Infatuation Romance Love

INFATUATION ROMANCE LOVE

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Here is an “ancient” story from my creative writing archives.

I wrote this “old fashioned” romance long back – around 25 years ago – in the early 1990’s – so you may find the writing style a bit archaic and amateurish.

Dear Reader – indulge me – please read the story – and do tell me if you liked it.

INFATUATION ROMANCE LOVE – Fiction Short Story By VIKRAM KARVE

PART 1 – INFATUATION

Jayashree entered my life the moment I saw her photograph on Sanjay’s desk. 

And – she my life changed forever.

Till that moment – I had never wanted anything belonging to anyone else.

I stared transfixed at her photo – enthralled – captivated by her beauty.

“Sir – this is Jayashree – my wife!” Sanjay said, getting up from the swivel chair.

He picked up the framed photograph – and he showed it to me.

I took Jayashree picture in my hand and looked intently at her – totally mesmerized.

What a stunning beauty she was! 

Never before had the mere sight of a picture of a woman aroused such strong passions in me – and a yearning desire – to this extent.

Sanjay was talking something – but it did not register.

I hastily said: “Cute!” – for I believe that thoughts can transmit themselves if they are strong enough!

I thought Sanjay seemed just a trifle taken aback at hearing me say the word: “Cute!”

But – he smiled – and he pulled out a photo-album from the drawer. 

He began showing me the photographs and started describing his home – his family – his wedding – his honeymoon – the wonderful days Jayashree and he had spent together in Goa.

I took the album from him and looked at a photograph of Jayashree in a bathing suit which was so revealing that she might as well have worn nothing, but she conveyed such innocence that it was obvious that she had no inkling of this.

She looked ravishing. Yes, she was absolutely breathtaking. Her breasts were boldly outlined under the flimsy fabric and she radiated a tantalizing sensuousness with such fervour that I could not take my eyes off her.

“Cute...” I uttered instinctively – and unthinkingly – once again – and I bit my lip. 

It was the wrong word – but Sanjay didn’t seem to mind. 

He didn’t even seem to be listening.

Dear Reader – before I proceed further with my story – let me tell you something about myself.

My name is Vijay. 

At the time of this story – I was the Master of a merchant ship – an oil tanker. 

Sanjay was my Chief Officer – my second-in-command.

He had joined recently – and it was our first sailing together. 

I had not met him earlier – but in due course – he proved to be an excellent Chief Mate. 

He was young – just 30 – but he ran the ship efficiently – and I liked him for his good qualities.

There was something in his eyes that I could not fathom – but I shut my mind to it.

It’s extraordinary how close you can be to a man – and still know nothing about him. 

Sometimes I wondered whether he was much more naïve than he looked – or was he a lot more shrewder than I thought...?

“Captain – may I ask you a personal question?” Sanjay asked me one evening – the first time we went ashore.

“Sure,” I said.

“Captain – I was wondering – why didn’t you get married so far?” Sanjay said with childlike candour.

I sipped my drink – I smiled – and – I said: “I don’t really know. Maybe I am not marriage-material.”

“So you tried to get married?”

“Yes.”

“You loved someone?”

I didn’t answer.

And – as I thought about it – I felt depressed. 

Life was passing me by. 

I looked around the restaurant. 

The atmosphere was gloomy-dark and quiet. 

It was late – almost midnight.

Sanjay offered me a cigarette. 

His hands were unsteady. 

He seemed to be quite drunk. 

As we smoked – he lapsed into silence – his eyes closed.

When he opened his eyes – I observed a strange metamorphosis in his expression. 

He looked crestfallen – close to tears.

Suddenly – he blurted out: “I wish I had never got married.”

With those few words – Sanjay had bared the secret of his marriage.

I attempted to smoothen my startled look into a grin.

I was ashamed to find that – inwardly – I was glad to hear of his misfortune.

I wondered how could I desire and yearn for Jayashree to this extent – without ever having met her in flesh and blood – merely by seeing her photograph.

But it is true. 

My heart ached whenever I thought of her. 

PART 2 – ROMANCE

We sailed from Madras (Chennai) port next morning – and – we headed for Singapore. 

It was the monsoon season – and – the sea was rough. 

As the voyage progressed – the weather swiftly deteriorated. 

The ship rolled and pitched feverishly – tossed about by the angry waves.

As we neared the Strait of Malacca – I began to experience a queer sensation – a strange foreboding. 

