How to Build Trust and Reduce Trust Deficit

My wellwishers often scold me: “Why do you tell everything about yourself to everyone...?” 

“To build trust...” I say. 

Yes – “Self Disclosure” builds Trust. 

On the other hand – “Secrecy” breeds Mistrust. 

Trust is most important in all relationships – Personal, Professional and Social. 

Trust is especially important in Marriage. 

In fact – Trust is more important that Love. 

“Should you tell my would-be spouse everything about your past...?”

“Should you share my sexual past with your soon-to-be spouse?”

“Should you tell your spouse about your “ex”...?”

The answers are obvious – but – does everyone do so...? 

Trust matters on Social Media too. 

Those who disclose more about themselves are trusted more than those who are secretive or  try to hide behind anonymity. 

Here is an article I wrote many years ago on “How to Build Trust and Reduce Trust Deficit”... 

HOW TO BUILD TRUST IN RELATIONSHIPS (AND REDUCE TRUST DEFICIT)

Trust Management Using JOHARI WINDOW

By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Academic (Management Lecture) Archives:

For many years – I used to teach and lecture on the applications of the JOHARI WINDOW in various aspects of management – especially in project management – and all facets of relationship management.

My observations for many years made me realize that one of the major problems in relationships, both personal and professional – at home and at work – is the increasing TRUST DEFICIT. 

So, a few years ago I wrote an article on how to reduce TRUST DEFICIT (and build Mutual Trust) using the JOHARI WINDOW. 

On request from an erstwhile student of mine – I am re-posting the article on application of the JOHARI WINDOW in reducing TRUST DEFICIT – which I had written long back based on my management lectures – and which I had posted on my blog a few years ago.

As always – I will appreciate your comments, views and feedback.

TRUST MATTERS

I trust people.

Depending on the way you look at it, one of my chief virtues (or shortcomings) is that I trust people. 

That is why it is easy for anyone to take me for a ride, and make an “April Fool” of me, as so many have done.

Yes – I have a trusting nature.

That’s why I did not try my hand at business.

By nature – I am an honest, straightforward, outspoken person and I like to be transparent.

I am not a “smooth operator”.

I do not have the “talent” to indulge in one-upmanship.

I do not possess the “tact” to be opaque, secretive and “diplomatic”.

It is because of my trusting nature that have I avoided taking up a profession where one has to put on a mask of pretence, hide things, indulge in mendacity and be Machiavellian to succeed.

In the Navy of yesteryear – we trusted each other.

Yes – Naval Officers of the “old-mould” attached great value to Trust.

In fact – mutual trust was the main factor on which the Navy system worked.

On a ship – everyone trusted the Captain – and – the Captain in turn trusted his officers and crew.

Sailors trusted Officers –and – in return – Officers trusted Sailors.

It has been my experience that trust is the key ingredient in any relationship, personal or professional – and – it is always best to associate with trustworthy individuals.

Trust is greater than Love.

That is why arranged marriages based on trust may be more enduring than marriages based purely on love.

Trust matters a lot at work too.

One of the plus points I experienced in my career in the Navy was the atmosphere of trust which made work stress-free, productive and enjoyable.

I feel that trust is the bedrock of a good relationship.

This is why “old fogies” like me feel dismayed at the increasing TRUST DEFICIT in all spheres of life, at both the macro and micro level.

It seems that no one trusts each other.

Opposition Parties do not trust the Government and vice versa.

There is mutual trust deficit between the military and bureaucrats. 

Organizations do not trust each other.

Bosses do not trust their subordinates and junior do not trust their seniors.

Even in personal relationships, trust deficit is on the rise.

Husbands and wives do not trust each other.

Parents do not trust their children and children do not trust their parents.

There is trust deficit between teachers and students too.

I do not know whether it is true, but a young Naval Officer told me that nowadays there is increasing Trust Deficit in the Navy too and he has seen cases where even coursemates do not trust each other.

The moot question, therefore, is: 

Can this problem of Trust Deficit be tackled and mitigated?

Are there any methods to reduce Trust Deficit?

Well, let me suggest one method – JOHARI WINDOW

For many years I have taught and lectured on the applications of the JOHARI WINDOW in various aspects of management, especially in project management and all facets of relationship management.

