Mishal Raheja
as
Dutta
In
Blue Blood
Part 4
Dutta wait it's me!
yes unmistakably , he knew the voice, had heard it all along when they were growing up. Seema! nobody whines for me that way but this whinging girl! he muttered but with a relieved smile... saved by Bappa's grace it wasn't Kala Tai. He cast an eye on the wing mirror and wondered what was Seema doing here at Naku's shop ,dressed over the top? He furrowed his brow , as far as he knew , there were no parties meant to held at Nana babba's house. then what on earth was this girl here for? figured Dutta in his mind. Naku peeved at the fact that a second ago both her and Krishna were virtually thrown out by him from his jeep, jumped aside! as he reversed back and very nearly ran Naku and Krishna over!
Naku screamed but those were drowned by the repetitive commands of his name by this unknown figure? she was a customer? She ran from the shop Gul Bahar! But not , thought Naku as the well- dressed young woman shot towards Sahib, and forcibly or rather with some right over him pulled Sahib out of the driver's seat.. both Naku and Krishna stood wide eyed at the spectacle of Sahib being dragged by his arm towards the entrance door. Naku watched silently, as Dutta resisted but Seema with bold clout linked her arm into his..
Brakes screeched! as heads turned. It was Baji. He jumped out and briskly ran over and rescued his Bhau as he laid his palm gently upon Seema's.. then cackled nervously as he turned his neck towards a doe eyed Naku and yelled
"areee Naku! meet Bhau's childhood girlfriend! I mean because she's a girl and a childhood mate! Dutta released himself from her link and studied Naku's expression, which was at first blank, but then her rose bud fine lips curled into a polite smile. miffed at Baji's introduction Dutta growled
" Seema happens to be your play mate too Baji! but Baji argued unceremoniously
" yes that's true ,but it's you she used to ran for cover ,when she was swarmed with older bullies so whose greater friend is she? yours or mine? Seema laughed heartily
" I'll speak for myself thank you very much! yes it's true Dutta was my knight in shining armor who always got me out of sticky spots! my hero! she announced possessively. Naku lowered her eyes as she was at a loss to say or think anything , except just gulp. Roops came out of the shop and ran and reached out for Naku's hands and turned to Seema
"Seema let me introduce you to the real owner of the shop .. ta dah! Nakusha! she pointed to Naku .. and then told Naku
" Naku ,look at this lady, it's like the goddess Lakshmi ,herself came to our shop! Naku she has given her kind custom! Naku bowed her neck gently to show her gratitude and Seema then interrupted appreciatively
"well I must say I am impressed now by your venture.. seemingly you are most fragile and very pretty have to say, but alongside beauty, you certainly have the brains too! Naku blushed and Dutta glared across at her as if to say, learn to accept praises as well .. Seema stopped abruptly and tugged at Dutta's arm again
"come on then Dutta! step into the shop! take a look at all the stuff I have bought from this shop! and tell me what you think about it? insisted Seema.. Naku stepped aside as both Seema and Sahib stood inside the shop. Naku forced herself to ignore the obvious disinterest Dutta showed to the items Seema alerted his attention to. Why was he so stiff necked always? thought Naku as he , kept on saying an aloof "humm",to every flower and shrub she pointed too in the outdoor nursery area. Naku , smiled at Seema and showed approval.. although she sensed that Sahib simmered and so right she was as she he curtly moved his arm, that Seema felt time to time begging for his interest.
" Seema speak with your mouth , not by your hands! I am looking and listening! he finally snapped. Krishna who stood by Naku and watched this woman drive his Dutta Bhau insane, laughed aloud and Naku turned to him sharply and rebuked him
"Krishna instead of standing here !help with loading the potted flowers and ferns in the vehicle.. where do you want them Seema? asked Naku.. Dutta nodded ,half pleased that this ordeal was finally coming to an end ,thanks to a bit of sense from ,this not so stupid Naku! and he looked her way with a bow of his head. Baji though was most inquisitive by this young lad in the shop
" I see you have hired a new attendant.. or is he your body guard? guffawed Baji then carried on
" Naku have you checked up about him ? is he safe? Krishna stopped as carried a cardboard carton of small potted gardens plants, and looked at Dutta vulnerably ..
