Bigg Boss 19- Daily Discussion Thread- 9th September, 2025
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Sept 9, 2025 Episode Discussion Thread
🏏T20 Asia Cup 2025- AFG vs HK 1st Match, Group B, Abu Dhabi🏏
SUPER HEROO 9.9
The Ba****ds of Bollywood trailer
Karan Nandini Kids are here
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Sep 10, 2025 EDT
20 years of Salaam Namaste
3 Years Of Brahmāstra
Sidharth Malhotra is just the same as Arjun Kapoor, just with looks!
Happy Birthday Akshay Kumar
How many more chances for Janhvi Kapoor!!?
MAIRA AGAYI 10.9
ok so i know its been ages...sorry about that...but...im here now...thats what counts right...😆😆😆...i hope you all like this update...and as a bit of a concilation...im going to try my level best to update Ek Paal today as well 😉😉 ...so you'll get double does of TaSha...not to mention...the Express will be up within the hour 😃😃😃...so...ENJOY!!
Part 7It had been about two weeks since the Sundar "Bhootni" incident had taken place. But even then, whenever Dutta had thought about it, he would end up laughing. Ever since that night, Dutta had been in a surprisingly good mood. When Dutta had told Baji about Sundar, Baji hadn't believed him. Even when Naku had corroborated Dutta's story about shopping and food in his water glass, Baji still hadn't believed them. On this particular night, Dutta and Baji were in the study talking about business when Babi called them down for dinner. Dutta went while Baji finished up a phone call. As Dutta walked down the stairs, he could see some family members gathered around the dining table, however some of his view was obscured by the back wall of the dining room. As he approached, he saw Naku bringing out a dish and placing it on the table. She looked up and their eyes met. Then, instantly, she her eyes darted to the table and then back at him. Dutta stopped as he noticed the look of worry and panic in her eyes. Dutta had just taken another step down the stair ' on more and he'd be in full view of everyone at the table.
"Bhoot!" Naku suddenly shouted.
Dutta stopped in his tracks while all other eyes went right to her. Dutta stood confused not knowing what was going on. As he watched, Naku mouthed the word 'bhoot' one more time, and then darted her eyes towards the table. Dutta finally got what she meant ' Sundar was there, bhootni ke! Without making a sound Dutta took a few steps back up the stairs so that when people turned, they wouldn't be able to see him. As Dutta thanked Naku silently in his head, he heard Babi ream her out.
"Naku, tu bhoot bhoot kyun chilla rahi hai?" Babi asked.
"Memsab woh'main'woh'," Naku didn't know what to say.
"Tune bhoot dekha kya?" Leela asked.
"Nahin Taayi, kuch nahin'woh'" without elaborating, Naku fled to the kitchen.
Dutta quietly made it back to the study, only then did he breathe again.
"Jaan chuti," he said as he sat in one of the chairs. The last thing he needed was another encounter with his 'buddy', Mr. Sundar.
"Kya hua Bhao? Khaana nahin khana?" Baji asked.
"Hmm'?" Dutta said, not really paying attention.
"Khaana nahin khana?" he repeated. "Bhuk nahin hai kya?"
"Bhuk toh hai magar'" Dutta began to say but was cut off.
"Toh phir chal na. Mere pet mein toh chuhe dord rahe hai," Baji said as he headed towards the door.
"Nahin, main neeche nahin jaunga. Dinner uss Sundar ke saath, no way!" Dutta said.
"Kaun?" Baji asked "Chachundar?"
Dutta laughed, "Sundar'not Chachundar."
"Oh, woh yeda jiske bare mein tu baath kaar raha tha."
"Haan."
"Aare Bhao, tu bhi naa'chal neeche'" Baji tried his best to coax Dutta to go down but Dutta was adamant. "Kya Bhao, tujhe bhuka marne ka shok hai kya?" Baji asked.
"Main bhuka nahin marunga," Dutta said confidently.
"Iss study mein rahega toh khaana kaise milega?" Baji asked.
