Unfinished Romance – My Muse

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Brief Fiction

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MY MUSE

Story By VIKRAM KARVE

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Brief Fiction 

Unfinished Romance

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My Muse – Story by Vikram Karve

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Pune – circa 2006

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PROLOGUE

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There’s a saying:

“The perfect type of friendship
is one the place two folks love the identical books”

We – Manisha and I – we beloved
the identical books – so – we turned one of the best of buddies.

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Let me let you know how we met.

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I like studying books.

For me – studying is without doubt one of the
best joys.

Whenever you learn – you transcend
your fast environment – and you might be transported right into a world of thought
and reflection.

In distinction – an individual who does
not learn is imprisoned in his fast world.

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One constructive side of my life in
the Navy is that I received loads of alternative to learn good books and literature.

The Navy had well-stocked
libraries and studying books and journals was inspired.

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

That’s the reason – after I retired
from the Navy and settled down in Pune – one of many first issues I did was to
be part of a Library.

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In distinction – most of my Veterans
Associates took up golf – or different such pastimes – in order that they joined numerous golf equipment
and teams – after retirement.

However – as I informed you – I beloved
books – and I meant to spend my time studying (and writing) – so – I took
membership of one of the best library in Pune.

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PART 1

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MANISHA

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

Whereas looking books within the
literature part of the library – I heard a female voice name out to me
softly.

I regarded up from the e-book in my fingers.

She was a fairly woman – perhaps
round 20.

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

“Sure…” I stated to her.

“My identify is Manisha – I like your
tales…” she stated.

“Thanks. Manisha…” I stated to
her, “do you comply with my weblog…?”

“After all, I comply with your weblog –
I’ve even subscribed to it – in actual fact – I acknowledged you out of your weblog
profile image…” she stated to me.

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On listening to her phrases – I felt
good.

It feels good to be acknowledged –
particularly after retirement – if you find yourself a “non-entity…”

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I checked out Manisha.

“Do you want my tales…?” I
requested her – wanting to listen to some reward to spice up my ego.

“After all – I like your tales
– you write so effectively…” she stated to me.

I felt elated on listening to her
phrases – so – I smiled at Manisha.

“Thanks…” I stated to her.

“I like your first story one of the best
– “Rendezvous at Dawn” – and – I like your romantic tales – however – your
newest story – I didn’t just like the story very a lot – I believe you are attempting to
experiment – however I really feel you need to keep on with your authentic pure fashion of
writing…” she stated, candidly.

For a second – I used to be stunned.

Seeing the expression on my face
– she appeared contrite.

“Oh – I’m sorry…” she started to
apologize – after I interrupted her.

“No. No – don’t really feel sorry – in
reality – I respect you on your sincere suggestions – however you should inform me precisely
the place I’m going mistaken – in order that I can enhance my writing…” I stated to her.

I may see a little bit of hesitancy on
her face – so – I made a decision to ease her reluctance.

“I actually need your suggestions –
please inform me precisely what you didn’t like about my writing fashion in my newest
story – I’ll respect it very a lot…” I stated to her.

“Okay – let’s go to the web
terminal – I’ll present you…” she stated.

We walked throughout to the web
room within the library – we sat in entrance of the monitor – I opened my weblog – and –
she mentioned my newest story in a most free and frank method.

“Take a look at the ending of this story
– it’s so abrupt – it leaves the reader unhappy and confused…” she stated.

I needed to inform her about
Hemingway – his Iceberg Principle – but it surely she appeared to learn my thoughts.

She checked out me and spoke in an
earnest voice.

“Don’t attempt to imitate well-known
authors – simply write in your individual distinctive fashion – like most of your earlier
tales – let me present you…” she stated – and – she scrolled down my weblog and
opened my first story – “Rendezvous with Dawn” – and – she in contrast it with
my newest story – then she confirmed me some my earlier tales – and I clearly
understood her viewpoint.

I used to be amazed that she had learn my
tales so fastidiously – and – this crammed me with a way of happiness and
delight.

“Thanks a lot…” I stated to
Manisha, “you’re the first one who has given me such an intensive critique of
my writing – I’ll actually contemplate all of the factors
you’ve gotten informed me after I write – however you should preserve giving me suggestions…”

“After all…” she stated to me, “you write a narrative throughout
the week and publish it by Saturday – I’ll learn it instantly – and we’ll
focus on your story on Sunday – after we meet right here on the library…”

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I beloved her enthusiasm and zest – she was a extremely
passionate reader – and most significantly – she appreciated my writing.

In actual fact – it was first time somebody had taken such eager
curiosity in my writing – and – I felt good.

I smiled at her.

“Sure – that’s an awesome thought – I’ll look ahead to
discussing my tales with you…” I stated to her.

_______

I marvelled at her acumen and college – she regarded so
younger – however she had profound perception into the finer points of inventive writing
and literature.

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Her voice interrupted my ideas.

“Lets return and see some quick story books…?” she
stated to me.

We went again to the literary part
of the library.

We browsed a number of quick fiction
anthologies collectively – we confirmed one another our favourite tales – and – we realized
that our literary tastes had been related.