My observations for many years made me realize that one of the major problems in relationships, both personal and professional, at home and at work, is the increasing TRUST DEFICIT.

 

So, a few months ago I wrote an article on how to reduce TRUST DEFICIT (and build Mutual Trust) using the JOHARI WINDOW.

On the request of some of my friends I am posting the article below once again. 

As always, I will appreciate your comments, views and feedback. 

TRUST and RELATIONSHIPS

“Should I tell my would-be spouse everything about my past?”

“Should I share my sexual past with my soon-to-be spouse?”

“Should you tell your spouse about your ex?”

These are common questions which arise in the minds of young people and you can see so many about-to-be married youngsters asking similar questions to “agony aunts”.

Conventional wisdom says that the answer is: 

“Yes. It is best to be open and honest with your spouse. Be transparent and do not hide anything. There should be no secrets between husband and wife.”

But – to my surprise – I have seen some “agony aunts” giving advice that “being totally honest may not always be desirable and it would be wise to hide your past affairs”...

I find this quite shocking. 

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship – especially a lifelong relationship like marriage – in fact – trust is the cement that bonds the marriage. 

Once trust is broken – the “cement” holding together the bonds will disintegrate – and the marriage will collapse like a pack of cards. 

How can you build a marriage on the foundations of mistrust...?

There is one more danger if you hide things and keep secrets from your spouse. 

You will forever live under the “Fear of being Found Out”...

The “fear of being found out” is a terrible fear – which causes great internal stress which can be detrimental to your health – both physical and mental. 

This – in turn – will adversely affect the marital relationship.

Trust deficit has the potential to totally destroy a relationship, and even if it does not totally destroy a relationship, trust deficit will certainly inhibit the relationship from realizing its full potential.

There was a Marathi Serial a few years ago on Zee TV Marathi called Tu Tithe Mee which depicts the dangers of hiding your past from your spouse. 

The story of Tu Tithe Mee portrays in dramatic fashion how a marriage can crumble once a husband unexpectedly finds out secrets about his wife’s past life that his wife has hidden from him.

The story shows how even the smallest seed of mistrust can amplify into a demon of suspicion and create huge distrust which can shake the very foundations of marriage.

It is not only in marriage – but – trust is the essential ingredient in any successful relationship. 

Whether that relationship is between two people, between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, between friends, between parents and children, between relatives, between neighbours and acquaintances or within a family.

Even at the Workplace – for optimal functioning – Trust is a must between boss and subordinate – between peers and colleagues – in project teams – in business and partnerships – in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – and – all professional relationships.

In many cases – employers are secretive – and employees hide things from their employers – because of Trust Deficit. 

One example of Trust Deficit is the prevailing trend of “Pay Secrecy” in the Private Sector – particularly in MNCs and the IT industry.

In our daily life in Society too, whether it be in the social community, in sports teams, and at schools and colleges, between teachers and students, or a relationship in any facet of life – Trust Deficit can be detrimental.

At the macro level too – trust between the citizens and the government is essential for effective and efficient functioning of governance. 

Trust is the cardinal element that allows the relationship to function effectively.

That is why it is sad to see “Trust Deficit” everywhere. 

People do not trust each other anymore. 

Yes – we humans do not implicitly trust each other now-a-days. 

You can see absolute and total trust only in canine-human relationships – yes – dogs unconditionally trust their human masters and and most human beings trust their pet dogs too.

How can we reduce Trust Deficit...? 

How can we enhance Mutual Trust...?

Well – there is a management tool called JOHARI WINDOW which can help. 

HOW TO USE THE JOHARI WINDOW TO ENHANCE MUTUAL TRUST AND TO REDUCE TRUST DEFICIT

The concept of the Johari Window is relatively simple. 

Assume that you are the wife (self).

There are things about yourself that you know and there are things about yourself that you don’t know.

Also, there are things about you that your husband knows and there are things about you that your husband does not know.

Now it is the same with your husband (other). 

There are things about himself that he knows and there are things about himself that he does not know. 

Also, there are things about him that you know and there are things about him that you don’t know.

Now put yourself in the place of Self and put your husband in the place of Other and have a look at the picture below (called Johari Window based on contraction of the names Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham who developed this tool to help people understand and improve their interpersonal relationships). 

