Mishal Raheja
as
Dutta
Blue Blood
part 29
After some fuss regards Nana Tavde occupying the head of the table seat opposite aye Sahib, which Nana Sahib turned down in favour of Dutta being the son of ShriRam Patil. Dutta once again regained his seat as the head of the family opposite his mother at the other end of the long table. Dutta raised his content eyes as his heart felt well pleased by the fact that all he considered close to his heart were present here with him on this special night of homecoming and his first family meal his after marriage. Although silent, every now and again he gazed with sided eyes and lapped up Naku going to and fro from the kitchen, as she arranged dishes at the table. Soon enough, his loved ones hovered around him carrying and waiting to serve him a spoonful of the dish he requested them to cook for him. Naku looked across at her Sahib, his firmed mouth pulled to one side, his broad shoulder tilted slightly from both sides as he accommodated his mai, Kala tai, Roops one by one over his shoulders to reach his plate. Dutta's brow furrowed slightly above the bridge of his pronounced nose . His contracted eyes shot Naku a threatening look which froze Naku's smirk. Yes she found him being smothered by female familial attention as amusing , for Naku knows that, when it comes to family affection he gives in without dissension .finally Dutta's raised palm indicated that his plate dotted about with various dishes was enough for his appetite. Eyes fixed on Naku who held rice platter in her hands, Dutta jerked one of them, sided it and ushered her to his side needing service. He sensed her close proximity to him as she tenderly dished out a small amount of boiled rice on his plate. He was desperate to give her a sided look, but all eyes on them refrained him from doing so. He clenched his jaw and mused he had all his life to stare at her face! meanwhile decorum had to be maintained here ,where elders, siblings and guests surrounded him.
Dutta rested his palms either side of his plate and looked across quizzically at Naku . She bowed her head and paused hesitatingly. The space on one side of Dutta was unoccupied, the other was taken by Baji. Dutta slowly turned his head to Baji whose morsel of bread froze in mid air
"need anything else Bhau? why aren't you starting? Dutta stared into Baji's eyes then gradually moved his head to where Naku stood and ordered Baji in a muffled voice
" will you ask your vahini to sit down on my side.. Baji enough of being the dutiful bahu.. before that aye Sahib from a distant gathered a delay from Dutta's side in eating. Benignly aye Sahib turned to a demure Naku still standing beside her
"Naku , my child ,why are you still standing? all are served now go now child, sit by Dutta's side. Dutta lowered his eyes but his nostrils flared slightly as she awkwardly sat on his side and rested both her hands in her lap. Dutta paused a while for her to serve herself but she sat still. Dutta stiffened his neck and leisurely turned his head towards her only to met by her wide doe amber green eyes. He blinked once and then stretched his arm, and passed her the lentils dish. Naku had to move her hands but Dutta mumbled under his breath
" hold it will you? do you expect me to spoon it out for you too? what's come over you, humm? Dutta gave her a sided look as Naku shook her head shyly. She dished out the amount she needed and paused again. Dutta stretched out his long arm yet again and passed her the rice, with an annoyed mutter
"here and you'd better start eating too ,in case you haven't noticed, I am hungry Naku", Naku nodded again as she dished out her food and then rested her tiny fair palms on either side of her plate. Dutta rolled his eyes and then gave her a fixed stare and mumbled
"now what are you waiting for? eat! Naku shook her head and with green imploring eyes she pointed to his plate. Dutta shook his head and reached out for his fork, paused and whispered this time
"hum.. know, you won't eat till I don't start first.. I will Naku, now you too eat" and finally he some forked rice into his mouth. Naku too began but then stopped again and then stared at the side of his mouth. Dutta blinked once, then felt the side of his stubble above his mouth, leisurely removed the stray grain of rice lodged in his stubble. Naku blushed , then pulled her lip to the side and slowly continued to eat. Baji who watched the subtle interaction between these loved ones , put his cutlery down and then turned to aye Sahib.
