Interesting Story : Luckiest Survivor of World War 2

 Here is the link to an interesting story I found on the internet 

https://www.strangehistory.net/2014/04/02/gordon-selby-the-luckiest-survivor-of-ww2/ 

LUCKIEST SURVIVOR OF WW2 

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Unfinished Story : Quick Divorce

QUICK DIVORCE

Short Story by Vikram Karve

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PART 1

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Monika gives Nisha a legal looking document and a pen.

“Sign at the places which I have marked with a small cross in pencil…” Monika says to Nisha.

Nisha reads the document – and she is aghast with the contents of the document.

“What is all this written here – “cruelty” – “domestic violence” – “498A” – “dowry” – “physical assault” – “marital rape” – “sexual abuse” – “unnatural sex”…?” Nisha says – shocked.

“You just sign…” Monika says to Nisha.

“But all this never happened…” Nisha says to Monika.

“You want a quick divorce – don’t you…?” Monika asks Nisha.

“Yes…” Nisha says.

“Then – you will have to do what I tell you to do – you just sign the papers – I will get you a quick divorce and a substantial settlement – more than you can even imagine…” Monika says.

Nisha hesitates – unsure of what to do.

Observing Nisha’s hesitation – Monika feels that Nisha needs more convincing to sign the documents – so – she decides to explain the case in a simple manner.

Monika looks at Nisha and smiles.

“I will explain all the points in your case in a simple manner…” Monika says to Nisha.

“Okay…” Nisha says.

“One month ago – you walked out of your husband’s house in Pune and came to your brother’s house in Delhi…” Monika says.

“Yes…” Nisha says.

“You want to go back to Pune…” Monika says.

“Yes – I can’t live with my brother and sister-on-law forever – and – there is no career opportunity for me here in this small town – and – why should I quit my excellent job in Pune…?” Nisha says.

“Your brother told me to get you a quick divorce – and – get your husband out of his bungalow so that you can live there…” Monika says to Nisha.

“Will it be so easy…?” Nisha says – looking skeptical.

Monika looks into Nisha’s eyes – and speaks in an assuring tone.

“Why are you so full of doubt and negativity …? Remember – everything is in favor of the wife – the law – sympathy of society – everything will be in your favor – and everyone will believe whatever you say…” Monika says, “so you must take full advantage of the situation…”

“But – accusing him of all these things that he never did…” Nisha is saying – when Monika interrupts her.

“Divorce is war – and – everything is fair in war…” Monika says, “you want a quick divorce – don’t you…? Will he give you a quick divorce…? You asked him on the phone – didn’t you…?”

“He called me after I left – he asked me to come back to him…” Nisha said.

“Do you want to go back to him…?” Monika asked Nisha.

“No. Never…” Nisha says vehemently, “I cannot live with that man…”

“Well – if you go by the normal route – your divorce may take months – even years – especially if he is not willing to give you divorce…” Monika says, “they will keep sending you to counsellors for reconciliation – are you ready to wait that long…?”

“No. No. I want a quick divorce…” Nisha says – excitedly.

“Then – you just do what I tell you to do – you sign the papers – and – I will ensure you get a quick divorce – his bungalow – and – a generous amount of money…” Monika says.

“Will he agree…?” Nisha says – skeptical.

“I am going personally to Pune tomorrow to meet him – I will show him these papers and tell him he has two options – agree to our conditions – or – go to jail – I will scare him so much that he will agree to whatever I say…” Monika says – haughtily.

“The bungalow – it is ancestral property…” Nisha says.

“It is your matrimonial home – he can’t evict you from the bungalow – in fact – I will make sure he leaves the bungalow – and – the bungalow will be all yours…” Monika says.

“The bungalow will be mine…?” Nisha asks – curious.

“Yes – we will throw him out…” Monika says.

“Throw him out of his own bungalow…?” Nisha asks – incredulous.

“If removal of husband is only way to ensure domestic peace – he must be asked to leave the house…” Monika says, “there are judgements to this effect…”

“Domestic Peace…?” Nisha says – with an unsure look on her face.

