Mishal Raheja
as
Dutta
In
Blue Blood
Part 2
Kala turned to her mother respectfully and explained with a meaningful smile
" Dutta brought the puja flowers you asked for Aye Sahib. I myself was surprised how he managed. He said it was some florist.. some girl " Kala said casually ,but with emphasis on the word girl.. Baji of course perked up at the mention of the word girl, and spoke true to his trivial and light hearted manner.
" a girl? and Dutta ,I mean,erhh Bhau.. approached her? this is incredible , where did he say the shop was?
" somewhere close by it's called "Gul Bahar", replied Kala ,as she bit her tongue and added
"by the way ,you are supposed be the one to bring puja flowers Baji, " Aye Sahib reverted to Baji too
"yes Baji, I had to ring Dutta.. take life a little bit seriously! admonished his mother, as a result of which Baji put his arm around her shoulders and protested
"Aye life is too short to be wasted away in seriousness ! ok fine! I'll go around with a long face , like this! and he turned to his mother with a pulled face.. like Dutta!
" Baji call him Bhau, show some distantly reverence for him ",repeated Aye Sahib again.. Baji nodded and then spun on his feet and made way towards Dutta's room
~~~~~~
Dutta, showered and changed into his white thread embroidered kurta and pyjama. Slowly he strolled towards the French window of his room that opened on to his private terrace. With his shoulder hitched against the wall.. his elbow bent ,he felt his stubble chin as he peered at the opaque orb that stared back at him from the starry skies.. Aye Sahib.. had tried so hard as long as he could remember to include him as her true son.. that he was too, but not really ,he sighed. There exists within him an emptiness.. undoubtedly, he was and is given the rights of being a shri Ram Patil son.. older son. but the vacuum about knowing about his real parents still niggled him and prevented him from considering himself as one of this tender and gracious fold. Emotionally, he yearned to know about his parents.. who they were? what were their reasons for abandoning him? surely it was not a sin for wanting to know about one's life givers! he wrestled emotionally. This was becoming a habit that he clung to, he realized ,but let it be. He moved and folded his arms across his chest and concluded, till he doesn't know more about the background of his parents.. he will continue to feel like a picked up child from the way side.. he dabbed a tear that slipped out from the corner of his eye as he mumbled on his folded palm across his mouth
" Ayee.. my love for you is barred by my confusion,, I am not an ingrate.." he sniffed lightly
" Bhau! you talking to yourself? come tell me all! Baji is here to unwind you, you talk ! me listen! he cajoled as he came behind Dutta and rested his palm on brother's shoulder.. Dutta slowly turned his neck and gave his pesky brother a look of sarcasm
" you addressing me as Bhau? from the heart or is it to appease Aye and Kala Tai? tell me I want to know?
" Dutta , why are you awkward in every- thing?.. complained Baji
" because Baji.. Dutta doesn't want you to adopt the term "Bhau " ,if you don't feel that way! snapped Dutta
" it's heart felt Bhau.. ever since I opened my eyes , I saw you as my big brother! now what's the fuss about it ? you know what your problem is Bhau? you are up tight and suspicious! for heaven's Bhau you are family.. aren't you? Bhau you frighten me by your words, your dissociation ! why are you doing this Bhau? tell me? , cried out Baji , his humour stripped and replaced by teary panic! Dutta slapped his head lightly
" hey shut up! cry baby! even as a kid, you turned on the waterworks ! to get your way! and I was the tough cookie! teased Dutta
" stay tough Bhau but not aloof and detached from your family.. we need you Bhau.. you believe me don't you? confirmed Baji..
" ok enough of this emotional mish mash ! tell me what have you been doing all day?, Dutta changed the topic. Baji perked up and asked cheekily
"you tell me Bhau.. what's with this florist..?
" she has her own little kiosk cum shop.. that's all " replied Dutta curtly
" wow, unusual Bhau.. a woman doing business in a domain controlled by men!
" hummh, that's what got me.." agreed Dutta
" however since you work for security services.. wouldn't you be concerned for her safety? asked Baji
" she seems clued on. Besides she must have weighed her options when she opened her shop.. seemed she has another girl working with her", remarked Dutta with a detached attitude..