"this is Krishna. he is as safe as I am.. yes he part of the sales team here.. and I Dutta is his guarantor! and I as you know Baji , Dutta has some method behind his madness.. replied Dutta slowly and meaningfully. Baji nodded , he was satisfied momentarily before all ,but he lived with his brother and without a doubt he would badger his Bhau later about this young boy. Seema grabbed the moment though to yet again sing about Dutta's praises.
" my Dutta! is such a big softie under his uniform! his heart beats for children as well! this I didn't know! how interesting, adds to his moody charm! chirped Seema. Dutta pulled his lower lip into his mouth and rolled his eyes and turned to Seema
" you'd better go home now Seema ,before Nana babaa gets a panic attack! and I see you came in Kala Tai's car!
"oooh Dutta! Kala Tai was the one who suggested I visit this shop and buy some flowers! and am so glad I came! ,met Naku and Roops too! , Seema replied and Dutta doubled his chin and raised an eyebrow
"Kala Tai.. did she? ok , I'd leave too" and he looked at Krishna and ordered..
"you behave now! and do all you're asked young man! and get down to the books too! I'll be checking with Naku about your progress! Dutta pressed and then gave Naku a fleeting look and walked out of the shop, sat in his jeep and drove off.. Naku's green doe eyes instinctively tracked his moves . Baji noted something for his Bhau in them, and he winked at Roops ,who nodded in agreement at what was relayed via his wink
"now will somebody accompany me to Kala Tai's car too,, give me a send off? Naku giggled and said cheerily
"I'll come with you Seema, thanks for buying loads from my shop.. grateful to you, for your kindness.. I am hoping to see you again.." both women smiled and bade farewell.Naku returned to Baji and Roops, while Krishna readjusted the stock on the shop floor!
"nice girl Seema, unassuming despite the fact that she is rich and influential.. Sahib ko pasand kerti hai Baji.. said Naku and then blushed at what slipped out of her mouth
"yeah she's sweet , but in short bursts ! nah Naku! she loves Bhau only as a childhood buddy ,don't read anything into it ! advised Baji, as he too left
~~~~~~~~
As expected, when Kala's car returned home, she forthwith rang up Seema for the feedback. Seema ,reported buying lots of flowers, plants and commented, that the shop was a delight to visit. Then finally Kala , casually approached Seema ,about the proprietor..
"Tai! it's a woman.. called Nakusha! she is a picture of calm and poise.. and very beautiful as well! amazing such a delicate girl can be strong enough to run a business. Tai , she has to been intelligent and in some way pretty brave to run a shop", commented Seema. Kala smiled as she managed to gather the information ,she had angled for in the first place. Now all that was left to do was to brief her mother about this brainy beauty Nakusha! Kala put the phone back on it's cradle in the hall, when she heard distinct footsteps on the white marble tiles of the Patil Nivas hall.
"so I see you're at it Tai! your undercover investigation? Dutta's baritone voice sounded. Kala turned to face him and shook her head innocently
" what are you talking about Dutta? I don't understand what you mean about investigation?
"first tell me Kala Tai, what was the reason in sending Seema of all the people to the flower shop? who were you really angling for humm??
" well, if you must know Dutta, then it was to find out more about the flower girl.. what is her name?..
" Nakusha! ok at least you are graceful enough to admit your wily act..why didn't you ask me Tai?
" I did Dutta, but you played it hard to cough up with the information about that.. umm, Nakusha" ,protested Kala .. and Dutta softens, folded his arms casually and asked lightly,
" so what did Seema have to say about Nakusha?
