Mishal Raheja
As
Dutta
Blue Blood
Part 8
That night Dutta's whole being was lulled into tranquility as lay upon his bed. With his pillow clasped across his chest, his vacant stare across his ceiling brought back Aye Sahib's word. His own mother was alive. So there is a god above. Suddenly all the thoughts that were lined with bitterness turned to sweetness now. He felt that his silent corrosive gloom about not enough knowledge about his real parents was at last favoured by the gods. His head gradually rolled to the right on his pillow as his somewhat tearfully and with contrite spirit, cast his eyes on Bappa 's small idol and mumbled heart felt thanks as his heart went out to the mercy of his god. He wondered he was not great in terms of observing strict faith rituals , bar, only being part of religious festivals. Still Bappa softened Aye Sahib's heart and she became the bearer of news that he reckoned was impossible.. how did this all happen? due to whom? Who has walked into his life that has brought good omen? Krishna? he said, and Naku? yes both! had to be auspicious entries in his life! nakuuu..he whispered into the pillow upon his chest.. wish I could share this news with you .. but what a pity you don't have a mobile.. landline? Dutta rolled over with the pillow on his side and mused. Being a flower shop..a landline would be imperative, mused Dutta as he lay on his side. what was the point? he didn't have the number. He let out a sigh and rolled back, placed the pillow on his face and with a guttural voice muttered .. I know what to get you Naku, as a thank you for looking after Krishna.. and with that muffled declaration, he pushed the pillow to one side of his nose and Dutta went willingly into the arms of sleep.
~~~~~~~~
Across the old chipped table lined with small arms, stood a young man before Moota Jhingar! Seemingly he looked nothing like a crook!. More like a gym instructor, pumped up biceps and well formed chest muscles that stood out under the red polo shirt. As he waited before Moota Jhingar's scrutinizing eyes, the man with neatly brushed back cropped hair, slipped his hands into the front sided pockets of his indigo coloured jeans. Jhingar popped a fresh betel leaf paan in his already paan stained mouth and teeth.. he interrogated. The well turned out man
"so.. gentleman! you know why you are here? .. the man nodded and looked at another of Jhingar's hench men called Guru.. who suddenly moved from Jhingar's side and moved to face his boss before the table.
"boss this is Ravindra, Ravi for short.. he is well known to me, along with his family. Boss, Ravi wants to make big money in a short time.. he'll work for us.So if you tell him the job ,he can start rightaway"..Jhingar wiped the squirt of pan collected at the ends of his mouth and then placed his arms across the table, arched his head forward and stared keenly at this Ravi character.. that will fan his nemesis against that Nana Tavde.. Jhingar never forgets his foe! he crawls out of the sand back on the land.
" fine if Guru recommends and acts as your guarantor, I'll take you on. Your first job is to get your into the Patil Vadi's security services centre.. Guru and the rest of my men have informed me that the services are looking for a body guard for Tavde's daughter.. my order is that you apply for the job. Guru has connections, they'll ensure you are shortlisted for the interview. You'd better put your best foot forward. Sound like an educated man..." Guru intervened and said
"boss I have got a set of fake degrees ready for him.. that should see him get by. I'll give them to Ravi when the need arises" Jhingar nodded and pulled a creaky drawer out from the side of his desk, grabbed a wad of money and hurled it across the table
"take it Ravi. A little something to get you started, get some gifts for your old mother and siblings.. and go now and begin applying for the job!
~~~~~~~~
Tavde looked across the table at his one and only daughter. Seema buttered her father's bread and herself forked a cube of water melon, but rested her fork in her fruit bowl..
"babba wanted to ask if I am allowed to go to the local parade of the shops? There is new florist in the area, Kala Tai told me about the shop, in fact she sent her driver and car to take me to the shop once. I bought a whole load of stuff from the shop. All the dry flower arrangements you see around are all from the florist. I was wondering , if I can take the driver there.. today?, Tavde ceased eating and looked intensely at his daughter, mused a moment and without giving his verdict, left the table and retired to his study and reached out for his phone.
