Hamlet's Revised Fanfic Collection Index - Page 37

Originally posted by: jedy25

hi hamlet hellooo tweetie pie..

superb ud ..dutta wants to know his past & parents ..naku & roops are sweet to take krishna ..he got a home ..ud soon😊

glad to see you enjoying the story progression.. thanks for reading and commenting, and i loved the cross word image.. its my pleasure to write for you jedy. much love hammie

Originally posted by: Nakusha

hi hammiee hi naku,so you finally got here..

loved the ud ..mein aa gai 😊

dutta is extremly distrubted since his orgin is like a blank slate ..he has no idea of his biological family ...fair enough ..did he recently knew about the fact.. as his foster family doesn't have idea about his turmoil

he suffers, these symptoms from time to time,a sense solitude and rejection.

i thought he owns the security firm ...he is just a employee & thats the reason nana & seema can dictate term..dutta is a bhau woh apne maan ke karta hai ...😉

he works for security services, of which nana is one of the patrons.. it monitors, Patil vadi..

krishna meeting was nice & u wove it quite well with naku in pic...security will be provided by dutta ..krishna ke bahane mil bhi lega ...aksar ud ke akhir mein he mulaqt kyu hote hai😆

lets see how well Dutta , looks in on Krishna and shows interest in flowers.. etc..

ud soon
as always u r amazinggg hammieee

thanks naku for your continued support..you are hammmzing! I LOVE the image😛.. my pleasure to write for you ,much love hammie

Originally posted by: sona89

Hi HamleT hi sonaaa! good to see you

Awesome ud..DutTa is in security He should find ways to get Knowledge AbouT his past..He IS sad in his life Naku can bring haPpiness..Waiting to see it..Ud Soon😊

that is a brilliant point sonaaa.. see hammie gets inspiration from her readers😃.. thanks for reading and commenting , much love hammiw

Originally posted by: dilse14

hi hamlet, hi dilse ,good to see you
wonderful ud glad you enjoyed it
pain in dutta's lifehe has nice family now he shouldn't be alooflike krishna he too should learn to overcome thing in life..well that's the main issue with him
naku is ray of hope but he is stern with her too someday he will smile😃ud soon
dilse , thanks for your lovely remark.. catch the next update tomorrow.. much love hammie

Originally posted by: emilymine32

Hi hammie hi imli ,great to see you 😃
superb update thanks a bunch..
dutta should ask ASabout his biological parents yes he could do so
Love dutta and krishna convo look out for some more tommorrow
Ab krishna ke bahane dutta naku se milne aa sakta his chk next ud..
thanks for update
waiting for next
thanks for your comment.. much love as ever yours hammie

Originally posted by: mirage123

hi hamlet helooo mirage great to see you

fab ud ..dutta understood the pain of orphan & decided to do something for him ..naku is harrassed & she requires a security ..krishna has a home too ud soon😊

glad you enjoyed the update , humm, dutta does like the lad Krishna.. now check out the ud tomorrow, thanks for reading and commenting.. much love hammie

Originally posted by: CUTE_SAPNA

now missy! first tell me are you smiling in your sleep..???this is assuming that you must be fast asleep in your bed by now.. no! I am awake its broad day light in London.. summer time.. days longer ,nights shorter.. so sun sets around 9.oo pm.. surprised??

• LOVE U LOADS @HAMMIE; MY PEARY,

Before u do start wondering why this love in the very starting, I wanna tell u , the speed , the progression done with the character , with the story is commendable. I m very happy at this moment. in ur last comment, yes I found ans to some of my questions and some still due BUT I WOULD LIKE U TO CARRY ON as I too wait 4 next chapter with my baited breath.
so you like pacy stories.. even though I ham on a bit.. that's my draw 😛back..

I think kala mam has started taking an initiative, and even forming a perspective about the dsp's meet with nakusha. Well AS, too can be the partner in crime. Oh !!! baaji is involved too. Glad, that baaji is not GREY.

nah man.. baji + bhau is natural and normal

Dsp I shaving a war within himself with himself. THIS CHARACTERSIZATION VERY MUCH APT , TOO MUCH PRECISE WITH THE DSP OF LTL. He feels enraged 4 this biological parents and in that course , his foster father; SP and foster mother AS too. SP is not alive, so that particular rage stopped somewhere growing up further within dsp 4 his foster father. But AS is alive , so she faces and is facing the trauma of dsp 4 him , being a left-over, abandoned child , with his neglecting and too some point, hurting behavior. Dsp , till now has not been able to accept AS as his mother. BUT on the other side, dsp loves really AS, and SP too. a small memorization of them , and he feels light

yes cute ,and you have summed up the reasoning , very well.😊

His inner trauma is not letting him free to breath to live, to love. Dsp is not having ANY TRUSTING ISSUE in this ff.; I guess. Till now what I have deciphered. It will the dsp, the rocky edge, who will start to fall 4 his love FIRST.