"everything positive my darling Dutta! ,that Nakusha is smart, she's stunning and gutsy! teased Kala.. Dutta pulled his mouth to one side and stared at the floor
"then what are we waiting for Kala?. let's meet the girl's family and ask for this girl's hand in marriage for our Dutta!, called out Aye Sahib as she walked softly into the hall, puja thalli in her hands. Dutta frowned and confronted both of them
"I don't understand? how you can sit in your grand houses and make choices about what girl would be appropriate as your future DIL.. have you asked her? no! have you told her about your Dutta's back ground? no! and what makes you think after hearing about my past she will say yes! it's all presumptuous is it not my dear family! , yelled Dutta. Aye Sahib , was stunned into silence and she pressed her sari pallu in her mouth and spoke regretfully
" I was only reacting as your mother Dutta.. mother's do look out for sensible girls for their sons, it's part of our tradition" Dutta was in no mood to accept
"that may be the case so Aye.. but one needs to be careful a girl's reputation is at stake, no use in talking about such serious matters before confirming with main parties involved" replied Dutta stiffly..
"yes Aye Sahib! don't count your chickens before they hatch! Bhau is right! first check if the girl likes the boy and vice versa? So my suggestion, if any one cares to take it is.. wait.. go slow.. see what happens , chipped in Baji as he wafted into the room. Baji winked at Dutta as if to convey , he'll be around to save him from being grilled! Aye Sahib raised her hands to the heavens
"Jagdammba! leaving everything into your hands! grant this mother's prayer! I so very much want the best for my children!.. emphasized Aye Sahib and then looked at Kala and told her
"Kala I need to talk to you about something.. speak to me later"
~~~~~~~
Whilst tidying up and locking up the shop , cast a keen eye on her friend and suggested
"phew busy day today Naku.. fancy a tea before bedtime.? Krishna you too go to bed .. yelled Roops, and Naku too encouraged him to do so but he resisted
"Tai I want to sit with both of you .. don't feel tired " ,he fussed Naku shook her head firmly and insisted
"Krishna , you need proper sleep, it's essential for you, you are a growing boy! now go! remember what Sahib said.. you are to listen to me! .. reluctantly he left and Roops sipped her tea , stared at Naku and asked
"what did you think of Seema? Naku sipped her tea too and replied
" I think her generosity has put us in a slightly stable position.. mind you it will be easier for us to restock with the money she has given to by buying from us Roops.. but why do you ask? don't you think she was generous?
" yes I do ,but Naku I meant the way she stuck to Dutta Bhau like a leech ! didn't you feel bad? probed Roops
"nothing untoward about that Roops they have grown up together, hence the familiarity"
"but Naku did you not see ,Seema was doing the flirting, and he was the one thwarting it, surly you can't be that blind?
"Roops all I know is that it's none of our business ,so I think best forget about it and lets go to bed " suggested Naku.. and they both retired.
Now once Naku got to her bed ..the story was slightly different.. her eyes stung but bravely she fought back tears of dismay, jealousy.. she clenched her teeth. Jealousy about what? Sahib had never indicated that he fancied her? but those odd moments when his eyes suddenly fell upon hers , came back to her. and totally and utterly misled her. She rolled over to the other side of her pillow and tightly shut her green tearful eyes. These silly dreams will simply not do! her fantasies have to stop! Seema and Sahib will probably marry. They both are well matched, socially, in status, in wealth . best suited they are for each other. If at all she is the odd one out, so best if she! stepped aside. Naku finally wept silently and murmured into her pillow ..but does he love her??
~~~~~~~~~
Yes Kala enter! called Aye Sahib from her bedroom. Yet again being the eldest ,Kala had the privilege of being the one with whom Aye shared all her pending and pressing issues with . This one was more serious than all the previous ones.
"Kala we are thinking of making a will. I wish to bequeath your babaa's estate to the three of you. what do you think?
"sure Aye , that needs to be done before your very eyes, so there is no dispute.. if heaven forbid.. Kala bit her tongue
" fine , then Kala you need to get in touch with the family lawyer to get things formalized. Once it's done , it'll be read to you all, to iron out any discrepancies.." explained Aye Sahib.. and then breathed a sigh of relief
" ok than Kala you can tuck me in for the night.. seeing that I doubt very much that Dutta will come and check on me.. he seemed highly strung by my words !