"yes Bhaskar! Nana Tavde here.. wanted to know what's happening about the body guard you were going to arrange for my daughter? Look Bhaskar, Seema is young, she likes to be out and about. I feel quite helpless when she asks to go out and I feel reluctant and insecure in allowing her to do so. Incidentally I would have asked Dutta directly.. the boy is like my own. But decided to go through the proper channel.. so I suggest you pull your socks up! and get on with it as a matter of urgency", complained Tavde.
As a result Dutta was summoned before his boss and given a slapped wrist
"Dutta you were given this job! you assured me that you would deal with it.. give me a full progress report on the matter!, demanded Bhaskar. Dutta stood with his hands before his back and clarified
"well the report is that every time I aim to come back to the office for admin work, you sir! send me off on field work, roadside security tasks. Yes I acknowledge, it's an important task that should have been tackled, I'll get down to it right away!, assured Dutta and retired to his cabin where a pile of applications for the job of body guard lay in his metal desk in tray. No sooner had he settled down to sift through the applicants, when his phone rang. One look at who it was ? brought a smile on his face
"you said you would phone babba! and persuade him to let me go out with our driver! but you never Dutta! you promised! and you didn't ! some friend you are! I always cover your back ,help you and you never!, yelled Seema on the phone. Dutta stood up from his desk and replied back calmly
" you! better lower your tone Seema! I am at work, trying to sort out a body guard for you. When I select one.. all your days of being stuck in the house will end.. not to mention, I too will be guaranteed some peace! ,he teased. Seema felt embarrassed and then cheekily asked
"so can I expect that today I can whizz around , with a body guard by my side, orr Dutta! better still Dutta!! go on surprise me and babba! you take me ? Dutta rolled his eyes at the other end of the phone and replied
"sometimes you amaze me with your naivety , Seema.. shortlisting ,interviewing takes time.. and as for me Seema , there's only one Dutta, he cannot ,as much as you want be in two places at the same time.. here behind my desk and there dossing about with you as your driver" growled Dutta. Seema frowned she had upset him.. she couldn't afford that she always felt his presence beside her.. right from when she was young. Dutta was always there to listen to her, no he was too precious for her. She had to set things right between her and her dearest , always there Dutta!
"ooh ho Dutta! sorry..I understand what you mean.. look you take your time, don't mind me , mostly live by myself ,will find some way to kill time. Seema will cancel her outing for today Dutta.. you have a great day and good luck in hunting for a body guard for me" concluded Seema ,and Dutta turned back to his desk and flicked through the form, systematically not one seemed to fulfil the criteria he looked for. Finally He seemed impressed by the last applicant and thus phoned the receptionist to call the applicant for an interview first thing tomorrow. Dutta folded the forms, placed them in his in tray and tipped his back in his swivel chair behind his desk. One glance at his room clock told him it was lunch break and he smiled with a twinkle in his eye and left to to make good use of his time..
~~~~~~~~
Dutta checked the local car warehouse electronic store. As he entered the store he pulled off his ray bans, slipped them in his breast pocket and looked around for the sales attendant who turned up almost immediately. Dutta told him he looked for a smart phone. He soon bought one, along with the fall proof cover. As he held it in his palm, he tilted his head to one side with a complacent smile.
" gift pack this up in it's box please" and with the hurried purchase he cast his eye on his wrist watch ,he had just over an hour for lunch break to end ,which meant he could make time for other things too.
Dutta pushed open the door to his favourite place. Naku was nowhere to be found on the shop flower, but Krishna and Roops were. Greetings were exchanged and with Krishna an affectionate hug around his waist was received.
"Dutta Bhau.. are you taking me out again somewhere? shall I call Naku Tai? or is it me and Roops Tai going out with you this time?, chattered Krishna and Dutta clobbered his head gently and released his waist from Krishna 's fond grapple
"nope! Krishna no one is going anywhere today, only I am going from here back to work! I only popped down here to see Naku.. wanted to give her something" both Krishna and Roops got excited and looked at the gift packed box he held in one of his wide palms
"wow Bhau! Naku Tai gets a present .. why what's the occasion? its not valentine day or Diwali! argued Krishna .Dutta walked past him them.. towards the plant nursery at the back! sure enough she was there, inclined over some potted plants , giving them with a drink with small watering can. He stood behind her crouched body and called..
