I agree with Kshreya more. The expressions i have seen on Dutta is not just the usual protectiveness that such a character may have or sense of gratitude that you see for someone who saved his life. Maybe when he was saving her from MOrey that was the thought.. a general sense of protectiveness for someone who couldn't save herself. But during their journey together there was more to the looks they both shared. A sort of intrigue is built in both of them regarding each other. Nakku ofcourse is much more openly expressing her intrigue.. but with Dutta its hard to guess what he is thinking because he speaks so little and doesn't let his emotions betray his on his face.. but just from tomorrow's precap you can imagine.. he wants to know more about her. Why Morey was after her. He feels like sharing more with her. Even going as far as telling her he too has secrets. Why? Whats the need for that. He is definitely taken by her character. Maybe it was the fact that she saved him twice.. showed the courage when she could have easily walked away and taken the money too like her father said. So he probably sees some genuineness in her. Especially if he is aware of his sisters' nature then he must appreciate Nakku more for being a more honest and grateful human being. That might be the reason he is drawn to her. And he definitely is. Because the looks they share are not just regular..."i am concern for you and your family because you saved my life" kind of looks. He is interested in her as a person. His gaze follows her and tries to dig deep into her soul.
So maybe its not love yet... you are right, but its definitely not harmlessly platonic either.
ah very well written JC. its a pleasure to read. these two have definitely formed a bond over the course of the eventful night they first met. naku was naturally attracted to the man who cud save her from morey single handedly. datta understood that attraction. and then after the attack on Datta naku refused to leave him and go away. her inherent courage shone thru. after that datta cud have easily sent naku and her family their way without they getting into trouble with morey. or even sent them away after a few days but he is now genuinely trying to ensure that naku and her family are useful and have a good life. he understands the situation in naku's family with an alcoholic father and he knows that if naku has to have a peaceful life the her family situation must improve. datta genuinely cares for what happens to naku and wont leave her to her fate...as u said he's interested in her as a person and he's been observing her closely since they first met(he jumped to help her with the hand pump). the good thing abt him is that he hasnt let her looks be a barrier between them.