Mishal Raheja
as
Dutta
Blue Blood
part 28
Dutta gulped and somewhat relieved to see the caller, received the call. He had never forgotten the reverence the man was due, after all he was his father's sole friend. But then if friendship is considered, how can Dutta sideline the sentiments Seema and him share that which go a long way back. Seema as in the past ,looked to his support and Dutta recalls that which she received unequivocally from all in aye sahib's family where Seema grew up. Now this final issue, without a doubt stands significant three ways. For Seema herself it meant being with the man she loves. For Dutta to prove his friendship with Seema and for Nana Sahib it meant perhaps he could this one last time assume the role of being her mother! Dutta mopped the beads of sweat under his pronounced nose, itwas his frayed nerves that did it. His jaw twitched and he heaved, surely he had to get his act together. Besides how could he possibly venture forward happily married, and leave Seema 's issue unresolved? for that's not how he lived life. Once he gave his word he stood by it ,so now was to time to scale the mountain in the shape of a daughter's father and come clean with him
"yes babba Tavde, just the person who I needed to touch base with. Well babaa you'll be happy to learn that tomorrow I go home!they tell me I am well enough to be discharged under home care"
" my boy! my son! this is good news for us all! your mothers will be delighted! Besides lucky man you are Dutta now you have a life partner who will be your life long carer ! I am right aren't I ? cried Nana sahib over the phone. Dutta gazed at his buffed nails as he wondered how to approach Seema 's issue.
"yes babba, it's a little early, perhaps too soon, to realize what a life partner really means ?but yes you perhaps are in a better position to tell me ,if you want to babaa that is.." Nana Tavde chuckled , Dutta was never the one to mince his words, he had this quality of coming to the point. Dutta swallowed nervously , felt this was one of those uneasy instances when he felt tongue tied
" yes Dutta.. it's been years since I lost Seema s mother. Have to admit I miss her too this day! ,those days were bliss, no worries, besides Seema as a young child kept us busy she was the light of our eyes. Then with a snuff, the candle of Seema 's mother was out.."he paused and sniffed over the phone then carried on, " a huge gap occurred then Dutta. and it still remains now. Your aye took Seema into her family, as I was involved in my business affairs , and Seema needed stability which I couldn't give her always. But Dutta , the pain of not having my wife around doubles when it comes to seeing Seema unsettled in life. Have been a bad father.. tried on yours and aye Sahib's request ,that her life be settled with that scoundrel Ravi, but he was a swindler! almost killed my best friend's son! you Dutta! hope he rots in hell! shouted Nana on the phone. Dutta's eyes turned cold. As he continued to weigh how he would bell this bob cat..
"babba... think about Seema , that Ravi you condemn to burn in hell! eventually he will be damned by the law! he'll for sure get what's coming his way ..but Seema , what of her babaa? tell me? is she going to end up being a loser! again.. hummm babaa? do I need to elucidate in what forms Seema lost babaa? look babaaa.. as Dutta , as some one behind whom Seema used to hide as a child! As Dutta who would sort out her tiny demands , pick fights for her so she came clean! Baaba! I worry about her future.. I feel responsible for her future too! as I was the one who hired Ravi on your behest for her to have a body guard.. babaaa! Dutta is not selfish to lived happily ever after while Seema cries all her life! I stood by her when she was a little girl! and I intend to stand by her now when her life is a mess! yelled Dutta over the phone. Nana Tavde recognized that tone of Dutta it meant more to this advocacy of his daughter,as he carried on. He has to see Dutta in person it s still visiting hours so Nana Tavde suggested
"look Dutta , how about if I pop down to the hospital and talk over a cup of tea.. you won't turn down an anxious father will you? Dutta held his head up high then slowly yanked it to the side and with contracted eyes he jutted his stubble chin and replied
"ho babba! let's meet! wait for you near reception".