gosh! the anticipation for LOVE..😆 just soo much what most readers want.. cute Iam no good at writing love stories.. generally.. like writing about inner conflicts..😆

Again the divine and this time maa jagdamba. GOOD. But I found it sudden. THIS IS GAIN A IMP. CHARACTERISTIC of dsp. till now, naku hasn't even started to think about dsp. I hope that dsp get a total positive vibes from nakusha while proposing to her otherwise...

proposing?? whoaaa! talk about speed cute.. rok! thura..

So roops and baaji, already going on. Lol. This time roops will face some negative vibes from AS. And naku to face from seema. I m very happy that time u r giving importance to seema. In the 1^st part; "out of my hands". I wasn't there to ask u 4 this BUT this time I m here. waiting eagerly 4this triangle; erhhh, rectangle; baaj----seema----roops----dutta----nakusha. I think, it's hexagon.

hexagon is a six sided polygon.. rectangle is fine..😆😆 you cracked me up with your take.. good one!

What's this name!! jhingur !!! Well it's a insect. Kudos to ur imagination.

well done cutie. 👏you got it Jhinger! is a stinging anthropod!

thanks so much for your fabulous comment cute.. sorry it was annotated a bit late.. kuch hoya tha' had to stop my annotations.. hope you read this with a cheery smile.. much love and thanks ,yours hammie.

Mishal Raheja

as

Dutta

In

Blue Blood

Part 3

Fully dressed in his black uniform, Dutta stiffly descended the wooden steps that led to his room and strode composed to the dining table for the first meal of the day. He looked across the occupants and sensed somehow the smouldering within himself had simmered down a bit. His mother looked up at him with her usual benign smile and turned to Kala on her right

"did you know Kala ,Dutta looked in on me last night! we were most delighted.. Dutta! we slept like a baby last night ,son.. you should look in on me every night! exclaimed his foster mother. Dutta blushed profusely. He hadn't expected Aye Sahib to declare his soft touch before Kala Tai and Baji. Now they would both add their two cents in, he mused as he pulled his chair to Aye's left and smiled painstakingly.

" now Dutta! that's what I expect from you as the eldest son ,attending to your mother ,especially at the end of the day.. all day she wonders about how you are getting on,? added Kala

"Tai you don't have to remind me.. I know my duties, can't say much about my rights though.. he snubbed Kala shot him a stern but hurt look

" what do you mean by that terse remark Dutta? must you aim to hurt? and with that Kala stood up and headed for the kitchen ,to get his breakfast. Baji shook his head sadly and impressed upon Dutta too

"see ,Bhau you've upset Tai now by your words" Dutta glared at him and growled

"and you tiny titch, stop stirring! all present here know what a compliant child you are! and don't you back chat, before I land one on that smooth jaw of yours! Aye Sahib, laughed and raised her palm in a semi angered tone

" stop it both of you! with your squabbling , you sound just like little boys! Dutta turned to his mother ,

" Aye with each progressing day ,I tell you this Baji is regressing in his behaviour , he needs some caning from you".. Aye Sahib laughed and protested ,

"Dutta how will it look? a mother beating her grown up son? Dutta shook his head as Baji guffawed ,

"Aye Sahib.. he's asking for it! look at him laughing! shameless boy! Baji pointed to the kitchen

"Bhau for the minute you need some discipline for rubbing Tai up the wrong way.. go! make your peace with her otherwise.. today you'll go without sandwiches.. Dutta realized his folly , pushed his chair ,stood up , strolled to the kitchen , and stood in the doorway, as he loosely held his arms behind his back,

Kala had her back to the door. Dutta looked at her busily preparing his sandwiches. Yes , he realized he had hurt her and it was purely.. unintentional ..his heart sank as he questioned himself ..were his pungent words unintended? talking about his rights! and what were they? he himself was unclear about them he mused, in a bit of a quandary ..as always he evaded the question and brushed it under the carpet.. but Tai.. she was like a mother to him.. too.. he had to mollify matters with her. Eventually he moved forward and stood behind her, leaned forward and said softly

"Tai.. talk to your Dutta please.. Kala put down the butter knife on the work top and turned to face him.. her eyes puffed up and tearful.. she hardened her face and demanded

" speak then! what is it? any more jibes coming my way from you? Kala said sorely.