Then, as if on cue, Naku walked in balancing a tray with her hands. She smiled at Baji as she entered, "Aare, Baji aap yahaan kaab aaye?" Before he could answer Naku's attention was focused on Dutta. "Saab, khaana," she said as she laid out the plate and other food for Dutta. She poured him a glass of water before she turned to Baji again. "Aapko bhuk lagi hogi. Main abhi aapke liyeh khaana lekar aati hoon."
"Naku ruk," Baji called stopping Naku in her tracks. "Main neeche jaa kar khalunga."
"Neeche?" Naku repeated in complete shock.
"Haan kyun?"
"Neeche toh Sundar-ji hai," she said. "Aapne inhe nahin bataya Sundar-ji ke bare mein?" she asked looking at Dutta.
"Bataya naa'baar baar bataya lekin yeh hai ke manta hi nahin," Dutta said.
"Main kissi Chachundar se nahin daarta," Baji said.
"Sundar," Dutta and Naku said at the same time.
"Joh bhi sundar vundar ho, main jaa raha hoon," with that he walked out.
Naku looked on in horror. "Saab, unhe rokiyeh," she pleaded.
"Main kyun rokoon?" Dutta asked as he began to eat. "Jaab maine bola toh mujh par vishvas nahin kiya. Aab usse pata chalega ke Sundar kya cheez hai."
"Magar Saab'" Naku began to say.
At that moment they heard Sundar loudly say, "Baji my Buddy!"
Dutta and Naku looked at each other and a second later fell into a fit of laughter. After the laughter subsided Naku asked Dutta to go and save Baji.
"Main nahin bachaunga," Dutta said.
"Saab'" Naku said.
"Aare kamal hai! Tu mere taraf se hai ya uske taraf se?" he asked.
"Main insaniyat ki taraf se hoon," Naku said. "Saab, Baji neeche Sundar-ji aur Priya Taayi ki beech mein phasa hua hai. Yeh zulm woh bardasht nahin karpayega."
"Toh, mujh par vishvash nahin karne ka yehi saaza hai."
"Yeh saaza nahin, atyachar hai," Naku corrected.
After a moments pause Dutta said, "Tu tik keh rahi hai. Aaisi saaza main toh aapni dushman ko bhi naa doon. Magar main neeche nahin jaunga'varna lene ke dene padjayenge."
"Main jake keh deti hoon ke aap unhe bularahe hai," Naku said.
"Nahin!" Dutta said as he jumped up. "Aagar usse pata chal gaya ke main yahaan hoon, toh woh Bhootni uppar ajayega. Main ek kaam karta hoon, Baji ko phone kar leta hoon."
With that, Dutta pulled out his phone and began dialing while Naku left. Less then a minute later, Baji ran into the room and closed the door behind him, locking it.
"Toh, aab yakeen aaya mere batoon paar?" Dutta asked.
Baji looked at Dutta. "Bhao, woh admi hai ke kya hai? Itna fatichar admi maine aapni zindagi mein khabi nahin dekha. Tauba! Kya namuna hai! Chi!"
"Bola tha naa maine," Dutta said as he returned to eating.
Baji sat next to Dutta and was about to grab some food when Dutta stopped him. "Kya kaar raha hai?" he asked.
"Bhuk lagi hai, khaa raha hoon," Baji said.
"Kyun, tujhe toh bohot shok tha neeche saab ke saath khaane ka," Dutta mocked. "Main tujhe khaana nahin dunga."
"Bhao, mere paar aur zulm maat kar," Baji pleaded.
Just then, a knock came from the door. Dutta and Baji looked at each other ' both fearing it was Sundar. Baji finally asked, "Kaun?"
"Main, Naku," she said.
The men both breathed a sigh of relief. Baji opened the door and as soon as he saw Naku carrying a tray of food, he took it from her hands and immediately dug in. "Naku, my hero!" Baji said with his mouth full of food. "Aaj se tu mera bhi body guard hai. Usse Chachundar se mujhe bachana."
Naku let out a small giggle as she turned away to leave.
"Naku," Dutta called. "Aayi Sahib ne khaya?"
"Nahin, unhone kaha ke khaane ka maan nahin hai. Woh aapne kamre mein aaram kaar rahe hai, main thodi dehr mein unke liyeh badam ka dood leke jaungi."
"Tik hai," Dutta said.