~~~~~~~~~
Baji sensed great elation as they boarded the jeep to head home. Naku looked up at the skies and wondered only a while ago they drove weighed down by the dreaded feeling that heaven alone knew how many more visits to the hospital. But by Bappa's grace she heard it from the mouth of doctors herself today... her heart leapt for joy ..all those moments of being a strange lone newly wedded bride will soon come to an end.when he comes home.. Baji's best mate was coming home
"Naku ,have to say Baji is over the moon Bhau is coming home.. was fed up of being chased by demands of Baji do this! Baji do that!... now Bhau will put an end to it"
"Baji Bhau! Dutta Bhau is recuperating how do you expect him to do jobs... huumm I am around, to do your odd jobs don't I ? ohhh Baji Bhau ,put in a good word for me .so that Bhau is proud of his little Krishna!" urged the lad as he bobbed up from behind Baji's driving seat while he drove on
"ayeee half pant sit down! you'll cause an accident! Baji turned to Naku in the driver's seat
"just listen to this tyke! he is on to jacking up his image before Bhau!" Baji shook his head and Naku smiled shyly , as she bit her lower lip
"thing is such is the aura of Sahib.. he has that effect on his family .. we hanker for his affection and attention" Krishna placed his hand warmly on Naku's shoulder and added in with a snigger
"don't you worry Naku tai .. as of now Bhau's.. affection and attention both will be coming your way! Baji let go of the steering for a second and slapped krishna's head behind Naku's passenger seat
"you talk too much Krishna! watch your mouth before Bhau , when his mind spins no one knows? ,then don't cry to me I didn't warn you" Naku couldn't help but giggle at their banter.. today everything meant, laughs, smiles and jest.. she couldn't wait to get home and give them the good news. Naku yelled, suddenly
"Baji stop at the confectionary store! got to buy methai... !! Krishna started to jog up and down in the rear seat rearing to go! his arms waving in the air..there is reason to be jolly!
~~~~~~~~~
It didn't take Seema 's father long to get to Dutta in a shot at the hospital. Seeing Dutta on his feet in a kurta pyjama swelled Nana Tavde s chest with pride as he progressed further and held Dutta's upper arm and patted his solid back . Dutta bent and touched the old man's feet and right away the two walked towards the hospital cafe. Dutta stirred Nana Tavde's tea and gently placed the cup and saucer for his babba's friend to savour. Dutta cupped his palms around his cup of tea and gazed distantly into space. Nana Tavde vividly made out that something continued to niggle Dutta's mind that needed to be coughed out
"penny for your thoughts Dutta..out with it then! demanded the old man
" Ravi came to apologize to me in the hospital babaa. I forgave him.. Dutta is not some god, to date if I can be a human being that would do for me.. Dutta declared. Nana Tavde winced, clearly Dutta anticipated a similar response from Nana Tavde too.
"but Dutta, it is far from easy a task to forgive a liar ,who emotionally wronged my daughter" Dutta heard a fathers plea as he doubled his chin and peered across the table into nana's weary eyes, bagged with sagging flesh.
"babaa .. Seema has forgiven Ravi.Love covers many a blemishes it turns a blind eye". Nana Tavde banged the table and sprang to his feet and rumbled
"this cannot be! yet again she is hell bent to repeat the mistake she committed before choosing the wrong man! That's it Dutta! this time I will not let her go through! and you Dutta! better not encourage her this time! you got that Dutta!",Dutta reached out for Nana Tavde's arm gripped it with inner persistence raised his eyes up to the disturbed old man
"babaa ..give Seema her love. Trust her babaa, like I do, babaa she asked me to talk to you about it.. give her your support she will require it. Ravi will go down, his case is cut and dry he has confessed to kidnapping and shoot to kill in self defence. His court case will come about.. it's a formality that will confirm how long he goes in for.. but babba... Dutta stood and gently pressed Nana Tavde s shoulders tenderly and sat him down on the chair and held his hands across the table
"babaa .. this is the time to break the spell of Seema tagged as being a loser.. babaa she has taken the decision that she will wait for Ravi.. till he comes out.. babba will you be by her side while she waits for him? Dutta stands up and from his height he gazed down adamantly into a confused fathers eyes
"baaba, Dutta will be beside Seema during her waiting period .. may not be related to her by blood but love her lot.. to stand beside her.. not before her, like I did all those years ago. Whether you accept her or reject her in totality, I leave with you ", said Dutta firmly and turned to leave ,but Nana Tavde stood up and threw his arm around Dutta's broad shoulders, as his eyes welled up
" Dutta Patil there is no doubt in my mind that you have got blue blood running through your veins.. you look out for the happiness of loved ones around you.. not just yours, blessed are the mothers the one who bore you, and the one who nurtured you."
