The Company Of Women

Summary Of The Book
Mohan Kumar discovered the pleasures of sex when he was studying in the US. While he is at Princeton University, he loses his virginity to a lovely black woman, Jessica Brown. They continue their relationship for some time. While still in the US, Mohan Kumar also has a relationship with an older woman, Yasmeen, a Pakistani. Having learnt more about lust than probably anything else, he returns to India, to where his father lives. He then gets married.

Mohan Kumar still continues to indulge his lustful passions. When his wife gives birth to a son, it opens up new opportunities for him. One of the nurses hired to take care of the child, Mary Joseph, becomes another of his willing partners.

His wife Sonu is neurotic, and her disposition is not improved by her husband’s constant affairs. Finally, they separate and get a divorce. Mohan’s ruling passion is still sex. He has numerous relationships with many different women, starting with the maid Dhanno. A successful and wealthy businessman now, Mohan starts advertising for the company of women. He has a succeeding line of companions, from an English Professor to a sensual Sri Lankan woman named Susanthika.

In between all this, he has twinges of conscience that try to awaken him to a sense of responsibility, to take a look at where he is going. He also has the occasional need to find spiritual solace by visiting Haridwar, and seeing the Ganga Aarti. The sight of the holy river comforts him, but he still keeps returning to his preferred mode of life.

The Company Of Women deals with love, lust and passion, and obsessive indulgence. Mohan Kumar, despite his faults, has some redeeming moments, like the affection and respect he shows for his father, and the occasional spiritual journeys he has. However, none of these help him rein in his lust.

About Khushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh was a journalist and author.
Other books by this author include Train To Pakistan, Women And Men In My Life, A History Of The Sikhs, The Sunset Club, Uncertain Liaisons: Sex, Strife And Togetherness In Urban India, and Black Jasmine.

Khushwant Singh studied law, but took up a journalistic career. He was an editor at Yojana, a government publication. When he was the editor of The Illustrated Weekly Of India, the magazine’s circulation increased exponentially. He has also worked with other publications like Hindustan Times, and The National Herald. His writings are an eclectic collection, ranging from political commentary to fiction, as well as translations of Sikh religious texts, and his work on history of Sikhs. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan. He is known for his biting satire, and he writes a regular column, With Malice Towards One and All.