Mumbai Food Memories - Paradise Colaba Causeway

 Nostalgic Article on Paradise Colaba Causeway 

https://antoinelewis.com/2018/08/06/remembering-paradises-chicken-roll-and-other-temptations/

I loved the Temptation 

Nisha and Monika

SHORT FICTION

_______

NISHA and MONIKA

Fiction Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

_____

“Are you going to marry me…?” Nisha asked me.

“Of course…” I said to Nisha.

Nisha looked relieved.

She gave me a loving smile.

I was nonplussed.

“Did you call me all the way to your home from office just to ask me this question…? You said it was urgent – so – I left important work and rushed here…” I said to Nisha – feeling a bit exasperated.

“Monika was here a few moments ago…” Nisha said.

“Monika…?” I said – confused.

“Yes – Monika had come to meet me – I called you the moment she left…” Nisha said.

“That’s surprising…” I said, “I thought she was on “sick leave” today…”

“She is “sick” – lovesick…” Nisha said.

“Lovesick…? What do you mean…?” I asked Nisha.

“Monika is in love with you…” Nisha said.

“I know…” I said, “she asked me to marry her…”

“When…?” Nisha asked me.

“Last evening – when I was dropping her home after office…” I said to Nisha.

“She proposed to you last evening…?” Nisha asked me.

“Yes…” I said to Nisha.

“You didn’t tell me when you called last night…” Nisha said.

“What is there to tell…? I told her “NO” – a firm “NO” – that there was no question of my getting married to her – since I was already committed to marry you…” I said to Nisha.

“Oh – that’s why she was talking about love and arranged marriages…” Nisha said.

“What was she saying…?” I asked Nisha.

“Monika said that – with you and me – it was only an “arranged” relationship – whereas – with you and her – it was love – so – I should back off…” Nisha said.

“What nonsense…!!! Everything has been decided – you and me – we are getting married in May – two months from now – my parents have liked you – your parents have liked me – we like each other – we are committed to marry each other…” I was saying – when Nisha interrupted me.

“That was during the arranged marriage interview three months ago…” Nisha said.

“So…? Nothing has changed…” I said, emphatically.

“Monika joined your office…” Nisha said.

“Just two months ago…” I said to her.

“She is head over heels in love with you – she desperately wants to marry you…” Nisha said to me.

“Please stop it…” I said to Nisha.

“Tell me – are you in love with Monika – do you love her more than me – if that is so – I will back off – and you can marry her – I want you to be happy…” Nisha said – with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

I was taken aback by her words – so – I paused for a moment before I spoke to her.

“I don’t love her more than you – in fact – I don’t love her at all…” I said to Nisha – emphatically.

“But – she loves you – Monika really loves you…” Nisha said.

“No – Monika doesn’t love me – if she really loved me – she wouldn’t have come to your house and said what she said to you – it is you who really loves me – if you didn’t love me – you wouldn’t have said what you said to me just now…” I said to Nisha – and I took her in my arms.

__________ 

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

A Candid Picture

FICTION STORY

________

THE CANDID PHOTO

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

_______

PUNE

Circa – February 2023

_______

PART 1

_______

FILM FESTIVAL AT A MULTIPLEX CINEMA

PUNE

_______

“The photo you asked me to click yesterday morning – the one where you pose next to the Film Festival Poster – I saw it on Instagram…” the girl said to me.

“Oh Yes – I have uploaded that photo everywhere – on Facebook – on Twitter – on Instagram – even on LinkedIn – I must say you clicked a good photo – I look so impressive standing next to the Film Festival Poster…” I said to her – pompously

“Shall I say something…?” the girl said – a bit hesitant.

“Of course – please feel free to speak…” I said to her.

“Well – I feel the photo looks contrived…” she said – candidly.

“Contrived…?” I asked her.

“In fact – all your photos look contrived – your standard pose – your typical pokerfaced smile – it all looks fake and artificial – you are an influencer with huge following – you must post candid photos…” she said to me – matter-of-factly.

“Candid Photos…?” I said – confused.

“I have clicked a candid photo of you just a few moments ago…” she said with a naughty smile.

“You clicked a photo of me…? You didn’t even tell me…” I said to her – feeling a bit anxious.