Though I was moulded in a profession where intellect habitually meets danger – I felt restless and apprehensive. 

I had felt and fought occasional fear before – but this was different – a premonition – a nameless type of fright – a strange feeling of dread and uneasiness.

I tried my best to dispel my fear – thrust away the strange feelings. 

But – all my efforts to get rid of my fear failed. 

The nagging uneasiness persisted and soon took charge of me. 

It was so dark that I couldn’t even see our ship’s forecastle. 

The incessant rain and treacherous sea created an eerie atmosphere. 

I was close to panic as we negotiated the treacherous and hazardous waters of the Strait.

As I stared into the pitch blackness which shrouded the hour moments before the breaking of dawn – a strange tocsin began sounding in my brain. 

It sounded a warning I could not fathom.

The ship was pitching violently. 

I felt sick with fear – and I stood gasping for air – clutching the telegraph. 

I had to get outside – into the fresh air – or I’d suffocate.

As I groped my way along the rail in the bridge-wing – I heard a shrill voice behind me: “Don’t go away, Captain! Please stay. I can’t handle it alone. I can’t. Please, Sir. Don’t go!”

I turned around. 

It was Sanjay. 

He looked at me beseechingly – with terror and fright in his eyes.

It penetrated to me in flash of revelation what I had done.

I had transmitted my own fear into my crew. 

Sanjay was the Chief Officer. 

For him – to confess in front of the crew – that he could not handle it – brought home to me the fact of how desperate he was.

I had to take control at once.

“You are not supposed to handle it as long as I am around,” I shouted, “Go down to your cabin and catch up on your sleep. I don’t want useless “passengers” on my ship’s bridge. You just get out of here.”

The moment those words left my mouth – I instantly regretted what I had said – but it was too late now. 

Sanjay was close to tears – humiliated in front of the crew. 

He shamefacedly left the bridge – and went down to his cabin.

Suddenly – a searchlight was switched on, dead ahead. 

Instinctively – I shouted an order to the helmsman to swing the ship across across to starboard. 

I crossed my fingers – desperately praying to avoid a collision. 

It was a near-miss – but the searchlight kept following our sheer to starboard.

I was angry now. 

I stopped the engines – picked up the loudhailer – rushed out the bridge-wing – leaned over – and I shouted: “You stupid fools. Are you crazy? What the hell do you think you are doing?”

“We are in distress,” a voice answered. “Throw us a rope.”

I called the boatswain (bosun).

I told him to throw over the monkey-ladder.

“Be careful – and report quickly,” I told the bosun and the crew.

10 minutes must have passed – but there was no report. 

The silence was disquieting, ominous. 

I decided to go down to the deck. 

Before I could move – four men entered the bridge. 

They were wearing hoods. 

As I started at the nozzle of a carbine pointed at me – comprehensive dawned on me pretty fast. 

This was piracy on the high seas. 

Incredible – but true. 

I had never imagined it would happen to me. 

Undecided as to my next move – I stood there feeling far from heroic. 

There was no question of resistance. 

After all – this was a merchant ship – a tanker – not a man-o’-war. 

Saving the lives of the crew was of paramount importance. 

The man pointing the carbine at me said softly: “Captain – we are taking over. Don’t try anything foolish. Tell the crew.”

Suddenly – there was deep shuddering sound followed by a deafening roar. 

The ship rose – as if she was being pushed up on top of a steep quivering hill.

And then – she slithered down its slope. 

There was a resounding thud – followed by reverberating screeching vibrations. 

We had run aground.

Suddenly – the ship lurched wildly – throwing everyone off-balance. 

Sanjay suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

He made a running dive – and he grabbed the carbine from the pirate. 

It happened too quickly – and so unexpectedly – that I was totally dumbstruck. 

Everyone seemed to have opened fire. 

Bullets wildly started the bridge. 

There was pandemonium – as crew members joined the melee – grappling with the pirates. 

I hit the deck and froze.

I don’t know who pulled me up – but by then – everything was calm and quiet. 

“The pirates have been overpowered,” said the boatswain. “But the Chief Officer...”

I followed his gaze. 

Sanjay lay on the deck – in a pool of blood. 

I knelt down beside him. 

His face was vacant – but he tried to focus his eyes on me – whimpering: “Jayashree, Jayashree, Jayashree ...” 

I shook him – he tried to get up – but he slumped back – Sanjay was dead!

PART 3 – LOVE

6 months later I knocked on a door.

There was long wait. 

