have been less rigid…” her friend says.

“So – you are blaming me for everything – you are saying it is my fault that my marriage broke up…” she says – feeling hurt.

“Please try to understand me correctly – I am not saying it is your fault that you and your husband split up – but then – you could have been a bit accommodating – isn’t it…?” her friends says.

“I could have been “accommodating” …? What do you mean…?” she asks her friend.

“He told me you were too dominating – you always imposed your will on him – and – he said he felt suffocated in the marriage…” her friend says.

“My husband told you…? When did he tell you all this…?” she asks – irked.

“After you two split – I met him once at the airport – he seemed relieved that you had walked out on him…” her friend says.

“You met my husband behind my back…? And – you didn’t bother to tell me…?” she says – upset and extremely annoyed with her friend.

“Was there any point…? You are so headstrong…” her friend says.

“Headstrong…? How dare you call me headstrong…? Just because I am gracious to you – that doesn’t give you the license to say anything you want about me, make nasty comments and cast aspersions about my personal life…” she shouts angrily at her friend, “Who the hell do you think you are…? I will not tolerate such slander from lowlifes like you – do you understand…?”

Her friend seems taken aback and hurt by this outburst.

“I am sorry – I will not talk to you again…” her friend says – and – her friend gets up and walks away.

__________

She sits on the bench in the garden – all alone.

Her husband is gone – her daughter is gone – her best friend is gone.

She has no one now.

Never before has she felt so lonely – so alone.

__________

EPILOGUE

__________

While she sits in the park – feeling depressed and lonely – her friend calls up Monika.

“You did well…” she says to Monika, “Nisha seems very happy with you…”

“Yes…” Monika says, “how is her mother…?”

“She is fretting and fuming all alone – you don’t worry about her…” the friend says to Monika, “now that you have her daughter Nisha on your side – you can go ahead with your plans – I think he will agree…”

“Yes – I will try to convince him – thank you so much – everything is working out so nicely – he loves me so much – and – Nisha is such a friendly girl – she seems to have accepted me. You know – that’s what he was afraid of – what would be his daughter’s reaction if he got remarried…? So now that everything seems okay on that front – hopefully – it will be wedding bells soon…” Monika says.

“Don’t forget to invite me for your wedding…” the friend says.

“Of course – but – you listen – your friend – Nisha’s mother – she shouldn’t know that you and me knew each other – I think we need to keep our friendship under wraps for some time – at least till the wedding…” her friend says to Monika.

“You don’t worry about her – she has broken up with me – and – I am never going to speak to her again…” the friend says.

__________ 

VIKRAM KARVE

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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.

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