With that Naku left, Dutta and Baji returned to eating.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Naku kept looking at the clock and cursing herself for not working fast enough. She was supposed to have taken the milk for AS almost an hour and a half ago, but she was given chores left, right and center. She worked as fast as she could but still it seemed like nothing was getting done. In all honesty, Naku was seriously worried about AS. For the past two weeks or so she hadn't been herself. AS had been unusually fatigued, not sleeping well, indigestion and even some anxiety. Naku was afraid of what it could be, but she kept telling herself that it wasn't what she was thinking. Finally, at around 11pm, Naku finished all her work and made her way towards AS's room. If AS was up, she'd give her the milk, if not she'd at least check on her. Naku knocked once but didn't hear anything so she knocked again, this time she heard a very faint sound from the other side. She gently pushed the door open and entered the dimly light room. As soon and Naku's eyes fell on AS, she knew ' she knew ' her worst fears were true.
Putting the glass down, she rushed to AS who was trying to stand up but was very weak. As she touched AS's arm, she felt her cold clammy skin under her hands. Naku could see AS struggling for breath.
"Aayi Sahib," Naku said as a whisper. "Aayi Sahib, kya aapke seene mein kissi bhi tarha ka daard hai?"
"Naku tum chinta maat karo," AS said as she placed a hand on Naku's shoulder to balance herself.
"Sawal ka jawab dijiyeh Aayi Sahib," Naku persisted. "Please."
After a short pause, she answerd, "Haan hai, magar thoda sa. Kuch nahin hai."
"Hey Bagwan," Naku said under her breath as she helped AS lay down.
Once that was done, Naku raced down the hall towards Dutta's room. The door was closed so she began pounding on the door. "Saab! Saab darvaza kholiyeh! Saab!" she yelled.
A short while later Dutta opened the door with an angry look on his face as he closed his phone. "Kya hai Naku?! Koi patience nahin hai kya?!"
"Saab, woh'Aayi Sahib," she said out of breath.
Now, Dutta was on full alert, "Kya hua? Kya hua Aayi Sahib ko?"
"Woh'"
"Naku bol na!" Dutta yelled as he grabbed Naku by the shoulders.
"Aayi Sahib ko hospital lekar jaana hoga?"
"Hospital?" he repeated shocked. "Hospital kyun?"
How as Naku going to explain that she was fairly certain that AS was having a heart attack? She KNEW it was a heart attack. Women displayed different signs than men when suffering from a heart attack. Unfortunately, AS displayed almost all the symptoms. But how as she going to tell Dutta that? Would he believe her? What if he didn't? Worse yet, what if he questioned her? It didn't matter, Naku had to do what was necessary to save AS.
"Woh'mujhe lagta hai ke unhe dil ka dohra pada hai," Naku said.
"Kya?" Dutta's mind wasn't processing what was being said.
"Heart attack!" Naku yelled. There was no time to lose so she couldn't worry about anything else.
"Oh my God," Dutta said as he broke into a full run towards AS's room.
By this time the family was awakened by all the noise and rushed to AS's room with Dutta and Nakusha. Within two minutes, AS was in a car and they were speeding down the streets headed toward the hospital. As they entered the hospital, a rush of memories hit Naku like a wave but she pushed it all back. Her first priority was making sure AS got the best treatment. While Dutta and Baji both yelled for a doctor to care for AS, Naku looked for the one face that she knew could help her. She was almost about to ask a nurse to page him when, like an angel, she saw him walking down the hall towards Dutta ' Dr. Kishore Mehra, head of Cardiothorasic's.
Dutta got to the doctor before Naku could. The doctor told Dutta to go to the emergency department just down the hall and check AS in there ' there was a team of doctors and nurses that could help as he was off to consult on a case, where the family had already been waiting for two hours. Naku couldn't let this happen.
"Doctor Saab, please humari madat kijiyeh," Naku pleaded with her hands folded in front of her.
"Dekhiyeh main'" the doctor began to say but stopped as he watched Naku in disbelief.
Naku slowly and coyly, took her right hand and gripped onto her right ear, as if to say sorry for something. Then she whispered, "Doctor Uncle, please," her hands once again folded in front of her.