Aye Sahib sadly rested her head on the pillow and wondered .. when will he consider me his own mother?? we have suffered long enough! is this what it means to be fair?
~~~~~~~~~~
T'was night time. for most occupants at Patil Nivas bedtime. But for the two brothers it was bonding hour. Baji swaggered into Bhau's room and plonked himself on the single lime green settee and slouched himself to bring upon relaxation. Dutta himself peered at his brother with lion like eyes, from his turquoise settee, his back eased against the lime green cushion.
"I don't like that look of yours Baji, usually it means racking my brains.. and for the moment I prefer to be still" cautioned Dutta. Instead Baji warmed up and doubled up his belly and asked craftily
" sure Bhau.. it's not in my hands ,but yours! tell me then about this guy Krishna.. and I'll spare you further plodding and leave you in peace and quiet.. so come on then ,who is Krishna ?
" Krishna is Dutta! Dutta was Krishna but time flew by and they separated. Dutta.. with the passage of time pushed Krishna into oblivion as if he was never Krishna the accounted for boy.." with tears in his eyes he looked across into his brothers eyes.. and then simply he stared down into his empty palms
"the boy is an orphan , Baji.. like your Dutta .. sole human! ,he growled. Baji knew that to argue with his brother over this topic was an issue that always ended in an emotional stalemate .. so tried empowering him techniques
" so you decide ,for him and allot him a family?? Bhau so after doing that how do you feel now? by the sounds of it you still sound dissatisfied? gathered Baji
" humm ! I decided for him Baji, but I asked him. It was an informed choice! which I never had! ..got that Baji? ,Dutta protested
" Bhau , by telling me all this you are also saying that Aye and babba made the wrong decision of accepting you in their lives? is that true Bhau ?
"no Baji ,had they not ,I would have ended up dead in some gutter.. putting Krishna with a family has given me solace. It was as if I took my destitute existence in these hands of mine and did something for myself, Baji .. I identify myself so much with young Krishna! confessed Dutta sadly
"I understand Bhau, but you also need to see that your Krishna stage is over, you are now an adult..
" yes I am Baji.. but incidents may have happened in my infant life, that perhaps caused me trauma that still festers within me and kick up ,enough to unhinge me emotionally and give me a sense of worthlessness" Dutta sighed and rubbed his palms gently and continued
" Baji on the one hand settling Krishna has given me joy.. but on the other hand I want to know about my real parents too.. once I find out Baji.. that truth will set me free.. now I don't know where to start? asked Dutta
"Bhau never fear ! your baby bro Baji is here ! look Bhau start with Aye Sahib! ask her about where they adopted you from.. then the rest Bhau .. I am sure you can find out.. may be using some security services clout.. Dutta nodded in agreement
"for once you have talked sense Baji.. said Dutta as pensively he walked away to the French door and pushed opened one of doors, as he reflected aloud
" Krishna will have to change house again. Naku's shop is not his permanent address.. he's there only temporarily .. it was the need of the hour , when I found him on the streets.. Naku's house was the immediate sanctuary", explained Dutta, Baji nodded and then posed the obvious question
"Bhau why didn't you bring Krishna here to Patil Nivas in the first place? why the flower shop?
" because Baji he wanted to earn an honourable living ! didn't want to live off others, .. like I did ! Dutta said bitterly once again.. Baji cut him
" Bhau you didn't live of Aye, babba,.. you gave them joy by your presence ..which is priceless Bhau.. me and Kala Tai can't live without you! cried Baji in a broken voice.
Dutta turned his neck from the French doors , fluttered his eyes and smiled..
"cut the theatrics Baji.. ,you've made your point.. now leave me alone! , drawled Dutta in his guttural voice.
~~~~~~~~~
After he had tended to his security jobs, before lunch.. seeing that he had spare time till the afternoon session began, he mused, what better thing to do then to check up on Krishna?