“If I told you – and you knew I was clicking your photo – then it wouldn’t be a candid photo at all – there would be no naturalness and spontaneity – as you would be self-conscious if you knew that you are being photographed…” she said to me, “a candid photo is one where you aren’t aware that you are being photographed – so that your expressions are captured true to life…”

“Candid…? True to Life…?” I said – a bit confused.

She smiled at me and spoke in an assuring tone of voice.

“Don’t worry – the photo has come out very well – it’s a lovely candid picture…” she said.

“Show me…” I said to her – curious – and eager to see my candid photo.

“Tell me your WhatsApp Number – I will send the photo to you…” she said.

I told her my WhatsApp Number.

She sent the “candid photo” to me.

I looked at the photo on my smartphone.

It was a lovely picture – my profile had come out very well – I looked good – with a very natural and genuine expression – as I looked slightly upwards at the film festival banner which had been captured beautifully.

And – the candid picture had captured the panoramic scene so beautifully – the young couple standing ahead of me in the queue – they looked so lifelike and natural – engrossed in conversation with each other – it all looked so authentic and realistic – the candid photo was indeed a masterpiece.

“It is a lovely photo…” I said to the girl, “thank you so much…”

“You are welcome…” she said with a smile, “this is the type of photo you must post on your social media – instead of your usual posed appearance with your fake smile…”

“Yes – Yes…” I said excitedly, “I’ll post this picture straightaway…”

As an influencer – I believe that posts must be uploaded in real-time or near real-time with proper location and appropriate tags – this adds to their spontaneity and authenticity.

I posted the candid photo on Instagram – with a caption “Yours Truly at the Film Festival” – and since all my social media is connected – the candid photo was instantly shared and posted on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr etc. – and I posted the “candid photo” once again on Twitter – with a bit of description of the film festival with appropriate hashtags – and tagging some of my friends too.

________

“I have posted the photo…” I said to the girl.

“Yes…” she said – looking at her smartphone, “I have liked it on Instagram – I’ll retweet it on Twitter too…”

________

Suddenly – the queue started moving – the door to Auditorium must have opened.

Someone standing behind said to the girl: “Please come in the queue…”

I looked at him and said: “We are together…”

The girl smiled at me.

The least I could do in return for the candid picture was to help her jump the queue.

________

After the movie was over – I invited the girl for a cup of coffee in the food court – as there was around half-an-hour for the next movie I wanted to see in Auditorium 1 – but – she wanted to see another movie in Auditorium 6 which was about to start – so – we parted ways – she went to Auditorium 6 – and – I went down to the food court for a quick snack and cup of coffee.

_________

On my way down to the food court – I looked at my smartphone.

It must have been around 2 hours since I posted the candid photo on social media – and – there were quite a large number of “likes” “comments” “shares” “retweets” etc. on various social media – the candid photo had especially gone viral on Twitter.

That is the power of social media – your posts are instantly seen worldwide – by a large number of people – especially if you are an “influencer” with a widespread following – like me.

An influencer yearns for appreciation – I was really delighted that my candid photo had gone viral and it was liked and appreciated so much on the social media.

_________

PART 2

_________

FOOD COURT OF THE MALL

(IN WHICH THE MULTIPLEX CINEMA IS LOCATED)

_________

I placed my order for a Bun Maska and Chai – sat down at a vacant table – and while I was waiting for my order to be called out – I looked at the “candid photo” on my smartphone.

There were 3 persons in the “candid photo” – me – and the handsome couple – a young man and a woman – and – of course – the film festival banner in the background.

It all looked so natural – my profile as I looked at the poster – and the affectionate expressions on the faces of the man and women – the intimate way in which they were talking – it seemed to me that they were probably husband and wife – or – close friends.

The girl had clicked a really good photograph – so clear and distinct.

And it was truly “candid” – none of us were aware that we were being photographed – that’s why we were looking so natural and spontaneous – oblivious of our surroundings.

_________

Unbeknownst to me – the young couple in the “candid photo” – they were also sitting in the food court – but they were seated in a different section of the huge food court – and – I could not see them – and – neither could they see me.

The couple – the handsome young man and the beautiful woman – they were sitting opposite each other – probably waiting for their food order to be ready.