"Nakus'" he began but immediately shut up when he saw Naku shake her head, 'no'. Gaining his composure, he quickly whisked the stretcher to the first available trauma room, where he disappeared, leaving Dutta, Baji and Naku to wait.
"Naku, woh doctor tujhe jaanta hai?" Dutta asked.
"Nahin woh'umm'" What was she going to say? "Woh, doctor Bade saab ke dost the issi liyeh kahin baar ghaar pe maine dekha tha unhe."
She looked to see if Dutta bought it, since he didn't ask any more questions, she assumed he did. While Dutta and Baji paced the hall, Naku slipped away. She walked through the halls of the hospital, headed toward the mandir they had, as old memories finally broke through and flooded her mind. This hospital had been like her playground. She'd come here countless times with her father during his rounds. This is where she fell in love with medicine.
Dr. Kishore Mehra had been her dads colleague and her dads best friend. He had always treated Naku like his own daughter. Every time Naku came to the hospital and her father had to consult on a case, Dr. Mehra ' or Dr. Uncle as she lovingly called him ' would take her to his cabin and spoil her with chocolates. Later, when her father asked where she got the chocolate from, since she was forbidden from eating them because of her cavities, she'd break and say that Dr. Uncle gave them to her. Then when her father accused Dr. Uncle of spoiling Naku, he'd promise never to give Naku candy again. However, Naku would always go to see him before she left. She would walk into his cabin, dressed in something pink or purple usually, her hair tied in pig-tails on the side of her head. She would put both hands on her ears and say, "Sorry Dr. Uncle." That was it, he melted like butter on the hot stove. That is why, even today, he was able to recognize her from that one gesture.
Naku found her way to the mandir. Sitting in front of it, she joined her hands together and began to silently pray for the well being of AS.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The wait was killing him ' KILLING him. Dutta was could be a patient man but when the life of his mother was at stake, he was anything but. He was just about to go in and see what was going on when the doctor came out, followed by a stretcher carrying AS.
"Doctor kya hua?" he asked. "Woh tik toh hai naa? Meri Maa ko kuch nahin hona chahiyeh!" Immediately he caught what he said.
"Chinta maat kijiyeh Mr. Patil, aaki Maa tik hai. Main unhe ICU mein settle karke aata hoon, aap mere cabin mein intezaar kijiyeh," the doctor said.
As he walked away, Dutta asked Baji to go with him but he didn't want to leave AS alone. He looked around for Naku but couldn't find her. He told Baji to go to the doctors cabin, while he hunted down Naku and asked her to sit with AS. Dutta had an idea of where she could be but he wasn't sure. He asked a nurse for directions and then was on his way. Dutta took the elevator to the third floor lobby.
When the doors opened and he looked ahead, he saw her small figure on the floor, hands clasped in front of her, eyes closed in prayer. It struck him how devoted a maid was to his mother, when her so-called best friend couldn't be bothered to even come to the hospital. Dutta made his way to Naku. He put one hand on her shoulder and called to her, "Naku."
"Saab? Kya hua?" Naku asked as she looked up. "Aayi Sahib?"
"Tu chal mere saath, Aayi Sahib ke saath bait, mujhe doctor ke saath baath karna hai aur main Aayi Sahib ko akela nahin chodna chata," Dutta said.
"Ji'chaliyeh," was all she said as she rose to her feet.
The two of them silently walked down the halls with Naku just a few steps behind him. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her linger at various windows and signs ' as if she was reliving something. Little did he know that she was thinking about the life and career she could have had at this hospital, had her father not died.
As they approached AS's room Dutta said, "Tu Aayi Sahib ke saath bait, main abhi aata hoon."
With that, Dutta began walking towards Dr. Mehra's office when he ran into him at the nurses station just down the hall.
"Aapki Maa ko ek mild heart attack hua hai," the doctor explained as Dutta listened intently.
While they talked, suddenly they heard the sound of something clattering against the floor. Dutta and Dr. Mehra both looked towards the hall when another sound came, this time of something shattering. Dutta didn't like the sound of that so he took a few steps towards AS's room. Just then, the door to AS's room swung open and a man dressed head to toe in black, his face covered with a scarf, came running out of the room. He made eye contact with Dutta and then raced down the hall in the opposite direction.