Then – Jayashree opened the door.

Her gorgeously stunning dazzling face took my breath away.

She was even more beautiful than her photographs.

Dressed in white sari – she looked so proud in her grief – that I felt embarrassed. 

I had myself not yet recovered from the shock of Sanjay’s sudden death.

I said awkwardly: “I am Captain Vijay.”

Jayashree looked directly into my eyes – and she said: “So I see.” 

Her dark eyes were hostile.

“I am sorry about what happened. Sanjay was a brave man – and we are all proud to have known him.” 

My words sounded insincere – and I felt acutely uncomfortable.

“Proud!” she exclaimed, her magnificent eyes flashing, “Some people might feel grateful – especially the person whose life he saved.”

I was stunned by the sting of her bitterness. 

Never before had I felt such a burning shame – the shame of being held responsible for someone’s death.

I looked at Jayashree helplessly – pleading innocence.

But – it was of no use. 

It was hopeless now to try and explain. 

The hurt was deep – and I had to let it go in silence.

Jayashree excused herself,

She turned – and – she went inside.

It was then that I remembered the real reason for my visit.

I wanted to hand over what remained of Sanjay’s personal effects – the unfinished letter – his diary – the framed photograph. 

I would give her the letter first. 

Then – probably – she would understand the real reason for Sanjay’s reckless bravery – his suicidal heroics – and – his desperate concern about proving his masculinity.

When Jayashree returned – she was composed. 

I gave her Sanjay’s unfinished letter.

She took the letter in her dainty hands – and she started reading it.

As she silently read on – I saw tears well up in her eyes.

I do not know whether I did the right thing by giving her Sanjay’s unfinished letter.

Probably it would have been wiser to destroy the letter and the diary.

It would have been better to leave things unspoken and unhealed.

But – I had thought it would be better to exorcise the sense of guilt and shame.

Better for me. 

Better for Jayashree. 

Good for both of us.

It was not easy – but we both had to come to terms with ourselves.

Jayashree finished reading the letter.

Then – she looked at me.

She had a cold look in her eyes.

I looked at Jayashree – deep into her intoxicating eyes.

Jayashree looked into my eyes too.

We looked into each other – transfixed – in silence – a deafening silence.

And suddenly – Jayashree’s frozen eyes melted – and she smiled.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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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.

 

This is a Revised Version of My Story written by me Vikram Karve 25 years ago in the early 1990’s and Earlier Posted Online in my Creative Writing Blogs by me Vikram Karve a number of times including at urls: https://karve.wordpress.com/2006/05/26/the-revelation/  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/jayashree_69166_blog  and http://creative.sulekha.com/the-unfinished-letter_83782_blog  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/01/jayashree-my-favourite-short-stories.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/adventure-on-high-seas-and-passionate.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/romance-and-love.html etc

Humor in Uniform – How to get a Choice Posting

Humor in Uniform

HOW TO GET A CHOICE POSTING

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Circa 1977

Office of the XO of a “Stone Frigate” (Navy Shore Establishment)

Part 1

A “DISCREET” INQUIRY

“I am warning you – you better mend your ways – or else…” the Commander shouted at me.

The Commander was the Executive Officer (XO) of the “Stone Frigate” – a Naval Training Establishment located at an isolated place in the back-of-beyond.

“I don’t understand, Sir…” I said to the XO.

“You bloody well know what I am talking about…” the XO bellowed.

“No, Sir – I don’t know what you are talking about…” I said, calmly.

“So – you want to play innocent – do you…? Okay. We will do it the proper way. You sit down…” the XO said to me.  

“Thank You, Sir…” I said.

I pulled a chair – and – I sat down opposite the XO – on the other side of the table.

The XO placed a writing pad in front of him – and – he took out his pen from his pocket.

“I will ask you some questions – and – you will answer those questions truthfully…” the XO said.

“Sir – is this some sort of inquiry…?” I asked the XO.

“You can say that…” he said.

“Sir – I didn’t get any written intimation about this inquiry…”

“The Commanding Officer (CO) has told me to personally conduct a discreet inquiry since the matter is “delicate” in nature – do you understand…? Or – do you want me to march you up to the CO so that he can tell you himself…?” the XO said angrily.

“No, Sir…” I said.

“So – I will ask you some questions – and – you will answer truthfully – and – I will record my questions and your answers on this writing pad – and then – you will sign each page and at the end…”

“Sir – why don’t you get your stenographer…?”