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As I had stated earlier:

“The perfect type of friendship is
one the place two folks love the identical books”

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Properly – our literary tastes
matched – metaphorically – “we beloved the identical “books” – and – I may sense
that it was the start of a lovely friendship between Manisha and Me.

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Time handed quick.

After looking within the literary
part – we went to the journal part – and I confirmed her some literary
journals which featured modern inventive writing and quick fiction.

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After a while – Manisha regarded
at me.

“I’m feeling hungry – let’s go throughout
to Vaishali for a snack…” Manisha stated to me.

“Okay…” I stated – I used to be feeling
hungry too.

We crossed the highway – fortunately a
desk was vacant within the usually crowded restaurant.

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

“You actually know loads about
literature…” I stated to Manisha.

“I’m a scholar of literature…”
she stated.

“You’re so fortunate…” I stated to
her.

“Fortunate…? Why…?” she requested me.

“I want I may have studied
literature as an alternative of spending one of the best years of my life time finding out science,
engineering, expertise which had been so painful…” I stated wistfully, “however in our
time – we weren’t given a alternative…”

“However you write so effectively – and also you
know a lot about literature…” she stated.

“I at all times beloved studying – so – although
I did completely different work – studying and writing had been at all times my pursuits – my
hobbies…” I stated to her.

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

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And – we talked and talked – about
literature – about books – after which – we went again to the library – and browsed
and chosen books – until closing time – 6 PM – within the night.

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“Do you come to the library
typically…?” I requested Manisha – as we stood exterior the library.

“On my faculty days – I come
every time I get time – however – I make it some extent to return to the library each
Sunday…” she stated.

“I may even come each Sunday…”
I stated to her, “I reside fairly far-off – so – I’ll write all through the week –
and – I’ll come to the library each Sunday…”

“That’s nice – let’s meet over
right here subsequent Sunday – I’ll be right here at 11 AM – when the library opens…” she stated to
me.

“I’ll publish my new story by
Saturday…” I stated to her.

“Sure – I’ll learn it – and – we
will focus on your story over right here on Sunday morning…” she stated to me, “11 AM –
subsequent Sunday – I’ll be right here…”

After which – she smiled a candy
goodbye – and – she walked away.

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Subsequent Sunday – I used to be sitting on
the bench exterior the library at 10:45 AM – ready for the library to open –
and – in fact – eagerly ready for Manisha to reach.

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

Manisha arrived at 11 AM

She was all enthusiastic about my
story.

“I learn your story thrice –
it’s so engrossing…” she stated, “you write rather well…”

“And…?” I stated – ready for her
essential suggestions.

“The ending is just too abrupt…” she
stated.

“However – that’s my fashion…” I stated
to her.

“Then – you should try to change
your fashion. You write your tales for readers – don’t you…? Most readers like
joyful endings – or – not less than – they like easy endings – effectively – not less than I
do…” she stated to me.

“Thanks on your suggestions – I
will attempt to enhance my endings – now – let’s go inside and see the endings of
some good quick tales – perhaps I can study one thing…” I stated to her.

“Sure. Sure. Let’s do this – it
will likely be so thrilling…” she stated.

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ONE WEEK LATER – NEXT SUNDAY

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PART
2

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MANISHA’S MOTHER (NISHA)

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One week later – on Sunday
– I used to be sitting on the bench exterior the library at 10:45 AM – ready for the
library to open – and – in fact – eagerly ready for Manisha to reach.

I needed to know her views on my newest story – particularly on the ending
of the story – a “joyful ending” as advised by her.

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A girl got here and stood on the
entrance of the library.

I observed that the lady was
wanting curiously at me.

I regarded on the lady who was
taking a look at me.

She regarded stylish.

Blue Denims, shiny pink high
(pullover/tucked-in T-Shirt), truthful creamy (flawless) complexion, jet black hair
neatly tied in a bun – and – darkish Ray-Ban sun shades of the newest fashion.

She was a handsome lady with
good female options – elegant – trendy – stylish – sleek –
well-groomed.

When the lady noticed me taking a look at
her – she smiled – and she or he walked in direction of me.

“Are you Mr. Vikram…?” the lady
requested me.

“Sure…” I stated to her.

“Manisha received’t be coming at the moment…” she
stated.

“Oh…” I stated, “I hope she is
effectively…”

“Manisha is match and positive…” the
lady stated.

“Oh…” I stated – questioning who this
lady was – when the lady all of the sudden spoke.

“I’m Manisha’s mom…” the
lady stated, “I’ve informed her to not come right here…”

“You’ve got informed her to not come
right here…?” I stated – confused.

“Sure – I don’t need my daughter
Manisha to have any relationship with you…” the lady stated – in a agency voice.

“Relationship…? With me…?” I stated
– stunned.

“I don’t need my daughter getting
romantically concerned with you…” the lady stated.

“Romantically Concerned…? Are you
insinuating that I’m having a love affair with Manisha…?” I requested the lady – in
an offended voice.

“You actually appear to be getting
near her…” she stated to me.

