Mishal Raheja
as
Dutta
Blue Blood
Final part 30
Naku moved a little closer to him across the bed side. By now she relaxed as she noted that he too was like a bag of nerves. As much as they loved each other , now it appeared the moment had arrived to materialise and understand an expression of their love. Naku gulped as she mused, this now was the time to give evidence of how and what they feel towards each other? must it have to be so hyped up can it not happen spontaneously ?But where does it begin and who starts? Surely not her? she's the woman. Women are shy and coy it's the man who makes the move. One look at his grumpy face made her blush.. Poor sahib wonder what goes on in his mind? Naku's fingers shook slightly as she worried ,but how will their acceptance of each other be realized? It's not that she is a child and that he a stranger? that she is weary of him. But then how can she ignore her accelerated heartbeat the dryness of her mouth and hot flushes of her face and neck. One look at her face and neck , beads of sweat on her brow told Dutta she too likewise him felt out of depth with this consummation night scenario. He moved his eyes off her, as instead they slowly rolled around the bridal suite that once was his den! Suddenly he felt the room his cave, den! now was shared and theirs! But nevertheless, culturally it may be said that before , his room was a no go zone for her, as his was a man's room which decent ladies didn't grace at the best of times. But as of now.. He stared at her nervous frame ,and decided it was up to him now to calm the frayed nerves of his pretty wife Naku , who now tarried at his request. Without a doubt his heart warmed to her mesmerizing amber green doe eyes that latched on to his narrowed lion like stare. Dutta blinked his eyes once, his palms cradled the leather wallet which he moved towards her, as he directly looked into her green eyes
"this is for you Naku..decided to give it to you tonight..please accept this as a consummation night present from your husband.." Naku accepted it from his hands gingerly and wondered what it could be? How unusual can this be? normally a husband would present a piece of jewellery to his wife on such a night. But this? a wallet? Dutta stared across at her and urged her to open it. She did, and was rendered speechless! It's was some kind of a folded blueprint. Dutta bade her to unfold it and helped her to smooth the crispy blue paper across the centre of their nuptial bed.
" here it goes then Naku .. your dreams , your shop Gul Bahar ! it's going to be built up again and will become your running concern again! you can sell flowers again, spread the fragrance of your personality once again. Dutta's heart is large enough to share his wife's service and potential with the rest of our community! I want the world to know my wife is exceptional and I as her husband wish her to be a role model to other women , that women can be both home makers and successful in realizing their dreams" Dutta paused and reached out for her hand ,caressed it and continued tenderly
" your physically beauty I wish to celebrate alone Naku . But the beauty of your heart ,mind and soul I wish you to share with as many people you can reach out to with your talents". She smiled shyly with a nod and then poured over the blueprint spread on the bed .Like an excited child she pressed her palm over the planning map . Dutta too doubled his tummy with some discomfort and ran his finger over the illustration, gave names to sectioned areas of the diagram. Propped up upon his right palm pressed on the bed, his left shoulder sided against Naku's shoulder. He sensed her peaches and cream fragrance, it intoxicated ,and quickened an urge within him to hold her close against his heart. Still the slight pull of his flesh from the healing wound let him down! Dutta winced, receded backwards and rested against the headboard of the bed. His eyes lingered upon her rather helplessly ,at a loss to express his tenderness for her. Naku too sat up and hastily pulled the blueprint, folded it, secured it safely back in the leather wallet. Dutta doubled his right arm across his forehead , and with semi shut eyes peered at her and asked
"won't you say something Naku? did you like my gift to you? hummm? Naku nodded , completely floored by his acts! taking her by surprise even in the past, were not unknown to her
"what should I say sahib? I make the dreams and you give them life. What can Naku say? except that in my previous life I must have pleased the gods that they gave me a life partner like yourself"
" not just your previous life Naku .. that your Sahib wouldn't known about. But yes, this I have seen presently in this life, your heart is forever willing to serve others and share joy with others. See Naku , how you accepted me with all my blues.. showed compassion towards Krishna .. So much so Naku, that he accepts you like his mother. What can be more noble and compassionate than that? making two fatherless men loved.. you are one of a kind Naku .. all this Dutta wants now is, for you to be mine forever. Share my every joy and sorrow, when I am in doubt do support, show me the way when, you think of me as your god ? for then my beautiful life-long devotee.. this god of yours will require your obeisance ,Naku ,be the light of love in my life. Make my world radiate with your presence".. He glimpsed a fresh crimson flush, travelled up from her long slender