"Tai..erhh. you know what I am like? at times I spew bitterness.. but this you ,yourself are sure of that I am closely bonded with you.. look to you for encouragement, and affection too. Tai you are here for me.. always.. cannot envisage life without you.. Dutta is and will always be your first brother.. at least that's what I hope? ,he paused then ,as Kala slapped his head gently..

"again negative tunes coming out of you! this has to stop! you are becoming dull and insipid by each passing day.. ok! I accept your apology, so quit skirting about .. and oh! doo! tell me about that flower girl? actually I am inquisitive to know more about her.. seeing you won't tell me about her! protested Kala and added ,

"and you claim you are close to me.. so tell me have you seen her again? humm? badgered Kala

" hummh I have.. she was being bothered by some guys, so I popped over and suggested she needed to be on the security scanner of Patilvadi .. she dithered, but I insisted" disclosed Dutta ,adhering to the needs to know basis theory

"niceee! exclaimed Kala and then backed off from prying further , as she knew that Dutta was stubborn enough to clamp up when he desired.. and naught could force him to disclose information any further. So she accepted what he willingly confided in her. But then, she had other ways of gleaning more information about the flower girl.. thought Kala with a sly twinkle in her eyes.. and why not? Dutta was her brother.. before Baji and she had rights over him.. she mothered him when he was a babe...

"ok come, Dutta ! your brekkie is ready ,tuck in! she teased and both brother and sister emerged from the kitchen. Kala led .as she held the plate of sandwiches in her hands.. and out of respect, Dutta followed behind her. Aye Sahib approved of her children's harmony and looked up to the heavens and raised her hands .. with a repeated gratified chant

"Jagdammba!

As soon as the two men left the table. Kala, enjoyed the privacy of her mother's company. She was Aye Sahib's first born ..and a daughter too. there was no debate that Kala and her mother enjoyed perfect harmony.To both, their domain was their home and their small family unit. Kala, briefed her mother about important issues and developments ..

"Aye Sahib.. Dutta met that florist again, this time ,as he himself mentioned ..for her to be registered with the security devices. Aye Sahib perked up

"it's good you encouraged me to order him to get flowers from the florist. What else did he say about the girl. Kala? I would like to meet the girl. maybe I should go someday to the shop and see her for myself"

"no Aye! you mustn't do that.. if Dutta finds out we are showing interest in the florist.. he will throw a temper tantrum and turn nasty.. we should play it by ear and wait till he is ready to tell us himself

" but Kala, I am his mother! I want to see this girl, that has created a stir in this house hold ! declared Aye Sahib emphatically. Kala brought her mother down a notch..