Roops attended to the shop ,business seemed slow as he entered and Roops welcomed him with a smile
"well Namaste Bhau.. have you had your lunch ? f not then I suggest you join Naku and Krishna in the nursery behind the shop flower.." Dutta nodded, felt he should decline , but then the smell of tadka dal wafted into his nostrils and urged him to accept the invitation. He smiled as he took himself to the back of the shop. Naku was about to pop a morsel in her mouth, when she saw formal his black uniformed figure. Immediately she put the formed morsel back in her plate and stood up from the plastic garden chair she sat upon. Dutta bowed his head and muttered
"was passing through , thought of checking up on how Krishna is doing? Krishna mighty excited rolled his roti dipped it in the lentils and munched happily
"Dutta Bhau! you know I eat two puris in the morning! two rotis for lunch ! and two rotis for dinner! love eating! Dutta smiled and replied as he stared at Naku..
"at the rate ,this monster is eating ,he'll end up being a dough boy! still glad to see that the starving mite is padding up his bones with some flesh! Naku nodded and moved away from her chair
"Sahib you sit down, I've finished , I'll dish out some freshly made dal and rice for you.." Dutta cast an eye on her plate and ordered..
" finish your last morsel first.. it's all about finding a square meal! all the struggle in life, even being taken into a strangers house.. all for food and survival! He said bitterly. Naku did as she was told , carried her thalli and headed indoors to dish his food out.. well.. at least despite his bitter words, he didn't decline to eat from her humble household.. yes she had hoped he'd pop by. After all how else would she find out more about him? if they didn't meet.
Dutta ate under two pairs of watchful eyes.. he chewed and relished the food and wiped his mouth clean ,with one slender finger.
" Naku I am glad I stopped by.. the food was tasty, you cook well. .like Aye Sahib, and Kala tayi when they get time to cook! incidentally I hadn't eaten, so yes ,thanks.." .Naku smiled coyly and passed him a glass of water held in a tall metal glass. He downed it in one go!
"ahhh! that was great! he sounded off and then wiped his slightly moist mouth with his back hand. Krishna , looked at Naku.. for permission to speak to Dutta.. she bowed her head with a smile.. he probably wanted to share his work with Sahib .. but then she was due for a shock
" Dutta Bhau.. can I ask you a question? Dutta held his neck back and slanted his head and nodded
" yep! go ahead say what you have to Krishna.. won't bite you..
" then tell me Bhau.. that lady ,Seema, Baji said she was your girl friend... you like her?
Naku glared at Krishna and admonished him
"Krishna! what are you babbling about ,be quiet! it's not your business ,beside don't comment about people older than you! Seema ji is a valuable customer.. so hush! Dutta smiled slyly and looked at Krishna challengingly, and encouraged him to speak
" don't mind her Krishna you speak.. I am listening! ok.. Krishna.. why does it matter to you what I do?
"it matters to me Dutta Bhau! you are special for me.." he paused and looked at Naku ,which Dutta noticed and mused, is he being her mouthpiece? If so.. I am interested.. and he waved at Krishna to give him eye contact and continue.. the child did
"I love you Dutta Bhau.. your business feels like my business.. tell me Dutta Bhau ,will you marry Seema ji? Dutta leaned forward in the garden chair he sat upon. and peered into the Krishna's anxious eyes and replied firmly and also gradually turned his eyes in Naku's direction
"no! Krishna.. Seema is my child hood friend only.. yes I look out for, because she is a close family friend. her babba and my babba were old friends.. and that's all! now does that answer your questions? Dutta snubbed as he pointedly glared at Naku.. Naku went red in the face and dreaded.. did he read minds? or did he entertain assumptions? why the furious look at her? what does it matter to her whether he marries? or with whom? still she had to change the subject forthwith
"Krishna show Sahib your books, the work you have been doing.. Krishna jumped up and returned with his sketch books, placed his book on Dutta's lap for his perusal. Dutta turned his neck, sided his contracted eyes at Krishna who stood behind his shoulder. Tenderly Dutta looked down at the wide closed sketch book, it said Krishna in Hindi, and Dutta turned his eyes to Naku's green doe eyes and commended gently
"I see your handy work Naku.. you have done well ! given him an identification mark on his personal property! then he stopped, sighed, turned to Krishna and continued..