The woman was looking at her smartphone – scrolling – when her expression changed from a smile to one of disbelief.

“Our photo is on Twitter…” she says to the man, “open your Twitter…”

“I don’t have Twitter…” the man says.

“You are not on Twitter…?” she asks him – a bit surprised.

“No – I avoid all Social Media…” he says to her.

“Are you on WhatsApp…?” she asks him.

“Yes – on the same number I gave you before the movie…” he says to her.

“I am sending you a screenshot of the tweet – just look at the photo…” she says to him.

She sends him the “candid photo” on WhatsApp.

The man looked at the photo appreciatively.

“The photo is really nice – we look so good – I wonder who clicked it – and this bearded guy in the picture – he was standing behind us in the queue – I think…” the man says.

“He is the one who posted this photo on Twitter – here – see his profile picture…” the woman says – and shows the screen of her smartphone to the man.

“How has this photo come on your Twitter…?” the man asks the woman.

“I don’t know – I don’t follow this guy…” the woman says looking curious – and she starts scrolling her Twitter Timeline and Notifications – and suddenly – her expression turns to one of horror.

Someone has posted the photo on our office WhatsApp group – it’s Nisha – that bitch – and she has commented “How to enjoy Sick-Leave” – and put a naughty emoji…” the woman says.

“Sick Leave…?” the man asks the woman.

“I had told my boss that I want sick leave today – now she will come to know – thanks to Nisha and that stupid idiot who posted the picture everywhere…” the woman says – looking worried.

“But – how did Nisha see the picture…?” the man asked the woman.

“That guy is an influencer – he has a huge following on Social Media – Nisha must be following him on Twitter…” the woman says, “I am in deep shit – as it is my boss hates me…”

The man’s smartphone vibrates – he looks at the screen – it is his wife – so – he takes the call.

“Who is that woman with you…?” the man hears his wife screaming from the other end.

“I am at the Film Festival – I told you…” the man tries to say but his wife interrupts.

“I am not asking about the film festival – I am asking you about that woman with you in the photo…” the man’s wife says.

“Which photo…?” the man stammers.

“Don’t try to act dumb – the photo of you and that woman on Twitter…” the man’s wife says.

“I am not on Twitter – you know that I avoid all social media…” the man mumbles, “how did you see the photo…?”

“I am on Twitter…” the man’s wife shouts at him, “Look at your WhatsApp – I am sending you the photo…”

The man disconnects the call and looks at the “candid photo” on WhatsApp.

Then he looks at the woman in front of him and speaks.

“My wife has seen the photo on Twitter…” he says to the woman.

“He has posted it everywhere – the photo is all over social media – the whole world must have seen it by now…” the woman says with an exasperated look.

“What do I do…?” the man asks the woman.

“Just tell your wife that I am your classmate from college – and we met unexpectedly at the Film Festival…” the woman says to the man.

The man’s phone vibrates – it is his wife again.

“Why did you disconnect my call…?” the man’s wife screams.

“I was seeing my WhatsApp…” the man says.

“Who is that woman with you in the photo…?” the man’s wife asks forcefully.

“She is my classmate – we met unexpectedly…” the man is saying when his wife interrupts.

“What is her name…?” the man’s wife asks.

“Menaka…” the man says.

“Ah – Menaka – she looks like one for sure – trying to seduce you…” the man’s wife says sarcastically.

“What are you saying…?” the man says, perturbed.

“Just see the way she is flirting with you – giving you the sultry look…” the man’s wife says.

“What nonsense…? We were just talking…” the man tries to explain to his wife.

“Just Talking…? So intimately…? Standing so close to each other…? With your arm is around her….?” the man’s wife says angrily.

“There was a crowd – so – I was just trying to be protective…” the man says.

“You never put your arm around me so lovingly...” the wife says acerbically, “tell me – are you having an affair with her…?” the man’s wife asks.

“Affair…? I told you – she is just my classmate – I met her after 10 years – I have not seen her since college…” the man says, trying to convince his wife.

For a moment – there is silence – then – the man hears his wife’s voice on the phone.

“You liar and cheat – just look at this comment on your photo tweet – “college sweethearts rekindling the flame of their love” – now I am sure you two are having an affair…” the man’s wife yells.