"aye Sahib, now let these two love birds alone. Even after marriage the pair of turtle doves! look like two sad cases who are being banned from seeing each other by this cruel world! aye! let them be! before, a hurricane strikes our home! Dutta growled as he pulled back his arm with a clenched fist aimed at Baji's chin,
"shut your face Baji! don't need you fighting my case.. we are in no hurry, now its lifelong partner ship besides it not every day that we have all our family present at the dining table. So take a tip from me Baji quit your jabber! give that jaw a rest , and my brain some rest too!, Roops, clapped and exclaimed
"spot on Dutta Bhau ! bravo that you are back on the scene ,Baji rao was getting illusions of grandeur that he was big boss of Patil nivas!. Dutta somehow found the joke if it was meant to be , quite distasteful.
"Roops , letting you know that Baji is the big boss of the mansion.. all eyes turned to Dutta was he being drawn into I am adopted syndrome again? but Dutta turned his head towards Baji on his side ,placed his palm on his brothers shoulder and reeled his face across to Roops
"Baji is my undeclared presence. When Dutta is absent Baji pulls the shots! every one present here knows this , even Naku. So whatever Baji did while I was not here should be accepted as me doing it. Baji and Dutta are one and the same!, Dutta declared as his voice faltered in the end and Baji's big rounded eyes watered with emotion. Aye Sahib too nodded once and dabbed the corner of her eye with the end of her pallu. Kala being the eldest, took charge and stood up and threw her arm around her mother's shoulder
"what is this aye sahib, tears? no more tears please , tears of doubts, dissension are over and done with.. Bappa has blessed your over whelming devotion today",aye Sahib nodded as she held mai's hand too
"yes Jagdammba maa! has been gracious, my children are before me .. who would say not all have been born of me?.. Kanta mai , squeezed her sisters hand and tilted her head like Dutta's
"this is the truth tai , that you may not have borne them all, but nevertheless Dutta and Seema will forever be the evidence of your exemplary mothering skills" Dutta and Seema exchanged looks and Seema ,too reached out for aye Sahib's arm
"just letting Naku , Roops and Krishna know .. to me aye Sahib spells out the word mother, never had one ,but had and still have my aye Sahib, isn't that true babba?Seema turned to her father who nodded graciously .Dutta, flattened his palms firmly on the table and peered across to his mother and spoke in a guttural voice.
"aye, whatever Dutta is today, everyone knows which woman had a hand in backing him and in his making. Nothing is forgotten aye.. Dutta was given a form , an identity by yourself.. all his life Dutta will remain your son and you his mother, who never gave birth to me but granted my life to me nevertheless!, Dutta hauled himself gently backed his chair and went along the table and inclined his torso to feel his aye Sahib's knees. Aye Sahib held his bowed head and kissed it. Then as he levelled up, aye Sahib turned to all from where she sat at the head of the table.
"look every one .. this celebration is not about me but about Dutta's home coming .. and all my close family before my eyes participating in my joy".. she stopped and called out to Naku
"Naku , get the sweet now! could do with something sugary" announced aye Sahib , and chairs moved as all left the table and veered towards the lounge area of Patil Niwas . Dutta turned his head and watched Naku ,Roops and Krishna disappear into the kitchen. Dutta held his hands behind his back and sauntered towards Seema and Baji. He stopped and studied Seema 's face
"you ok? , Seema nodded as Dutta muttered ,
" good !if there's any one I hate ,it's a coward" , Seema smiled as she felt both Baji and Dutta's arms
"with two tough body guards as yourselves, even a whimp like me becomes a tigress! Dutta , Seema will never shame her mentor , brother and confidante" Baji and Dutta both rested one arm each on Seema 's shoulders, and Dutta told her
"as long as you remember Seema , you will never walk alone if you are part of this family"
Naku weaved her way through and presented the tray that held glass bowls of hot gujar ka halwa garnished by thinly sliced almonds and pistachio. Seema and Baji picked up their bowls, while Dutta glanced down at his and gave a slanted smile turned his head towards the open French door which overlooked the garden