" that's fine ,but I thought you would keep her on your radar as being vulnerable Bhau! , asserted Baji
" if she wants surveillance , she needs to ask Baji.. I am not exactly free lance,, I too work for a company.. your interest in her ,does this mean you'll be dutifully like a good son collecting flowers from this girl's shop every day? enquired Dutta
" nooo! Baji's not going to Dutta! you are ! Aye's order! Baji is too flippant! said Kala as she wafted into Dutta's room to tell him about her mother's decision. She had already bent her mother's ear that seeing this florist would be an opportunity for her morose brother Dutta to meet people other than his family, and work personnel.
" what? why? what's wrong with Baji doing the job? protested Dutta loudly
" Dutta! Dutta! it's not my order, it's Aye's! would you like to tell her you won't do it..? challenged Kala
" ummmhh, I do it Tai.. " succumbed Dutta as he realized that doing jobs for Aye , did give him joy.. that which he readily liked to bury.. lest it checked his obsession of finding out about his biological parents.
~~~~~~
In haste next morning, Baji left his house in his red jeep , complete and decked with a pair of snazzy circular headlights and a pronounced shinning metal grill under the bonnet.
"Gul Bahar! here I come ! on mission impossible! ,he cackled as he brought his vehicle to a halt with a cringing screech of the brakes! One beauty , with a short shoulder length hair ran out of the shop to check the noise.. Baji turned on his dimple smile and saluted the girl who wore a plastic apron over her kurti and leggings. She brought out fresh flowers held in metal jugs.. it was obvious to Baji the girl either owned the shop or was an attendant. Abruptly she turned and identified him as the driver who halted noisily
"what no sirens? tuk! tuk! you should have announced your arrival ,oh bold one! sneered Roops . Baji smiled cheek to cheek and said
" wo woo! friends already? like it ma'am ! don't like wasting time! before he carried on Roops pointed a finger at him
" state your business and make my day! you are the first customer ,mister!
"then you should know girlie that the first customer is considered blessed! ,he teased as he pulled his hand brake and jumped out of his jeep, slowly progressed towards Roops who moved out of the way and allowed him to enter the shop.
Baji pulled his mouth down with approval, simultaneously he rolled his rounded button eyes to look for another
" impressive place you have set up here miss.. you run it on your own? he studied the shirty girl and wondered ,surely this cannot be the "girl ", who left a subtle mark on Bhau.. heavens ! hope not! she's got a motor mouth on her.. not Bhau's type.. unconsciously, he shook his head dismissively ..
" customer here? Roops? what luck early in the morning.. thank you Bappa " spoke a sweet feminine voice. Baji turned and saw a petite pretty girl dressed in a white fitted shirt embroidered with pink rose buds. Her chiselled features , and surprised big green eyes, started at Baji with a benign smile. Baji 's mouth gaped.. now this must be the" girl", he crossed his fingers and sincerely hoped he was right, as he folded his palms politely in greetings
" I suppose you must be the owner of this flower shop? very pleased to meet you ! he rippled happily as Naku nodded
"how may I help you ? looking for flowers? bouquet? potted plants? ,we have a selection , if you want to look around.. Roops, my friend and assistant will assist you if you please? , Naku said calmly and stepped aside . Baji blurted
" yes yes.. your friend showing me around will please me!.. puja flowers is what I need, marigolds!.. Naku widened her eyes as she heard .. puja flower.. and repeated softly
" puja flowers! oohh.. sure , I'll get some ready!, and she began to leave the shop floor.. Baji called
" you sound surprised miss.. are they much in demand? Naku stopped in her tracks and bit her lower lip, Roops rolled her eyes and answered to Baji's question
" yes Naku finds it odd may be, because yesterday a man in uniform came to the shop and asked only for puja flowers only! isn't that right Naku? , teased Roops. Baji smiled as he addressed both the ladies
" glad to make your acquaintance , Roops and Naku! Baji rao at your service! now don't be too surprised ,but that man in uniform, it's hard to believe , that I am that stiff necked man's younger brother! yesterday he came , today I came to check your shop out.. thing is he mentioned about you miss Naku before his family.. errh, ..no he didn't have any particular reason.. he's very serious usually.. it's your entrepreneurial effort that he seemed impressed by .. prattled on Baji. Roops laughed and retorted
" there cannot be any other reason Baji! Naku herself is no ordinary girl, she only focuses on her small flower shop". Baji was now sure this tiny ,delicate young girl had grit within her.. her work is a broad statement in itself.. she's the perfect match for his lost Bhau.. she'll get him out of the doldrums of detachment..
