Unfinished Story – “Panauti” – Part 1

“PANAUTI”

Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

 

“PANAUTI” – PART 1

 

“I hate you…” the man says.

 

“That’s good. I want you to hate me…” the woman says.

 

“Why do you want me to hate you…?” the man says.

 

“Because I love you…” the woman says.

 

“Are you crazy…? You love me – but – you want me to hate you…” the man says – surprised.

 

“Yes…” the woman says.

 

“But why…?” the man asks her.

 

“Because whoever falls in love with me – he dies…” the woman says.

 

“What nonsense…! You said you loved me – but you haven’t died…” the man says.

 

“You didn’t hear what I said properly…” the woman says, “I said that “whoever falls in love with me – he dies” – do you understand…? But – I don’t die – if I fall in love with anyone…”

 

“If someone falls in love with you – they die – but – if you fall in love with someone – you don’t die…? What nonsense…! How is this possible…?” the man says.

 

“It seems to be a “curse” – maybe – I am a “Panauti”…” the woman says.

 

“What…? You are a “Panauti”…? What does that mean…?” the man says to the woman.

 

“Someone who brings “bad luck” to others…” the woman says, “an ill-fated person who brings misfortune – a harbinger of bad luck – an evil omen…”

 

“You mean you are something like a “jinx” – a luckless person who brings misfortune…?” the man says.

 

“Worse than that…” the woman said, “I am an accursed person who brings death – yes – death to anyone who loves me…”

 

“I don’t believe you…” the man says.

 

“Even I didn’t believe it at first…” the woman says, “but three boys who fell in love with me – all of them – they died…”

 

“Three Boys who were in love with you…? They died…?” the man says – confused.

 

“The first boy was in my college – my classmate – I thought he was just a friend – I did not know that he had fallen in love with me – it was only after his death in a motorcycle accident – when I read his diary – that I came to know that he had fallen in love with me…” the woman says.

 

“His diary…?”

 

“Yes – his mother called me home a few days after his death – and she gave me his diary – where – every day – he would write about how much he loved me…” the woman says.

 

“But – he never told you…?”

 

No…” the woman says, “we were young then – he must have felt shy…”

 

“But – you were not in love with him…?” the man says.

 

“No – he was just a friend – like others – and – I told you – I didn’t even know that he had fallen in love with me…” the woman says.

 

“It must have been a coincidence…”

 

“I told you – there were two others – one an office colleague – who fell in love with me – and another – with whom I was engaged – he too fell in love with me – and both of them died….” the woman says.

 

“What nonsense…?” the man says, “I doubt you were ever engaged…” 

 

“You can check up with my parents – I was engaged to a man – an NRI who had come to find a bride in India – sadly for him – he fell in love with me – it was love at first sight – he told me that he had fallen in love with me – and then – suddenly – he died in a car accident…” the woman says, “and the office colleague who fell in love with me – he fell off his balcony and died instantly – a freak accident…”

 

“As far as the office colleague is concerned – it looks more like suicide to me…” the man says, “You must have rejected his love – and he may have gone crazy and committed suicide by jumping off his balcony…”

 

“Maybe…” the woman says, “but the fact is that he died. Three persons who fell in love with me – they all died – I am a “Panauti”…” – an accursed woman – so – please don’t fall in love with me – I don’t want you to die – because I really love you…”

 

“I don’t believe all this…” the man says.

 

“I didn’t too – till – I met a man – he was a sort of “clairvoyant”…” the woman says.

 

“A “clairvoyant”…?”

 

“Yes…” the woman says, “he walked up to me when I was browsing books in a bookstore. He said he wanted to talk to me – to tell me something. He said the “vibes” that I was radiating had attracted his attention. Since he looked like a distinguished gentleman – I let him talk to me. He held my hand – and studied my palm – then he looked into my eyes – and he told me that I was a woman under a curse – a “Panauti” – and whoever fell in love with me – they would die…”

 

“And – you believed him…?” the man says.

