Mishal Raheja
As
Dutta
Blue Blood
Part 26
Seema caught Ravi being escorted down the corridor and her heart sank. She didn't quite work out whether it was hatred of this man who took her, a motherless, vulnerable girl for a ride? A tear rolled down her cheek, she sighed, and slight movement made her look towards her father. He was at the nurse's station ready to leave. Her heart missed a beat ,her feet carried her to the hospital's entrance and she was just in time to see Ravi duck his head and get into the black window less prisoner vehicle. Seema ran and had to be stopped by the gunned commandos from going further. But it was enough for Seema to look into Ravi's tired, semi dead eyes.They just fixed upon her face and she was desperate to believe there lay remorse in them. But she bit The inside of her mouth , he was a cheat, he lied to her.. she is being fooled again. A tear escaped from his eyes, he dabbed it with his knuckled thumb. Seema witnessed the brief moment and somehow his single tear rinsed away some of her justified hatred towards him. Just before the guards closed the heavy doors of the van on Ravi's face. Seema remembers that Ravi's eyes were fixed on her face. The van rolled away ,she turned, held back her tears and ran back inside the hospital towards Dutta's private room. Nana stopped short near the entrance as his daughter ran in. Like a keen father, he grabbed her arm and confronted her
"what is it Seema ? you look shaken , has something upset you , come lets go home my child'' Seema stared at her father , a volley of questions he's fired , but never had or has the time to listen to me.. but still what was the point? She had caused enough trouble for the one who always shadowed her or rather she skirted. Seema had to give her father a plausible answer , the one her heart too told her to pursue..
' nothing babaa just went out for a breather, babaa , you go ahead , I want to see Dutta, haven't really seen him properly, so much has happened ,and that too so fast, that never really got around to seeing him..'' Nana Tavde nodded and said he'll send the driver back for her later. The term driver pierced her heart like a knife and a sigh yet again escaped spontaneously from her lips. Seema moved away swiftly from her father..who funnily enough sensed all was not well with his daughter , but stroked his black moustaches, and thought, nothing that Dutta couldn't iron out
~~~~~~~~~~
Seema peeped through the port hole in his door if he was awake. He sat propped up against his pillows and on spotting her he beckoned her inside with his palm. Seema entered and he stared at her with his interrogative lion like eyes, his mouth firmed and pulled down sternly. She remembered well that look of his, from childhood his look of displeasure when he found out she was weak.. yes she is weak today , not very different from years gone by and today too she needs his presence as a life boat, that will rescue her from the sinking ship of her life and take her safely to the shore.. Dutta s lips finally feel apart and irritated he asked her curtly
' are you going to stand there and stare at me or will you say something Seema ?.. erhh looking at your eyes, at least that much I know that you have been crying. Why so Seema ? have I not done enough? what else did you expect? He asked miffed.. Seema sat on the end of his bed hid her face in her hands and wept and he looked upon her shaking shoulders and shook his head
"now what the hell am I supposed to do about your tears? Hate tears! Stop it! Right now! Seema removed her hands from her face and snivelled, as he pointed to his bed side table and ordered
'get a tissue Seema , get your act together ! now you are not a child but a woman ,who I dare say took some bad decisions.. erhh sorry Seema , I didn't mean it that way ,don't mind me. The hospital has made me miserable . would you believe it I got married .. yesterday was my wedding night and I had my medications , my bandages to keep me company.. that's life, very precocious, yet very sluggish at times, we just have to fit in, otherwise it ditches us and moves on regardless.'' reflected Dutta.
' still Dutta I am the one who has put your life through this. Forgive me Dutta , it's not that this is a one off SOS you have attempted for my sake.. I feel bad ,as this has to be the worst one out of all of them, feel so guilty , and awful. Cannot thank you enough.. Dutta studied her face , there was pain in her ,worse than the pain in his slashed gut ..
' Seema , forget about my condition, what's the real reason you come to Dutta? tell me I am listening''
' Dutta I just saw Ravi being escorted out... my hate seemed to dissipate Dutta.. I feel for him.. do you understand what I am saying Dutta ?