Dutta winced.. his heart squeezed there is a name that will always be amiss in his life..his fathers.. Nana Tavde squeezed Dutta's arm and gave him a sided gaze,
" my best mate ShriRam Patil is a proud man to have you as his son! like father! like son! Dutta gulped yes.. this is the truth ,pointless thinking about a man who forgot about his mai...
~~~~~~~~~~
Baji blared the horns to announce his arrival! all the doors of the people carrier opened simultaneously as all the passengers and driver climbed out of their seats !Baji tossed the keys to kaley for parking and himself rested the sweets on his palm and gambolling in festive style he headed towards the two mothers seated on the red velvet sofa. Naku held krishna's hand and slowly walked into the huge lounge of Patil Niwas. Kala and Roops poured out of the sides of the lounge. All eyes were glued on Baji who balanced the box of sweetmeats on his palm and continued his merry dance. Aye Sahib raised her palm helplessly as she saw Naku shuffled in her directions
"will someone tell us what's going on?aye protested .Baji folded his knees and slid across the smooth titled floor of the lounge to where the mothers sat! popped open the box
"first have some sweet aye Sahib and he stuffed a laddo towards her mouth but Naku intercepted took the ladoo from Baji split it and offered it into the opened mouths of both the mothers, then shyly revealed
"aye Sahib ,mai Sahib, is coming home tomorrow, he will get his formal discharge summary sheet tomorrow !,no sooner Naku announced the good news the need to gather before the huge idol of Bappa in the foyer was initiated . Naku and Roops lit the candles in the golden lamp stands and arti of thanks giving was performed. Each had one reason for veneration. The healthy return of Dutta tomorrow. Naku sensed the unbridled sentiments of both the mothers who snivelled and dabbed their eyes with their sari pallus. After veneration it was panic stations go !aye Sahib felt faint only to be held swiftly by Kala and sat down, as she spoke feebly
"he is coming home tomorrow, Kala ,Naku we have to get the arrangements done there isn't any time! how will we everything manage? Aye pointed out softy.
"aye Sahib, if Sahib knew his homecoming is causing his family undue stress he would not be to pleased, whispered Naku as she sank on her knees and felt aye Sahib's lap. Kala looked at Naku and then took charge of his homecoming arrangements and ordered Baji , to organise putting in orders for bridal suite decor in Dutta's room. That Krishna could oversee the decor in the lounge. Baji twisted his arm and felt the back of his head and supported what Naku pointed out
" Kala tai , you should know what Bhau is like ,over matters going over the top on his account", Kanta mai felt aye Sahib's hand and supported her instead as she felt
"how Dutta is likely to feel himself should be set aside just this once.. surely he will consider what sentiments they all feel about his homecoming ..so if he protests, both his mothers are happy to answer to his complains", stated Kanta mai firmly as she held her head slightly to the side so very much like her son.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The day dawned that would bring the lion of patil vadi back to his lair Patil Niwas. All the women fully dressed in fineries of festive saris and attires scaled frantically cross the lounge bumping into workmen busily adding yellow and orange marigolds torans , curved swags on the main staircase of the lounge. Naku dressed in a yellow and lime green sari weaved in and out of the rows of marigold hangings . Krishna too checked that all the nooks and corners of the lounge were complete with flower bouquets and posies. Naku noticed he wasn't dressed and like his mother she held him by the shoulder and cautioned him
"Krishna what is this? your Bhau is on route and you are pottering about, go !right now and get dressed! But Krishna alerted Naku to something she over looked
"tai .. it's a happy day, let's not forget Ravi's family Naku tai.. what about new clothes for them on this happy occasion ? Naku pulled him to her bosom and kissed him on the top of his head.. suffering certainly made this gem of a boy sensitive to others around him. Naku released him and looked tenderly into krishna's face and bowed her head once..