"Page security!" Dr. Mehra yelled at the nurse behind the desk.
Dutta immediately took off after the stranger, but stopped when he saw Naku staggering as she came out of AS's room. In her haste, she nearly ran into Dutta.
"Saab woh'Aayi Sahib'yeh'" Naku said as she took her left hand and raised it to her right shoulder.
It was then that Dutta saw a hypodermic needle sticking out from Naku's arm. She flinched when she pulled it out.
"Naku, tu tik toh hai naa?" Dutta asked.
Naku looked from him, to the needle in her hand, and then back at him. Then, Dutta watched in horror was her eyes rolled into her head and she began to fall. Dutta moved quickly, managing to lift her into his arms before she hit the ground.
The next few minutes passed in a blur as he placed Naku on a stretcher and she wheeled away by Dr. Mehra who was yelling orders at the nurses as they raced towards an empty room, while nurses and another doctor checked on AS. Dutta was brought back from his revere when Baji approached him.
"Kya Bhao," Baji began. "Main vahaan cabin mein tera aur doctor ka interzaar kar raha tha aur tu yahaan khada hai." When Dutta gave no response, Baji put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Bhao'"
"Hmm'" Dutta sounded as he looked a Baji.
Insantly Baji knew something was wrong. "Kya hua Bhao? Aayi Sahib tik hai naa?"
"Haan'woh'Naku'yeh'" Dutta mumbled.
"Naku? Naku ko kya hua? Kahaan hai woh?" Baji asked as he looked around for her.
Dutta had finished explaining to Baji what happened - how Naku came running out of AS's room with a needle embedded in her arm. Dutta shared his fear that this had been an attack from one of his enemies
"Doctor kya hua? Naku kaisi hai?" Dutta asked.
"Ghabraiyeh maat, woh stable hai. Kya hua, yeh hum nahin jaante magar tests kaar rahe hai," Dr. Mehra said.
"Kaise doctor hai aap!?" Dutta roared. "Kaise nahin jaante ke kya hua usse!?"
Baji stood silently was he watched Dutta react to his own reaction to the doctors news.
"I'm sorry doctor," Dutta said to the doctor who simply smiled. "Kya hum usse mil sakte hai?"
"Nahin," the doctor said. "Sirf family members milsakte hai. I'm sorry."
"Magar uske parivaar hai ya nahin'mujhe nahin paata," Dutta said.
"I'm sorry, hospital policy," the doctor said before leaving.
Baji watched Dutta take it all in, not saying one word. Baji knew from the first night in this town that his best friend was on the verge of changing. The Dutta Bhao who didn't succumb to anyone, was folding at rules implemented by the maid of the household. The serious, arrogant and poker-faced Dutta Bhao, was now a more pleasant, often smiling and joking Dutta Patil. Of course Baji had noticed this change in Dutta's personality only took place when Naku was around, but he didn't think too much of it. The girl had saved Dutta from Supriya and Sundar ' anyone would be happy around her. But now ' now it was something different. There was and anger in Dutta's tone a glint of possessiveness in his eyes, and a hunger for revenge that hadn't been there before.
On the other hand, only one thought ran in Dutta's mind ' No attacks the people he cares for and gets away with it'no one.
"Baji'" he called.
"Haan Bhao'"
"Paata laga'jald se jald paata laga ke yeh kissne kiya hai," Dutta ordered. "Mere aapno ko chot pouchane ka haq kissi ko bhi nahin hai'kissi ko bhi nahin! Joh bhi hai, usse tu mere paas lekar aa. Main usse chodunga nahin!"
"Kaun aapna?" Baji asked.
"Kya?" Dutta asked, not sure what Baji was asking.
"Tune kahaa ke kissi ko haq nahin hai ke woh tere kissi aapne ko chot pouchaye," Baji said.
"Haan toh'"
"Tu kiski baath kaar raha hai?" Baji asked.
He looked at Baji for a second before the severity of the questions finally hit Dutta, but he tried to play it off. "Obviously, Aayi Sahib ki baath kaar raha hoon."
Baji gave Dutta knowing smile before he said, "Magar, chot toh Naku ko lagi hai." With that, he walked away.
