Once bitten twice shy!

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This one is a main character in the opposition. Now that he is raised to a next high status in the opposition, he is more ebullient than ever before.

  A Romeo from his young days, his cupidity has not waned with age. This bigwig recently received an invitation to lunch from a party politico from a city suburb. And he readily accepted it. He called at the residence of the host at the appointed time carrying a heavy package containing an assortment of expensive cosmetics and perfumery as well as delicious chocolate bars. Like a gallant knight figuring as the hero in tales of romance, the opposition bigwig first presented a symbolic red rose flower and next the gift package to a beaming hostess – the wife of the politico.

The hostess, a charming and comely young lady, cottoned on to the intention behind the expensive gifts. But she hid her discomfiture behind a welcome smile and played the ideal hostess.

A few days later, the opposition heavyweight called the same host and expressed his wish to call at his residence.

The politico who had to be in the good books of the opposition bigwig for his political survival told the latter: “You are quite welcome, Sir. It’s an honor to have you as our guest!”

The opposition bigwig called at the residence of the politico with a gift package as on the previous occasion.  But this time round, only the host came forward to receive him.

In response to a quizzical look from a visibly dismayed guest, the host had to explain that his wife was sick and was confined to her bedroom!