The TRUST in a relationship is directly proportional to the OPEN Area 

The other areas (HIDDEN, BLIND AND UNKNOWN) are sources of TRUST DEFICIT. 

Hence, in order to enhance TRUST  and reduce TRUST DEFICIT all you have to do is to increase the OPEN area (also called Arena) and reduce the HIDDEN Area (also called Facade) by Disclosure (Telling) and also reduce the BLIND area (also called Blind Spot) by obtaining Feedback (Asking). 

The UNKNOWN Area will also start reducing over time as the bonds of your mutual relationships become stronger and stronger and you get to know each other better and better.

TELL (disclosure) each other and ASK (feedback) each other and COMMUNICATE(give yourself interactive TIME together) to reduce the hidden, blind and unknown areas respectively.


 



Here is how the Johari Windows will look Before and After :


BEFORE

JOHARI WINDOW AT THE BEGINNING OF THE RELATIONSHIP 

[Open Area or Arena Represents TRUST and the other three areas (Blind, Facade, Unknown) represent TRUST DEFICIT]

AFTER

JOHARI WINDOW AFTER YOU WORK ON THE RELATIONSHIP

[Notice how the Open Area of Arena (TRUST) has increased and the other three areas (TRUST DEFICIT) are reduced]

So now you know what you must do in order to reduce Trust Deficit in a relationship.

Whether it is a home or at work or any other relationship.  

Just sit together and work on Johari Window. 

Both of you must use Self Disclosure and Feedback to enhance Mutual Trust and reduce Trust Deficit and consequently improve your relationship. 

After you succeed in a one-on-one (two person) situation, you can extend this technique to multiple participants too.

This works for me. 

Why don’t you try out the JOHARI WINDOW and see if it works for you. 

Try it out with your boss and colleagues at work. 

If you are in the service industry try it out with your customers, and if you are in business, try it out in your business relationships.

Try it out at home with your spouse and kids. 

If you are in a relationship, try it out with your boyfriend or girlfriend while dating and courting and having a relationship. 

When you make friends, remember that deep friendships based on Mutual Trust are more enduring and truly fulfilling than superficial “Hail-Fellow-Well-Met” type of casual friendships.

Did it work? 

Did the Johari Window Technique help build trust and reduce trust deficit? 

What was your experience?

Dear Reader: Please comment - I look forward to your views and feedback. 

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. These are my personal views. Please do your own due diligence while applying these techniques.

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

Copyright Notice:

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

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This is a repost of my article TRUST DEFICIT written by me around 27 years ago and posted by me Vikram Karve online earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/trust-deficit.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/10/johari-window-how-to-reduce-trust.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/01/trust-matters-how-to-build-trust-and.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/how-to-build-trust-in-relationships.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/02/how-to-build-trust.html etc 

Poodlefaking – Two “Dates” on Marine Drive – Roopa and Nina

A few days ago – a Foodie Friend and Me – we just sat over snacks and coffee and had a long talk. 

After talking to each other – we both felt good. 

Yes – I felt good – and – she felt good. 

And – I remembered this story I had written long ago...

POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING 

TWO “DATES” ON MARINE DRIVE 

Short Fiction – Romance and Philosophy – A Lazy Mumbai Story

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives:

Here is one of my Lazy Mumbai Stories.

I wrote this story more than 15 years ago – in early 2003 – after a walk on Marine Drive. 

I spent many years in Mumbai – thanks to the Navy – in the 1970’s and 1980’s. 

And then – again – I enjoyed the 6 best years of my life in Mumbai – from the year 2000 to 2006. 

During these happy 6 years – I was very lucky. 

I lived in a beautiful heritage building called Empress Court opposite the Oval. 

Every morning I woke up sharp at 6 AM to the chimes of the majestic clock on the University of Mumbai Rajabai Tower – and – I would be off to Marine Drive for my brisk morning jog-cum-walk from Churchgate to Chowpatty and back – right till land's end at Nariman Point. 

This morning walk on Marine Drive was for physical exercise.

 

Every evening – after returning from work – I would head towards Marine Drive again for another walk – and – I would return home late – after enjoying the glorious spectacle of sunset - the panoply of colours as the orange sun was swallowed up in the Arabian Sea.