“It must be some mischievous classmate…” the man says irately, “and that idiot who posted the photo – I will kill him…”

“Oh – you are cheating on me – you are the one at fault – and – you want to shoot the messenger…? In fact – I am grateful to him – it is because he exposed you that I have come to know the truth that you are cheating on me and having an affair with that nympho bitch – I won’t spare you – and as far as that nympho bitch is concerned – I will destroy her totally – finish her off…” the man’s wife says furiously – and she disconnects.

The man looks at the woman in front to him – his classmate Menaka.

She is looking at her smartphone screen.

Suddenly – the expression on her face changes – and she shouts at the man.

“Your wife has gone crazy – she has found out my Twitter handle and she is writing all sorts of filthy comments on that photo tweet – “keep your hands off my husband you nympho bitch” – and she has tagged me – I hope my husband doesn’t see all this…” the woman says, anxiously.

“Husband…? You told me you are divorced…” the man says.

“We are separated – almost divorced – but the alimony and custody cases are in court – and he will use all this against me…” the woman says, nervously.

Then – the woman looks at the man and speaks angrily.

“It’s all your fault – you shouldn’t have waved out to me…” the woman says to the man.

“My fault…? You are the one who wanted to jump the queue so you came and stood next to me…” the man says to the woman.

“I saw you after so many years – so – I came to talk to you – out of courtesy…” the woman says, “we were friends in college – weren’t we…?”

“I wish I had never waved out to you – you are a “Panauti”…” the man says scornfully to the woman.

“Panauti…? How dare you call me a Panauti…?” the woman says angrily to the man.

And they start talking heatedly to each other – a fiery argument – accusations and counter-accusations – blame and counter-blame.

________

While the man and woman were engaged in their intense conversation – unknown to them – I had surreptitiously clicked a “candid photo” of them – hotly engrossed in each other – and the photo had come out so well – their “candid” expressions captured so beautifully – that – I could not resist the temptation to post the photo instantly on Social Media – so – I posted it immediately.

And soon – the “candid photo” of the man and the woman having an impassioned discussion was going viral of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp – and all Social Media.

_________ 

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Short Fiction – The Cruise

THE CRUISE

Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

______

THE CRUISE

______

He waited for her at the cruise terminal.

It was the first time he would be alone with her – just the two of them – for the entire weekend.

The cruise ship would leave Mumbai on Friday evening – sail to Goa – and – after a lovely Sunday in Goa – they would return to Mumbai on Monday morning.

It was going to be a weekend of love and romance.

He was especially looking forward to the three nights they would spend together – in the cosy romantic cabin he had specially selected – an ideal seductive setting to get intimate with her – yes – he was yearning to make passionate love to her.

Though they had been dating and seeing each other for quite some time – they hadn’t even kissed – but she had given him tacit hints that she desired to take their relationship to the next level.

And – when he suggested that they go on a romantic getaway – she enthusiastically agreed – and he selected the exquisite weekend cruise on the luxury liner – rather than one of those archetypical “resorts” around Mumbai.

He had booked a premium suite on the top deck – with a private balcony – for cosy romance with a panoramic sunset view of the ocean – as a prelude to passionate lovemaking at night.

He was sure that it was going to happen – because she had given him profuse signals via her eyes that she desired him – and he desperately yearned for her too.

He thought of the diamond ring he had bought for her – and he wondered if he should propose to her before they made love – or after making love to her for the first time.

_______

The taxi stops near him and she gets out of the taxi.

He looks at her – his heart thumping with the giddy glee of a man who sees his lady love and finds her a thousand times more beautiful than when he had seen her last.

She flatters him by looking steadily into his eyes and giving him a loving smile.

Then – she looks into the taxi and signals.

A boy steps out of the taxi – it is her son.

The man is taken aback – surprised to see the boy – and he feels a deep sense of disillusionment.

The taxi driver takes out the woman’s bag from the boot and keeps it beside her.

The man walks to the taxi driver and pays him – and – the taxi drives off.

Then – the man looks at the woman with a question in his eyes – disappointment writ on his face.

“I am sorry…” she says – contrite, “I had to bring him…” gesturing with her eyes at her son.