 

“Not really – so – I decided to test his theory – that – I was indeed a “Panauti”…” the woman says.

 

“Test his theory…?”

 

“Yes…” the woman says, “I seduced my sister’s husband – he fell passionately in love with me…”

 

“And he died…?”

 

“Yes – he had a heart attack – and he died…” the woman says.

 

“Heart attack…?”

 

“Yes – my sister’s husband  – he died of heart attack – he was quite young – in his late 30’s – he made love to me in the afternoon  – in a hotel room – and then – he went back to his office – and – he suffered a sudden heart attack – and he died...” the woman says.

 

“Oh My God – you killed your sister’s husband…?”

 

“I didn’t kill him – I was just testing the hypothesis that the “clairvoyant” had told me – that I was a “Panauti” – and – anyone who fell in love with me would die…”

 

“You killed a man just to test a theory…? You are a devious woman – most despicable…” the man says.

 

“It’s good you think that I am a horrible and hateful  woman – it will ensure that you never fall in love with me – and you will live a long life – that’s what I want – I want you to hate me – because – I genuinely love you…” the woman says.

 

“So – you brutally “dumped” me because you were in love with me…?” the man says.

 

“Yes…” the woman says, “the moment I realised that you were falling in love with me – I broke our friendship – and – I walked off – far away from your life – so that you would forget me…”

 

“I didn’t forget you…” the man says.

 

“But – you hate me – that’s even better…” the woman says.

 

“Your theory is all wrong…” the man says.

 

“What do you mean…?” the woman says.

 

“I still love you…” the man says.

 

“What…? You told me that you “hate” me…” the woman says.

 

“That’s was a lie – I still love you – and – I am still alive – so – your theory is all wrong…” the man says.

 

“The theory is correct – I didn’t tell you a bit of details…” the woman says.

 

“Details…?”

 

“Yes…” the woman says, “all those who died – they had sex with me…”

 

“So now you are saying that whoever has sex with you – they die…?” the man says, “are you a “Black Widow” – who kills her lovers after having sex with them – like the deadly female spider who cannibalises the male after copulation…?”

 

“How dare you say such a thing…? I didn’t kill them – they died because they had sex with me – and they died – because of the “curse”…” the woman says.

 

“Stop talking nonsense. First you say – those who love you – they die. Then you say – those who have sex with you – they die. What about that college classmate – that “shy” boy who had secretly fallen in love with you…? The man says.

 

“He raped me – and – then – he died…” the woman says.

 

“What…?”

 

“Yes – we had gone for a college party to a resort – we were outdoors – there was music and dancing – that boy – he “spiked” my soft-drink – and when I felt giddy – he took me to a secluded place – and he raped me…” the woman said.

 

“And – you didn’t tell anyone…?”

 

“No…” the woman says, “I lay unconscious for some time – then when I got up – I felt dazed – so – I went back to the party – and I sat down in a corner – I looked for the boy – he was nowhere to be seen – then someone interrupted the music and announced that the boy had a motorcycle accident…”

 

“The same boy who raped you…?”

 

“Yes – maybe he wanted to go home in a hurry before I woke up – anyway – it was fatal accident – and he died on the spot…” the woman said.

 

“And then – his mother gave you his diary – where he said he had loved you…?”

 

“Yes…” the woman said, “when we had gone to make a condolence call…”.

 

“Gruesome story…” the man said.

 

“I don’t want to talk anymore about it…” the woman says, “and please don’t ask me about the office colleague and the man I was engaged to – they both had sex with me – and they died – I told you how they died…”

 

“One fell off a balcony – the other had a car accident – and later – you seduced your brother-in-law – and he died of a heart attack…” the man says.

 

“Yes…” the woman says.

 

“I wonder how I am going to die…?” the man says.

 

“What do you mean…?” the woman asks the man.