 

This time it was a walk to “DO NOTHING” – a leisurely walk to relax the mind – not exercise the body. 

The morning walk was to exercise the body.

So – it was a brisk walk – a walk-cum-jog with exercises on the way.

The evening walk was to relax the mind.

Just a unhurried stroll.

To admire the sunset as the sea swallowed up the orange sun.

To watch pretty young things (and the even prettier not-so-young things) head home from work.

To have a bite, peanuts, bhel, pani puri at the famous B-Road stall, sweet curds at Rustom near Churchgate or maybe even a green chilly ice cream at Bachellor's opposite the chowpatty. 

It was during these glorious POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING interregnums that the right side of my brain would take over and my mind would wander with interesting creative thoughts which, sometimes, would give birth to story, like this one – aptly titled POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING.

 

So here is this story once again.

On request from one of my like-minded friends, a walking partner on many of my lazy Mumbai walks, let me pull out from my creative writing archives, one of my all time favourites, a fiction short story I wrote many years ago – a lazy Mumbai story set on Marine Drive – POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING. 

Remember – I wrote this story more than 15 years ago – in early 2003 – when I was a “busy” man – yet – a poodle-faker. 

Yes – I was a busy man – trying to find time for “doing nothing”...

Now – after retirement – I can spend my entire time “doing nothing”...

 

Hope you enjoy this old-fashioned romance.

Do tell me if you like it.  

POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING – A Romantic Story by Vikram Karve 

TWO “DATES” ON MARINE DRIVE 

“Date” No. 1

“DATE” WITH ROOPA 

“What do you do...?” she asks.

 

“Nothing...!” I say.

 

“What do you mean ‘NOTHING’...?” she asks, “You must be doing something...!”

 

“I do nothing...!” I say emphatically.

 

“Come on Vinay, stop kidding. I know you work somewhere.”

 

“Work...? You asked me what I do, not where I work...! I work at the Bureau of Statistics.”

 

“Bureau of Statistics...? What statistics...?”

 

“Vital Statistics.”

 

“Vital Statistics...?” she asks with her eyebrows arched in curious surprise.

 

“No, No. It’s not what you’re thinking. I meant statistics that are vital,” I say, trying to correct the faux pas. "We compile, collate, consolidate, analyze and disseminate various vital statistics.”

 

“Wow...! How interesting...! Tell me more.”

 

“You can say that I am an obsolescent man dealing with obsolete things.”

 

“Obsolescent man...? Obsolete things...? I don’t understand. Where exactly do you work...?”

 

“I’m in the smallpox section.”

 

“Smallpox...?”

 

“Yes. Smallpox. I maintain statistics pertaining to smallpox.”

 

“That’s funny...! I thought smallpox was eradicated long back.”

 

“Smallpox may have been eradicated, but my office is still going strong,” I say proudly. It is true – sometimes the ends vanish, but the means proliferate and flourish till eternity.

 

“I can’t believe it...! If there’s no smallpox around, why maintain statistics...?”

 

“If you don’t maintain statistics how will the world come to know that something has vanished, disappeared or become obsolete...?”

 

“Oh, so you work on vital statistics for things that are obsolete...?”

 

“Yes. Obsolete...! Earlier I worked in the typewriters statistics section and it was we who discovered that typewriters had become obsolete the moment we had nothing to do...!”

 

“But what do you do whole day...?”

 

“Nothing...!” I answer emphatically. “I told you I do nothing, didn’t I...?”

 

“Don’t you feel bored, restless, doing nothing whole day...? Soon you’ll go crazy...!”

 

“Bored, restless, crazy...? Not at all. Thanks to my work, I have developed the ability to savor long hours of leisure – a gift most of you so-called ‘busy’ people have lost, or probably never acquired.”

 

Yes indeed, my dear Reader – I do nothing. 

That’s what I love to do the most – that’s what I do best – and that’s what I do almost all the time – ‘Nothing’...!

 

Well, actually, I love doing nothing because for most of the time I have nothing to do. 

I have plenty of leisure – plenty of time to do nothing – which is rare in a place like Mumbai – and I am always busy doing nothing.