neck towards her chin, past her jaw, on to her smooth shiny rosy cheeks. Slowly he inclined towards her and caressed her cheek with his folded forefinger. Naku hooded her eyes demurely and her fine lower lip quivered. Dutta stretched his arm sideways to his bedside lamp switched it off. Naku's big bold eyes expanded . Dutta caught sight of her and right before her very eyes he curved both his arms, gathered the ends of his white kurta and pulled it off his head! bare chest he sat before her. The look of shock on Naku face amused him .To tease her , he flirted with her stunned eyes by gently scratching his broad hairy chest.. meaningfully ,Dutta gently patted the left side of his chest where his heart resided. Naku twisted her face the other way as she heard his wayward chuckle.. Then his guttural whisper, flowed into her ears
"better get used to seeing me like this Naku .. don't tell me you didn't note my bare chest in the hospital Naku ? it's the same chest only difference is the bandage has come off.. So don't looked so shocked will you? He teased. Naku silently affirmed with nod, and Dutta slanted forward, reached out for her hand, pulled her towards him. Willingly she veered towards his bare hairy chest..responded to his pull! then gently flattened her palms on his chest and relaxed her head against the middle of his thorax. Naku remained mindful not to put pressure on the left side of his chest which sustained the wound. He closed his arms around her back ,doubled his chin, pouted his chin and kissed the top of her warm head... ahhh.. he sighed, utterly content. Naku closed her eyes her cheek pressed against the jet black curly mat of his chest hairs. She heard his heart pounded against his rib cages and sensed hers did just that..Dutta Naku! .. Dutta Naku! ..it beat, one pulse in perfect consistency! One thing lead to another, as Dutta endeavoured to be romantic .. What was wrong with him? why was he afraid? He dreamt about this stunning woman now that she was upon his chest to have and to hold forever ..why was he distant. Preoccupied he clenched his square stubble jaw. He'd better make a move before Naku concludes he is some timid wimp! He cleared his throat nervously and Naku gazed up at him with some degree of concern was he well?
"sahib are you ok? she asked sweetly as she moved away from his chest.. stared up at him with her green doe eyes. Dutta senses the emptiness on his chest occupied before by the gentle soft feel of her face... and before both of them knew it.. Dutta raised his palms and slowly moved them towards Naku's fair rosy cheeks. With her face cupped in his hands he just stared at her closed rosebud mouth.. As his thumbs gently stroked the smooth creamy skin of her cheeks.. Her lips apart slowly, Dutta inclined his head and his lips brushed against her smooth velvet warm lips that quivered at each tender brush of his lips upon hers. Shivers crept through Naku as his stubble chin poked her smooth chin..but Dutta's passion got the better of him.. The feel of her lips and the exploration of her mouth that he could never imagine gave him the courage take the first giant leap in the expression of his love. His grip around her tightened under the spell of his mounting ardour. Roughly he pulled her into him, cradled her in his arms his lips sealed upon hers. Naku s arms rose and become the garland of eternal love around her sahib's neck.. Dutta felt his rather bold expression of love! was rather well received by his shy wife..her arms around his neck were a sure signal enough for him .. His kisses gets harder and deeper as his whole imposing frame slowly dropped on her tiny frame in complete submission.. Naku lay beneath her sahib and closed her eyes tightly as she sensed his warm breath on the curve of her neck...
A bird chirped to its mate outside their bedroom window. Naku cames out of his bathroom, her long raven black hair bunched up in a towel over her head. One look at her lion who slept on his tummy. His smooth bare back made her blush as she recalled his wanton behaviour last night. He moved his white pyjama clad long legs grabbed a head cushion and dozed off again. Naku shuffled the towel on her moist hair , shrug and tousled it! then lets her tresses hang, as she ran her fingers and separated the knots. One look at the clock , past eight am..she dressed and dolled herself up, put the vermillion in her hair parting, fixed her pallu and left him sleeping. Naku scurried along the corridor down the main stair case and made her way towards Bappa's statue in the family puja area. Both her mother in laws were there before her. Naku touched their feet and gathered blessings from the elders. The three women go through the worship with Naku being privileged one who performed Arti. She realized she had lots to offer thanks for before Bappa .. countless blessings the lord has given her.. above all lord Ganpati had given to her own lord and master Dutta Sahib.. her protector for life. Aye Sahib's gentle tap on her shoulder reminded her, now over night her role in this home had changed so have all the expectations this family had off her. So her last prayer was a request from her lord that may she never fall of her duties towards her new family. As of today Naku would share the arti with all the members of the family..and so she did..it became an endearing act where mid morning before breakfast the whole awaited for Naku's arrival to receive arti.