“You haven’t read the papers properly – specific instances of domestic violence have been mentioned…” Monika says, “of course – there is no need for you to read them – I have drafted them meticulously – I have covered everything possible – you just sign the papers – and – leave it to me…”

Nisha signs the papers as directed by Monika.

Monika picks up the papers and checks Nisha’s signature – then – then Monika puts the papers in her briefcase and she closes the briefcase.

Monika looks at Nisha and speaks with an air of confidence.

“You told me that your husband is meek by nature…” Monika says to Nisha.

“Yes…” Nisha says, “he is very timid – a docile sissy…”

“That’s good…” Monica says, “it will be easy to scare him – now – you leave the rest to me – I will go to Pune tomorrow and talk to your husband – he will realize that he has two choices – either he gives you what you want – or – he goes to jail – and risks losing his reputation, job, everything…” Monika says confidently to Nisha, “I will get you a quick divorce – the bungalow – and – a substantial settlement – more that you can imagine…”

And then – Monika leaves.

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(To Be Continued...) 

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NB: I started writing this story around 2 years ago or maybe even more. Then, I forgot about it. I discovered this unfinished story while browsing through my creative writing folder. So, I decided to complete this story. Here is Part 1. I will try my best to write the remaining Parts and post the complete story at the earliest.

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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 spoof, 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 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) 

The “Role Model” Parents

STORY ON PARENTING by VIKRAM KARVE 

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THE “ROLE MODEL” PARENTS

Story by Vikram Karve

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“BEST PARENTS” AWARD

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“And – the “Best Parents Award” goes to…” the School Principal was saying.

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This was the first time I was hearing of a “Best Parents” Award.

I have seen plenty of awards, trophies and prizes being given to students – but – never before had I seen a “Best Parents” Award being given to Parents.

The awards ceremony began after the grand annual day program of the school.

One by one – various awards and prizes were announced – for students of each class – and – trophies for “houses” for sports and extra-curricular activities.

And then – the Principal announced that a new award was being instituted for the first time – the “Best Parents” Award – and she explained the criteria – participation of parents in PTA meetings, as parent volunteers, helping organize and taking interest and active participation in various activities – outward bound camps, field trips, adventure activities etc.– and taking keen interest in sports, dramatic and creative activities of their son.

And then – the Principal announced the names of the parents who had won the “Best Parents” Trophy.

The couple sitting next to me leapt up from their seats with spontaneous joy – looking at the expression of awe and happiness radiating from their faces – it seemed that they didn’t have an inkling about this new “best parents” award – and winning the award was a surprise for them – a lovely surprise.

I rose from my seat and stood in the aisle – making way for the young “best parent” couple to walk to the stage to collect their trophy.

Once they were on the stage – the Principal effusively praised the parents for being so totally involved in all aspects of parenting of the son and “investing” so much towards the overall development of their child.

The Principal emphasized the fact that they were probably the only parents who were perfectly synergized together – both of them – always in harmony – collaborating so nicely with the school and teachers for all events and activities pertaining to their son – they had provided the best environment for the all-round development of their son – a superb example of “holistic” parenting which was reflected in the excellent performance of their son.

She summed up by saying that they were ideal “role model” parents – an inspiration to all parents.

The Chief Guest gave the “Best Parents” Trophy to the “Role Model” Parents along with a citation.

Then – the Principal called their son on the stage for a group photo.

Their son – a smart boy – around 12 – came on stage – he had won a few prizes – for academics – for sports – for debating – for social activities – and for being the best all-rounder in his class – truly a meritorious student.

I looked at them with admiration as the stood so resplendently on the stage – smiling for the photograph – proud parents with their brilliant child – a perfect “ideal” family – indeed a “role model” for others.

After the school annual day function was over – I walked to the lawns for tea.

“Thank you for coming…” the Principal said to me.

“How could I refuse your invitation – especially as I was in town…” I said to her.