"it's stuffy in here , need some fresh air .. care to join me Naku? invited Dutta as he turned his body and strolled towards the garden, bathed in subtle dappled moonlight. As he stepped out he turned his neck to catch if she followed him. She did, he heard the clatter of the of the glass bowl on the metal tray. Dutta held back his head and looked up to the firmament studded with diamante stars that twinkled ,dotted across the dark sky wherever their eyes followed. The tranquillity ofthe garden was intermittently disturbed by the impish breeze that playfully rustled the leaves of the tall trees that stood like sentinels guarding the privacy of Patil Niwas . The centre point of this section of the garden was marked by a small fountain erected in the middle of a small round pond. Dutta stood before it and it's monotonous mechanical sprouts ,gushes and ripples took him down memory lane. Suddenly he turned around and reached out for the tray and bent and placed it on the marble circular border of the fountain..then he pointed his arm sideways to the fountain
"Naku this fountain goes a long way back for me.. it's like it's been here for each of my milestones in life",. Dutta reached out for her tiny hand and gently sat her down on the border of the pond. Then left a gap between them and sat opposite her ,with sided knees held together . Naku lowered the tips of her fingers in the bubbling waters of the fountain.. Suddenly from behind a dark cloud peeped the audacious moon peeping down at them.. it's reflection caught in the pond made it stir magically. Dutta lowered his fingers too and felt her fingers tips . Naku s just stared at the dwindling moon and then slowly raised her green eyes that turned blue green and kissed his stubble face with her tender looks . Dutta stared at her intensely and asked in his guttural voice
"what are you thinking about Naku? Naku looked at the moon's reflection ,smirked and replied
"Sahib , when I was young , I used to ask my aye, I want the moon.. aye would laugh and say , many wish for the moon but none can possess it.. the distance is too great..", Naku went silent and looked at the reflection of the sided stern faced Dutta.. suddenly she saw his lips fall apart and then his baritone voice resonated against the ripple of the water
"so Naku I take it you didn't get the moon humm? Naku gazed longingly at his reflection in the pond,as his lips curled up in a smile and her heart chimed out with joy silently
"my moon is you.. my Dutta Sahib!. Dutta moved his face and peered across at her mysterious expression and moaned..
"c'mon then! feed me that halwa before it gets cold! instead smiling away like a foolish girl! . Naku giggled and then held the bowl in her cupped palms before him to accept. Dutta narrowed his eyes and yanked his head to one side and commented sarcastically
" eyeee .. girl! your Sahib returns home today.. first time as your husband ,its only right you should feed him by your hand" Naku bowed her head , held a spoonful before his mouth.. Dutta looked directly into her eyes and blinked as he mouthed his favourite sweet... held it in the bottom of his mouth and gulped without chewing it. Nervously Naku asked him as she looked down into the bowl she cupped in her palm
"what is it Sahib? you are not eating it? just holding it in your mouth" with big bold school boy eyes he stared at her open mouthed , he struggled to speak but all that came out was incomprehensible sound. Naku giggled and suggested as she leaned forward ready with the next spoon full. He brushed her hand aside and rolled what he held in his mouth and swallowed it down awkwardly and turned his face towards her
"told you less sugar , didn't say sugarless! stupid girl..he rumbled with a roll to his eyes. Nakus' eyes welled up, her face turned crimson with embarrassment and she looked sullenly into his eyes. Dutta tilted his head , narrowed his eyes and gently glanced down at the bowl between them
"ayeee Naku , you don't believe me , then taste it yourself humm? Naku scooped a spoon ful and popped it in her mouth.. he was right she forgot to add sugar altogether. She slapped the side of her head and sprang up and rushed away with the bowl. Dutta stretched his long arm grabbed her just above the wrist..