My life’s leitmotif is that famous epigram of Chang Cha’ao:

 

Only those who take leisurely what the people of the world are busy about can be busy about what the people of the world take leisurely

 

I told you I have the ability to enjoy and savor long hours of leisure – a talent which is quite rare in today’s hectic world where everyone is busy running their own rat-race.

I am lucky to enjoy so much leisure – for I am not running in any rat-race.

I may not be a rat – but I am a man of no importance – neither handsome – nor wealthy – nor successful – nor powerful – nor famous – nor – indeed – particularly well endowed.

How can I describe myself...?

The most apt word may be ‘anonymous’

 

Oh yes – I am an ordinary man who looks so undistinguished and commonplace – that you won’t notice me in a crowd – or even if there is no crowd – for I just blend into the surroundings. 

And in my anonymity lies my power – my freedom – to do nothing.

You may call me an idler, a loafer, a loser, a failure – but I just don’t care – as long as I can pleasurably wallow, revel and rejoice in my anonymity – ‘doing nothing’.

Indeed – anonymity is a sine qua non for my ‘doing nothing’ philosophy of life.

 

Hey, we have digressed...! 

Enough of pontification – now let me get back to the story...

FLASHBACK - (How the tete-a-tete with Roopa started...) 

Let’s return to the conversation I am having with the beautiful lady and let me tell you how it all started.

 

One evening I leave my office – after a busy day of “Doing Nothing” – I cross through the Horniman Circle garden, walk down Vir Nariman Road, past Flora Fountain, cross MG road at Hutatma Chowk, pick up a vada pav at Ashok Satam’s stall next to the CTO, stroll leisurely towards Churchgate while the sea of humanity rushes by like a deluge, fortify myself with a refreshing cup of Irani tea at Stadium restaurant and then I sit on the parapet on Marine Drive staring vacantly at the tranquil sea doing what I do best – Nothing...!

 

“Hi...!” says a melodious feminine voice shaking me out of my reverie. I turn around. 

It’s Roopa, my classmate from college. 

She is quite a looker and I feast my eyes on her in a yearning sort of way which is worth a hundred compliments.

 

She blushes at the genuine admiration in my eyes and says, “It’s so nice to see you, Vinay. After so many years. And here of all the places...!”

 

“I like this place. It’s one of my favorites. I come here most evenings,” I say.

 

“And what were you doing sitting and staring blankly at the sea like a lost case...?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Nothing...? You spend every evening here doing nothing...?”

 

“Yes...” I say, “Of course, once in a while I go to the Gateway, or Land’s End at Nariman Point, or the Chowpatty side, or even Hanging Gardens. But this is my favorite place for hanging out and doing nothing and most evenings I am here on Marine Drive.”

 

“What do you do...?” she asks.

 

“Nothing...!” I say. 

(And then – we – Roopa and Me – we have the conversation about my work that I have described earlier in the beginning – at the start of my story – I am repeating the conversation for the sake of continuity ...)

“What do you do...?” Roopa asks.

 

“Nothing...!” I say.

 

“What do you mean ‘NOTHING’...?" she asks, “You must be doing something...!”

 

“I do nothing...!” I say emphatically.

 

“Come on Vinay, stop kidding. I know you work somewhere.”

 

“Work...? You asked me what I do, not where I work...! I work at the Bureau of Statistics.”

 

“Bureau of Statistics...? What statistics...?”

 

“Vital Statistics.”

 

“Vital Statistics...?” she asks with her eyebrows arched in curious surprise.

 

“No, No. It’s not what you are thinking. I meant statistics that are vital,” I say, trying to correct the faux pas. "We compile, collate, consolidate, analyze and disseminate various vital statistics.”

 

“Wow...! How interesting...! Tell me more.”

 

“You can say that I am an obsolescent man dealing with obsolete things.”

 

“Obsolescent man...? Obsolete things...? I don’t understand. Where exactly do you work...?”

 

“I’m in the smallpox section.”

 

“Smallpox...?”

 

“Yes. Smallpox. I maintain statistics pertaining to smallpox.”

 

“That’s funny...! I thought smallpox was eradicated long back.”

 

“Smallpox may have been eradicated, but my office is still going strong,” I say proudly. It is true – sometimes the ends vanish, but the means proliferate and flourish till eternity.

 

“I can’t believe it...! If there’s no smallpox around, why maintain statistics...?”