" Naku.. she startled, rotated and faced him dressed in a georgette lilac fitted shirt with a scattering of embroidered pink rose buds around the scoop neck line. Shyly she pulled down her sheer pink chunni over her bodice and faced him. Her lips quivered as she pulled her fine pink bottom lip to one side
"Sahib, you? how come? is everything ok? have you eaten? ,she asked in one go, and he smiled at her with his deep set eyes.
" humm me.. yes everything is fine, and I don't have time to eat ,have to dash back to work.." he walked closer towards's her and then stood before her, looked down intensely into her green eyes
" Naku, my own maaye is alive! Aye Sahib disclosed that yesterday Naku.!.. he reached out for her hands that hung by her sides and held her finger tips ,with his.. and tenderly he told her
" Naku I was so desperate to share this news with you last night ,but couldn't .. didn't know how to get in touch with you...here take this! in future such a situation will not arise for either you or me. I have taken care of the problem".. and he presented the box to her. She was so taken aback as she looked at the gift wrapped box.
"Sahib.. this? gift? what is it for ? I don't know what to say? fumbled Naku nervously. Dutta inclined his head closer to her face and placed his finger close to her lips..
"just take it Naku.. and don't say any more.. just open it , the present will speak for itself" whispered Dutta as he pulled back his head , from her head. He watched her.. she was like an excited child, ripping the sides of the wrapping paper.. and giggled as she saw what it was.. her green eyes danced with mirth as she pulled open the box and unpacked the smart phone..
"ooohhh Sahib!! I don't know what to say? she giggled and Dutta folded his arms across his wide chest and replied
"how about? " it's what I always wanted!!.. Naku nodded vigorously and slowly walked towards Dutta and stopped by his side. Close beside his upper arm.She let her sided head press against his arm and whispered ,as a shudder ran through him
"thank you Sahib.. how much you are concerned about my safety.. isn't that why you bought me this phone? tell me.." and with that Naku took one step back, and moved from his side and stood facing him.. with a mischievous glint in her eyes .He glared down at her and pouted his lips and drawled
" when you know the real reason I bought you the phone ,then why you want an answer from me , Naku? Naku handed him the phone and giggled..
"here then Sahib! feed your number in there and take mine too.." Dutta bowed his head and replied
"now you talk sense Naku.. and, make sure the battery is charged" he cautioned
"Sahib how soon will it charge? She asked like a child
"nice Naku. nice to know.. you are keen to establish contact with me! hate to disappoint you , waiting is involved. She nodded and suggested coyly
"Sahib, it's a shame you can't stay for lunch.. shall I pack something for you anyway? she enticed
"Naku I told you I 'eve eaten, look I really have to go! Dutta insisted, turned about to leave but Krishna blocked his way and delayed him
"Dutta Bhau! how come Naku Tai gets a phone and I don't get one? he asked with a sulk. Dutta threw his arm around his shoulders and made the lad walk with him to the exit door of the shop
"because Krishna ! your Tai needs it for safety measures. You have the shop's landline for your use.. even so Krishna , I have no intention of risking your life for the sake of a mobile phone.. you are more precious, both to me and your Tai, got that? explained Dutta gently. Krishna reached out for Dutta's hand that hung just below his shoulder
" yes Dutta Bhau I understand.. mobile phones do get jacked, and owners roughed him.. you know Bhau the older boys I lived with were also involved in such activities".. and he squirmed from under Dutta's curved arm around his shoulder and stood before him
" you saved me Dutta Bhau from that life of fear! and.. Krishna moved forward and hugged Dutta's waist again! Dutta turned his neck backwards and called out to Naku
" Naku! will you get this baby off me! he is delaying me further, with his hugs and cuddles! Naku, giggled and then gently pulled Krishna the over grown babe off Dutta ..and bemused she looked into Sahib's face that looked like the face of a helpless daddy! who had to go to work ,but his child wouldn't let him!
"enough! now both of you get out of my way and delay me not!, yelled Dutta irritated and marched out of the shop, sat in his jeep and drove off!