" rok! Silly girl..did I dismiss you? sit right back down! and resuming feeding me now! he commanded and she fed him and he ate.. his eyes softened with tenderness. He chewed ravenously and whilst devouring spoonfuls till the last spoonful ,with a cheeky smile said
"sugarless it was my silly wife ! but each spoonful that you fed me Naku ,turned sweet as if by magic! how come? tell me? I am waiting.. Naku held the empty bowl in her palm and looked up into his anticipating eyes
"it's love Sahib, the magic ingredient... I Naku , nothing compared to you in form ,might ,and status ,simple and silly.. do have a heart full of love for you Sahib.." , Dutta moved his hand took the empty bowl from her hand and cupped it in his palms! and spoke with complete sincerity
" I know Naku.. knew all along you were the one for Dutta.. the woman who will still the storms in my life...for long enough Dutta was tossed about on the tumultuous waves of the ocean of life. Naku you came into my life and I have now found the bank..and my soul feels rested" he confessed softly as his gazed lowered on her delicate palm that lay flattened between them on the marble circular border of the pond. Dutta blinked, and Naku anticipated for an act of affection between them. Silence feel, broken by the gentle gargled rippling constant showering of the water fountain. Dutta raised his eyes and sided them towards the silhouetted house dotted with yellow lit up windows. Naku watched his stern profile his countenance clouded for a while as the moon in the firmament too hid behind a floating cloud. Naku's .. hand moved towards his knee, gently she felt it. Dutta sided his neck towards her with a quizzical gaze look..
"perhaps we should go in.. that's what you were going to suggest Naku weren't you? Naku nodded as Dutta reached out for her, hand. Then pressed both his palms on either side of the marbled border , hauled himself up, folded his injured left arm across his chest. Naku too held the empty bowl of gujar ka hawla in her hand and slowly they walked on the narrow winding crazy tiled path that led to the house. Suddenly he asked her with a sided head
" you are happy Naku?.. he paused and almost predicted her reply
"ask your heart that Sahib.. you'll get your answer", his eyes twinkled just as they reached the French door of the house, and muttered half amused
" that I have done Naku .. only wanted to hear from your mouth.. Naku paused and felt his hanging right arm as she turned up her smiling face to him
"so happy Sahib, that tonight I have gained the whole universe.. feel in complete awe, taken in by my good fortune, that me Naku can be so blessed", she opened her heart and he bowed his head once as he gave her complacent smile.
~~~~~~~~
Inside the house Nana Sahib and Seema were ready to leave, and Dutta's mothers and Kala tai looked at the newly weds. Seema hugged Naku , both exchanged a secretive smile ,that which Dutta noted but hooded his eyes ,and hugged nana Sahib as both men bade goodbye. Kala being the eldest didn't waste much time as she whispered in aye Sahib's ear. She stopped mid way as she noticed, Dutta sauntered towards Baji and both seemed engaged into a one to one conversation ,which from far, something important. Kala wondered what that could be? What could be more important than her Bhau' wedding night? Still whatever it was a swift nod from Dutta and a tap of approval on Baji's shoulder indicated their conversation ended. Dutta walked back to the centre of the room and gave Naku a lingered look. She blushed ..all the way from her swan like neck right up to her cheeks. Baji gambolled into the centre of the lounge too , and stood beside Dutta! and rubbed his palms together as he announced
" ok every body!the party is over! give this poor sickly , wounded soldier a break! he just returned from one battle front! only to jump into the next front of his life! so please all retire to your rooms and let the newly wedded get some peace too! Baji yelled as he turned and winked at Dutta! .. suddenly all dwindled away and Dutta and Naku stood under the dimly lit lone chandelier in the ceiling of the lounge. Baji hid behind one of the curtains and shook his head.. Deva shapat! now this Bhau, only god alone knows what he's thinking and when he'll move? looks like Naku will have to take the initiative..
Finally Dutta moved towards the wooden stairs that led up to his den. Naku followed behind like a dutiful wife , waiting for further orders from her lord .. Dutta being Dutta paused before the bottom of the steps , slowly turned to Naku and faced her, looked down into her eyes..
"normally a husband would carry his wife in his arms and cross the threshold of their room.. but Naku".. and he faltered in his speech. Naku moved close to him, lifted his heavy firm right arm, ducked her head and wrapped it around her shoulders. She sided her beautiful face towards his firm profile and said softly
"but here a wife will carry her husband's load and help him up the stairs.. come Sahib.. no worries ,Naku is with you.." gently and shyly she looped her left arm her husband's waist and gradually her sided body brushed against his big tall frame as they scaled the height, rose in love and got to the landing of his study.. the cloudy glass doors to Dutta's room were closed and both him and Naku stopped before them. Dutta turned towards her with his sided head and said..