“Because this is a “discreet” inquiry about a “delicate” matter – and – whatever happens here between you and me – it stays within the four walls of my office. Do you understand…?” the XO said.

“Aye, Aye, Sir…” I said.

“Shall we begin…” the XO asked.

“Yes, Sir…” I said.

Well – it was more of an “interrogation” than an “inquiry”.

Dear Reader: I will try to reproduce below the “interrogation report” for your perusal (to the best of my memory).

“Q” indicates “Question” – asked by the XO.

“A” indicates “Answer” to that Question – given by me.

Part 2

INTERROGATION REPORT

Q: This morning – at about 0600 Hours – you were seen leaving the house of Lieutenant “P”. Is that correct…?

A: Yes, Sir. That is correct.

Q: Lieutenant “P” is away on a course – so – Mrs. “P” and you were alone in the house for the entire night. Is that correct…?

A: Yes. Sir – that is correct – only she and I were in the house.

Q: What were you and Mrs. “P” doing the entire night…?

A: We were playing “Scrabble”…

Q: “Scrabble”…?

A: Sir – it is a “word game” – you have to make words from letters written on tiles by placing them on a scrabble board…

Q: You shut up…!!! Don’t try to “Bullshit” me. I know what “Scrabble” is. Are you telling me that you and Mrs. “P” were playing “Scrabble” the entire night – right until the morning…?

A: Not the entire night, Sir. We played “Scrabble” till around 12:30 – maybe 1 o’clock – and then – we went to sleep…”

Q: Oh – so you are admitting that you slept together…?

A: No, Sir – we did not sleep together – Mrs. “P” slept in her bedroom – and – I slept in the spare room…

Q: Are you sure…?

A: Why don’t you ask Mrs. “P”…? She will tell you what we did all night…

Q: You don’t worry about Mrs. “P”. The NOWA ladies are talking to her. You just answer the questions I am asking you. Do you understand…?

A: Aye, Aye, Sir…

[NB: NOWA (Naval Officers Wives Association) – a social organization – was renamed NWWA (Navy Wives Welfare Association) in the 1980’s – in a nutshell – it is a “parallel hierarchy” of Navy Wives and deals with “welfare” issues – like it was trying to do in this case – by “counselling” Mrs. “P” on LLQ (Lady Like Qualities)]

After this aside – let us continue with the “interrogation”…

The XO paused for a moment before he asked me the next question…

Q: Do you know the meaning of the term “Stealing Affections”…?

A: Yes, Sir – “stealing affections” is military euphemism for a “seductive love affair”, most likely an “extramarital affair” or “adultery”.

Q: That’s right. Are you aware of that “Stealing the Affection of a Brother Officer’s Wife” is an offence…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: Let me reiterate for your benefit that “stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife” is deemed to be conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and naval discipline and is considered a serious offence. Do you know this…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: Would you say that Lieutenant “P” is your “Brother Officer”…?

A: Of course, Sir – Lieutenant “P” is 3 years senior to me – but – he is certainly a “Brother Officer”…

Q: So – Mrs. “P” is a “Brother Officer’s Wife” – isn’t she…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: So – will I be correct if I say that you are trying to steal the affection of a brother officer’s wife…?

A: What nonsense, Sir…? Are you saying that playing “Scrabble” is tantamount to “stealing affections”…?

Q: Cool down. Talk properly. I am your superior officer.

A: I am sorry, Sir.

Q: I will ask the questions – and – you will answer my questions. You will not ask counter-questions. Do you understand…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: Do you accept it – or – do you deny it…?

A: I did not understand, Sir.

Q: Do you accept that you are guilty of stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife…?

A: No, Sir – I did not steal her affections…

Q: Well – the fact that you accept spending the whole night with Mrs. “P” in her house is enough “circumstantial evidence” from which your guilt can be inferred – but – if you want me to elaborate – we have more “circumstantial evidence” about your immoral intentions. Do you want to hear it…?

A: Sir – you have a wrong opinion about me – I have no immoral intentions…

Q: That we will see. You just answer my questions. Do you understand…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: Is it true that Mrs. “P” visits your cabin in the Officers’ Mess quite frequently...?

A: Not frequently, Sir – but – yes – she has come to my cabin a few times…

Q: Did Mrs. “P” visit your cabin last evening…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: You took her to your cabin…?

A: No, Sir – when I returned to my cabin after playing squash – I found her sitting inside.