The Lady Principal was my classmate – we had studied together in this very school more than 30 years ago.

“It was very innovative to have a “Best Parents” award…” I said to her – then – I gestured to the “Best Parents” and their son – and – I said, “look at them – an ideal family – brilliant son – perfect parents – “role models” – as you described them…”

“Yes – “perfect” – except for one thing…” she said.

“Except for one thing…?” I asked her – curious.

“The parents – they are divorced…” she said.

“What…?” I exclaimed – taken aback.

“Unbelievable – isn’t it…?” she said, “but – it is true – they are divorced – for nearly six years now…”

I looked at the “best parents” – at their brilliant son – and I said:

“The parents – husband and wife – they have divorced each other – but – they haven’t divorced their son…”

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Dear Reader:

It is true – isn’t it…?

You can divorce your spouse – but – you can never “divorce” your children.

Do you agree…?

Or – do you have a different view…?

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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 spoof, 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 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) 

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Unfinished Romance – My Muse

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Short Fiction

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MY MUSE

Story By VIKRAM KARVE

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Short Fiction 

Unfinished Romance

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My Muse – Story by Vikram Karve

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Pune – circa 2006

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PROLOGUE

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There is a saying:

“The best kind of friendship is one where two people love the same books”

We – Manisha and I – we loved the same books – so – we became the best of friends.

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Let me tell you how we met.

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I love reading books.

For me – reading is one of the greatest joys.

When you read – you transcend your immediate surroundings – and you are transported into a world of thought and reflection.

In contrast – a person who does not read is imprisoned in his immediate world.

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One positive aspect of my life in the Navy is that I got plenty of opportunity to read good books and literature.

The Navy had well-stocked libraries and reading books and journals was encouraged.

For me – a library was an essential part of my life.

That is why – after I retired from the Navy and settled down in Pune – one of the first things I did was to join a Library.

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In contrast – most of my Veterans Friends took up golf – or other such pastimes – so they joined various clubs and groups – after retirement.

But – as I told you – I loved books – and I intended to spend my time reading (and writing) – so – I took membership of the best library in Pune.

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PART 1

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MANISHA

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I met Manisha on my very first day in the library.

While browsing books in the literature section of the library – I heard a feminine voice call out to me softly.

I looked up from the book in my hands.

She was a pretty girl – maybe around 20.

“Are you Mr. Vikram…?” the girl asked me.

“Yes…” I said to her.

“My name is Manisha – I like your stories…” she said.

“Thank you. Manisha…” I said to her, “do you follow my blog…?”

“Of course, I follow your blog – I have even subscribed to it – in fact – I recognized you from your blog profile picture…” she said to me.

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On hearing her words – I felt good.

It feels good to be recognized – especially after retirement – when you are a “non-entity…”

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I looked at Manisha.

“Do you like my stories…?” I asked her – wanting to hear some praise to boost my ego.

“Of course – I like your stories – you write so well…” she said to me.

I felt elated on hearing her words – so – I smiled at Manisha.

“Thank you…” I said to her.

“I like your first story the best – “Rendezvous at Sunrise” – and – I like your romantic stories – but – your latest story – I did not like the story very much – I think you are trying to experiment – but I feel you should stick to your original natural style of writing…” she said, candidly.

For a moment – I was taken aback.

Seeing the expression on my face – she seemed contrite.

“Oh – I am sorry…” she began to apologize – when I interrupted her.

“No. No – don’t feel sorry – in fact – I appreciate you for your honest feedback – but you must tell me exactly where I am going wrong – so that I can improve my writing…” I said to her.

I could see a bit of hesitancy on her face – so – I decided to ease her reluctance.

“I really want your feedback – please tell me exactly what you didn’t like about my writing style in my latest story – I will appreciate it very much…” I said to her.

“Okay – let’s go to the internet terminal – I will show you…” she said.

We walked across to the internet room in the library – we sat in front of the monitor – I opened my blog – and – she discussed my latest story in a most free and frank manner.