" this.. I .. this.. I prepared for you errh Baji.." Naku interrupted his thoughts and Baji felt caught out almost blushed and accepted the wicker platter of flowers.. she handed him, as he dug in his pocket for his wallet. Naku accepted the paper money graciously
The door unexpectedly pushed open and in barged a rough looking middle aged shoddy bloke with betel stained teeth. Alongside followed in menacingly a couple of young jean , tee shirt clad goons! who dangerously occupied the shop floor! as they gave the two girls leering gazes.
"areee maidam! where's my rent! need the money now! I can see you have made a sale this morning already.. hand it over! yelled the middle aged man ,who clearly was the leader of the small gang.. he grabbed the money out of Naku's hand! but within a split second, Baji rao! gripped his hand and yelled
" heeeye gringo! show some respect to the lady! show the muscle to me flab flesh! not to ladies! .. the rest of the goons took a few steps back.. as they realized ,the dimple dude was an influential man.. the land lord pulled his outstretched arm back and argued..
" who are you to intervene,? it's between me and this Nakusha ! her rent is due.. ask her yourself!
" you may consider me her big bro! shame on you ! you toe rag! for picking on this sole woman who has dared to open a small shop! look daddy oooh! you should encourage her ,instead you come here throwing your flab around! and ,he turned to Naku..
" tell me Naku is your rent due? Is this geyser right?.. Naku nodded, left the shop floor and returned with the cash for the rent folded in her tiny palm..
" yes Baji.. chachaa is right, rent is due.." and she opened her palm with the money before the landlord which the he accepted slightly shamefaced
"see you oversized git! you charged in here like a bull creating a scene and she ,shows you respect! learn how to give respect from her! now I don't want you or your clowns coming here again to bother her.. you'll get your damned rent when it's due.. only come here to buy flowers ! not to get her silent curses ! now you got your money! so buzz off! , yelled Baji as he pointed to the door. They left and Baji turned to Naku
" yes it's admirable Naku how you dealt with your landlord.. but since I have personally witnessed this incident, may I add , you may be brave to run a business on your own.. but it's usual to be cautious as well.. see Dutta ,my Bhau.. is in the security services of Patil Vadi.. take my suggestion, get your business registered with the services.. Naku it's for your own personal security too.. what do you say?, urged Baji..
Naku looked vacantly in space and clearly dithered. She wondered , if she would be required to fork out money ,for the service. money that she was short off ,barely could made ends meet.. Roops spoke for her instead and robustly too
"look Naku today we were lucky , we had this Baji's assistance.. next time we may not be! land lord can turn nasty too.." persuaded Roops.. but Naku was not easily cowered and she replied stiffly
" leave the thought with me Baji.. let me mull it over. Meanwhile thanks for your support, oh and yes this shop will always have a fresh supply of marigolds for your family..!" she smiled shyly, as she pressed her palms together in namaste..
Baji left but wondered, strange girl? so much had happened still she was reluctant to get in contact with the surveillance services.. odd... what a pity ! and here I was hitching her with Bhau.. improbability!
~~~~~~
Bhaskar, [ Babloo], wanted to see Dutta regarding his meeting with Nana. Dutta stood before his boss ,his arms by his side, ready to speak when spoken to..
"well? what was the outcome Dutta ? Nana hasn't rang me, which means he's satisfied with what you came up with.." asked Bhaskar
"it's not what I came out with.. Nana Sahib was the one who suggested the option. He wants a body guard to shadow his daughter everywhere..