Q: Sitting inside…? Does Mrs. “P” have the keys to your cabin…?

A: No, Sir – the steward had the key – she must have asked him to open it…

Q: What was Mrs. “P” doing when you came back after playing squash…?

A: She was sitting in the balcony…

Q: Was she wearing “hot pants”…?

A: “Hot Pants”…? Sir – I do not understand.

Q: What was Mrs. “P” wearing…?

A: She was wearing T-Shirt and Shorts. They were not “hot pants” – she was wearing shorts.

Q: Oh – she was wearing shorts – do you feel that it is an appropriate dress for a lady to wear in a single officer’s cabin…? 

A: Sir, she played a game of squash with me – then – I wanted to play another game with an officer – so – she left…

Q: Are you aware that as per the Mess Rules – Ladies are not permitted in Single Officers’ Cabins…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: You knew this rule – still you took her to your cabin…?

A: Sir – I did not take her to my cabin – she went there on her own…

Q: Is it true that you two were drinking liquor in your cabin…?

A: Sir – are we under surveillance or something…? You even know what we were drinking…?

Q: Answer my question. What were you two drinking…?

A: Rum and Coke – both of us were drinking Rum and Cola.

Q: Are you aware that as per Mess Rules you are not permitted to drink liquor in your cabin…?

A: Yes, Sir.

Q: And you two were smoking too – isn’t it…?

A: Sir – we were smoking tobacco cigarettes – not “hash”. Is smoking banned in officers’ cabins too…? Or – are you implying that if a woman drinks and smokes – she is automatically presumed to be promiscuous…?

Q: Isn’t that leading to “circumstantial evidence” of stealing the affections of a brother officer’s wife…?

A: What nonsense, Sir. It is your “opinion” – and – opinion is not evidence.

Q: You two – Mrs. “P” and you – you two were drinking and smoking till around 2100 Hours – then – you went to the Mess – you picked up some packed food – and then – you both walked down to her house – and – you were seen leaving her house at 0600 Hours in the morning. We have recorded statements from witnesses. Are you still denying that you tried to steal the affections of a brother officer’s wife…?”

A: Sir – you can throw the book at me – but I don’t care. Yes – I broke Mess Rules – but – I did not “steal her affections” – I told you – we were playing “Scrabble”…

Q: Since you refuse to admit your guilt – I will put up the report to the CO and let him decide what to do with you. Till then – with immediate effect – you will have no contact with Mrs. “P” whatsoever – do you understand…?

A: Sir, you cannot interfere in my personal life. Mrs. “P” is a friend of mine – and – our friendship is none of your business. And – by the way – has Lieutenant “P”complained that I am stealing his wife’s affections…? It is only he – Lieutenant “P” –who can object to my friendship with his wife – not you. And – for your information – it was Lieutenant “P” who asked me to look after his wife during his absence.

Q: You don’t worry about Mrs. “P” – she will be looked after well by the other ladies – in fact – the NOWA “office bearers” are with her right now to give her any help that she wants. As far as you are concerned – I am ordering you not to meet Mrs. “P”. You will give a written undertaking to that effect. Is that clear…?

A: Sir – I am not going to give any written undertaking. I am not going to sign anything which casts aspersions on my character – because – I have not done anything wrong. I will continue my friendship with Mrs. “P” – as long as she wants it. Sir – you can tell the CO to do whatever he wants – but – I will fight it out.

With these words – I got up from my seat – I put on my cap – I saluted the XO – and – I walked out of his office.

Part 3

“STEALING AFFECTIONS”

At 1700 Hours (5 in the evening) there was a NOWA Ladies’ Meet in the Officers’ Mess.

Mrs. “P” had been “ordered” to attend the NOWA Ladies Meet.

So – ideally – at 1645 Hours – Mrs. “P” should have been walking with other ladies to the Officers’ Mess – to attend the Ladies’ Meet.

However – instead of walking to the Officers’ Mess – Mrs. “P” was sitting behind me on my motorcycle – dressed in Jeans and a rather skimpy Top – her legs astride – her arms around me – as we drove to town to see a Movie.

In fact – as we crossed the Ladies – Mrs. “P” clung onto me – holding me tightly – and – I drove slowly near the ladies – making sure that everyone saw us – in the “compromising position”…

As soon as the office opened next morning – the CO had a private “conference” with the XO.

The XO told the CO what had happened during his talk with me.

The XO also told the CO about the evening’s episode (about Mrs. “P” clinging to me tightly on my bike) which he had had learnt about from his wife.