But after puja Naku's daily chore was the much loved duty of appeasing her own earthly god Dutta Sahib like today her first day after she became his eternally. Naku! his roar reached her ears past the kitchen door where she stood with his morning tea held on a tray. Luckily as from today, for times to come none of the family took notice of his loud roar as he always like today categorized who he demanded to see first thing in the morning. So for the first time as Dutta's wife for days to come Naku would scurry down the corridor and like always he would be ready and dressed awaiting his morning cuppa tea. It would always begin like today for the rest of their lives.. by checking out his beloved, embracing her, peering into her green eyes from his narrowed lion like eyes.. and then a pressing of lips with a promise every morning to his Naku of much more to follow when night time, throws the nocturnal blanket over the occupants of Patil Niwas.# But this morning at breakfast the family was served with halwa prepared by the new daughter in law Naku. As Dutta relished the first spoonful into his mouth he noticed his brother Baji's dropped jaw and Dutta knew what Dutta had to do. It was not a suggestion that he gave ,but more like a reminder he served to the elders of his family. Baji and Roops wedding needed to be solemnized as soon as possible! and once done both the brothers should have their wedding receptions together. Where apart from friends and acquaintances ,the families of the general public of Patil vadi , would also be invited as he needed to share his thoughts with the general common folk of his home ground . Aye shahib , Kala were suddenly reminded of the presence of ShriRam Patil the great philanthropist of Patil Wadi. Both Kala and her mother who remembered him well, dabbed a tear as they stared at Dutta's face ..kala reflected in awe that here sat this man her foster brother ,nurtured by her mother brought into the home by her father's approval.. Dutta, not even her blood but strangely her father's person whom Dutta didn't even know.. seemed to have rubbed off on him...Today after all these years ,her father speaks to them all and makes his presence known, Dutta's blue blood speaks her fathers language!
~~~~~~~~
Baji wedding was celebrated with full pomp and ceremony complete with all the pre nuptial rituals and customs that Dutta missed out on. But Dutta being the kind of man he was preferred to go with the flow.. rather Baji! the true son of the house than him. Naku of course spear headed all the events with Seema , Krishna and Ravi's sisters. For Naku was literally directed by Dutta and aye shahib that Ravi's mother and sisters should never be made to feel ,they were not part of the Patil household.
During the preparations Dutta and Baji were seen to be joining heads, discussing matters of business constantly. Basically they had concluded unanimously they would let the rest of their vast family get on with the wedding and reception arrangements. They would only turn up as dressed studs and stand next to their dressed up dolly dames and smile and nod at all! Dutta however, since he had the licence that Baji lacked whenever he had the opportunity grabbed his wife , whisked her off to their room.. many a huddled in the corner of his room .. steamy kisses took place between him and Naku. But things hardly ever progressed further than a few snatched kisses in the haven of Dutta's den . For since his marriage Dutta had developed a new forward moving romantic policy that took him from strengthto strength,that he would readily come up with excuses which summoned her up to their room. Help in choosing his festive clothes, seeking Naku's assistance in doing up his traditional attire e.g dhoti were sweet moments when lovable interactions would become a recurrent feature in their relationship as a husband and wife. At night in bed Naku laughed at the changes in his behaviour, how he moved on from being a shy , restrained man to a bold and wild lion! Dutta in response much aroused, chuckled, squeezed her in his arms and always vowed to love her for all the days of his life! and each time he loved Naku it was as if it was the last time.. he would ever love her.
The day of the reception came at last and as required both the grooms , both brothers one by one made speeches before the huge crowd invited . Baji being the youngest was the first to go and the crowd of the locals of Patil Wadi welcomed him with whistles and loud positive hooting !Dutta sat on the stage and smiled at the affection the masses showed towards his comrade and brother. It showed Dutta his brothers oneness with the masses and his approachability. Dutta's chest swelled with pride at his brother. Baji reinforced that whatever he had strived to be and whatever he had achieved the motivating source had always been his Dutta Bhau..Dutta was aware if not stopped in time, Baji would go on and on about their bond ,and thus he thought this would be an opportune moment to share his thoughts with his people.