Baji gave a quick look around Dutta's den it looked romantic and purposeful. A phone call diverted his attention it was Dutta , he had a query
"Baji get here with the car! later today is Ravi's hearing.. have to be there !get here fast! Baji slapped his forehead and alerted him all await his arrival at home . So perhaps it would be better if he came home first and changed and then when to court.. lucky for his family Dutta adhered.
Naku balanced bundles of new outfits on her arms for Ravi's family and headed towards the annexe outhouse. Ravi's mother and sisters, were filled with the gratitude at the token. Ravi's mother held Naku's face and caressed her head with eternal blessings. Dutta Bhau was hallowed to have a wife like her. Naku smiled shyly and mused it's really her family, they inspire and remind each other of bringing the best out in each other.
~~~~~~~~
Baji drove up the gradient of the brick work drive that lead up to the decorated front door of the his home. Krishna darted down the entrance steps opened the passenger door as Dutta stuck out his white pyjama clad leg and then slid out of the seat as Krishna and Baji threw both his arms around their shoulders. Dutta looked up at the door as his eyes searched for the love of his eyes. Baji clutched his Bhau's prescription in the free hand . Dutta's body guards blocked his way as they stood teary eyed with clasped hands. They needn't say much he knew what their hearts felt as he doubled his stubble chin and sounded off in his guttural voice
" how are you Kaley? yes I am fine what could go wrong with me , I had your best wishes and prayers with me."Slowly supported by the two he loved, gradually he ascended the stairs , only to be met with the weeping faces of his mothers. Dutta strained and bent but was stopped short as one by one his stubble cheeks were kissed by his two mothers. Then the light of his life slipped from the sides before him with the arti thalli . Dutta's contracted hooded eyes looked straight into her raised up hazel green eyes,as she slowly swirled the platter , with her finger tip kissed his smooth forehead with the tilak.. and showered rice around his face. Roops reached out for the platter as Naku leaned down to touch his feet . But Dutta lifted his arms from Baji and krishna's shoulders and swiftly grabbed Naku's folded upper arms and levelled her up before him and slowly shook his head.. his eyes moved from side to side ,seemed he looked for someone , he raised his eyes and enquired from aye Sahib
"don't see Ravi's family .. where are they? Then, with his arms around the shoulders of both his mothers, Dutta was not one to waste time,he headed towards the annexe and was greeted with garlands from Ravi's mother and sisters. Dutta bent to show reverence. Which was reciprocated by Ravi's mother who held Dutta's head and kissed it with tears in her eyes
"long may you live Dutta Bhau! all show kindness to friends but only the chosen few show compassion towards those who have harmed them.." she cried and folded her palms before him. Dutta removed his arm from aye's shoulder and held up his palm before Ravi's mother
"that's all I need from you mausi , blessings.. and yes in a short while Ravi's verdict hearing will be underway. I shall be going to attend it. Just letting you and the girls know mausi , whatever happens , Patil Niwas remains your home and I your son.. that's all I wanted to say" he said curtly and turned to leave only to be met by a flushed Naku who grabbed his arm as his mothers , slipped away from under his shoulders. Dutta stared down into her quizzical eyes and said firmly
" I need my black uniform Naku .. have to go to the court right away .. Seema and nana Sahib will need support. You hold the fort here.. you'll do it won't you? Naku moved before him and looked up into his narrowed eyes defiantly with her fine mouth pulled to the side
"will do it Sahib. Naku is your wife, whatever her lord wishes Naku will consider it her devotion" Dutta nodded once and curtly reminded her as he cast his eyes on his chain bracelet wrist watch that hung loosely from the end of his wrist..