“What nonsense…!!! I’m double
her age…” I stated, emphatically.

“You aren’t double her age – you
are thrice her age – Manisha is simply 20 and also you should be greater than 60…” the
lady stated mockingly.

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

“Associates…? You need to be buddies
together with her grandmother – even I’m too younger for you…” the lady stated,
sardonically.

“Please cease speaking nonsense…” I
stated, angrily.

“It isn’t nonsense – Manisha is
20 – I’m 42 – and – my mom is in her early 60’s – round your age…” the
lady stated, wryly.

I made a decision to make issues clear to
her – so – I spoke to her in a agency matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“I don’t see what’s your
downside…? Let me make it clear – Manisha and I – ours is only a clear
friendship – we meet simply as soon as every week – on Sundays – right here within the library – we
focus on books and literature and writing – typically – we’ve got a Dosa and
Espresso within the café reverse the library – after which – we are saying goodbye – and go house…”
I stated to the lady, Manisha’s mom.

“What in regards to the e-book truthful – the
literary competition…?” Manisha’s mom stated.

“These are literary occasions…” I
was saying – when Manisha’s mom interrupted me.

“You’ve got too concerned with
my daughter…” Manisha’s mom stated.

“What…? Concerned…? Me…? With
Manisha…? In no way…” I protested.

“Properly – she is actually
emotionally concerned with you – she is beneath your affect – you’ve gotten spoilt
her – she ought to have buddies of her age – however she solely likes you – isn’t that
irregular for a younger faculty woman…?” Manisha’s mom stated to me.

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

Manisha’s mom gave me a tough
look and spoke in a agency tone.

“I need you need you to cease your
relationship with Manisha…” she stated, in an crucial tone of voice, as if she
was commanding me to obey.

I felt outraged on the means
Manisha’s mom was speaking to me – so I spoke angrily.

“Please discuss to me correctly – I
am a good Navy Veteran – your daughter and me – we’re simply pure buddies
– don’t you dare make such insinuations – as if we’re having some form of
immoral relationship or affair…” I stated, indignantly.

“Although you don’t understand it –
you two are certainly having an affair…” she was saying – after I interrupted her
rudely.

“Please cease it…!!! How will you
even say such soiled issues…?” I stated to her, with disgust.

“I didn’t say you might be having a
bodily affair – however – you might be actually having an emotional affair – you might be
in an emotional relationship together with her – give it some thought….” she stated, giving me a
significant look.

I checked out her – making an attempt to
comprehend her phrases – after I heard her voice.

“I need this to cease – I don’t
need you to see her once more – I need Manisha to be her age – to hold round with
buddies of her age – not with outdated folks such as you – so – I’ve informed her to not
meet you – Manisha received’t be coming to the library on Sundays…” Manisha’s mom
stated.

“Oh…” I stated, feeling
disenchanted.

“Please don’t attempt to contact my
daughter – in any other case…” she stated – in a fairly threatening tone.

I used to be offended – very offended – with
this impolite and insolent lady.

I needed to inform her off – to
rebuke her for her impertinence and intemperate phrases – however – I managed
myself – and – I turned and began strolling in direction of the library entrance.

“You higher discover some buddies of
your age…” the impertinent lady stated to me – as a parting shot – as I entered
the library.

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ONE WEEK LATER

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PART 3

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MANISHA’S GRANDMOTHER (SWATI)

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One week later – on Sunday – I reached
the library simply earlier than the opening time of 11 AM – hoping towards hope that Manisha
can be there.

However – there was nobody exterior
the library.

I hadn’t been capable of write a
story that week – author’s block – perhaps – as a result of I used to be upset due to the
earlier Sunday’s disagreeable encounter with Manisha’s mom – however extra so – at
the prospect of not having the ability to meet Manisha ever once more.

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The second the library opened – I
went inside – and – as per my behavior – first – I walked into the studying room.

On the journal rack within the
studying room – I used to be delighted to see the newest problem of Granta – my favourite
literary journal.

I picked up the journal – sat
down on a chair and began studying.

I used to be engrossed studying a narrative
within the journal after I heard a female voice name out my identify.

“Mr. Vikram…?” the female voice
stated.

I regarded up from the journal.

The female voice belonged to a nice-looking
woman.

She regarded refined and sleek and
carried herself with an air of confidence and poise. She was a mix of basic
magnificence and fashionable finesse and exuded an aura of attraction. She will need to have been an
distinctive magnificence in her youthful days – and – even now – she regarded alluring –
and she or he had a singular charming charisma.

She smiled at me – I smiled again.

I used to be drawn to her – and – I instinctively
gave her my inimitable look of real admiration that’s price a thousand
compliments.

She blushed a bit – and spoke
softly.

“Might I sit down – I need to discuss
to you…” she stated.

“After all – please sit down…” I
stated – getting up from my chair as a courtesy.

We sat down subsequent to one another – she
regarded instantly into my eyes and spoke in a pleasant tone.

“I’m Manisha’s grandmother…” she
stated to me.

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Story to be continued…

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VIKRAM KARVE