“Wasn’t he going to spend the weekend at his father’s place…?” the man asks her.

“He ditched me at the last moment – he called and said he had to suddenly go to Delhi for an urgent meeting…” she says.

“But you didn’t tell me anything…” the man says to her – in a slightly accusing tone.

“He called me just half an hour ago – when I was on my way to his house – I was going to drop my son at his place and come over here – so – I just diverted the taxi and came straight over here…” the woman says, “there was not point calling you when we were going to be meeting in a few minutes – I thought I would tell you over here…”

“It was going to be just the both of us – for the first time…” the man says – feeling let-down.

“I know – I was looking forward to being with you – all by ourselves – I can understand your anger – but – what can I do…?” the woman says – looking penitent.

________

While the man and woman are talking – the 6-year-old boy is engrossed in looking at the cruise ship berthed on the jetty.

“Uncle – is that the cruise ship on which we are going…?” the excited boy asks the man.

“Yes…” the man says to the boy – and then – he looks questioningly at the woman.

The woman smiles at the man and speaks.

“We can take him with us – can’t we…? He is so excited…” the woman says to the man.

“I don’t know…” the man says, “the cruise may be fully booked…”

“But he is just a small boy – we can adjust him in our cabin…” she says.

“Please Uncle – I want to go – I have never gone on a ship before…” the boy says – beseechingly.

“Please…” the woman says, “you are in the Navy – I am sure you can do something…”

“Okay – I’ll try and do something – you two just sit over there in the waiting lounge…” the man says – and he walks towards the cruise ship.

_______

The man returns after 15 minutes and smiles at the excited boy.

“It’s done – you are going on the cruise with your mother…” the man says to the boy.

“Yay…!!!” the boy exclaims happily in excitement.

The woman seems happy but she looks a bit confused.

“So – the three of us are going on the cruise…” she says to the man.

“No – you and your son are going on the cruise – he is going instead of me – I have spoken to the Manager and the Captain – they’ll cancel our ticket and issue a fresh one for you and your son – come quickly – there is a bit of paperwork to be done…” the man says – and he leads the woman and her son towards the cruise ship.

______

The woman and her son stand on the deck as the cruise ship slowly casts off from the jetty.

Her son – the 6-year-old boy – he is full of thrill and joy – looking excitedly at everything.

The woman looks at the jetty – her eyes search for the man – hoping he would be there – waving to her.

But – the man is not there.

She feels an ache in her heart – and – a tear rolls down her cheek.

______ 

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Disclaimer:

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Lawrence School Lovedale Class of 1971 Reunion - Ootacamund Club - 7 January 2023

 __________

THE LAWRENCE SCHOOL – LOVEDALE

CLASS OF 1971 – GOLDEN JUBILEE REUNION

(7^th January to 12^th January 2023)

Memories of the Reunion by Vikram Karve

__________

___________

PROLOGUE

__________

Before I tell you about our wonderful reunion – let me make a confession.

Apropos of the Class of 1971 reunion – my role was akin to that of “Yossarian” of Catch-22 – and – while participating in various events of the reunion – I probably had the same feelings as Yossarian may have experienced when he visited the officers’ club that he did not help build.

I am sure you have read Catch-22.

All Officers posted in Pianosa decide to build a club on their own and they put in a tremendous amount of effort to build a good Officers’ Club in Pianosa.

However – the sole exception is Yossarian – who is proud of his ability to avoid work – he contributes nothing to help build the club – he does not go for even a single day to work on building the officers’ club.

But once the Officers’ Club is ready – Yossarian visits the club almost every day – and he makes maximum use of the facilities – which he had not helped build.

Let me quote a paragraph from Catch-22 which encapsulates this sentiment (emphasis mine):

“Actually there were many officers’ clubs that Yossarian had not helped build – but he was proudest of the one on Pianosa.

It was a sturdy and complex monument to his powers of determination.

Yossarian never went there to help until it was finished – then he went there often – so pleased was he with the large, fine, rambling shingled building.

It was a truly splendid building – and – Yossarian throbbed with a mighty sense of accomplishment each time he gazed at it – and reflected that – none of the work that had gone into it was his…”

___________

For me – it was a similar equation as far as the reunion was concerned.