"and? asked his boss
"and sir, I supported him. Assured him will find and vet the man ,check references than assign him.. reported Dutta curtly
" tell me Dutta , why not offer yourself, as the body guard for Nana's daughter, they are your family friends ,who'd be best for her than yourself? will spare us for looking for someone reliable " suggested his boss
" with due respect sir.. being a body guard to a close family friend , to me doesn't seem very professional. I feel I would be unable to fulfil my duty that I am paid for... sir in my humble opinion it should be duty based rather than on personal relations.. the rest is I follow orders.. although I have explained my personal reasons.." argued Dutta. He suddenly squared up his shoulders, swelled his wide chest, held his arms behind his back and waited for further orders from his boss.
Bhaskar ,thought for a while.. this was his finest officer, and he had a point. His reluctance was based on the fact that his judgment could be influenced .. so perhaps he should respect Dutta's decision ,of not accepting the position of Nana's daughters body guard.
" sticky situation Dutta , but I'll handle it ,meanwhile you check details of the body guards we have and interview them, don't want Nana to think ,we sit on our bottoms all day and twiddle our thumbs! Just don't you forget , Nana is our biggest patron! Bhaskar said dryly.
Much relieved Dutta left his boss's office and decided he would pay mooto Jhingar a visit.. that was part of Nana Tavde's assignment that he would willingly fulfil..
~~~~~~~
Dutta brought his security services jeep out side Jhingar's warehouse. A couple of young boys came running towards his jeep with a buckets and holding dirty wet rags in their hands.. one youngest of the lot ,tagged behind too. Dutta pointed to him. The seven or eight year old came running
" Sahib! let me give your jeep a wipe! Sahib don't say no ,it'll shine like a jewel! shall I ? begged the young adolescent. Dutta looked at the unkempt child clad in a torn vest and worn out shorts, with flip flops on his feet.. Dutta smiled at the child and ordered
" do it then? and it had better sparkle ! or else
"it will Sahib, you'll see boss!
" tell me is this Jhingar's adda? Dutta asked the child. The boy 's smile vanished and his happy face changed to an anxious expression
"Sahib, Jhingar is a very dangerous man, he has many goons with him inside the warehouse ,will you see him on your own " asked the child as he dipped his rag in the bucket of water and stretched his thin slender bony arms on the bonnet of Dutta's jeep
"yes my hero! I too like to do big things on my own! you carry on with the job , and I won't be too long" said Dutta and walked off to the entrance of the warehouse.. sweet child, slogging away , to earn a living may be like me he too is some orphan.. born in muck and probably will die in muck! Dutta mused with a furrowed brow.
Dutta in his black uniform wasn't stopped .. by the small armed goons at the door, and Dutta looked down at them as he walked between them as they made way for him
"good to note that you recognize a uniform when you see one! he nodded .. soon he was presented before Jhingar who busily cleaned his pistol with a filthy oily rag. On seeing Dutta in black, his hand gun in his tidy holster pressing against his taut thigh... hurriedly Jhingar moved his gun and hid it by his side
" stop behaving like an overgrown kid you smelly shrimp! go ahead play with your toy! Dutta growled as he walked slowly towards the low worn out wooden table Jhingar sat before.. Dutta inclined forward, raised and bent his long leg upwards and Jhingar nearly jumped out of his underpants! For a moment Dutta held his bent leg in mid air.. and Jhingar jerked sideways to miss Dutta's anticipated kick! But Dutta slammed his black leather footed shoe atop the table! with a bang and then rested his arm on his knee and peered dangerously with deep set eyes at Jhingar
" look you scum bag! I am here to tell you in two simple words.. lay off! Nana Tavde... otherwise , I'll pull your guts out and boil them to make grease to oil the parts of my security jeep! and he slammed his palm into Jhingar's gobsmacked face ,then continued dangerously..