"there is a way Aye Sahib.. you leave it with me.." Kala smiled secretively..

~~~~~~~~

To be scrubbed squeaky clean! was not Krishna's greatest delight. He sat crouched under the hand pump, his teeth rattled under the impact of cold water. Roops laughed as she rubbed the bar of soap rather mercilessly on the boys head..

"Naku Tai! help me from the claws of Roops Tai! .. my brain has turned upside down! Naku smiled and harkened to his complaints

" Krishna.! staying clean means having clean thoughts. Now you are my responsibility.. I have to ensure you look presentable. See it makes a good impression on the customers as well" she calmed him as she watched the end to his ablution process. Clean , brand new pair of shorts, tee shirt and socks were laid out for him. he protested ,when he mistook that perhaps they would try to dress him up as well

"look Tai! don't even think about dressing me up! I am old enough.. besides you forget I have been living on the nooks and corners of streets, fending myself against older boys ,who turned nasty invariably! I coped then.. so treat me according to my age! pressed Krishna.. Naku nodded, and clarified

" we can see that Krishna! you are no ordinary boy.. I hope to learn from your resilience too. Now be a good boy and put these socks on with the lace up shoes. Krishna looked down at both, dismissively

"Tai a boy who is used to flip flops and slip on's! is expected to choke his toes with socks and shoes! no Tai please!

" what did I say about looking presentable Krishna? it's part of your job.. won't you do that as part of offering good service for my shop??,asked Naku wide eyed with an innocent face.. Krishna bent and reached out for the socks and pulled them on and then slid his feet into the shoes.. with undone laces..

"for you Naku Tai I'll do anything! here done it ! Naku and Roops eyed him admiringly and Roops clapped

"wow what a transformation! By the way , we have to give credit to Dutta Bhau largely for giving Krishna a new lease of life! a makeover!

" no! I didn't do anything.. every child brings it's own destiny upon entry to this world. But where it lands the child ?cannot be ascertained, before hand.." Dutta added as he strolled into the back yard of Gul Bahar, his hands in his trouser pockets. He had watched the interaction between Krishna and Naku who Dutta noticed was dressed in a simple cotton white and green paisley patterned fitted shirt, with sheer churridar sleeves, over a plain green churridar pyjama ,and flat slip ons. All eyes turned on Dutta as he gradually walked unknowingly into the puddle created by Krishna's bath.

" Sahib! .yelled Krishna and darted towards Dutta . Krishna dropped to his knees! wiped the soapy water off the tips of his Sahib's black shiny leather ankle boots, with his clean bare inner palms! Dutta looked down tenderly at the homage given by this orphan. Compassionately,he inclined and grabbed the boys shoulders, and lifted the boy high up with his bare hands. Krishna hung in mid air laughing loudly, as Dutta noted the ends of his spindly dandling legs.. the undone laces of his shoes hung low !

Dutta spun with his burden and with swirled flair stood up a giddy laughing Krishna, firmly on the low wall, near the hand pump..

"Krishna! your laces are undone! here I'll do them up for you", said Dutta and without further fuss, his pincer grip tied the laces in a pair of neat bows! Krishna swelled with pride and wanted so much to hug this tall, imposing uniformed man.. but Sahib's aura stopped Krishna and he asked apprehensively instead

"Sahib ,how do I look?

"different .. from the wayside ragamuffin I picked up! replied Dutta as he suddenly turned to face Naku who stared hard at his profile. Naku smiled shyly and lowered her green eyes, as Krishna replied

"Sahib! I am the same Krishna.. with the same history! only my clothes have changed not my kismet!

" be quiet boy! don't be an ingrate before your benefactors!.. he paused, then pointed to Naku and Roops.

"these two ladies have given you a home and a job.. remember this Krishna! if people take you out of a sticky situation.. they want you to show gratitude.. got that! .. Dutta told Krishna but bitterly reminded himself too. Krishna jumped off the wall and ran towards Naku for refuge, frightened by Dutta's tone and words. He held on to her hand. Dutta raised an eyebrow and suppressed a wee smile. Naku met his contracted eyes , and spotted his withheld smile there instead! Dutta furrowed his brow slightly and stared back into her green questioning eyes. Dutta lowered his eyes and mused. She has a habit of hanging on to my gaze.. why? what is she hoping to find in my eyes? abruptly, he twitched his jaw, flared his nostrils slightly to regain his discipline composure.. and felt he'd best inform all present why he'd showed up here suddenly?

" umm,errh ,was passing by. So I thought, to stop by and check things with Krishna.. he muttered ,but also noted Naku's semi amused hooded eyes. Tongue tied he moved his head to Roops and asked directly

"so what have you both planned for Krishna today? ,Roops chuckled and moved her eyes to Naku, urging her to reply to her Sahib.. as it was obvious the question was meant for her, Naku bowed her head and then answered

"Sahib, Roops here will tend to the shop, while I go out to the local market with Krishna..

"what for? demanded Dutta. Naku faced him and answered slowly and clearly

"Sahib, I wanted to buy some elementary numeracy and literacy books for Krishna"

" what use will that be to him, Naku? he is street wise and that is not found in the pages of text books! Life teaches that lesson, on it's own terms based on real life experiences.. so take my advice, forget giving formal education to this boy. find out first how much and what he already knows", directed Dutta

Naku stared at him pensively and half peeved she replied , her face flushed

"I may be a florist Sahib, but I mean well for the boy too ,as yourself. I want to give him as much as I can within my power.. thought after work he can explore basic books too.. does that seem a problem Sahib? I thought not.. but if you.." before she completed, he grumbled