' I do Seema . You love the man. Thing is girls like you are simple, vulnerable , when you find love its forever, not temporary''
' do you hold it against me Dutta? do you think I should shun him ,he cheated me, kidnapped me ,shot me and.. Dutta raised his palm up and spoke
' forget me Seema , ask yout heart what does it tell you about this man , a criminal ..''
' I love him Dutta , still..'she cried as she opened her heart before her childhood friend
' enough to make you forgive him Seema ? think about it .. besides what guarantee do you have this time Seema that he loves you now?, pointed out Dutta tersely. Seema knew, that Dutta asked pertinent questions and her answers could either impress him or make him kick her out of his room for mental torture. Whatever, the outcome , Dutta always made her feel safe and valued. It's like all his sufferings have made him into one sensitive being to all others in dire straits.
' Dutta , my heart forgives him .. now which came first ,love or forgiveness I haven't got the foggiest idea?
' forgiveness has its roots in love Seema .. it's a virtue to have.. and if it makes you feel better Seema , I too forgave him , when he came to seek my forgiveness. I felt good after I forgave him Seema .. I think if we don't forgive criminals like him, his spirit would be tarnished and there are more chances , that when he comes out of prison he will become a bigger criminal than he was to begin with'' said Dutta firmly. Seema 's eyes beamed up and Dutta saw hope in them. He did consider about the fact that she lost rather a lot,in life in general too.. now if he could do anything to retrieve something that would provide some happiness to Seema as well.. he would consider that a fatherless boy has done some good to qualify him self of having blue blood in his veins!
' Seema , you know , what's more, Ravi came to the hospital to ask me if I could look after his mother and three sisters.. I gave him ,my word. I would. As we speak, they must have arrived at my house'' informed Dutta , but then his face turned stern and he told her in no uncertain words
' Seema , you and I have forgiven him , to usher in more remorse in him. I have put his mind at rest as far as his family is concerned. But Seema , he will have to have a court hearing , get a judgment put against him ,and go through his punishment. Ravi committed criminal acts , I will not be pulling back my charges.. no body is above the law Seema . Crime has to be punished, otherwise it will be the law of the jungle! any questions? Dutta asked firmly . Seema nodded and then added
' just one question Dutta , can I go and see him? Dutta paused and then spoke
' if you feel safe , then do. Seema you will have to ask the prison warden about the formalities.. like visiting hours etc.., now about babaa Tavde , are you going to tell him what's going? he is your father, he needs to know Seema '' advised Dutta . Seema stood up to leave and Dutta was pleased to see her old sparkle had returned, the one she gave him as a child , when he sorted her mess for her..
' babba .. Dutta I leave him to you , you handle him well.. after all you are like the son he never had! So let me go see Ravi ,then I'll brief you, and you Dutta bhau sher of patil wadi !can deal with it and she giggled , turned ,waved good bye and left.. Dutta slumped down and lay on his pillows .. and chuckled..
'all I have in my life is great drama artists talking of which the biggest drama queen Baji wonder where he got to?
~~~~~~~~~~
It was not for Baji to ask questions from the police. As far as he could fathom ,they were much relieved to see this old mausi and her daughters were leaving the police station lobby. The old lady looked pathetic and literally asked for a sympathetic attitude. Baji wanted her to feel comfortable and as such , made her sit beside him in the passenger seat . The daughters ,gingerly piled into the rear seat of the land cruiser ,and appeared fairly frightened as they sat huddled together all three of them! Once he took to driving, the old lady panicked and asked
"where are we going? Baji gave her a sided dimpled smile, and replied chirpily
"areee mausi , relax, you are going to Dutta bhau's house.. you must have heard his name?
' really, Dutta bhau ! yes me know of him , he is the sher of our patil wadi .. very helpful man, may god give him a long life'' blessed the old lady and Baji added in with great panache
' and me ,mausi.. me Baji rao.. Dutta bhau s first in command'' mausi turned and looked at the innocent cute, big eyed dimple cheeked boy.
' really? then you must have a title too Baji rao..'' asked mausi
' I sure do mausi , it's called bhau's younger brother! He is the big ,bold brash one and I am the small, helpless, shy one! He sniggered at the fibs he was coming out himself ,more like the lazy lout one.. Suddenly , mausi became quiet and Baji asked did he say something? but she revealed to him..