~~~~~~~~
After winding down his work for the day he smiled as he drove back to Patil Nivas.The day was overall a productive one. He got majorly bits done. Short listed and arranged for the BG s interview tomorrow. He even managed to bridge the gap between Naku and himself , courtesy of the smart phone! Now he could connect to her at the press of a button.. so he rode on cloud nine as he arrived home. Dutta was greeted by his family, ate dinner with them and was delighted to note things improved with his foster mothers health too
" Aye Sahib, you look well.. this is how we want you to stay forever" , he said after dinner
" I am so,so.. Dutta haven't recovered fully mind you. There is still one desire, I have".. , his mother expressed ,as she looked at him enquiringly . Dutta looked back at her in submission
"say the word Aye! and I'll fulfil your wish"
" will you bring Naku to the house, then Dutta? we want you to.. we want to meet the girl", requested Aye..
Dutta 's eyes twinkled and he hooded them shyly for a moment then turned his eyes to Kala and Baji who both nodded their heads energetically. Dutta realized, that he too wanted to bring Naku home.. and looked across to his mother
" fine Aye Sahib! if that's what you all want.. your wish is my command , but how?
" Dutta ,don't worry about the how side of things! we'll call her for tea.. how does that sound to you? said Kala supportingly
" humm.. sounds right! but I want Roops and Krishna invited too.. they are an integral part of Naku's life " added Dutta , but was interrupted cheekily by Baji
" and Roops is connected to me! erhh.. might I suggest Aye Sahib, you meet Roops too! who knows you might agree to a double wedding!!, he rubbed his palms in excitement
"agreed ,Aye Sahib, for once he has said something with substance! marriage will slow down his metabolism, and who knows Baji may emerge as a changed person? changed for the better! gibed Dutta ,but Baji retorted
" at the moment it's your reformation that is vital! and those of us who have met Naku ,believe that she is the bearer of great happiness for this house! besides Dutta you are the older bro, you have to set up the example for the likes of me to follow! , jested Baji and Kala being the eldest continued
" set a date and time, and Dutta you tell Naku about the date,"
"yes Tai , will do that , as Naku too has to possibly arrange for the shop to be closed.. ummh Tai chose either morning or afternoon.. as I don't want her to miss out on business, on account of the shop being shut..you understand opening hours matters to Naku". suggested Dutta. Baji chipped in
" Dutta is right Aye Sahib! Tai I would suggested mid afternoon ,as business is quiet then.. what do you say Dutta Bhau? Dutta just bowed his head once to show he consented and stood up to indicate that he was about to retire.. for the night .
Baji as usual popped over to his Bhau's den and flopped upon the turquoise settee. Quizzically he asked Dutta
" shall we tinkle a glass or two Bhau?
" nah! Baji want to stay dry.. have to interview a BG for Seema tomorrow, so have to ensure I have a clear head.. let's hope he's up to the mark? Seema, will always be a fond common concern for us Baji," admitted Dutta
" yes that's true Bhau.. she was always a needy little girl! I remember how she skirted about in your shadows. Bhau how does she feel about you and Naku? asked Baji
" she's fine about me and Naku.. quite supportive. In fact she seems to have taken a likeness to Naku as well.. thing is Naku is so selfless in manner that she is instantly likeable" , Dutta reflects aloud
" ho! Bhau ,that she is.. but tell me have you progressed beyond liking Naku..?
" I don't know Baji.. but this I know and she knows too , that I .. care deeply for her. what's more Baji, I reckon ,she too shows warmth towards me.. disclosed Dutta
" well Bhau.. hopefully after she meets our family , things between you can pick up speed!
" yeah Baji! you want things in motion, so you can get in with your romantic capers" teased Dutta , and Baji gave him a dimpled smile and both confirmed their bond with a robust high five and smashed their palms! and Dutta twisted his wrist and urged Baji to leave!
Baji proceeded to his room and mused.. only one more gift to be given to you Bhau.. just you be part of this family..that's all Baji asks for..