" and don't think I am cracking jokes! ask any one around Dutta from security services ,never jokes or bloody laughs! my existence forces smelly stale worms like you to bury themselves in the sand again! if I ever see your lurking fifty yards around Nana's estate, it'll be your last day to see the light of day! you got that in that thick head of yours! and by the way fat shrimp! spread the bad news among your buddies too! that Dutta is in! and you and your criminal coercer scum are out of a job! people don't need your damned protection when Dutta is around! he roared.. lifted his folded leg off the table ,slammed it on the floor! and walked off silently out of the warehouse and out of the door. Dutta smiled broadly as he saw the little labourer standing near the sparkling black jeep.. the lad stood vigil.. guarding the keys still in the ignition.. hell! thought Dutta , stupid act to do.. leaving his keys behind.. thank heavens the boy didn't take it for a joy ride.. slowly he walked toward's the boy, folded his arms across his chest and said
" you my hero have done a great job! and he slid his palm in his pocket and pulled out money for the boy
"here keep this.. look child , I cannot repay you for the labour and the commitment you showed in guarding my jeep.. there is no price for that.. but you keep this money.. use it wisely", The boy shook his head
" Sahib.. don't give me so much cash, I'll be looted and harmed for it by older boys.. Dutta looked down compassionately at the boy ,and asked..
"tell me child have you not got a home to go to? the boy began to cry and embarrassed rubbed his tearful eyes with the ends of his inner palms
" do I look to you if I come from a home? no Sahib my home is the streets and pavements of this small locality.." Dutta looked at the boy and took him by the arm and ordered
"get in my jeep! now! will sort your life! and in a temper he drove through a local bazaar and looked out for a ready- made garments shop.. he grabbed the lad by the hand and ordered the shop keeper
" I need suitable clothing for this boy..fast! and suddenly he looked down at the excited face of the lad
" name? have you got one? what can I call you? Dutta asked helplessly
"why do you need to know my name Sahib? a poor orphan is just a speck .. Dutta raised his palm and scolded the child on the street.. his words seemed to echo his mind set..
"enough! you are a child! don't talk big! and listen you! you are not a speck! you are a valuable life! boy! Dutta will not let your little life be devalued! you hear me!! roared Dutta!
The boy was frightened.. and he blurted
"my name is Krishna ,Sahib.. please don't shout at me", begged the child. Dutta thoroughly remorseful , tenderly put his palm over the child's head
" don't be frightened Krishna .. you are the namesake of my lord.. to offer you a safe secure life that you deserve! is my faith!.. so trust me ,as from now you will have a home ,go to school, that children of your age do so. Krishna was panic struck and he shook both his palms before Dutta and beseeched
" are you kidding Sahib ?? no school! just give me a job where I can earn honest money by working Sahib! going to school will not fill my empty belly.." Dutta stared admiringly at the homeless young orphan.. and suddenly felt within himself, envious of this boy's grace and dignity. Krishna needed a place to live somewhere.. but he also wanted a job too ,reflected Dutta . but where ?? he had to act fast too lest the boy pressed to return to his old ways! fretted Dutta.
~~~~~~~
Dutta was burdened emotionally. He cajoled the boy back into the jeep with all his new clothes. Dutta mused ,where should he settle Krishna.. temporarily? He was hell bent! this was personal .. but why? was it because Krishna and him had something in common?? He put his car in gear and prayed inside.. guide me Devi maa.. he meditated briefly, as he passed by the goddess Durga's temple. He braked suddenly! he noticed the flowers underneath huge statue of the goddess. Dutta rejoiced within his soul.. Gul Bahar! But as soon as the notion lifted his spirits His mind dithered, and excuses churned up. He didn't even know her and he was ready to entrust her with Krishna's responsibility? was he insane! . In disarray he looked at the boy who sat beside. Without a qualm Dutta decided he wanted the lad protected and placed with someone.. who showed care. But he shook his head in despair, and rolled his eyes. god alone knows what conclusion that florist would arrive at? he mused awkwardly. In two minds, Dutta turned his eyes up to skies. The sun would set soon. Before that Krishna's future needed to be sorted at least temporarily. But then! his stubborn side posed in action from him. Exasperated he pulled his mouth to one side and narrowed his lion like eyes.. if only someone kicked his hind!
The phone rang and Dutta rolled his eyes.. now this comedian is going to kick my posterior? goawddd!
"yeah what is it this time? I am busy! whatever it is? better be sound talk and no nonsense Baji rao! Dutta roared
" Bhau it's to do with the florist.. thought you might be interested?