"get in the jeep both of you! I'll take you to town where there is a school book shop! he commanded. Naku looked sheepishly at Krishna , and Dutta caught the act

"what are you looking at him for? quit thinking and get in! I am only trying to help , keep that in mind! Naku bowed her head and stood waiting to be seated in the back. Krishna shook his head and insisted

"Tai not me, but you sit in front with Sahib! I'd rather be safe from his roars at the back! Dutta titled his head , walked around the jeep ,stood beside Naku, looked down at her shoulder and mumbled

"you might as well sit in front beside me.. the kid wants it.." and silently he opened the jeep door and she slid in silently. Dutta then turned to Krishna and gently ordered

"pile in trouble shooter!. Krishna smiled in glee , which made Dutta happy too. It's a great feeling , giving a little joy to others. In silence he drove and mused. Somehow he had forgotten this joy. May be too many issues about his own "history" plagued him. Dutta checked his rear mirror and smiled when he noted Krishna's head bopped up between him and Naku! poor little mite was clearly loving this ride.. or was it the company? Dutta wondered what the child thought?

"Krishna.. why don't you sit back in the seat ,instead of breathing down our necks? Dutta suggested lightly ,and he heard Naku giggled.. childishly. Whilst he drove, out of the corner of his eyes he gave her a sided look. She played with her tiny delicate fingers that lay in her lap. He wondered did he make her nervous? Strange though, a girl who confidently ran her own humble business, should be wary of him? a man named Dutta, with nothing bar a bestowed namesake by god fearing people. He felt a burning sensation in the pit of his belly, that progressed up to his heart. Sweat formed on the tip of his pronounced nose. this sick feeling he had to curb. He wouldn't let it meddle with his day , for Krishna's sake. He gulped and then allowed his full lips to fall apart

" another thing Krishna ,you don't have to call me Sahib", he paused and gave Naku a cheeky sided look ,as if to say.. it's her prerogative.. Naku , didn't quite know how to react, as he was so unpredictable. So she waited for him to finish, what he had started to say..

" you young Krishna may call me Dutta Bhau.. what do you say?. Krishna shook his head boisterously

" yes! Dutta Bhau!.. shall I tell you what? Krishna feels like a boy with a family today! wish it was true ! you both were my maa, babba! Dutta crunched the gear and roared

"what? absolute nonsense! you blurt out blunders from your mouth like that brother of mine!, yelled Dutta . Naku calmly extended her arm sideways gently, as she felt his left arm that gripped the steering.. astounded once again! he glared down at her hand on his arm. Alarmed she pulled it back ,but said

"the lad only said what he felt Sahib.. that's how he sees the situation.." Dutta turned his head to her, and argued angrily

" he's not a baby! he's old enough to realize that such statements are highly inappropriate! He paused and asked her directly

"don't you feel awkward that he called you his mai and me ummm.. his bapu?.. stupid boy! raged Dutta

"no I don't feel awkward Sahib.. I know it's make belief. .so not fussed.. you should not react either , it's not true.. is it? so treat it as something Krishna wished for.. let it go for his sake.. please," pleaded Naku. Dutta regally nodded once and soon after disguised his embarrassment

"any more problems at the shop ? she shook her head and he asked gently

"you don't seem very enthusiastic? is it because you are now being monitored by my services? that it's cut you off from proving your own determination at warding off nasty elements? he niggled at her

"I never said so Sahib ! you like to draw your own conclusions I have noticed! Naku protested

" stop moaning before the child, remember he's having a good time so , if you have his welfare at heart ,you'll stop having a go at me! remember I am the good cop!, Dutta continued with his rant! Naku just held her palms before her , helplessly! Bappa! he is just too much to handle! she gulped silently. Dutta felt he probably said too much, too readily. He would and should make amends. He braked by an ice cream van,, switched off the engine and pulled up the hand brake.

"shall we cool off? ,he teased as he slid out of the jeep and came around to Naku's rolled down passenger window..

"what will you have Naku, a cone or a tub? He asked .. she sided her green eyes sulkily and mumbled

" a tub.. he went humm.. and after a pause

" be an example of good behaviour for your "son" , and say "please.." Naku couldn't restrain her giggle.. and Dutta sensed joy within himself and then turned to Krishna,,

" and you dreamer! what would you like? Krishna leaned out of the back window and chirped

" I'll have the same as you? Dutta rolled his eyes and replied

"If I don't wish to have any then? you'll have nothing too? Krishna nodded,

" sure Dutta Bhau! you're my hero, I want to be like you in every way! besides , if you don't eat , how can Krishna? my babaa", ,the lad replied with the sweetest smile.. Dutta boxed his ear affectionately and turned to the ice cream van.. he wanted Krishna to enjoy an ice cream . So Dutta too forced himself and ordered a lemon sorbet for himself. He raised his choice towards Krishna and informed him

" I am having a single scoop of lemon sorbet,, it's sour sure you also want the same? Krishna replied

" yes please Dutta bhau I'll have the same, if you can eat tangy sour , Krishna too will eat it! to be just like you! said the cocky lad , Dutta stretched his arm with the ice cream and ordered

"here have it then Krishna ! and then he turned to the van and gingerly held his own helping. He caught Naku's eye as he popped a dollop of sorbet into his mouth with the tiny flat disposable spoon. Naku thought, such a sour lemon he was! it's like he has sworn to wage war against the simple joys of life. she wondered why? seemingly he wasn't exactly poor ,his brother too didn't look deprived of the luxuries of life. Dutta too stared at Naku from a distance as he licked the last remnants of his ice cream.

" shall we proceed on with our journey? he asked Naku

"yes let's , after which he started his jeep and progressed onwards to the book shop..