Dutta stood dumbfounded. What had he just said? Baji was right, it was Naku that had been harmed, not AS. Then why was he getting so riled up? Of course he cared about Naku as a person, just like he cared for anyone else ' then why the sudden out burst? Did he care that much?
No ' he pushed all illogical thoughts out of his mind. He didn't care that much, he cared enough. Naku was a nice person that didn't deserve bad things, especially when she was not at fault for anything.
Dutta walked into AS's room with one question on his mind no matter how hard he tried to push it away ' Why? Why did he care so much?
JAZ
ps: cant wait for comments 😃
Dutta had been sitting with AS for the past three hours. She was sleeping because they gave her a sedative. Even though he sat with his mother who'd just suffered a heart attack, his mind was not there with her. His mind, his thoughts and his focus were else where. What Baji said, kept repeating in his mind.
"…chot toh Naku ko lagi hai…"
When Dutta had seen Naku stagger out with the needle sticking out of her arm, he was scared. He was Dutta Shriram Patil, he was never scared of anything. He was never scared when he was beat up in school, he was never scared when he'd had to fire a gun, he was never scared when the police were after him, he hadn't even been scared when AS was brought to the hospital. Worried, sure – but never scared. But seeing Naku like that. Her speech slurred, her eyes rolling to the back of her head and her body falling limp in his arms, he was scared – scared right out of his mind.
Of course it bothered him that he had emotions running through him which he wasn't accustomed to. However, what bothered him more was the 'why'. Why had he been scared? Why had the thought of anything happening to Naku, the thought of anyone harming her, why did it make his blood run cold? Why did it matter what happened? Why? At the moment he didn't have the answer which was the best thing, because he didn't have the courage to face it.
It was only when he heard coughing that he realized that AS was awake.
"Aayi Sahib, aap kaise hai?" Dutta asked.
"P…pani…" AS stuttered.
Dutta looked around the room and spotted the water pitcher on the table across the room. He was just about to get up and get it when someone spoke up.
"Main lati hoon Saab," the voice called.
He knew it was Naku's voice, but still when he turned and saw her standing in the room just a few feet away from him. His heart caught in his throat.
"Naku," he said softly.
As she walked to the table to get water, Dutta walked to the table to here. Once he reached her he watched her pour water into a glass.
"Tu tik toh hai naa Naku?" he asked softly.
She looked up and smiled at him weakly. "Ji Saab," she said as the walked past him to AS.
Dutta breathed a sigh of relief, but as he watched her he worried. She'd been unconscious just hours ago and now she was up and about. He had to talk to the doctor to make sure she was ok. It was for her, he argued with himself. He was going to find out for her. He completely ignored the fact that if he didn't find out for himself he just go mad.
"Main aabhi aaya," he said as he walked out.
At the nurses station, he had the clerk page for Dr. Mehra, who showed up just a few minutes later.
"Doctor, Naku tik toh hai naa?" he asked as soon as the doctor arrived.
"Haan, kyun?" Dr. Mehra asked.
"Woh abhi abhi behosh thi aur aab…" Dutta trailed off.
"Kuch nahin tha, baas ek mild sedative tha…need ki goli," he clarified.
"Aap sure hai naa?" Dutta asked.
"Haan, kuch nahin hua hai usse aur kuch hoga bhi nahin," the doctor assure him. "Aur aapki Maa bhi tik hai. Kuch tests aur karvane hai, lekin chinta ki koi baath nahin."
Seeing that Dutta wasn't paying attention, Dr. Mehra just left.
Dutta walked back to the room and saw Naku tending to AS. He had to get away, he just had to. He needed to clear his head and thing. He knew that he shouldn't leave AS in this condition, but she had Naku and Dutta knew that Naku would care for AS more than any doctor or nurse or anyone else could. Telling Baji, he took off.