"what is it? Dutta asked with disciplined interest. He didn't want to jump out of his skin too soon.. Instead he wished Baji to report the matter, following which he would decide which route to take. Baji rattled off about the landlord incident at Naku's shop. Dutta listened silently. Then with a bang on the dash board of his jeep ,which terrified Krishna yet again! Dutta shouted
"heading for the flower shop Baji!.. such a stupid girl, acting super woman! Baji yelled back
"Bhau! go easy on her! she's had enough trauma for start of the day ! now don't you go end her day with more agro ..bhau! be gentle.. Bhau? Bhau?.. and Baji heard the dead tone.. and sniggered
"looks like the knight in shining armour is already riding his steed to rescue his? damsel in distress!
~~~~~~~
Dutta took deep breathes and imposed outward calm upon himself. Well, it was uncanny how he wavered going to the flower shop. Even the deities couldn't motivate him. He paused briefly as he drove towards Gul Bahar ,but the gods sure do have a way.. accepted Dutta as he lowered the gear and slowed down right in front of the open shop door!
Naku saw his profile straightaway as he held the steering wheel. A blank face; a firmed mouth as he stared ahead through the windscreen. Naku quickly got the wicker platter with flowers and came gingerly towrd his open jeep window from where his elbow poked out.
"Sahib yours flowers".. he heard her sweet voice and sensed her waiting. From the corner of his eye he saw she raised the platter close to his elbow. He couldn't keep up with the restrained aloofness. It began to form fissures.. and he muttered, without giving her eye contact
" I haven't come to take from you today.. but to give instead.." he said , as he slowly moved his head and then looked into her green surprised eyes. He revolved his head then to Krishna and ordered..
" you wanted to work.. go carry the metal jugs into the shop! before he said more. Krishna jumped out of the jeep and got swiftly down to work.. Naku turned her head and smiled keenly at the active little boy
"Sahib.. what is the meaning of all this? she asked confused. Dutta pulled himself to one side, fumbled with his driver door. Naku backed to one side, as Dutta slowly poked one long fitted black trouser leg out of the jeep. gently slid out, stood tall. Then shut the door and stood propped against it in a casual manner, as he recalled Baji had said to go easy with the girl. He peered at her with softened wide eyes and replied
" errhh ? , he mumbled.. "Naku " " Nakusha" , she said and he bowed his head and continued as he moved his eyes away from her face. it's innocent glow was controlling.
"errh ,yes Nakusha.. he began.. she interrupted lightly
"it's ok to call me Naku.. Sahib.. some people do.", Dutta nearly smiled shyly and began yet again as he crossed his arms across his chest as he watched Krishna carrying the last metal jug into the shop
" ummm.. Naku, this lad is Krishna. found him on the way side today. He wiped my jeep clean. On my offering him money.. more money actually. The lad refused, said he may be robbed and harmed by older lads.. i.e , he leads a risky life.. I feel he is worth more, refused to be enrolled in school.. as I thought boys his age usually do.. but he reminded me boldly ,academia won't feed.. he needed a job.. sooo.." Dutta waited for her reaction
" yes Sahib.. he could work for Roops and myself.. there are small odd jobs he can do here.. in return we can give him board and lodging.. may be I'll give him home tuition too! said Naku all enthused.Dutta doubled his chin and looked across at Krishna who stood beside a nodding Roops..
"yes Sahib! or rather Dutta Bhau! we would love to keep Krishna if he accepts? added Roops approvingly
Dutta waved his palm inwards and beckoned Krishna towards him.. then stood him straight before him, his palms on Krishna's young bony shoulders
" like the idea of working with these two girls? they are offering you a home along with work! but the choice is yours Krishna.. what do you say? or would you rather stay homeless on the streets ?
Krishna turned and faced Naku.. and looked into her green eyes timorously
" Tai will you give this street urchin place in your home? Naku's eyes filled with tears and she smiled and felt the top of his bedraggled hair..