 

“If you don’t maintain statistics how will the world come to know that something has vanished, disappeared or become obsolete...?”

 

“Oh, so you work on vital statistics for things that are obsolete...?”

 

“Yes. Obsolete...! Earlier I worked in the typewriters statistics section and it was we who discovered that typewriters had become obsolete the moment we had nothing to do...!”

 

“But what do you do whole day...?”

 

“Nothing...!” I answer emphatically. “I told you I do nothing, didn’t I...?”

 

“Don’t you feel bored, restless, doing nothing whole day...? Soon you’ll go crazy...!”

 

“Bored, restless, crazy...? Not at all. Thanks to my work, I have developed the ability to savor long hours of leisure – a gift most of you so-called ‘busy’ people have lost, or probably never acquired.” 

 

“Aren’t you happy to see me...?” she asks.

 

“Of course I am happy to see you,” I say looking directly into her large brown eyes.

 

“You’ve told me everything about yourself – but you haven’t asked me anything about me,” she says.

 

“I’m no nosy parker. I don’t like to be too inquisitive,” I say.

 

“Inquisitive...? But you can be a bit curious, can’t you...? Don’t you want to know about me...? What all I’ve achieved since college, what I’m doing, my work – aren’t you interested in me...?” she asks.

 

“I was always interested in you. Don’t you remember...? It was you who never gave me any bhav. You used me as a messenger to carry love letters to your boyfriends, that’s all,” I say.

 

“Please don’t say that. You know you were so sweet, that you were the only boy we all girls could confide in, talk to freely, knowing you would keep our secrets safe,” she says.

 

“Okay Roopa, confide in me. Tell me, what are doing here...?”

 

“I’ve come for my visa. They said it’d take an hour. So I just came here to kill time.”

 

“Visa...? Here in Churchgate...? I thought the visa office was in Breach Candy or somewhere there...!”

 

“That’s the US Consulate. I’ve already got that. The UK visa office is here. In the Brabourne Stadium building, near Rustom Ice Cream.”

 

“Ah...! Rustoms...! Come on Roopa, let’s have some ice cream. Or sweet curds. Or whatever you like.”

 

“Let’s eat something first. That place looks good,” she says pointing to the Pizzeria, opposite the Marine Drive, where Talk of the Town was once there. “We’ll sit there and talk. And have some pizza.”

 

I order a huge special pizza, she orders a small one, and she begins talking about herself.

I am easy to talk to, for I listen well. You'll understand what I mean once you talk to me. I know when to egg you on... by a subtle gesture, an encouraging look, or an appreciative word of genuine interest. It's all about building rapport...sensory acuity...matching and mirroring...if you've done NLP you know what I mean. Believe me... I have the knack... and when you talk to me your words will just come tumbling out.

 

Roopa tells me everything, about her Masters in Computers after we graduated in Maths, her natural talent in Software, her meteoric success, her globetrotting projects, her career rise from job to job, from Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurgaon, to her present job in a top IT company in Pune. And also about her recent marriage to Deepak, another hotshot IT professional working in the same company as hers. She shows me Deepak's photo - yes he does look an IT Nerd, no doubt about it...

 

“You know Vinay,” she says excitedly, “I am on the verge of breaking the glass ceiling. This project, the next one year, is crucial, it’s a do or die situation for me. If I succeed, my life is made forever. It will be a career breakthrough for me and there will be no looking back. I’ll be able to set up my own company. Maybe move to the States, Seattle.”

 

I nod and focus on my pizza.

 

“It’s going to be very hectic. US, UK, Europe, Far East, Middle East, everywhere – I’ll be globetrotting all over, living out of a suitcase.”

 

“Great,” I say. “When do you take off...? Tonight...?”

 

“I wish I could, but there’s a small hitch.”

 

“Hitch...?”

 

“I’m pregnant.”

 

“Fantastic...!” I say... but from the expression on her face I instantly realize that I have said the wrong thing, so I look down into my pizza and pretend to dig deep.

 

“It’s all wrong. The timing, I mean,” she says. “I’m so meticulous at work... I just don’t know how I could be so careless in my personal life and mess up everything.”

 

I say nothing. 

She wants to hear silence, silent approbation, and that is what she will hear. 