~~~~~~~
He reached out his phone and lazily revolved it around his fingers, as he lay flat on is back. Although he had cause to ring her, he closed his eyes briefly and dismissed it as unwise to do so, and laid it flat on his chest. buzz.. it hummed.. and on his phone he saw her name and his whole being pulsed.
"hummm? so I guess it's charged now? is that why you have rung? I was about to crash Naku".. he teased
"ohhh then you sleep ,and forgive me Sahib, it's just I got overly excited and had this sudden urge to say ,that thank you Sahib for the present.. it's more so what I need from now on" she said shyly.
"me to Naku.. like talking to you. ok it's a good thing you rang ,before I forget, wanted to tell you , my Aye wants to meet you, tomorrow ,so be ready during late afternoon, I'll come to collect you"
" your Aye wants to see me? at your place? what for Sahib? why me? what have I done?
"oyeee.. Naku! it's not what you have done? it's what she wants done! and by the way before you go racking your brains! you are not the only one invited.. Roops and Krishna are invited too! he explained
" invitation? why Sahib? is it some utsav? tell me and I'll get a present Naku insisted
" listen Naku it's not my birthday! or hers.. no present needed ,just the company of you three would give her joy.and look my speech is beginning to slur due to sleep and my eye lids are heavy.. soo go now! he mumbled
" Sahib ,wait! don't doze off yet! tell me what should I wear?, Dutta shook his head on his pillow, honestly what can he say? and he whispered
"wear a sari Naku.. haven't seen you in one,hummm? and he heard a giggle and was about to switch off when she slipped in another question
"is it a formal or informal occasion Sahib? she badgered and he lost his rag
"why the hell! does it matter Naku? honestly! He grimaced
" Sahib it does matter.. have to choose a sari accordingly" pleaded Naku and he sighed
"look Naku what you wear does not matter.. just be yourself and present your zest for life forward and all will be well, he yawned
" Sahib! stay! Is it an interview ? she further probed and Dutta distorted his mouth as he let out a yawn and replied
" humm.. you could say sooo..gooo nowwwzzz.. "
The phone went dead and Naku held up her smart phone in her palm and spoke to it dreamily
" I know what this maybe all about Sahib... I knowzzz..
~~~~~~~
Dutta pulled off his ray bans ,nodded his head at the receptionist who pointed to his cabin and explained
"the candidate is in your room, Dutta.. and I also put his relevant papers on your desk too.." Dutta gave her a thumbs up and entered to find a medium height, stoutly built man dressed with a tucked in shirt and grey straight cut trousers.. with hands held behind his back. Dutta offered his hand and palmed him to be seated. But the man preferred to stand before Dutta across his desk. Dutta relaxed his back and peered up at the man..
" so Ravindra. .. your name I believe? I am Dutta. senior security services aides ! I'll be interviewing you". he informed curtly as he flicked through the candidates papers..
"yes sir! in short Ravi.. it's easy to say not a mouth full" Ravi replied respectfully. Dutta looked across him with a raised eye brow.. seems cocksure , he mused.. and then directed the first question at him
"tell me Ravi... what was the need to apply for this job? there are lots of other jobs for young educated men like your self you could have gone for?
"well sir , I need the money desperately ,have a family.. I am the single bread winner"
"hummm.. do you and you family realize that this is a risky job, your life is at risk.. defending the one you are paid to protect? questioned Dutta..
" I do, Dutta sir! but then every job has it's downsides.. besides in this one I enjoy the thrill of this job" replied Ravi..
"there is an alert vigilance required ,in shadowing a young woman..would you be up to it? and what proof do I have about your sense of respect and protection of women? how would I know her honour would be safe in your hands ? asked Dutta.. as he narrowed his eyes and stared at the man
" sir! all I can say is that I have never been in trouble with the law.. my records show that .. besides I myself have a mother and sisters, and as such realize full well how to respect and show sensitivity to women.. you can be rest assured sir.." Ravi insisted, and thought, my mole in the agency didn't warn me about this tough nut Dutta.. have to impress him and not sound to desperate for the job. continue to sell my self.. mused Ravi.. as he stared at the serious faced Dutta..