~~~~~~~

Seema had come home from college. She pottered about in her room, bored stiff, this was the drawback of being the single child. Yet she smiled too, as she realized ,that being the only child had perks too.. babaa showered her with undivided attention.. but still ,would have been nice had she been graced with a sibling.. like Dutta... She sighed, yes dear Dutta, such a lucky man, adopted.. but by a household with read made siblings. She flopped backwards on her bed and then turned to her side as she clutched her comfort cushions. Duttaaah..aloof! awkward! and awesome! she giggled as she buried her nose in the cushion. She remarked , don't you recall Dutta even as a child I always stayed within the radius ,you played in..how I wish you would include me in your space, even now in our adult life.. ringgg! The landline rang and snapped her tedium!

" helloo Seema ,it's Kala here, what's happening with you? had some spare time on my hands so thought off checking up on you..

"nothing Tai.. zilch! life is so boring.. all my friends are on vacation! Babaa won't allow me out for shopping too, due to security reasons.. he keeps getting threats from baddies, did Dutta not tell you? he's meant to be looking for a body guard for me on babba's behest"

"ohh.. no Dutta hasn't mentioned anything. Mind you Seema, he wouldn't if it's to do with his job.. breach of confidentiality ,you understand don't you poppat", replied Kala gently

"yes of course Tai.. Dutta ordinarily too prefers his own company. Well! that's how he always was ,and I guess will be! sighed and accepted Seema. Kala was familiar with the fact that Seema always felt a certain warmth for her inanimate Dutta . However Kala prompted herself to stay on task , so she suggested

" I was thinking Seema, if you are bored during vacations, then why don't you pick a hobby to occupy yourself.. like flower arrangement, or giving the garden a makeover?

"sounds interesting Tai.. there are many areas of the haveli that could do with a bit of colour and fragrance. Trouble is most florists are further off in the city and out of bounds for me! complained Seema

"Seema! I suggested flower arrangement , because poppot! a new florist has recently opened up her shop in our area! called Gul bahar! we get our fresh puja flowers from there, Baji and Dutta both have been to the kiosk cum shop! why don't you check it out too? it's not to far from your house, and is in a busy locality, so no chance of you being in danger!, encouraged Kala with a twinkle in her eye. Seema will meet Naku, and give her a true picture of this flower girl! mused Kala with a clandestine smile on her lips. Seema however had issues as she would have to inform babba and he would say no! .. but she too smiled and told Kala

"look Tai, the only possibility of me visiting the shop is if Dutta picks and drops me! ,clarified Seema. Kala, heard and then considered what Seema suggested.. as Dutta's sister , Kala believed that her brother bore no romantic sentiments what so ever for Seema..so she refrained from giving whole hearted support to Seema's suggestion. However she thought of a way out.. why not send her driver from Patil Nivas as a way out..

