Amsterdam
2004
"Dad."
"Yes darling." After a pause daughter spoke again.
"Dad."
"Yes darling." A pause again. "It's not like you to dither Susan; what's bothering you?"
"Nothing Dad; a request, an unusual one."
"Could I guess?"
"You cannot in a billion tries."
"Billion?"
"Make it a trillion."
"Then don't waste time, swallow hard and tell me."
"Well, it's like this Dad. For my postgraduate study I am majoring in sociology."
"Nothing unusual in that."
"Dad, listen patiently. I have to do a project and our guide who veers towards the bizarre gave some ideas. One girl in my group at his suggestion has chosen Death Row persons for her study."
"A girl? I should have thought that even a man of muscle and courage would think twice before venturing into those prison cells."
"My colleague is a very gentle 40 kilogram, twenty-three year old. She says she has never felt safer than when she was with them."
"Are these cold blooded killers that charming?"
"They are not all cold blooded killers but Dad, will you hear me without interruption?"
"Go ahead."
"My guide chose swing clubs for my study."
"Swing clubs? Where couples go for swaps."
"Yes."
"Where do I fit in?"
"I have to visit a swing club and not only see for myself but also interview a few of the customers."
"Then go ahead."
"The club I have chosen allows only couples."
"Take your boy friend."
"That won't do for various reasons."
"So?"
"You have to come with me."
"Girl visiting swing club with father? Has it ever happened before?"
"That is not the question. Are you game to the adventure?" Dad was excited at the prospect. He has never visited swing clubs before. His late wife was not interested. But with daughter? Unthinkable.
"I am not sure it is a good idea Susan."
"Dad I have not been to one. I have read a lot about them. I believe it is no different from a mall; only this mall sells an immensely popular product. I suggest we see how it plays out. We can come out anytime we like."
"It would cost us a packet of Euros."
"Yes, we might lose some Euros that we can ill afford, but I am crazy about this project and if you refuse I can't get it done. Dad please." Her 'Dad please' was something Dad has never been able to resist. He agreed, but for one who needed to be persuaded his eyes had suddenly acquired an unusual sparkle.
"Will the club object if they suspect I am your Dad?'
"It is not their problem. One has to be 18 or above and I am twenty-eight. That's about all."
2
The swing club building was in a residential locality and was no different from the other residences in the street. Dad was not sure if they were in the right place, but Susan had done her home work well. She plied the knocker. Presently the door opened and a gentleman welcomed them in. If he found anything unusual in a young lady with a grey haired man who bore so close facial resemblance that he could not but be father he did not express it in words or body language. These swing clubs train their staff well.
The secretary, a globe headed man (he was totally bald) smiled broadly as he welcomed them. He had the manners of an usher in a church. He asked them to read the rules of the club set out on a large board in many European languages.
"Street clothes must be left in the lockers," Dad read out aloud. "Customers will wrap towels the house provides. No alcohol or smoking. If you want activity in private close the door of the room. Open door is an invitation for others to join. NO MEANS NO. Why this last alone in capitals?"
"Because it is important," said sociologist daughter.
"What happens if one disobeys?"
"He has to leave. I believe it never comes to bouncing." They went into the locker room that surprisingly for a swing club was separate for men and women. Dad came out draped in a large towel as did Susan.
"Ha, ha." Daughter was unable to conceal her amusement.
"Why that?"
"It is funny the way you are clinging on to that towel, as if it is your life line.
"Are you wearing something under that towel?
"Nothing. That's the rule."
"Yes, it is. But..."
"What but?"
"Nothing."
"Dad get this clear. We have not come here to preserve our modesty. At some points these towels have to come off."
"You told me that it is to get material for your thesis not to display your body."
"That's right. I'll get it from the man whose tongue will loosen only when he cuddles my bare body. Got it?"
"Cuddles you bare body," repeated Dad slowly and softly. "Where do I fit in?"
"Dad you are impossible. When I am cuddling this man you will be cuddling his wife."
"Who will also be bare?"
"Of course she would be bare too." Daughter was watching Dad's reaction. He looked dazed and then his eyes brightened and finally he sucked his lips in and softly smacked them. Daughter grinned. "That's the spirit," she said.
"Susan."
"Yes, Dad."
"This cuddling you were talking about." Dad became silent.
"Yes Dad what about it."
"The very words I was about to employ."