"as long as you know Krishna that everything you apply your ID mark to,does not necessarily becomes yours.. what does, hold on to it and then value your belonging.."Dutta reflected as his deep set eyes seemed to stare into a vacuum.. Naku watched him. Speaking in riddles , led her to believe that he had some underlying issues buried within his soul. Her silent musing was interrupted when she noticed he opened the book and observed the pencil sketch. His brow furrowed slightly and also showed a subtle smarting in them, as he flexed his neck and pointed to the young lad's creation.
" care to tell me about this drawing Krishna? .. Naku too moved closer from where she was and stood behind Dutta's and looked down over him.. Dutta sensed her presence , twitched his jaw self-consciously, whilst Krishna carried on laughing
" this Bhau? is me! Krishna! looking through bins like a scavenger. but . you see my skinny body , I have no food in my belly!.. Dutta heard, the child's explanation and then turned over the page.. and heard Naku as she sniffed as Krishna explained
"this again is Krishna , Bhau! but I am angry and screaming! see my mouth is wide open! you can see through my gullet right down to my empty belly!! yelled Krishna. Dutta curved his neck and gave Naku a sided look as he turned over the next page .. seeing which Dutta's face clouded with pain. Krishna explained
"yes Dutta Bhau, right again! Krishna surrounded by older kids! getting the beats! kicks, punches! they even spat on my face! he cried as he hid his face in the circle of own embrace. His body shook .. Naku went around the other side and grabbed him.. Krishna hugged her around the waist and buried his weeping face upon her belly! Dutta watched with compassion in his eyes. He stretched his arm and placed his wide palm over the orphan's head..
"sshhh Krishna.. enough.. it's history now.. you are safe.. your Tai Naku.. and Dutta Bhau are here to protect you.."Krishna pulled his face away from Naku and turned it to Dutta 's authoritative figure
" yeahhh! but that still doesn't make you my mai , babba does it? he challenged as he sniffed and wiped his eyes with his folded hands. Dutta stood up and folded his arms across his wide chest, and looked sideways at Naku his eyes half filled with jest and half with forced anger
" where the hell is he picking up this rubbish?.. you better make sure his brain is flushed! he said threateningly. Krishna looked up innocently at Dutta
" I can see through people Dutta Bhau! Living on the streets has sharpened my instinct! I know something unspoken is happening between you and my beautiful Naku Tai! isn't that right Bhau? admit it! Krishna went on.. Dutta spun on his heels slowly and walked off with the words
" Naku! sort this match maker will you... and oh thanks for lunch" and with that he saluted her by as he tapped his forehead with his forefinger! then perched on his ray bans and left!..
Krishna turned to Naku , as she craned her neck and watched Sahib as he drove off
" I did right didn't I Tai? you both like each other ,then why don't you tell each other.. grown ups are so strange in their ways.. I want a family!!!, fussed Krishna and Naku irritated by him, turned him around and told him off
"look Krishna you have to stop this , you are old enough to realize that what you wish for is in reality , hardly possible.. we don't even know each other properly.. and in tradition, marriages are arranged by elders and my family.." and she kept quiet after that .. put her arm around Krishna's shoulder and whispered
"come on then, let's, go back to the shop and open up for business.. humm? and in an instance it was after lunch, business as usual, and all idle talk was forgotten..
~~~~~~~~
After work whilst driving back, Dutta recalled Krishna's words .. what he suggested of course was preposterous! and what did Krishna say that he was intuitive? well that may be true ,but he as Dutta too needed to buckle himself and be vigilant in not giving away too much. he was displeased with himself , he was coming out of his fortress and he needed to pull up the ramparts! As he looked ahead at the slate dark road, lit up by the jeep head lights.. hummm, had it not be for light ,he'd be driven off track and pose danger to other road users too he thought.. how crucial light is! it shows the way. He furrowed his brow and suddenly concluded ,may be he too needed the light of knowledge about himself, to set his tormented self free.. yes tonight he would approach Aye Sahib before bedtime.. so he could see..