"move it then Naku!or will you stare me out.. get me my security uniform, I ll change in the guest room,on the ground floor .."Naku giggled as Dutta walked slowly towards his family to tell them about what he intended to do for now
"have to go for Ravi's final court hearing.. it's imperative that I go aye Sahib , to support babaa Tavde and Seema .. the rest I'll brief you about, later" Kala suggested that perhaps Nana Sahib and Seema should also come here for dinner as it's a happy day and they too are family..
" sure tai, my family will be complete then.. and as for the rest of you.. Dutta would like his home coming meal should be based on one dish made by each of his special loved one"..and slowly with one arm folded behind his back he strolled first towards his mothers who sat together on the settee and lowered his finger tips and felt each one's knee.."two dishes cooked by my mothers".. then walked towards Kala ... raised his finger tip and felt her shoulder,
"one dish ,by my tai!".. turned and smiled at Roops and requested
"one dish made by my vahini ".. after a pause he slowly sauntered towards Naku.. folded his arms across his chest and peered across into her hazel green kajal lined doe eyes..
"and you Nakusha .. can make "gujar ka halwa for me.. cheeni kum".. Naku giggled and Dutta suppressed a smile too as he sided his mouth above his indented chin. Then slowly he spun on his heels and walked away along the corridor with Baji.
~~~~~~~~~
At the court , seeing Dutta in person in his black security systems uniform was evidence enough for the court in favour of Ravi. Seema and Nana Tavde were both delighted at Dutta's support. As far as Dutta and Baji gathered . The father had somewhat forgiven his daughter .. which was the main issue. Whether he gives her further support really depended on the outcome of the trial..
Seema sat flanked by Dutta on one side and Nana Tavde on the other . When Ravi was brought into the docks . Both looked at each other . He looked tired, weak with dark circles under his eyes that seemed lost but fixed on Seema 's face. She sobbed and covered her distorted face in her palms. Slowly she her head fall on Dutta's shoulder . Dutta crossed his arm cross his chest and felt her head with his fingertips and whispered
" get a grip over yourself Seema , let justice take its course.. and if your love is true than surely it will survive.." Seema nodded and wiped her tears and sat up with bated breath as the proceedings began.
It was an open and shut case. Ravi pleaded guilty to kidnapping and shoot to kill, sabotaging and preventing the course of justice , resisting arrest and wasting police time.. on all accounts the verdict was guilty! That he would serve three years in prison , from this point on wards . Till the day of release which makes up the amount of three years !
Seema cried bitterly as Ravi was escorted out of the witness box by the prison staff and police . He turned his face briefly and bowed his resigned face.. pity he could not wave good bye as his hand cuffed wrists were unceremoniously held by the police. But Seema waved till he was taken away. Tavde put his arm around his daughters shoulders protectively as they all left the court room just in time to see Ravi shoved into the black tinted prison van. Seema wept bitterly and this time a father turned his daughter around and looked into her tear stained face.. slowly he wiped her tears with his palms ..
"stop now Seema .. and know that your babba is still here by you..
Dutta struggled was it appropriate that he should invite them over,to his place. He looked at Baji who nodded and Dutta decided he would.. Nana Tavde and Seema needed to be with their family! and Dutta's family that extends itself.. hence Dutta did what Dutta does! spread love..
~~~~~~~~~~
Nana Tavde too along with his daughter was not one to dampen the joy of his best friends family!so after dinner he too decided, to make an announcement that would have an impact on his beloved Seema ..
"just to let all of you know.. and especially you my beti Seema .. that your babba is happy for you to wait and get married to Ravi ..when he is released from prison after serving his sentence of three years. Meanwhile Seema .. I myself will take you to see him in prison during visiting times.. and Dutta, thanks to you for making me see things through a father's eyes.." to be continued... hamlet 53. 2.5.16
heloo friends.. I' ll be surprised and blessed both if you accept this humble offering.. would love you to read it... much love as always hammie
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