"you open the doors to our room Naku.. and share my life with me now and forever! ".Naku pressed with her left palm and both stepped into the den transformed bridal suite! complete with countless lit red aromatic candles dotted around the room..Dutta's wide bed transformed into a canopy of a four poster bed strewn with rose petals. Both held their breath as they stepped in and stood in their haven. Dutta sided his head and commanded..
"close the door behind you Naku.. don't want that drama queen Baji coming in to start his theatrics! then he looked around ,especially at a leather papers wallet, lying discreetly on the bedside table. Naku unwillingly pulled back her arm from around his waist and did as she was told to the door. As she walked past him.. Dutta stretched his arm and grabbed her just above the wrist! gently brought her around and stood her before him. Intensely his narrowed eyes peered into her green eyes as slowly he stretched his arms and tenderly placed his palms on her shoulders. Naku shuddered , then slowly swallowed nervously. Suddenly she felt all the gathered hype of first night crawled under her skin. To contain herself Naku pulled her arms into her sides, found her fingers and played with them nervously . Dutta subtly noted her nervous display , slowly his palms slid down her upper arms till he pulled back his wide hands only to bring them between them. Tenderly he broke the connection of her fingers and held her finger tips in his.. with a guttural voice he expressed himself..
"Naku, from tonight , I want you to share my room.. when you tip toed in my life? even I didn't realize. But now in hindsight , I can say that when I began to see a purpose in life..that's when you became a need in my life.."he held on to her finger tips and continued with cloudy eyes
"just having you here in my room ,makes me realize that Dutta will have to make certain changes in life.. look after his life more, rather than put his neck on the line.. done enough of gun wielding and fighting criminals.. for my life now belongs to you Naku. I will have to pay heed to living for you, my family .. now that I have got one. Naku you have given to me, my very own immediate family..." his voice faltered , he didn't wish to sound that his wider family now takes second place so he looked into her green eyes and owned up..
"thank you for being part of my wider family, Naku", her hazel green doe eyes expanded and her rose petal lips parted and quivered slightly . Dutta looked at them and his stubble cheeks flushed ,as he now grabbed her hands tenderly ..
"Naku.. remember I came to Gul bahar ,that stormy rainy night? There was this girl, beautiful, fragile and fragrant like a rose, who opened the shop door to me, a weary traveller.. She took me in, hid me in the tiny shop floor store room.. she brought a white sheet for me to change into before I caught my death off my soaking black security uniform.. I felt, she opened the door to her heart to me.. that girl was you Naku! That night as you silently came and left.. I imagined you as mine.. I dreamt of you and me , being alone.. but they were dreams .. Improbable , and unlikely.. I stopped myself from dreaming further. But tonight Naku.. I wish to relive those dreams and by magic transform them into reality".. he pulled her closer to him , but as she pressed her face against the left side of his chest.. he winced in pain! Naku pulled back after which he looked down at her panic stricken face , embarrassed Dutta muttered tenderly as he rested his fingers gently on her warm upper back.
"if you hug me Naku.. put pressure on my right side not the left.. it's the injured side.. will take time to heal. Now that you are here, healing will take place swiftly.. walk me to the bed Naku"..,he requested. Naku blushed profusely, gently twisted herself so she supported him again by winding her arm loosely around his wide face. Gently she propped up the pillows of his bed, offered herself as he brushed past her, lurched and sat up in bed. One leg straight on the bed, the other leg kneed up. Naku stood by the end of his bedside shy demure, it was up to him now to initiate where to go next ,she mused, she had already hugged him and caused him to smart so..
Dutta turned his eyes towards her and slowly raised his arm across to her with a wee smile
"come sit by me Mrs. Nakusha Dutta Patil... your husband bids you too.. all decent Naku! won't bite you.." Naku giggled and nodded childishly as she sat at the foot of his bed. Dutta stared across at her then turned and reached out for the leather wallet by his bed side table ,held it on both his palms and whispered across to her under the canopy of flower hangings
"come closer Naku... want to give you something.. my petal.."to be continued.. hamlet 53 31.5.16
dear all... here Iam yes.. laid back ..please forgive me.. I still love you all dearly.. hammie
Edited by Hamlet53 - 9 years ago
0