 

“I am feeling very attracted towards you…” the man says, “you still look very sexy…”

 

“I am going…” the woman says, “had I known that you would be here – I would have never come to this seminar. I was trying to avoid you – but you cornered me – and – you started talking to me – and – I didn’t want to be rude…”

 

“You are a crazy woman – you call yourself a “Panauti” – Ha Ha. First – you say that you love me – so – you want me to hate you – because if I love you – I will die – because everyone who loves you – they die. Then – you say that everyone who fucks you – they die…”

 

“Yes – and that is why I am not going to let you fuck me – though I can see that you desperately want to – because I still love you – and I don’t want you to die…” the woman says to the man, “goodbye – hope we never meet again…”

 

“Just one thing…” the man says, “before you go away…”

 

“What…?” the woman asks him.

 

“Tell me one thing…” the man says, “this “Panauti” fantasy – this chimera that men will die if they have sex with you – are you using it to scare me away – or do use it as a “chastity shield”…?”

 

“Chastity Shield…?”

 

“If you don’t want to have sex with a man – you scare him away with your “Panauti” story…” the man says.

 

“No. That’s not true. I really believe that I am a “Panauti”. Anyone who has sex with me – he will die. I told you about the men who died after having sex with me – all of them died…” the woman says.

 

“Are you saying that you have had sex with only 4 men so far – your college classmate, your office colleague, your fiancé who was engaged to you and your sister’s husband…?” the man asks the woman.

 

“Yes…” the woman says.

 

“You are 35 years old – and you have had sex with only 4 times so far…?” the man asks the woman.

 

“Yes…” the woman says.

 

“You are lying…” the man says.

 

“What do you mean…?” the woman says.

 

“You are a virgin – you haven’t had sex with any man…” the man says, “you are frightened of having sex with men – so – use this “Panauti” charade to scare them away…”

 

“Why should I be frightened of men…?” the woman says.

 

“Either you are scared of men – or – you hate men – so you use this “Panauti” farce as a “Chastity Shield” to keep men away…” the man says.

 

“Why should I hate men…?” the woman says.

 

“Maybe – because you love women…” the man says.

 

“Shut up…” the woman says, “I am going away now – and I hope we never meet again. But remember – I love you – you are my first and only love – I will always love you from the bottom of my heart – I wanted to make love to you – I wanted to have passionate sex with you – then – always – even now – but I don’t want you die – so – I am going away – so – goodbye – forever…”

 

The woman walks away.

 

The man walks towards the bar. 

_____________________________________

To Be Continued in Part 2 of “Panauti”...

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

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

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Husband Hunting – The “Fishing Fleet”

HUSBAND HUNTING – THE “FISHING FLEET”

Marriage Stories 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

HUSBAND HUNTING – Part 1 

I learnt the term “Fishing Fleet” – when – many years ago – I read a novel called THE RAJ by Donald H Robinson.

The book is set in British India – in the early 1930’s – in the backdrop of “Colonial Life” – prevalent in the days of the “British Raj”.

The story is about an Englishwoman – a schoolteacher at a renowned boarding school for ladies.

She is now 38 years old – single – and – she has not been able to find a suitable husband in England for all these years.

She is worried that she may remain a spinster all her life.

She desperately wants to get married.

So – she quits her job – and – she decides to sail to India on the “Fishing Fleet” – to “hunt” for a suitable husband.  

Dear Reader – let me tell you a bit about the “Fishing Fleet”.

During the days of the “British Raj” – a large number of Englishmen served in India – in the Civil Services – in the Military – and – at other places.

So – there were a large number of “eligible” Englishmen – but hardly any suitable Englishwomen “brides” for them.

On the other hand – for “middle class” Englishwomen – it was difficult to find a “status” match in England. 

So – after exhausting all opportunities for finding a good husband in England – the women would take the “fishing fleet” to India in search of a prospective husband.