"of course Krishna.. consider me and Roops as your two Tai's.. you won't regret it! assured Naku and she slowly turned and met her uniformed stranger's sided contracted eyes
" ummm, his new clothes are here .. I suspect the dirty boy will need a good scrub in a bath! teased Dutta as he opened the driver's door of his jeep and slipped back, sided in his seat.. Naku passed the bags over to Roops who took Krishna into the shop. Dutta rested his folded elbow in the pulled down window. He had to mention the other matter too. He frowned a bit and fidgeted with the steering wheel. Naku too watched him from a distance ,and speculated, he doesn't want flowers, we have employed Krishna ,now what else he waited for?
As if he heard her.. he ran the tip of his finger around the brand of his jeep .. then said in his guttural voice
" Baji told me about the ordeal you faced this morning with your landlord and his smutty crew..! Naku was about to speak as she noted his stern profile and without so much as looking at her from his seat, he raised his hand
" enough! don't want to hear anything ,have heard it verbatim through Baji! so now you listen to me! you get the shop! registered with the security services for surveillance.. it'll be done free of charge ! the boy's safety, Roops... and yours too is important. Another thing , your opinion is not needed in the matter! I have taken the decision on your behalf! he commanded , started the engine and drove off rudely. Naku watched him crest fallen ..she wanted to say yes to his decision ,but he didn't give her a chance..
As he drove away slowly, Dutta caught her flustered face in the wing mirror ,and twisted his left handed in reverse and slowly backed his jeep and stopped near her.. but looked straight ahead.. and said slowly,
"did you wish to say something Naku?.. Naku replied softly
" just that I feel safer now, than I did this morning ,Sahib.."
" good ,glad to be of service".. and with that, he pressed the accelerator and drove off...
~~~~~~~
That night whilst driving back Dutta felt less burdened.. his heart seemed less distressed ,his breathing was relaxed. His soul swelled with pride, he had done something that showed him a relative situation . A destitute boy that was him. Beads of sweat suddenly gathered on the tip of his pronounced nose. He indicated and spun his steering towards the entrance gate of his home.. Patil Nivas .Dutta peered up and across the mansion. All lights out ,bar a few dimmed corridor lights. As he set his foot on the brick work driveway, he mopped his brow and almost whispered
" I may think I was Krishna.. but I am not! really , I am Dutta who never got to the stage that Krishna went through.. Aye Sahib and babba saved Dutta ." But soon after he appeared disgruntled and slammed the jeep door ,and strode towards the entrance of his home.. he twitched his jaw and deduced..
" well it was their choice to foster me.. I never asked to be fostered " he moaned still smarting deep down.. Aye is his foster mother .. a mother figure supplement! he raged inside.. despite some softening of his heart. Once in his room, he slumped down on his turquoise settee with lime green cushion backs. In fits and starts he still experienced highs and lows. Now he felt low. Slowly he leaned forward and held his face in his palms. and wept.. for himself, for Krishna. all parentless children.. refused and discarded side effects of some man and woman! he cried in the cup of his palms.. then ceased his cry.. and slowly slid his slender fingers on his flushed moist stubble face. Aye! he suddenly needed to see her..
Reluctantly though, but he still walked down the corridor towards Aye Sahib's room. Cautiously he opened the door, slipped in and stood before the door stared at his sleeping Aye. She looked tranquil.. always. Awake or asleep. This woman is the matriarchal figure that destiny has bestowed upon him.. she showed him what it meant to live as a lord.. mused Dutta.. but within he was a troubled man. However today after meeting Krishna.. somehow he wanted to say thank you to this woman ,for owning him. With silent steps he moved towards the end of her bed , brushed her feet with his fingers.. and unfurled the counterpane over her. She stirred , half opened her eyes and caught the back of her older son Dutta!
"what is it Dutta? she asked gently.. he stopped in his tracks briefly and replied
"nothing mother ..just couldn't fall asleep ,so popped in to check upon you.. pardon me, I woke you up from your slumber".. and with those words he slipped out of the door and closed it softly ...
But Aye Sahib's heart leapt.. something had happened? it's been a while since Dutta came in to check upon me.. she reflected... to be continued , Hamlet53~ 31.7.15
~~~~~~~
N.B~ tammy,twinks, fassben, missing you hope all is well with you guys. every one else you have a brilliant weekend.
Edited by Hamlet53 - 10 years ago
Cricket
0