“Look at the ending of this story – it is so abrupt – it leaves the reader unsatisfied and confused…” she said.

I wanted to tell her about Hemingway – his Iceberg Theory – but it she seemed to read my mind.

She looked at me and spoke in an earnest voice.

“Don’t try to imitate famous authors – just write in your own unique style – like most of your earlier stories – let me show you…” she said – and – she scrolled down my blog and opened my first story – “Rendezvous with Sunrise” – and – she compared it with my latest story – then she showed me some my earlier stories – and I clearly understood her point of view.

I was amazed that she had read my stories so carefully – and – this filled me with a sense of happiness and pride.

“Thank you so much…” I said to Manisha, “you are the first person who has given me such a thorough critique of my writing – I will certainly consider all the points you have told me when I write – but you must keep giving me feedback…”

“Of course…” she said to me, “you write a story during the week and post it by Saturday – I will read it immediately – and we will discuss your story on Sunday – when we meet here at the library…”

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I loved her enthusiasm and zest – she was a really passionate reader – and most importantly – she liked my writing.

In fact – it was first time someone had taken such keen interest in my writing – and – I felt good.

I smiled at her.

“Yes – that’s a great idea – I will look forward to discussing my stories with you…” I said to her.

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I marvelled at her acumen and faculty – she looked so young – but she had profound insight into the finer aspects of creative writing and literature.

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Her voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Shall we go back and see some short story books…?” she said to me.

We went back to the literary section of the library.

We browsed a few short fiction anthologies together – we showed each other our favorite stories – and – we realized that our literary tastes were similar.

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As I had said earlier:

“The best kind of friendship is one where two people love the same books”

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Well – our literary tastes matched – metaphorically – “we loved the same “books” – and – I could sense that it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Manisha and Me.

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Time passed fast.

After browsing in the literary section – we went to the magazine section – and I showed her some literary journals which featured contemporary creative writing and short fiction.

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After some time – Manisha looked at me.

“I am feeling hungry – let’s go across to Vaishali for a snack…” Manisha said to me.

“Okay…” I said – I was feeling hungry too.

We crossed the road – luckily a table was vacant in the normally crowded restaurant.

Manisha ordered a Masala Dosa – I ordered an Onion Uttapam – and we talked.

“You really know a lot about literature…” I said to Manisha.

“I am a student of literature…” she said.

“You are so lucky…” I said to her.

“Lucky…? Why…?” she asked me.

“I wish I could have studied literature instead of spending the best years of my life time studying science, engineering, technology which were so painful…” I said wistfully, “but in our time – we weren’t given a choice…”

“But you write so well – and you know so much about literature…” she said.

“I always loved reading – so – though I did different work – reading and writing were always my interests – my hobbies…” I said to her.

“The best writers are engineers, doctors – most haven’t formally studied literature…” she said, matter-of-factly.

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And – we talked and talked – about literature – about books – and then – we went back to the library – and browsed and selected books – till closing time – 6 PM – in the evening.

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“Do you come to the library often…?” I asked Manisha – as we stood outside the library.

“On my college days – I come whenever I get time – but – I make it a point to come to the library every Sunday…” she said.

“I will also come every Sunday…” I said to her, “I live quite far away – so – I will write throughout the week – and – I will come to the library every Sunday…”

“That’s great – let’s meet over here next Sunday – I’ll be here at 11 AM – when the library opens…” she said to me.

“I’ll post my new story by Saturday…” I said to her.

“Yes – I will read it – and – we will discuss your story over here on Sunday morning…” she said to me, “11 AM – next Sunday – I’ll be here…”

And then – she smiled a sweet goodbye – and – she walked away.

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Next Sunday – I was sitting on the bench outside the library at 10:45 AM – waiting for the library to open – and – of course – eagerly waiting for Manisha to arrive.

I wanted to know her views on the story I had written that week and posted on my blog on Saturday.

Manisha arrived at 11 AM

She was all excited about my story.