The Civil Services and the Military discouraged marrying before the age of 30 – the age at which it was thought the Officer had “settled down” in his job and it was feasible for him to support a family – so – even age-wise – women in their late 20’s and early 30’s had a good chance of bagging a prize catch husband.

During those “Colonial Days” of the “British Raj” – the “Social Season” in India was in winter – from December to February – and the “Fishing Fleet” arrived in India at the beginning of the social season – during which – all efforts were made to facilitate “coupling” of the prospective husbands and brides.

The women had a distinct advantage – the gender ratio was skewed heavily in their favour – there were 3 to 4 men “available” for every woman.

So – in view of this huge gender advantage – it was quite easy for most of “fishing fleet” women to acquire a husband.

If you were lucky – you could get a “Bada Sahib” (Civil Services or Military Officer) husband. 

Otherwise – you would have to settle for a “Chota Sahib” Englishman working in other jobs in India – like in the Railways (or other Government Services) – a Tea Planter – or a “manager” in the numerous business/trading companies/firms/industries set up in India.

Well – most “fishing fleet” women did manage to find a husband – so – they got married – and they remained in India with their husbands and lived “happily ever after”.

And – those unfortunate “fishing fleet” women who failed to find a husband – they sailed back to England – as “Returned Empties” – probably destined to remain a spinster all their lives.

The genesis of the “fishing fleet” was in the year 1671 – when the East India Company sent 20 single women to Bombay (now called Mumbai) – each given an allowance of 300 Pounds Sterling – and – a new set of clothing.

The women were given a simple objective – to find a “company-approved” mate within a year.

It seems that this experiment was successful – and – this resulted in establishing a practice of transporting a steady “cargo” of potential brides by sea all the way to India every year.

Colloquially – in Naval Parlance – this was nicknamed as the “Fishing Fleet” – and – the potential brides were known as “Fishing Fleeters”.  

What happened to the “fishing fleeter” heroine of the novel…?

Was her “husband hunting” mission a success…?

Did she have any romances – any passionate affairs …?

Did she find a “suitable” husband and settle down in India to a happy married life…?

Or – did she return back to England – desolate – as a “Returned Empty”…?

For all that – you will have to read the book.

Now – Dear Reader – in Part 2 – let me tell you a few stories which happened much later – during my delightful days in the Navy.

HUSBAND HUNTING – Part 2

During my wonderful days in the Navy – I did see and hear about a few “fishing fleet” stories.

Of course – unlike in the days of the Colonial British Raj – the potential brides (“fishing fleeters”) were not “shipped” all the way from England.

(So – I am using the term “fishing fleet” rather metaphorically)

Dear Reader – here is an interesting “fishing fleet” story that I once heard (it may be apocryphal).

The story happened in NDA (National Defence Academy).

The wife of an officer asked her unmarried younger sister to come over and spend some time with them in NDA Campus.

She saw many potential husbands for her younger sister among the young unmarried divisional officers.

The girl (the potential bride) – she was very smart and beautiful – and she had all the attributes and social graces to make a good military wife.

Her elder sister – she introduced her younger sister to all the “eligible” bachelors – and took her to all the parties, picnics and dances.

Things seemed to be going well.

The girl was the centre-of-attraction and many bachelor officers seemed to be vying for her attention – and they were eager to take her everywhere – for outdoor activities like riding, sailing, hiking, swimming and sports like badminton – for social events in the mess and club – and for movies and dinner “dates” to Pune.

After a few days – the officer’s wife noticed that her younger sister seemed to have “selected” a particular officer with whom she spent the maximum time.

The officer’s wife was delighted – since the officer was an excellent choice – he smart, handsome and doing very well in his career – and – most important – he was their “place type”.

He was the ideal husband for her sister.

Since her sister’s stay was coming to an end in a few days – the officer’s wife decided to ask her sister whether she would like to marry that officer.

Her sister’s answer stunned her.

Her sister told her that she did not want to marry the officer – but said that she had fallen in love with a cadet and would like to marry him.  She named the cadet.