' forgive me my son. it is my son Ravi , who put your brother in hospital''. Baji did made an emergency break and turned furiously at the old woman..
'mausi ... erhhh.. what can I say , my lips are sealed.. it's our family rule we respect women.. but mausi , your Ravi he didn't do good , did he?.. Baji controlled his fury as the woman begged for a pardon with clasped hands. Baji gulped and put his car into gear again , bhau never even told him who these people were? now he'll have to deal with mai , aye Sahib and every one else's reaction at home.. he turned to Ravi's mother
' mausi , now you know why people call him the sher of our area.. he has a big heart''
' heart of gold Baji , taking in his shooters family. May Bappa protect him always'' said mausi as she wiped her tear..
Ravi's mother and sisters were floored by the enormity of Patil Niwas. Baji led them inside, to the bewildered eyes of his family. Aye Sahib demanded an explanation ,but also refrained from being too expressive in her sentiments. But her eyes did question Baji what was the meaning of bringing theses needy women to the house. Before that Naku and Krishna saved the situation a bit by inviting the older woman at least to sit down. Aye Sahib too smiled, then and waited for Baji to offer some explanation. Baji curved his arm and scratched the back of his head then explained.
"look every one, mausi is Ravindra s mai ,and these are his sisters.'' no sooner he said that, behavioural back lash followed the information in the form of complete silence from the family ,then whisperings between the two mothers and Kala tai. Baji raised his palms and continued
"aye Sahib! this should be no surprise for you .. bhau often offers his home as shelter to ones without. All I got from him was a phone call and he didn't say more except to collect mausi and her daughters from the police station'' Aye Sahib smiled benignly and welcomed the new family
"look when my son takes such decisions, there is usually a good reason behind it. I simply echo his emotions. For the minute this home is yours as long as you wish and I'll see to it that you are comfortable in every way'', but mausi was troubled by what her son did to the son of this household. She attempted to tender some words of regret , regarding her sons actions
' aye Sahib I cannot condemn my son Ravi enough , he has brought nothing but tears and sorrows in the lives of his mother and sisters . But this aye Sahib I can say is, that nothing can harm Dutta bhau.. he will always have the prayers of many mothers and sisters in Patilvadi, you'll see aye Sahib your son will return home safe and sound, this is the prayer of poor widow'' aye Sahib leaned forward and held Ravi's mothers hand and drew her attention to the fact that Kanata bai was Dutta's mother too
'yes.. both me and Kanta are blessed to have a son like Dutta. Have to say it feels that Dutta is one son who might have many mothers, as deep down, I can vouch that Dutta himself considers himself to be son to all the mothers of patilvadi.. its in his blood! indeed we are blessed'' aye Sahib reflects humbly. Naku heard aye Sahib's words and her green doe eyes welled up as she reflected , there was a time when Sahib craved for his real blood mother.. now here at this blessed time , every mother of Patilwadi wishes she has a son similar to Dutta , such was the aura of this man she loved.
Aye. meanwhile looked at Baji and asked him to get the family settled in the annexe of the house. Naku , mucked in and said she and Roops will see to food. Krishna along with Baji carried the new families bundle bags to the annexe. Aye Sahib, asked Naku to arrange for a fresh set of clean attire for the visitors. Before Krishna left the room, he took Ravi s mothers hand and told her with a big smile
" aye, consider this your home, when bhau offers shelter to someone ,it means indefinite stay. I too was taken off the streets and now I have a fixed home and a permanent family.. so all will be well'' Baji smiled and told them
'and this is Krishna,the wise owner of the house hold and all the residents too! he somehow has the answers to questions, and solutions to any problems, he thinks he is Dutta bhau, and we all let him be, isn't that so Krishna? teased Baji as he threw his arm around the boys shoulder and ushered him out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~
As she dished out the first meal of the day . Naku nearly forgot to lay the table first , very clearly her mind was elsewhere. Today was the morning after then night before . The night when nothing happened except a yearning for her Sahib who slept in the hospital bed. Things raced this morning , the arrival of the new family , her immediate services with Roops to feed all. She just couldn't make the time to call to see how her husband was doing? Husband ..her heart missed a beat! not much of a wife has she proved to be. Baji stood in the doorway and spoke aloud Naku's mind
' Naku have you rang bhau yet? It's morning don't want him to deduce we have forgotten about him'' ,Roops caught Baji's hint and offered to lay the table as Baji turned his head and yelled at Krishna
'aree half pant! give Roops tai a hand , your Naku tai needs to phone your Dutta bhau!. Krishna leapt forward with an aim to please and give a helping hand. Both aye and Kanta mai looked with great affection at this ray of sunshine in their household. A sense of complacency fell upon both mothers , the family almost seems complete ,but not quite, as the great force called Dutta was still amiss.