"well sir! just to draw your attention to the fact that I am an expert in karate too, as my certificates show.. I can provide a strong physical defence to my client too.. you can be rest assured about that sir.." Dutta stared at him pensively .. this was a tough decision to make.. Seema was like family. He couldn't give a final decision...
"sir how about giving me a trail or probationary one month period? see my performance first, if it's up to the mark, only then offer me the permanent contract", Ravi suggested. Before Dutta considered ,the proposal.. his desk phone buzzed and he replied .. the receptionist informed it was Nana Tavde on the line.. Dutta instructed her..
"hold the line.. I'll take it at reception desk! and left the room.. Ravi, phoned his friend in security services, and moaned about this thick skinned Dutta.. getting a job out of his hands meant rubbing one's nose on the floor beneath his feet! protested Ravi. But his friend suggested..
" look Ravi if you want easy but big money! then play the game patiently.."
Dutta received Tavde's call, apprised him he was midst of interviewing.. a potential BG.. but wasn't sure?
" look Dutta! how is the guy show you references if this is first job? look Seema is driving me round the bend! You need to hire him temporarily and send him over to me! I want to see what he's like? and Dutta don't ponder too much! just send him over! ordered Tavde .. and Dutta returned to his office, well if that's what babaa Tavde wanted.. then that's what he'll do . although Dutta wasn't sure about the man himself..
Ravi left the security services smiling and rang Jhingar straightaway..
"I got the job! temporarily... but time enough to do what I have to do!..
~~~~~~~~~
Dutta honked as soon as he halted before Gul Bahar.As expected , Krishna was the first to come out in his smart jeans ,trainers and boxed print check tucked in shirt! he stood outside the drivers window,with Dutta behind the wheel in his black uniform.. Krishna, bopped his eyes and asked as he pointed his thumbs inward to his chest
" how do I look Dutta Bhau? smart enough to go to your house?
" you were smart enough even then, Krishna when you were in your dirty white vest and your flappy khaki filthy knickers stuck to your skinny bottom! replied Dutta and yelled
"come on pile in! and where are your two Tai's? Roops came out in a smart, emerald green U cut anarkali and matching green churridar and chunni.. Dutta smiled at her and asked..
"that friend of yours? what's taking her so long? we're not going for a wedding! you know that she's taking her sweet time! growled Dutta..
" ohhh Dutta Bhau! she's coming show some patience.. please she's setting up the alarm.. defended Roops
Well she may have set it up the alarm , but his alarm certainly rang .. when he feasted his tender loving eyes on Naku as she came out of the shop, slammed the door shut behind her. Naku dressed in a two toned lime and yellow georgette sari,took his breath away!.. With her hair pinned back from mid forehead, single sided braid rested on the side of her neck. Naku pressed her hand on her light skinned belly that showed under her pallu.. she walked to the driver's window, holding a polythene packed fresh flower arrangement.. and looked at Sahib.. who sat with one elbow sticking out of his opened window.. his deep set eyes lost in her green eyes. With a twist to his mouth he teased..
" now don't tell me Naku these are for me..? she shook her head once and replied
" no Sahib , just want them to be put somewhere in the jeep." Dutta yelled at Krishna
" go on make room for these at the back Krishna ! but naughty Krishna replied..
" will do Dutta Bhau! so you can sit in front with Naku Tai! isn't that true..? and Dutta looked at Naku who still stood outside his driver seat window
" come on move Naku !give the flowers to Krishna and come to the passenger seat.."he ordered. Krishna broke the circle of silence..
"all of us going to your place Dutta Bhau . feels like we are going to some test centre!
" there's no exam Krishna ,just an affirmation of what special people you are for Dutta!..
They entered the brick work path way of Patil Nivas and Naku's eyes became big and bold! and she couldn't stop herself from saying.
"what a beautiful house Sahib! didn't realize you lived in such a mansion!" Dutta sided his face to her and replied..
"step into it Naku ..and turn it into a home..."..
~~~~~~~~~
To be continued.. Hamlet53 11.9.15
have a great weekend.. the days here are getting shorter and the nights longer.. good! I love sleep... much love hammie
tammy good to have your special mark on my post..partner!
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