His family too occupied pride of place on the wide stage. It was noticeable his two mothers flanked Dutta as he sat on the stage. Naku sat next to Kanta bai. Soon as the imposed frame of Dutta clad in an ivory coloured silken dhoti, topped with an orange raw silk high collared kurta, accessorised with a throw over of a folded ivory silk patka. The crowd clapped as they received him at the rostrum. The guests in subtle admiration .But the crowd of ordinary folk chanted Dutta Bhau !Dutta Bhau! as Dutta brought his joined palms before his face.. then amid loud repetitive chant of his name he gradually raised his pressed palms above his head as he indicated , completely submission before them. Gradually he lowered his folded arms and held them behind his back and begin to talk to his people...
"what I am about to say to you all is the first my own family will hear of it. This morning after my marriage , I was taken in by how far I have travelled in my love. It humbles me today to reinforce the fact that had it not been the benevolence of Shree Ram patil and his wife Shakuntala devi, this Dutta would have ended up a lost,shunned ,destitute orphan on the streets and would have died on the streets somewhere like an unwanted insect. Instead, I was picked up from an orphanage and brought into the house whose walls protectively embraced me, nurtured me like an exotic plant , watered me with care showered me and cooled me with waters of love. Hence this Dutta that you see today, is a sturdy tree whose roots stem from the family the Patils! who gave the name Dutta! to a questioned entity" Dutta turned his head and looked at Naku . She read the message of his silence , bowed her head once,and indicated her consent.
Dutta pulled his breath in and continued much emotionally charged,
" I also want to share with you that not only was I an orphan but Bappa gave me a life partner too who came from a much troubled back ground. Both of us decided that our lives would be used as a positive statement for the lives of people at risk of disaffection in particular children deemed to be orphans at risk of being a target for crimes against society and humanity.. Krishna, I confirm as mine and Nakusha's adopted son! Krishna jumped up and ran and felt his father's feet and then turned to Naku's feet! and finally stood behind aye sahib and leaned forward and gave her a hug ! Dutta looked at the crowd, gripped the sides of the rostrum as he made yet another key announcement.
" so keeping all this is in mind after consultation with Nakusha , Roops and Kanta mai ,we have decided that Ram Sita hivali will be over hauled into an orphanage where children will be nurtured in a safe environment and groomed into being responsible citizens in society . Children will have access to free education across the primary range up to high school. The less fortunate children will also have the chance to interact with peers whose parents live below the poverty line! He confirmed that Nakusha and his mai and his adopted son Krishna would oversee this venture!No sooner had he revealed that, a loud cheer arose from the residents of Patil vadi! Applause for free welfare and education was welcomed! Dutta Bhau long live! resounded in the marquee awning of the open air reception. Dutta's mother Kanta bai, Naku and Krishna smiled at each other with future positive dreams to be realized, in their hearts. Dutta, turned his head towards Naku again and tilted it to one side, as she yet again, pulled her lower lip in total agreement.. so Dutta continued
"now a mention about flowers..that which bring colour ,beauty and fragrance into our lives. Flowers that we use to appease our gods and loved ones.. so me and aye Sahib are pleased to announce that the flowers of love that we as a family have towards the communities of Patil Vadi will bloom again! in the new flower shop Gul Bahar being built shortly! and this will be run by my brother Baji and my vahini Roops and my dear friend and adopted sister Seema ! This news was also welcomed by both his peoples, and his family.
For the final piece of news related to his life Dutta s foster mother aye Sahib stood and walked up to her Dutta and felt his arm as he cleared his throat and projected his baritone voice
"as you can see my mother who raised me up as her own, is by me side to share with you the hardest piece of announcement .. that of stripping the grandeur of our mansion Patil Nivas and converting it into a hostel for vulnerable , women. This would be overseen by aye Sahib and my Kala tai. and as for me and my family we will continue to reside in a newly built humble annexe at the side of the hostel..Our lives will be used for public service in the loving memory and good works of the head of our family Shree Ram Patil". Thus ended the briefing Dutta gave about his and his family's future expeditions on his home ground.. Patil Wadi..