There was a car parked on the brickwork driveway of Patil Nivas. He parked behind it and looked closely at the number plate, it was.. the family lawyers , sedan. Confused Dutta switched off his engine, stuck his leg out and bounced up the steps to the entrance of the house. Yes the family lawyer sat before the coffee table in the lounge surrounded by his family, his bifocals perched on the bridge of his nose.The lawyer looked up like all others, as soon as Dutta walked into the lounge
" areee, Dutta! waited for your arrival , now I can present the contents of your mother's will", the pompous lawyer announced. Quizzically Dutta stared at his mother, who didn't give much ,then he revolved his head towards, Tai and then finally Baji , who raised and dropped his eyebrows with a confused expression.. Dutta walked over silently to Aye Sahib, stood behind where she sat and placed his palm over her shoulder. He leaned and whispered
"what is the meaning of all this Aye Sahib? .. Aye Sahib turned her neck towards him, and then addressed all present specially her children
"we have decided, that before we lose our sanity or presence of mind , we would bequeath your father's estate between you all.." Kala intervened and suggested
"Aye Sahib, let the lawyer deal with the formal side.." and she pointed to the empty chair near the lawyer and looked across to Dutta, who just nodded and indicated he was fine where he stood.This formalized situation he couldn't handle, because, seriously? did it really and truly apply to him? and he began to walk away, when Kala called
"Bhau wait! this pertains to you as well.. so Dutta stopped but stood with his back to the formal gathering.. he heard the lawyers formal voice it droneed on .. amid pin drop silence..
.. I Shakuntala devi .. sane mind.. power of attorney .. Dutta shri Ram Patil... my death , sole in charge .. equally.. to kalavati.. Baji .. my final will!
As is if struck by a thunder bolt, Dutta turned around and gathered from far .. from the silence and stone cold expressions of his siblings.. that his foster mother had certainly dug up his grave. There was nothing to say. What was left now was to hear reactions .Dutta shuddered ..as he watched the lawyer leave and his family dispersed to their rooms. Baji clearly was affected by the outcome of Aye's will, as instead of heading for Dutta his Bhau's room.. he went out.. Dutta poked the wet patch at the corner of his eye and decided , he would have to talk some sense into Aye Sahib .. she has to revert the decision !
As he walked towards Aye's room.. raised voices of his mother and sister were heard
"Aye Sahib! how could you do this? give Dutta the power of attorney.. Aye ! he is not even mine and Baji's blood brother! ..he..is
"that's enough! Kala! lower your voice don't you dare speak to us in this tone! Dutta is the older son! and don't make me a sinner Kala , with true commitment I brought him up as your brother! Aye snapped
" fine Aye .. but I Kalavati am the older daughter , of true blue shri Ram blood! so I should have had the power to distribute the estate and assets of our father.. "
" be silent! for the minute you forget no body is in charge! except us! in case you haven't noticed we are still alive "
"Aye Sahib! you only wish to be seen as the world's most magnanimous mother! what a pity! of an orphan whose mother was a lady of the night! snarled Kala...
Dutta pressed his palms against the outer wall of Aye Sahib's room.. to hold himself! his head flopped in shame.. a son of a prostitute!.. tears of blood if he could shed! his heart felt the stab of a knife.. his body shook as he gasped for breath... he.. wished he could die!
Kala burst out of the room in fury and jumped out of her skin as she saw the backed, shadowy sided sweaty ,grim face of Dutta... with blood shot eyes!
" Dutta..! Bhau.. she fumbled and he gathered his emotionally wrecked body stormed across the landing ,down the wooden steps! and like a ghost .. stormed out of the Patil Nivas... to be continued Hamlet53 ~ 13.8.15
N.B..
Wishing you all Happy Independence Day .. Pakistan 14th August/India 15th August ! may be live in peace and goodwill
Edited by Hamlet53 - 10 years ago
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