“I read your story three times – it is so engrossing…” she said, “you write really well…”

“And…?” I said – waiting for her critical feedback.

“The ending is too abrupt…” she said.

“But – that’s my style…” I said to her.

“Then – you must try and change your style. You write your stories for readers – don’t you…? Most readers like happy endings – or – at least – they like smooth endings – well – at least I do…” she said to me.

“Thank you for your feedback – I will try to improve my endings – now – let’s go inside and see the endings of some good short stories – maybe I can learn something…” I said to her.

“Yes. Yes. Let’s do that – it will be so exciting…” she said.

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ONE WEEK LATER – NEXT SUNDAY

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PART 2

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MANISHA’S MOTHER (NISHA)

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One week later – on Sunday – I was sitting on the bench outside the library at 10:45 AM – waiting for the library to open – and – of course – eagerly waiting for Manisha to arrive.

I wanted to know her views on my latest story – especially on the ending of the story – a “happy ending” as suggested by her.

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A woman came and stood at the entrance of the library.

I noticed that the woman was looking curiously at me.

I looked at the woman who was looking at me.

She looked chic.

Blue Jeans, bright red top (pullover/tucked-in T-Shirt), fair creamy (flawless) complexion, jet black hair neatly tied in a bun – and – dark Ray-Ban sunglasses of the latest style.

She was a good-looking woman with smart feminine features – elegant – fashionable – chic – graceful – well-groomed.

When the woman saw me looking at her – she smiled – and she walked towards me.

“Are you Mr. Vikram…?” the woman asked me.

“Yes…” I said to her.

“Manisha won’t be coming today…” she said.

“Oh…” I said, “I hope she is well…”

“Manisha is fit and fine…” the woman said.

“Oh…” I said – wondering who this woman was – when the woman suddenly spoke.

“I am Manisha’s mother…” the woman said, “I have told her not to come here…”

“You have told her not to come here…?” I said – confused.

“Yes – I don’t want my daughter Manisha to have any relationship with you…” the woman said – in a firm voice.

“Relationship…? With me…?” I said – taken aback.

“I don’t want my daughter getting romantically involved with you…” the woman said.

“Romantically Involved…? Are you insinuating that I am having a love affair with Manisha…?” I asked the woman – in an angry voice.

“You certainly seem to be getting close to her…” she said to me.

“What nonsense…!!! I am double her age…” I said, emphatically.

“You are not double her age – you are three times her age – Manisha is just 20 and you must be more than 60…” the woman said mockingly.

“How does that matter…? Can’t we be friends…?” I said, assertively.

“Friends…? You should be friends with her grandmother – even I am too young for you…” the woman said, sardonically.

“Please stop talking nonsense…” I said, angrily.

“It is not nonsense – Manisha is 20 – I am 42 – and – my mother is in her early 60’s – around your age…” the woman said, wryly.

I decided to make things clear to her – so – I spoke to her in a firm matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“I don’t see what’s your problem…? Let me make it clear – Manisha and I – ours is just a clean friendship – we meet just once a week – on Sundays – here in the library – we discuss books and literature and writing – sometimes – we have a Dosa and Coffee in the café opposite the library – and then – we say goodbye – and go home…” I said to the woman, Manisha’s mother.

“What about the book fair – the literary festival…?” Manisha’s mother said.

“Those are literary events…” I was saying – when Manisha’s mother interrupted me.

“You have got too involved with my daughter…” Manisha’s mother said.

“What…? Involved…? Me…? With Manisha…? Not at all…” I protested.

“Well – she is certainly emotionally involved with you – she is under your influence – you have spoilt her – she should have friends of her age – but she only likes you – isn’t that abnormal for a young college girl…?” Manisha’s mother said to me.

“I don’t know what you are trying to say…” I said, confused.

Manisha’s mother gave me a hard look and spoke in a firm tone.

“I want you want you to stop your relationship with Manisha…” she said, in an imperative tone of voice, as if she was commanding me to obey.

I felt outraged at the way Manisha’s mother was talking to me – so I spoke angrily.