That’s the trick... always say something that the person you are talking to wants to hear... otherwise just keep quiet.

 

“I have to do something fast...!”

 

“You asked your husband...?”

 

“Are you mad...? The moment Deepak comes to know, he’ll start jumping with joy for having proven his virility. Everyone will come to know. And it will be curtains for me as far as this project is concerned.”

 

“You can still go, can’t you...?”

 

“It’s a one year project. The moment my MCP bosses hear I’m pregnant, they will have me out of the project straightaway. And my husband – he’ll be the happiest. As it is he is inwardly jealous that I’ve got this project... that I’ll succeed and leave him behind. I must do something fast, isn’t it...?”

 

My mouth full of pizza, I nod my head.

 

“Vinay, please tell me,” she says getting emotional, “my priorities are right, aren’t they...?”

 

“Yes, of course, your priorities are right,” I say emphatically.

 

“What do you say? Now, at this crucial juncture, I should focus on my career, don’t you think? I can always have all the children I want later... isn’t it?”

 

“Very right. Very right...!” I say. “Roopa, you’re absolutely right...!”

 

“Thanks, Vinay. I’m so lucky I met you. You are the only one I’ve told all this. Thanks for talking to me. You’ve helped me make my decision,” she says extending her hand on the table.

 

I place my hand on hers, press gently and look into her brown eyes.

 

“You’re such a darling, Vinay,” she says, “it’s so comforting to talk to you.”

And then tears well up in her eyes and suddenly she breaks down – oblivious of the surroundings. 

I move across, caress her head and gently soothe her.

 

We talk a bit – and I walk her down to Rustom for a ‘Sandwich Ice Cream’ – then she collects her visa – and I bid good bye to a reassured, composed and determined Roopa as she gets into a taxi on her way to catch a Volvo Bus to Pune.

(Some more of “poodle-faking” aka “doing nothing”... with Nina) 

“Date” No. 2

“DATE” WITH NINA 

Happy at having comforted Roopa – I leisurely stroll towards my favorite place on Marine Drive to continue my poodle faking aka ‘doing nothing’.

 

I rinse my lungs with the refreshing sea breeze – and suddenly I smell a strong whiff of perfume – or maybe – it’s one of those overpowering deodorants...!

I turn around. 

 

It is the ravishing Nina – another of my ‘achiever’ go-getter classmates – who – after completing her MBA – is now a hotshot in a top MNC.

 

I have seen her sometimes on Marine Drive – in her chauffeur driven car – driving home late evening from her office in Nariman Point to her home on Malabar Hill. 

Once she even stopped and asked me if I wanted a lift – an offer I politely declined.

Then Nina asked me what I was doing – and when I told her I was ‘doing nothing’ – she gave me an uncanny smile – and I notice that every time she sees me ‘doing nothing’ at my favorite spot on Marine Drive from her car – she looks at me in a curious sort of way.

 

“Doing Nothing...?” Nina asks naughtily, her eyes dancing.

 

“Yes. How did you know...?”

 

“Come on, Vinay...! You told me once, remember...? I see you here almost every evening while driving home.”

 

“And you never stop to say hello...?”

 

“I don’t want to disturb your penance.”

 

“Penance...? That’s malapropism...!”

 

“Sorry. I mean your ‘doing nothing’ meditation...”

 

“That’s better...! And what makes you disturb my meditation now...?”

 

“I want to talk to you.”

 

“Okay. Talk.”

 

“Not here. Too many people here. Let’s go to some quiet place where we can be alone.”

 

“Hanging Gardens...? Remember our favorite bench in the secluded corner...?”

 

“Okay. But don’t do anything naughty...!”

 

“Let’s go. Where is your car...?”

 

“I let it go and I walked down from my office. Didn’t want the driver getting too curious.”

 

“Okay, I’ll get a cab. Hey, why not just walk down Marine Drive...? Walking and talking – it wouldn’t look suspicious.”

 

“Okay,” she says, "let's walk and talk."

And we walk and we talk.

 

Being a ‘facts and figures’ finance person – Nina doesn’t beat about the bush – but she comes straight to the point.

 

“I’m pregnant...” she announces.

 

I suppress my emotion. 

This is too much for one evening. 

First Roopa is pregnant – and now Nina.