Ranjit – from “Down Under” – was the “prime mover” of the reunion – coordinating everything with his indefatigable initiative – and motivating classmates to attend the reunion.

Madan – unassuming and assiduous – organized the Kerala leg, our transportation – and so much more – especially the “beverages”.

Some of our classmates hosted wonderful evenings of stimulating cocktails and sumptuous dinners at Ooty Club, Coonoor Club and The Culinarium – and – thanks to the redoubtable “Team Bunty” – we enjoyed an unforgettable day of boating and picnicking at Pykara Lake.

Everyone contributed – I must have been the sole exception.

Effort-wise – I contributed nothing – but – as far as enjoyment was concerned – I was at the forefront – thoroughly enjoying myself to the hilt – eating, drinking, merrymaking and participating in every event with joy, fervor and full gusto.

In hindsight – I feel that the least I can do – as my miniscule contribution – is to write about the reunion on my blog – as a memoir and record for posterity.

________

In the next part – I will write about our visit to the school on the 8^th of January 2023.

And then – I shall try and tell you about all the events.

Meanwhile – here is a group photo of the “Classy Class of 1971”

________

(L to R) Madan Pillai, OL Prabhu, Alagapan, Arjun Divecha, Muthappan, Mayur Patel, Rajeev Gupta, Mohan Jacob, Rajeev Verma, Vikram Karve, Valliamma, Shanmugham, Remani Barua, George Varghese, Shireen Cama, Shomir Mukherjee, Theivani, Ajay Desai, Geetha Gangadhar, Phillip Charles, Monty Bopiah, Riad Fyzee, Santosh, MM Sundaram, Ranjit Giri

________

Bibliotherapy

Bibliotherapy – The Ladies’ Oracle – Guide on Matters of Love and Life

______

THE LADIES ORACLE

A Fascinating Book 

By  

VIKRAM KARVE

_______

BIBLIOTHERAPY

Reading can be fun. 

Reading can also be therapeutic. 

Bibliotherapy may be defined as the use of books to help people solve problems.

Yes – you can benefit from bibliotherapy – use books to solve issues that you may be facing at a particular time  

Many of us use bibliotherapy without realizing it. 

Reading is ameliorative in nature – and – an enjoyable read always cheers you up – and puts you in a good mood.

Whenever I am in a blue mood – I browse through my bookshelves and pick up a good book.  

For me – reading is the greatest of all joys.

The moment I start reading a book – I enter a different world – and this change of environment has a positive effect on my mood and emotion – and lo and behold – my spirits are uplifted. 

Those who do not have the habit of reading remain imprisoned in their moods and immediate surroundings.

I have just picked up a delightful little book called  “The Ladies Oracle”  by Cornelius Agrippa from my bookcase.

Here is a picture of the title page of my copy the book: 

THE LADIES’ ORACLE By Cornelius Agrippa

THE LADIES’ ORACLE By Cornelius Agrippa  

Let me tell you about this intriguing book The Ladies’ Oracle and you will see how this book can cheer you up and lifts your spirits too – an ideal book for BIBLIOTHERAPY .

Whenever I buy a book – I write down the date and place of purchase on its first page. 

I have duly recorded that I bought The Ladies Oracle on 14 February 1989 – on Valentine’s Day – more than 28 years ago – on the pavement bookstalls opposite the Central Telegraph Office (CTO) near Hutatma Chowk (Flora Fountain) at Fort in Mumbai (then called Bombay).

I don’t remember what prompted me to buy The Ladies Oracle. 

Maybe – I wanted to present the book to my darling wife 

Or maybe – because there was no such book as “The Gentleman’s Oracle” – at the pavement bookstall.

But that is not important now.

So – let’s talk more about this amusing little book.

HOW TO USE THE LADIES ORACLE FOR BIBLIOTHERAPY

Let’s get down to using this delightful oracle.

First choose a question from the ninety five listed in the book from pages (v) to (viii) numbered 5 to 100

(I wonder where the first five questions are?)

I select question number 35: 

Shall I always enjoy good health...?

Now as per the the instructions – I turn to page (i) – I close my eyes – and I put my finger on the “Table of Signs”

I open my eyes and I see that – I have placed my finger on the “sign” representing a single square.