“Please talk to me properly – I am a respectable Navy Veteran – your daughter and me – we are just pure friends – don’t you dare make such insinuations – as if we are having some sort of immoral relationship or affair…” I said, indignantly.

“Though you don’t realize it – you two are indeed having an affair…” she was saying – when I interrupted her rudely.

“Please stop it…!!! How can you even say such dirty things…?” I said to her, with disgust.

“I didn’t say you are having a physical affair – but – you are certainly having an emotional affair – you are in an emotional relationship with her – think about it….” she said, giving me a meaningful look.

I looked at her – trying to comprehend her words – when I heard her voice.

“I want this to stop – I don’t want you to see her again – I want Manisha to be her age – to hang around with friends of her age – not with old fogeys like you – so – I have told her not to meet you – Manisha won’t be coming to the library on Sundays…” Manisha’s mother said.

“Oh…” I said, feeling disappointed.

“Please don’t try to contact my daughter – otherwise…” she said – in a rather threatening tone.

I was angry – very angry – with this rude and insolent woman.

I wanted to tell her off – to rebuke her for her impertinence and intemperate words – but – I controlled myself – and – I turned and started walking towards the library entrance.

“You better find some friends of your age…” the impertinent woman said to me – as a parting shot – as I entered the library.

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ONE WEEK LATER

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PART 3

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MANISHA’S GRANDMOTHER (SWATI)

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One week later – on Sunday – I reached the library just before the opening time of 11 AM – hoping against hope that Manisha would be there.

But – there was no one outside the library.

I hadn’t been able to write a story that week – writer’s block – maybe – because I was upset because of the previous Sunday’s unpleasant encounter with Manisha’s mother – but more so – at the prospect of not being able to meet Manisha ever again.

 

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The moment the library opened – I went inside – and – as per my habit – first – I walked into the reading room.

On the magazine rack in the reading room – I was delighted to see the latest issue of Granta – my favorite literary magazine.

I picked up the magazine – sat down on a chair and started reading.

I was engrossed reading a story in the magazine when I heard a feminine voice call out my name.

“Mr. Vikram…?” the feminine voice said.

I looked up from the magazine.

The feminine voice belonged to a nice-looking lady.

She looked refined and graceful and carried herself with an air of confidence and poise. She was a blend of classic elegance and modern finesse and exuded an aura of charm. She must have been an exceptional beauty in her younger days – and – even now – she looked alluring – and she had a unique captivating charisma.

She smiled at me – I smiled back.

I was attracted to her – and – I instinctively gave her my inimitable look of genuine admiration that is worth a thousand compliments.

She blushed a bit – and spoke softly.

“May I sit down – I want to talk to you…” she said.

“Of course – please sit down…” I said – getting up from my chair as a courtesy.

We sat down next to each other – she looked directly into my eyes and spoke in a friendly tone.

“I am Manisha’s grandmother…” she said to me.

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Story to be continued…

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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 spoof, 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 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) 

Link to my source blog post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2022/07/my-muse-manisha-unfinished-story.html

Part 1 of this story also posted in this blog (my writing blog) at url: https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/07/13/unfinished-story-my-muse/ and Parts 1 and 2 at urls: https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/10/14/my-muse-an-unfinished-story/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/10/24/unfinished-story-my-muse-2/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2023/03/02/an-unfinished-story-my-muse/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2024/02/05/my-muse-an-unfinished-story-2/  etc

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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Mumbai Memories – Ginger Lemon

MUMBAI MEMORIES – GINGER LEMON 

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Refreshing Ginger Lemon Drink 

My Favourite Pick-Me-Up “Sundowner”

Blog By VIKRAM KARVE 

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I love to exercise in the evenings – it makes you feel good and ensures sound sleep. 

In my heyday I used to play games or swim till I was physically exhausted and then I would soothe my tiredness by having a relaxing warm water bath. 