"yes Tai that would be lovely! give me half n'hour to get ready! , thanks Tai , you are a star! yelled Seema ,excited about the prospect of going out of her mansion.. never mind about the chauffer!

~~~~~~~~~

Seema, dressed according to her status, so she selected and dressed herself in a pink net and turquoise long kalli top complete with velvet patch, zari and silk fitted bodice, with short sleeves , and a plain pink churridar bottoms.. the daman of the kalli, matched the detailed bodice. She hung her sheer chiffon chunni across her neck. Hurriedly she pushed her feet in gold sandals, grabbed her clutch bag and ran out of her room.The driver from Patil Nivas had arrived and waited in the porch with a door opened for her to be seated, inside Kala's personal saloon.

Soon enough, the car stopped before the mentioned shop ,Gul Bahar. Out of the front glass window Roops spotted the flash car parked outside the flower shop. She watched as out of the chauffeur held back door, slid out a fancy sandal clad foot. Roops stood by the inside glass entry door to Gul Bahar. Gently she pulled it back, and welcomed the festively dressed young woman.

"welcome ma'am how may I help you?, Roops asked civilly .The young woman, seemed fairly down to earth , as she scaled her interested eyes around the shop with a broad smile.

"lovely shop you have here! only got to know about it's existence today! quite a selection of flora and fauna you have! tell me how did you manage to open this small shop all on your on? Seema asked the young woman who she assumed was the owner of the shop. But, Roops laughed as she showed the young customer around the shop and clarified

"ohh no ma'am! I am not the owner of this shop.. the owner is my best friend Nakusha ,who is out at the moment, she is expected back soon, then perhaps you can meet her too", informed Roops charmingly. Seema told her what she had in mind in terms of flower arrangement and upgrading her garden. Roops introduced her to possible flowers she might be interested in, Then asked her esteemed customer

" how did you learn about us ma'am?

"firstly, don't call me ma'am, my name is Seema Tavde...well there is family here in Patil Vadi, Shriram's family, their daughter informed me about this shop ,this very morning.. she said their puja flowers come from your shop! said Seema. Roops perked up and dropped names too

" oh yes, know of the family, The sons , Baji and the older one ,Dutta Bhau .. often pop down to collect the flowers..

"really? Seema raised her eyebrows, surprised that the stiff necked,grumpy Dutta would come to this shop

" yes! both brothers are so different from each other, younger one cheeky and talkative, older one, sober and sombre" exclaimed Roops. Seema felt she had to correct

"you mean Dutta is more steady and grounded!.. humm I know them well, grew up with them, so you can say I am part of the family",Seema set matters right. Roops fell silent and thought, oops!! looks like Naku may encounter competition.. In the meanwhile, Roops had a business to run. her friend had entrusted it to her for the day ,so she veered her customer, to the back yard ,where potted flowers, shrubs and house indoor plants were kept.. Roops, hoped of making a good sale.. Naku would be well pleased.

~~~~~~~~

Suddenly they arrived at the old book shop. Naku looked past Dutta , at the shop, it was busy with children accompanied with parents. Guardians held on to their children by one hand, and with the other , they presented the shop attendants behind the counter, the list of text, exercise books , and stationary. Dutta turned to Naku as she stared past him,

"are you going to get out and buy what you require to make this boy an aflatoon!, he ordered as he looked down at his wrist watch

" you won't come? she asked with such familiarized right.. that he nearly received another mini jolt,

" me? what ever for? I thought you had offered your tutorial services, Nakusha.. you go and take him too" he brushed her call aside, But Naku was not going to give up

" if you'll come with me Sahib, you can give your opinion too, as to what would be suitable for Krishna"

" I don't have an opinion to give in curricular matters! so I shan't be coming, you take him and I'll wait for you both ,right here!, said Dutta firmly. Krishna wanted him as well so he tried it on

"Dutta Bhau.. have you ever thought if my mai babba were around.. would they not both accompany me to the shop.. share in my excitement of buying new books, pencils.." he sniffed loudly for Dutta to hear

"enough! you little manipulator! whoever thinks you are a kid! you are a damned politician! using words to string along janta's sentiments!.. and he pulled out the key stepped out and slammed the driver's door backwards. Naku walked beside him,, with Krishna between them. Naku stole a sided upwards look at Sahib.. and he noted it

"wipe that smug look off your face Naku.. you too become a ddda! he was about to swear ,and she shook her head slowly

"remember polite language before the child.." she whispered.

Once inside the shop Naku pressed against the counter and stated her requirements to the sales person.. he showed her an early literacy book with pictorial representations.. she looked through the pages ,and Dutta took it from her hands and showed it to Krishna..