The officer’s wife went into a tizzy.

“Are you crazy…?” the officer’s wife shouted at her sister, “you are 24 years old and that cadet must be 18…”

“He is 19 years old…” the girl interrupted.

“Shut up…” her sister said, “you should marry older than you – or at least your age. This boy is 5 years younger than you…”

“We are in love with each other…” the girl said defiantly, “I will marry him and no one else…”

“That I will see …” the officer’s wife said angrily, “I am sending you back right now…”

The officer’s wife summoned her husband – and told him about the “disaster” that had happened.

“How the hell did she manage to meet that cadet…” the officer wondered aloud, “and when did they get time to fall in love…?”

“All that you can investigate later…” his wife said, “you just book tickets for today’s Jhelum Express – I am going to drop her home to my parents’ place before she does anything stupid…”

“Today…? You want her to leave today itself…?” the perplexed officer asked his wife.

“Yes. Today. You manage somehow – VIP Quota, Emergency Quota – anything – and I want you to come with me – take a week’s leave – tell your boss it’s a family emergency…” the officer’s wife said.

“Why should I come…?” the officer said.

“Because I not confident of handling her alone...” the officer’s wife said, “that’s why I have locked her up in her room…”

“You have locked her up…? Aren’t you over-reacting…? Your sister is 24 years old…”

“But the cadet is 19…”

“So…?”

“People in flush of love do crazy things. Suppose they elope…? My mother will never forgive me. And just imagine what will happen to you…? I think that cadet is from your squadron…”

And so – the lovers were separated – the “Fishing Fleeter” was forcibly sent back home as a “Returned Empty”.  

Everyone thought the “fever” of love between the 24 year old girl and the 19 year old cadet would cool off.

“Out of Sight – Out of Mind” – as they say.

But – the girl and cadet proved everyone wrong – and – 5 years later – they got married.

They waited till the cadet passed out – till he completed all his officers’ training courses  – and then – with the blessings of everyone – they got married.

All’s well that ends well. 

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:

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

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved) 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Husband Hunting Part 1 posted by me Vikram Karve earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2020/01/fishing-fleet-husband-hunting-part-1.html

The Queer Couple

This story happened around 37 years ago – in the early 1980’s…

THE QUEER COUPLE

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

PART 1

The Kalka Mail arrived at Old Delhi Railway Station at 8:30 PM.

I hired an autorickshaw – and by the time I reached Curzon Road Apartments – it was almost 9:30 PM.

I ordered Butter Chicken and Naan from Banjara Restaurant (to be delivered home) – and then – I went up to my tiny one room flat on the 7^th Floor.

(Yes – it was a small one room flat – a kitchenette at the entrance – just one all-in-one room with a rather smallish double-bed – a small balcony – and a bathroom)

I opened my flat – went inside – switched on the geyser – and changed into my lungi.

I switched on the TV – poured a drink of Rum-Pani (Rum and Water) – and I waited for my food to arrive.

The doorbell rang.

My food had arrived.

The Butter Chicken was piping hot and the Naan were soft and fresh.

I dunked a piece of Naan in the Butter Chicken Gravy – put it on my tongue – and closed my eyes.

It was delicious.

I was savouring the lovely taste of the spicy Butter Chicken with the soft Naan – when suddenly – the doorbell rang – breaking my delicious trance.

I wondered who it was – it was almost 10 o’clock at night.

I got up – I walked to the door – and – I looked through the keyhole.

It was a man – a stranger.

“Who is this…?” I asked, in a loud voice.

“Your new neighbour…” the voice on the other side of the door said.

I opened the door.

It was a young man – fair and handsome.

“Yes…?” I said to him.

“I am your new neighbour…” he said – and he told me his name.

I introduced myself – and I said to him: “I have just come back from Calcutta…”

(Those days – in the early 1980’s – Kolkata was called Calcutta)

“I know…” he said, “you are in the Navy. You had gone to drop your wife for her delivery…”

“Yes…” I said, “but how do you know all this…?”  