Coincidence, serendipity, I don’t know what – or maybe it's pregnancy season.

 

This time I am careful not to say anything.

 

“Aren’t you going to congratulate me?” she asks.

 

“Of course. Congratulations!” I say.

 

“You’re the first one I’ve told. I just got the report this evening.”

 

“Your husband...? You didn't tell your husband...?”

 

“No.”

 

“Oh my God...! Is the father of your baby someone else...?”

 

“Shut up...!”

 

“I’m sorry. But you must tell your husband immediately.”

 

“And he will immediately rush me to the nearest abortionist...!”

 

“What...?”

 

“We took all the precautions, but it’s happened. I want the baby.”

 

“Of course you must have the baby,” I say.

 

“I must. Isn’t it...? What do you feel – I must have the baby – isn’t it...?”

 

“Of course you must have the baby. But why doesn’t your husband want the baby...?”

 

“I told him that when I have a baby – I am going to quit my job – at least take a long break to bring up my child. That’s the right thing to do – isn’t it...?”

 

“Oh yes – of course that’s the right thing to do.”

 

“I feel being a full time mother is more important. At least when the baby is small – isn’t it...?”

 

“Of course being a full time mother is most important – especially when the baby is small. You must take care of yourself from right now. Come on – I’ll call a taxi. You shouldn’t strain yourself so much.”

 

“How sweet of you...! But just let’s sit there by the sea for some time...”

 

“Tell me – why doesn’t your husband want you to have a baby now...?”

 

“Because he knows I will quit my job.”

 

“So...?”

 

“Who is going to pay the EMI for the luxurious penthouse apartment he wants to book...?”

 

“Penthouse Apartment...? It can wait. The baby is more important.”

 

“That is precisely what I’ have been saying since we got married.”

 

“So...?”

 

“He feels we should first have all the material things – all the comforts – before we have a baby.”

 

“Your husband has got his priorities wrong.”

 

“He’s wrong – isn’t it...?”

 

“Yes – he is wrong. And you are right...”

 

“So I should go ahead with the baby – isn’t it...?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“And I should quit my job...?”

 

“Of course you should quit your job for the sake of your baby. Nina – you go and tell your husband right away and put your foot down. Tell him: ‘The baby takes priority – the penthouse apartment can come later’...” I say firmly to Nina.

 

“I will, I will – of course I will – I will tell him the moment I reach home...” Nina says – looking happy and emboldened.

 

“You must do what your conscience tells you. Listen to your inner voice. Be the strong girl like you were in college...” I say.

 

Nina gives me a genuine smile of affection and she says, “I’m so glad I talked to you, Vinay. Thanks for helping me make my decision.”

 

We sit for some time by the sea at Chowpatty at the end of Marine Drive and marvel at the spectacle of the sun being swallowed by the sea.

Then I walk Nina to a taxi – and she leaves after giving me a warm hug.

I walk down Marine Drive in the twilight and reflect.

Roopa and Nina. 

What contrasts...!

I loved talking to them.

I love to talk to anyone who wants to talk to me.

Talking to someone who needs comforting seems to make my own troubles go away 

Dear Reader: Do you agree?

Sometimes – when you are feeling low – if you talk to someone who needs comforting for her troubles – you find that you feel better – and you forget your own problems.

Yes. 

Talking to someone who needs comforting – this can make your own troubles go away 

Maybe – this is the reason why people do counselling – they want to forget their own worries.  

If you have worries – and – you “counsel” someone who has problems – maybe – this talking to a person who needs comforting – this makes you forget your own worries. 

Have you experienced this...? 

Do comment and let us know your views.

Till then – HAPPY POODLE-FAKING aka DOING NOTHING 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional 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 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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An Updated and Revised Version of My Story POODLEFAKING written by me Vikram Karve in the year 2003 and posted by me online a number of times on my various creative writing blogs including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/poodlefaking_63078_blog  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/08/poodlefaking-catharsis-and-doing.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/12/poodle-faking.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/08/humour-doing-nothing-short-story.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/05/philosophical-romancing-on-marine-drive.html  andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/09/poodle-faking-aka-doing-nothing.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/the-poodle-faker-ladies-man.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/two-dates-on-marine-drive.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/just-talking-story.html etc