"Sahib.. her voice sounded at last on his phone .it was meant to be music to his ears but , he made sure it sounded like whining of a violin.
' Naku.. how come you phoned? how may I oblige? he moaned, Naku gulped he was miffed
' how are you Sahib? she continued ignoring his bitter tone. She could hear his loud sigh
' how am I meant to be Naku? got married yesterday .It was my consummation night, but ended up being a night of ineptness between me an my bride! my family goes home to celebrate my wedding and I end up in wounded in the hospital bed! my wife doesn't give a toss! whether I live or die! and on top of things wants to know how I am? well Nakusha! hope you can guess how your Sahib, as you call him is'', he paused briefly and then resumed , 'hayeee.. Naku it hurts, and I miss my room.' he softened up a bit. Naku knew at some point he would hit the rock bottom. She just has to play it by ear
' have you eaten breakfast? had your morning tea?
' yes.. the nurse gave me tea.. call it hard times, despite of having have a reasonable looking wife, this ill fated Dutta wakes up to see a nurse first thing in the morning . What could be worse'?.he sulked Naku clenched her teeth, imagine calling her reasonable. Such a misery guts is the man she married
' look Sahib, I was busy , in the kitchen. Was settling in our new guests. Yes Sahib, Baji took care of everything. Ravi's mai spoke of your kind gesture''. Dutta doubled his stubble chin and narrated how Ravi , sought his pardon, and begged him to offer shelter to his abandoned mother and sister. He also told Naku that despite everything Seema confided in him and shared her love for Ravi. He was pleased to note that Naku too supported Seema like he did.
'yes Sahib, I too was deeply saddened that things worked out for us, but didn't quite for Ravi and Seema ,but now if we can get them back together with a joint effort it would give our souls contentment ', Naku said softly. Dutta shuffled himself in bed and complained yet again
' ayeee, Naku.. do you think you can give your husband some contentment too? he's sick at heart', he said hoarsely in a romantic tone. Naku giggled and a pint of blood increased in his body as he palmed his stubble cheek. Naku love's too surged and spontaneously she cried to him over the phone.
' Sahib when are you going to come home?it feels strange living in your room without you''
' you mean sleeping in my bed without me Naku? he teased and chuckled but continued gravely
' Naku I can only come home when the hospital discharges me, not before that.. but you can come and visit me, in fact why haven't you , Krishna or Baji come to see me? asked Dutta peeved. Naku explained,
'they wanted too ,but the hospital advised against it, as you needed rest and kept free from infection. Dutta growled at her response , but soon succumbed to the yearnings of his heart
' yes these doctors are all fools! Loveless idiots.. they cant get it in their thick skulls , that if a man is emotionally unhappy , demotivated how can he recuperate ? I'll demand that I want to see my wife! If they can allow a bloody criminal to come visit me , then why the hell not my next to kin! You watch I'll create a rumpus , discharge myself! He roared. Naku panicked and looked at his mothers and they both called
' Naku you are Dutta's wife , you should visit him.. housewife others will sort out" Naku bowed her head and whispered..
'' I am coming to you Sahib..'' and he replied curtly,
'you doing me a favour Naku? sounds like it''.. Naku replied,
' no Sahib, Naku's doing herself a favour'' and she ended the call.. to be continued.
hamlet53 11.3. 16
dear readers, pardons for late update..was busy , thanks for your understanding .. have a great weekend..
Edited by Hamlet53 - 9 years ago
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