“We found out from the other neighbours…” he said, “we just moved in last week – we – my wife and I – we are newly married…”

“Oh. That’s good…” I said – wondering why he was visiting me so late at night.

“I want to ask you a small favour…” he said.

“Favour…?” I said, curious.

“Can I sleep with you tonight…?” he asked.

“What…?” I said – taken aback.

“I mean – your wife is not here – you are all alone…” he said.

I was scandalized when I heard his words. 

Was he propositioning me…?

Just imagine – it was appalling – this disgusting pussy boy – ringing a stranger’s doorbell – and making indecent proposals.

And – he was newly married…!!!

It was unbelievable.

He was meeting me for the first time – he knew that there was just one smallish double-bed in these flats – and – he was making this brazen overture: “Your wife is not here – you are all alone – can I sleep with you tonight…?” 

Bloody Nonsense...!!!

It was outrageous.

Who the hell did he think I was…? A Bloody “Queer...?”

I decided to make it clear to him than and there. 

“Now you listen to me…” I said to him in a firm voice, “it seems you have got the wrong impression. I may be in the Navy – but I am not a bloody bum-bandit – and nor am I a frigging peg-boy – do you understand…? Now – you just get out of here…”

“Please…” he pleaded, “it is cold outside…”

“So – you go and sleep with your wife…” I said.

“She is sleeping with Sweetie…” he said.

“What…?” I said – confused.

“Sweetie is in bed with my wife…” he said.

It was a bizarre situation.

They were newly married.

Wife was in bed with Sweetie – pussy bumping – in flagrante delicto.

And – husband was trying to get into bed with me.

Astounding depravity – as “queer” as it can get.

Well – Dear Reader – I am a simple straightforward married man – a “puritan” in thoughts and deeds.

There was no question of getting entangled with such perverted degenerates.

It could be dangerous – very dangerous – and most immoral.

I looked sternly at the “fair and handsome” man in front of me.

“Please…” he pleaded with me, in a beseeching voice, “you are all alone…”

“You bloody filthy faggot – you want me to sleep with you in lieu of my wife…?” I shouted at him, “You just get out of here – and don’t ring my bell again…”

And – I angrily slammed the door in his face.

Later – as I lay in bed – my imagination ran wild – as – in my mind’s eye – I fantasized – trying to “visualise” erotic scenes of passionate sapphic lovemaking – being performed on the other side of the wall – in the neighbouring flat.

And so – I drifted into a pleasurable sleep.

PART 2

Next morning – I woke up at 6 AM.

I got ready for my morning jog.

I opened the door slowly.

I was dreading to see my pansy neighbour sitting outside.

But – he wasn’t there – and – I didn’t see him in the corridor either. 

He must have gone into his own house at night – to join Sweetie and his wife.

Maybe – they were enjoying a “threesome” inside – AC/DC – a “ménage à trois”.

Soon – I was jogging on India Gate Lawns.

After my jog – I stopped at my favourite place – to do some exercises.

I heard a feminine voice call out my name.

I turned in the direction of the voice.

As she walked towards me – first – I admired her lovely figure – and then – when she came close and stood in front of me – I focussed on her face. 

She was an exquisite beauty – nubile – fair complexion – her sharp features accentuated by the rays of the morning sun – her nose slightly turned up, so slender and translucent, as though accustomed to smelling nothing but perfumes.

I looked at her – mesmerized – I had never seen a woman who was so beautiful, so virginal, so alluring.

“Good Morning…” she said, shaking me out of my trance.

“Good Morning…” I said.

“I am your new neighbour…” she said.

“Oh…” I said.

“You haven’t recognised me – but – I have seen you swimming in the club…” she said.

“Yes – I was a regular swimmer – before I got married…” I said.

“We all admired your butterfly stroke…” she said, “in fact – we had a crush on you – so we found out everything about you…”.