"take a look , can you make sense of this book? he asked the boy, and Krishna, flicked through random pictures and laughed

"Bhau I know the names of these objects ,is this a joke? teach me something I don't know! he complained

" but you don't know the letters of the alphabet Krishna.. you need to know those to read.! argued Naku and Dutta glared down at the boy

" oyeee! forget reading, you'll need letters to write your name! ,growled Dutta ,but Krishna twiddled his thumb! up in the air

" I have this! Dutta Bhau, this is my signature! my very own patent thumb print! Dutta looked down into Naku's eyes and rolled his eyes

" you might as well give up on making him a scholar! take my advice, buy some picture story books, traditional ones.. you read to him and he'll understand the significance of the written word.. the rest is up to you Naku", she smiled up at him, as for some reason he stood right over her at an angle.. and whispered

"see Sahib, how important it was for you to be present here beside me.. your suggestion is practical and sharing stories and books with Krishna of mutual interest to him, will have a positive impact on his developing imagination!" agreed Naku. Dutta doubled his chin and tapped Krishna's shoulder and asked

"tell me Krishna..what would you like to buy from this store? Krishna looked up into Dutta's hooded eyes

" Dutta Bhau I want to buy drawing books and coloured pencils and..." Dutta turned to the shop attendant..

"now I want an assorted sized sketch books, with all the drawing package that goes with them, sketch pencils, coloured pencils, felt tips.. what ever ? ohh yes! and show me a suitable satchel for the boy as well! the shop keeper was taken a back and mumbled..

"for this boy Sahib..? he's a street boy , I recognise him.. Dutta snatched the books from Naku's hands and threw them across the counter! grabbed both Naku and Krishna by the their arms and dragged them out of the shop , muttering

"get outta! here ,not buying anything from here! get in the jeep!

Frightened both Naku and Krishna got in the jeep and watched ,Dutta march back to the shop. pushed open the door, entered and roared

"what did you say about the boy? and he stretched his arm across the counter ,pulled the man by his collar over the counter , twisted his right hand! landed a right hook under the man's nose ,which immediately spurted forth blood! The terrified attendant, sank towards the ground behind the counter as Dutta shouted

"that boy is me!

then enraged Dutta stormed off towards the exit door pulled it open! and bumped straight into a petrified Naku!!! she fell backwards and he leaned forward in time and held her up against his chest with his right hand curved right on the warm dip of her back .As soon as he grabbed her ,with equal speed he tore away his eyes from her alarmed green eyes ,and regained his balance, but Naku ,still stood pressed against him. Krishna clapped from the jeep and Dutta flared his nostrils and released Naku with a growl

"I thought I gave specific instructions to stay in the jeep! then what were you doing being a sleuth ? honestly! ,he muttered and walked to his jeep and sat down. Naku stood posted to where he left her outside the shop and he narrowed his eyes and gave her a sided look

"will you get a move on! and come! she did! and all three sat silently ,till Krishna reminded him

"Dutta Bhau, now find another shop to get my stuff". Naku too sounded off in a miffed tone

"yes and this time Sahib.. stay in the car, I am sure me and Krishna will manage without you and your ways!

"my ways? what? my ways? that idiot low life gave a cheap remark to my Krishna! be it known! now Krishna is not an orphaned vagabond ! he has a family and a home now! I was livid Naku! felt like ... and he zipped his mouth, took a deep breath and stated,

" felt that the man was abusing me .. "don't you understand Naku?. Naku bowed her head and whispered

" I understand Sahib.. but you too should realize .. that what the man said was based on what he had seen off Krishna before"

"well before is past ! now it's history! and I will fight Krishna's past and stamp it down whenever it raises it's ugly head! roared Dutta .. then stopped the jeep before another book store. He watched Naku and Krishna go into the shop while he waited in the jeep. Naku turned back her head and Dutta half hoped that she would ask him to accompany them,but a sweet ,mischievous smile is all that he received. He pulled back his lower lip into his mouth and concentrated with a furrowed brow. What was happening to him? he cannot get soft on this girl. he hardly knows anything about her. better still ,she knows nothing about him.. his real back ground.. questionable past. He has to back off from this girl.. before she finds out the truth about him and then rejects him! due to him being an orphan..

~~~~~~~~

They headed back for Gul Bahar. Krishna was ecstatic with his drawing books and accessories. Dutta could see from the rear mirror the boy's face glowed.. it was the glimmer of being belonged, to someone other than one's self.. he gave Naku's clasped hands lying in her lap ,a hooded look.. no he'd better stay away from this flower girl..

Dutta nearly choked when he saw Kala Tai's saloon parked outside the flower shop! Tai! what is she doing here? hell! and this Naku is sitting beside me in my jeep!" Naku get out of my jeep! I have to rush! Emergency ! Krishna you too bail out now! Dutta snarled.. and then was just about to drive off ,when Seema came out of the shop doorway! Duttaaa! She yelled... to be continued .. Hamlet53 ,7.8.15

have a super weekend.. tammy ,thinking about you.. my dau and best wishes with you... much love hammie