After that – as the sun set and twilight engulfed the sky – I would sit with a glass of Rum Pani (or occasionally Whisky-Soda) – sipping slowly – allowing the alcohol to gently permeate through my inner self – till I was soaked in that wonderful feeling of drowsy relaxation – which I cannot describe in words.

I have realized that if you want to really enjoy your food – you should build up an appetite for it. 

It is the same for drinking – to get the best out of alcohol – you have to build up an “appetite” for it. 

It has been my personal experience that I have truly enjoyed drinking the most – whenever I had created the proper inner ambience for the enjoyment of alcohol.

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But – those were my halcyon days. 

Now – a retired “senior citizen” in my late 60’s – nearing 70’s – every evening – I go for a long walk – and – after that I have the same relaxing warm water bath. 

Then – I sit in my tall open balcony – watching the sun set in the western horizon to my right – the orange ball of fire being swallowed and doused by the tranquil waters of the river Mula. 

Soon – after the riot of colours in the sky is over – twilight engulfs the surroundings – and there is the awesome spectacle of twinkling lights on the Bangalore Mumbai highway in the distance and in the tall buildings in Pune across the river even farther away.

But – in my hand – there is no longer a glass of Rum-Pani or Whisky-Soda. 

Nowadays – I gently sip from a glass of my favourite “sundowner” – chilled Ginger Lemon Soda.

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It was on a typical hot sultry Mumbai afternoon in Dadar – many years ago – that I had my first taste of Ginger Lemon Drink – and – it was Tina’s Ginger Lemon

The first sip was so refreshing and fortifying – that I got hooked to this superbly tasty invigorating drink ever since. 

This delicious thirst quencher Ginger Lemon Cool Drink was available all over Mumbai – and – in my neighbourhood restaurant – Vihar Restaurant – near Empress Court – Churchgate – where I lived – they blended Ginger-Lemon in a mixer – so that it looked like an emulsion. 

Also – I used to pick up bottles of Tina's Ginger-Lemon (my favourite brand) from Vihar – and make a glass of Ginger Lemon with Soda at home – whenever I felt like having a stimulating pick-me-up.

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Soon – I quit drinking alcohol – and – I realized that a cold glass of Ginger Lemon Soda was the ideal substitute – the refreshing and stimulating drink I enjoyed most. 

I love its sweet and sour tangy taste and instant feel-good restorative effect.

In Pune – I could not find my favourite Tina’s Ginger Lemon 

So – so I make do with Mapro Lemon Ginger Squash (in lieu of Tina’s Ginger Lemon) 

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But – I still yearn for Tina’s Ginger Lemon. 

Sadly – despite my best efforts – I could not find Tina’s Ginger Lemon in Pune. 

So – I decided to improvise and try to make Ginger-Lemon at home.

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RECIPE for Home Made Ginger Lemon Squash

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It is easy to make Ginger Lemon Squash at home too. 

Put one cup of sugar – two cups of water – and – a spoon of freshly crushed ginger paste (with all its fibres) in a vessel on slow fire – and keep stirring till it becomes syrupy. 

Then add half a cup of fresh lemon juice – stir a bit – and your Ginger Lemon Squash is ready. 

If you want fibres (to give you that extra “kick”) – don’t strain the squash – otherwise you can strain it if you want the squash clear.

Transfer to a bottle and keep in your fridge – you must keep it in a cool place – and finish it quite fast – since there are no preservatives.

A refreshing glass of Ginger Lemon Soda is not only much tastier – but also much healthier than your customary evening glass of “Whisky Soda” or “Rum Pani” – and it is an excellent appetizer too. 

Both Ginger and Lemon have many beneficial health properties – and – a glass of Ginger Lemon Soda a day will surely keep the doctor away.

That calls for a “drink”...!!!

Cheers...!!!

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VIKRAM KARVE

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This is a revised repost of my food blog posted online by me earlier a number of times including at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/sundowner-ginger-lemon-day-will-keep.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/02/refreshing-ginger-lemon-drink-my.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2021/10/ginger-lemon-refreshing-drink.html etc 

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