Prologue
Krishna put garlands around the necks of sculptured busts of his parents Dutta and Nakusha Shree Ram patil. He gulped as he stood pressed on the sides of his waist by nine year old Aamba and ten year old Shravan his half brother and sister. Krishna recalled how happy his parents were at the marriages of Ravi's three sisters over the years , well before their brother Ravi was set see. He recalled how his father had swelled with joy at the wedding of his aunt Seema with Ravi after he been released from prison. His father had achieved his last commitment of getting his aunt Seema married off! Krishna recalled how relaxed his father was and that day too, like on previous occasions babaa had declared, he was the son of the sea! He had a strange pull towards water bodies .. that day too babba went boating with his beloved wife Naku like he frequently did to share quality time with mai.. Krishna gulped again as he recalled that day both his parents never returned. It was full moon and the tide rose without warning! Together they went to sleep painlessly on the coral ridden , floating bed of the surreal vast ocean of eternity. Anemones and starfishes swam and hovered around them but only from far.. this pair of lovers were in the midst of celebrating their love.. Dutta and Naku would never be separated by either joy or sorrow, the gloom of possessing a family or not , being of blue blood or a stray! nothing mattered as they were beyond the preoccupations of worldly matters. Krishna smiled at their busts and reflected , his parents were not gone but very much alive to date. His mother will forever remain young and the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world in the eyes of his father. His father will remain the lion of Patil Vadi. Krishna smiles at their busts. His parents youth and beauty will carry on till time immemorial , as they defied age and time! All the ventures his parents especially his father Dutta undertook, are themselves a living testimony of his success story . Thus till the orphanage salvages one orphan helps her or him to find their feet, his father Dutta s life along with his mother Nakusha's continues. Every time a flower blooms in Gul Bahar and then graces the statues of Durga maa and lord Shiva, his father and mother would smile with approval. Krishna kisses the foreheads of his parents bust.. and he reflects every time a defenceless woman is armed with strength to fend for herself in the Vulnerable woman's hostel his parents Dutta and Nakusha will come alive! Surely they were not just a romantic pair! But rather a lifelong inspiration for those who live with disaffection. Their love will still be seen as a strong message to remain united in oneness of purpose which will help others like them to overcome hurdles, challenges of life they both faced as well. The positive energy of their love vibrates in their goods deed left behind. Their tale of love is an evidence of this man and wife, who beat improbability and left behind themselves a legacy of hope that continues to make a difference to the world we now live in, long after their departure.Krishna hands slowly and gently felt the young shoulders of his siblings Aamba and Shravan. Babba and mai are still around, watching him whether he performed to the best of his abilities..
"Krishna ! Krishna! where are you ? can't find Dutta and Naku anywhere? Aye Sahib called! as she feebly forced herself out in the courtyard, Amba and Shravan raced towards aye Sahib,
"here we are dadi! they yelled! as both pressed straight into their dadi widespread arms! She gathered them to her bosom and kissed their faces, as tears of joy rolled down her wrinkled face as she cried, "my little Dutta and Naku! jagdamma ! she raised her hands up to Bappa grateful that she had been gifted with the replica of her Dutta and his wife Naku . The children dragged her to a bench that faced the busts of their parents. Amba asked her dadi..
"dadi tell me what babba and mai were really like ? it was most certainly aye Sahib's favourite topic and she replied,
"well children your father was as stubborn as a donkey !but as regal and dreaded like the lion! but with a heart made of pure gold. As for your mother she had the greenest doe eyes, and in mind she was a woman ahead of her times!.. and aye Sahib cuddled her grand children closer to her old body. From far Krishna watched the glow on aye sahib's face how her lips moved .. and the children smiled totally engaged by yet another anecdote about their mai and babba ,Dutta and Naku.. this then is the beginning of the revival of their tales and by no means the end ! For my parents good work continues ,mused Krishna ..Hamlet53~ 5 8. 16
Dear bart, rosie, tammy, afzal ,ranju, taz/joya, Alex. Thank you for putting up with an appalling writer like me, who of recent became wayward. For this final SS which I began in july 2015 hammie really took the cake! turned really and truly outrageous.. now how many of you know what took me away from Laagi was another play on the same word ,emotion .. Ishq! by Jove! The actor in male lead Mishal was a common factor. Although in character Viplav and Dutta are chalk and cheese.. and as characters never the twain shall meet, but nevertheless I applaud the actors effort at versatility. So became preoccupied with Viplav .. but one last time forgive me before I say a final farewell to my one and only romantic telly pair Mishal/Mahi Dutta and Naku.. this SS both for tasha and hamlet is a swan song.. but I hasten to add that tasha lives on in souls of viewers.. like in my soul.. I hear still Dutta's words "bol Naku ,main sun raha hoon".. and her reply. "Ab main kya bolon saab..." I rest my case .. Dutta and Nakusha the eternal love story..
Edited by Hamlet53 - 9 years ago
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Mangal Lakshmi
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