Now – I consult the table starting from page 10 – I follow the line marked by the number of the question (35^th  line) – till I arrive at the column which has the chosen “sign” over it – and this figure gives me the number of the page (74) on which the answer is written.

I open page 74 – and I look the “sign” traced by my finger (a single square) – and alongside the “sign” I find my answer: 

You will always have joy, health and prosperity...!!!

Fantastic...!!! 

I am feeling good already. 

Bibliotherapy seems to be working.

Now the next question, number 15: 

How many lovers shall I have...? 

I follow the same earlier procedure as stipulated in the instructions – and – the Oracle gives me the answer: 

You will have a great many lovers – but those that have so many lovers – they generally choose the worst...!!!

Hey – I have to be careful in love…!!!

The next question, number 91: 

What opinion has the world of me...?

The Oracle answers: 

You are thought to have had more than one adventure...!!!

Wow...! 

Have I really sown my wild oats that much...?

I ask the oracle: 

Shall I be happy in love...? 

And the oracle says: 

You will find more pain than pleasure...!

Oh, Dear…!!!

I better steer clear of falling in love...!!!

So I ask the oracle: 

Will my reputation be always good...?

The oracle answers: 

It will always be as you make it...!!!

  

I must take care to build up a good reputation!

I ask the oracle: 

Shall I go many long voyages...?

The oracle answers:

You will do well not to voyage farther than round your own room...!!!

Great...!!!

That puts an end to all my travel plans...!!!

All I am going to do my entire life is go round and round in my room...!!!

What a gloomy answer...!!!

And I thought browsing books was supposed to lift my spirits...!!!

Okay – just one last question – and the answer better be something good to cheer me up – or else no more ‘bibliotherapy’ for me...!!!

I select question number 74: 

What is the person that I am thinking about doing at this moment...? 

and the Oracle answers: 

She regrets not being with you...!!!

Really…? 

My, My...!!!

It seems to good to be true…!!!

So I call her up (the “girlfriend I am thinking about at that moment)

She says in her sweet loving voice:

“What a coincidence. I was just thinking of you and the good times we had together – I wish you were here with me…”

Wow…!!! 

Bibliotherapy really works.

I feel thrilled, jubilant, ecstatic, on cloud nine, in seventh heaven – and right on top of the world – as I rush off to surprise my beloved sweetheart.

And just imagine – I thought that she never even thought about me...!!!

It looks like it is the end of what I thought was my one way unrequited love – and the beginning of a new exciting romantic relationship with her. 

Yes – things are looking up…!!!

Long live The Ladies Oracle

Oh, Yes – The Ladies Oracle is a delightful little book you can consult from time to time on matters of love and life.

Believe me – you will enjoy reading and using this marvellous book.

It may be called The “Ladies” Oracle – but I feel that even men can consult it with satisfying results. 

Dear Reader – why don’t you try it out…?

I am sure you can easily get a copy of THE LADIES ORACLE online or at your bookstore.

It is delightfully entertaining reading – guaranteed to lift your spirits. 

I always carry this oracle in my pocket to enliven my moments of waiting – waiting at airports, railway stations, while travelling. 

Take it with you everywhere and you will never be bored. 

It is a small book – pocket-size – easy to carry everywhere.

Get a copy of this interesting book – The Ladies Oracle 

Then just ask the questions you always wanted to ask – and enjoy the answers…!!!

Do tell us whether you found the oracle useful in matters of love and life.

Long live Bibliotherapy 

_______

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

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.

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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This Article was Written By Me around 30 years ago in the early 1990s and first posted on my creative writing blog in the year 2004 at url: http://creative.sulekha.com/bibliotherapy_173419_blog and reposted a number pf times in my blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/11/bibliotherapy-aka-book-therapy.html  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/bibliotherapy_173419_blog  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/the-ladies-oracle_290719_blog  andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/02/oracle-for-valentines-day.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/04/bibliotherapy-ladies-oracle-by.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/05/bibliotherapy-made-simple.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/bibliotherapy-ladies-oracle-guide-on.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/a-book-for-my-girlfriends-ladies-oracle.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-ladies-oracle-book-for-my.html etc

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