Of course – the CO had already been briefed about it by his own wife – with “masala” added.

“So – what should we do…?” asked the CO.

“Sir – he deserves to be court-martialed…” the XO said.

“Are you crazy…? The whole world will come to know – and – I can’t afford any scandal under my command – especially now – don’t you know – ACR time is coming up – and – my promotion board is next year. It is a huge batch and there are hardly any vacancies – and – just one small blot is enough to ruin me – so – I can’t afford to take any chances…” the CO said.

“Yes, Sir…” the XO said.

“That bugger wanted a transfer from this place – didn’t he…?” the CO asked the XO.

“Yes, Sir – he had put up a formal request for a transfer to Mumbai saying that as a bachelor he found it difficult to live in this desolate place…”

“I think he had approached the Captain Commandant also…”

“Yes, Sir…”

“Okay – let’s transfer him out – ‘good riddance to bad rubbish’…”

“Sir – let’s send him to “Kala Pani” – we’ll post him to some remote island – that will serve him right and bring him to his senses…”

“Are you crazy…? If you do such a stupid thing – he’ll raise a bloody “shindig” – he’s sure to make “noise” and raise a “stink” – he’ll put up a “rep” or complain to someone higher-up that he is being “victimized”. I told you that I want the matter hushed-up. We’ll give him his choice transfer to Mumbai – so he will keep his mouth shut…”

“Sir – you’ll speak to…?”

“No. I don’t want to get involved in this affair. You get it done at your level. You can do it – can’t you…?”

“Yes, Sir…”

“I want the officer out of here by today – he should be on the evening train to Mumbai…”

“Yes, Sir – I’ll see to it. And Sir – let’s get rid of Mrs. “P” too – so the whole issue will be forgotten once and for all…”

“What do you mean…?”

“Sir – I’ll ask them to transfer Lieutenant “P” to Delhi…”

“Delhi…?”

“Mrs. “P” is from Delhi, Sir – Lieutenant “P” has given Delhi as his choice station – so that his wife can start working again…”

“Oh – so that’s the root cause of the problem – these career women get restless in small isolated cantonments like this – and they create all sorts of problems – okay – go ahead – tell them to issue the transfer order effective next month – so we can pack off Lieutenant “P” and Mrs. “P” to Delhi the moment he returns from his course…”

“Aye, Aye, Sir…”

“I want the transfer orders issued immediately – can you get it done – after all – both of them are piddling Lieutenants…”

“I will get it done, Sir – both transfer orders – and – that officer will be on the evening train to Mumbai…”

“Very Good…” the CO said, “organize a farewell PLD for him…”

“Aye, Aye, Sir…” the XO said.  

EPILOGUE

3 Months Later

Thanks to the “Stealing Affections” gambit – I got my “Choice Transfer” to Mumbai. 

I settled down well in my new job in Mumbai.

3 months later – I was sent on a Temporary Duty to Delhi to attend a conference.

On my very first evening – I “called on” Lieutenant “P” and Mrs. “P” – in their small flat in Curzon Road Apartments in New Delhi.

“So – the “slam-dunk” worked…” Lieutenant “P” said to me. 

“Yes, Sir – both of us got our “Choice Postings” – Me – to Mumbai – and – You – to Delhi...” I said. 

“Yes – everyone was fooled by your smart “Stealing Affections” trick...” Lieutenant “P” said.

“Yes, Sir – I must especially thank your wife…” I said, looking at Mrs. “P”.

“Actually – I must thank you – for helping me restart my career...” Mrs. “P” said to me. 

“You have restarted your career...?”

“Yes. I had quit my job the moment I got married – so that I could live with my husband. But – when I landed up in that godforsaken place – it was a terrible shock for a “city girl” like me. And then – my husband was sent away on that course – and – for me – living all alone in that lonely miserable place with nothing to do – I was going crazy. Now – I have got my job back – the same job I had quit when I got married – and – I am enjoying working so much…” Mrs. “P” said.

“So – it is “win-win” for all of us…” I said.

“Yes – it’s a “win-win” situation – so let’s say “Cheers” to that…” Lieutenant “P” said.

And – we – all three of us – we raised our glasses to celebrate. 

VIKRAM KARVE

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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.

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This blog post is a Revised Re-post of my Story STEALING THE AFFECTION OF A BROTHER OFFICER’S WIFE posted online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/humor-in-uniform-stealing-affection-of.html