“Oh – really…? I said.

“Yes – I was in college then – I got married just last month…” she said.

“Oh…” I said, “I am sorry about your husband. I spoke quite rudely to him – and I didn’t let him inside. He must have been shivering outside in the cold all night…”

“It’s okay…” she said, “he is inside now – in a warm bed…”

As her words sunk in – my imagination was aroused.

So now – he was in bed with Sweetie….!!!

At night – she and Sweetie…!!!

And now – he and Sweetie…!!!

It was astounding – this was truly a “broadminded” swinging couple…!!!

“So – your husband is in bed with Sweetie…?” I asked her.

“No. No. My husband is very scared of Sweetie…” she said, “so I brought Sweetie along with me…”

“Oh…” I said – and looked around – trying to locate Sweetie – curious how she looked.

“She must be playing behind the bushes…” my lovely neighbour said.

Sweetie – “playing” behind the bushes – “ménage à moi”…? 

My train of thoughts was going berserk again.

Suddenly – my beautiful neighbour called out: “Sweetie – come…”

And – a black Doberman dog came running out of the bushes towards my lovely neighbour.

I do not have words to express the emotion I felt – surprise – shock – disappointment – or – laughing inside at myself…!!!

“So – Sweetie is a Dog…?” I asked my gorgeous neighbour.

“Yes. What did you think…?” she asked – with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Nothing. Nothing…” I said.

“We’ve had Sweetie for many years – she is our pet dog. Now – after I got married a few days ago – Sweetie lives with my parents. My parents had to rush abroad to the US last evening since my uncle had a sudden heart attack and died. So – they left Sweetie with me. And – my husband is terrified of dogs…” she said.

“She looks quite ferocious…” I said – looking at Sweetie – the Doberman dog.

“Once she gets to know you – she is very friendly and affectionate…” my lovely neighbour said.

“Then – why is your husband so scared of her…?” I asked.

“He told me that he was attacked and severely bitten by a dog when he was a young boy – and so – after that traumatic incident – he is terrified of dogs…” she said. 

“Oh…” I said, “anyway – till your parents come back – your husband can stay in my flat it he wants…”

“Thank you…” she said – giving me a sweet smile.

But that didn’t happen.

Surprisingly – the doberman Sweetie took a liking to me – and – I started liking her too.

So – Sweetie would spend the nights with me in my flat – while my newly married neighbours enjoyed their richly deserved conjugal delights in their “matrimonial” bed.

And – in the mornings – Me – Sweetie the doberman dog – and the lovely lady (my beautiful neighbour) – the three of us – we would all go jogging on India Gate Lawns – and sometimes – in the evenings too – to jog, exercise and play.

One morning – as I was sitting in my office – my father-in-law called from Calcutta – a “Trunk Call”.

All was well – the delivery date was approaching – my wife wanted to speak to me – that’s all.

(Remember – Dear Reader – in the early 1980’s – there were no mobile phones – no internet – no emails – only landline telephones – and – junior officers like me did not get residential phones – so – we had to speak on the office phone – and – since a “trunk call” was quite expensive – we wrote letters to each other)

“What’s happening…?” my wife asked me over the phone.

“All is well…” I said.

“Yes. I heard so…” my wife said, “you have been seen frolicking around India Gate Lawns…”

“How did you come to know…? Who told you…? Is it that bitchy friend of yours who lives on the 6^th floor…?” I asked.

“Is it true or not…? Just tell me that…” my wife said.

“It’s a dog – our new neighbour’s dog – Sweetie…” I said.

“I am not talking about the dog – I am talking about the lovely “owner” of the dog – the lady with the dog. You be careful. I will be “watching” from here…” my wife said menacingly – and she put down the phone. 

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:

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

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)  

Unfinished Version of this Story posted in my blogs earlier at urls: https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/12/unfinished-story-queer-couple.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/unfinished-story-2/

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.