Dutta drove for hours thinking about the incident at the hospital and thinking back to all his moments with Naku – the first time he met her, her apology, her lecture – everything. By the time he reached the hospital again, he'd made a decision. Walking to AS's room, he saw Naku sitting in a chair next to the bed, fast asleep but one had on AS's hand. He knew he'd made the right decision – he needed to stay away from Naku.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
AS had been home for one week already and was doing very well in her recovery. Naku was solely in charge of taking care of AS – what ever she needed. Naku took to this new responsibility with such ease, it was like she was made to care for people. Every morning she got up before anyone else to do her pooja, then she made breakfast for AS and everyone else, but then once she started looking after AS, no one could bother her. From helping AS eat, to helping her shower, to giving her meds – Naku took are of it all. Dutta had been focusing on his business lately, but that didn't mean he didn't give time to AS. He sat and talked with her every morning and evening. Every time Naku walked into the room, he excused himself. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by Naku.
Ever since the day in the hospital, they had hardly spent 5 minutes in the same room together. Naku still remembered the exact moment she noticed that things weren't the same any more. It was the day after they'd brought AS home. Dinner was being served, and as usual Dutta was in the study with Baji. Naku had gone upstairs with their food trays a little later than usual.
"Maaf kijiyehga Saab, aaj thodi dehr hogayi khaana lane mein. Woh kya hai naa ke…" she began to explain.
"Hum neeche khalenge," Dutta said curtly.
Naku and Baji both looked at him shocked. "Magar neeche toh Sundar-ji…" Naku began only to be cut off again.
"Hum neeche khalenge, baas!" Dutta yelled.
Naku gasped at his sudden outburst – she'd never seen him like this. Without saying another word, she simply nodded her head and walked out.
They hadn't spoken to each other since then – and just like that, a whole week had passed.
On this particular night, AS had called her into her room.
"Aapne mujhe bulaya Aayi Sahib," Naku said as she walked in.
"Haan…" AS said as she sat up in bed.
Naku took AS's out stretched hand as AS pulled Naku to sit on the bed.
"Naku, tune mere liyeh joh kuch bhi kiya hai…uska ehsaan main khabi nahin bhul paungi," AS said.
"Nahin Aayi Sahib…" Naku began but was cut off when Dutta entered the room.
"Tune joh kiya hai, woh shayad koi saga bhi naa kare." AS's voice cracked.
"Aayi Sahib," Dutta said as he handed her a red velvet box.
AS took it from Dutta, opened the box and presented it to Naku. Inside lay a beautiful gold set – necklace, earrings and kangans.
"Yeh tere liyeh. Tune joh mere liyeh kiya hai uske mukable mein toh yeh kuch bhi nahin hai. Phir bhi, isse ek choti si tohfa samajke rakhlena," AS said.
Naku took the box from AS and admired the beautiful jewelry that was inside. After a few seconds she closed it and held it back out to AS.
"Main yeh nahin leh sakti," Naku said.
"Kyun?" AS said.
"Inn ka main kya karungi Aayi Sahib?" Naku asked. "Vaise bhi, maine joh kuch bhi kiya hai dil se kiya hai. Aap toh baas yeh dekh rahe hai ke maine aapke liyeh kya kiya hai, magar aap yeh nahin dekh payi ke aapne mere liyeh kya kiya hai."
AS was looking at Naku confused, and Naku knew that so was Dutta even though she didn't have to turn to look at him.
"Aap logoon ke aane ka baad aapne mujhe izzat di, pyaar diya. Aapne mujhe yeh ehsaas dilvaya ke main ek naukrani nahin, balki ek insaan bhi hoon," Naku said as she placed the box in AS's lap. "Aap baas mere liyeh dua kijiyeh aur ashirwad dijiyeh, baas…isse zyada mujhe aur kuch nahin chahiyeh."
"Magar Naku…" AS began.
"Saab," Naku said tilting her head slightly towards Dutta but not looking directly at him. "…aab aap hi Aayi Sahib ko samjaiyeh."
With that, she left.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dutta watched as Naku walked out of the room with her head held high. The girl never stopped to amaze him. Had it been anyone else, they would have taken that box and ran for the hills before anyone had the chance to change anything. But not Naku. No, she was different. He remembered one of his first conversations with her, she didn't like big flashy things. She was a simple girl who only wanted the simplest joys in life.
What she'd said about being a human being and not only a maid, it had hit Dutta – it had hit him harder than he would have thought it was going to. She was right, she was human too. She had dreams and aspirations. She would want to love and she would want to be loved. So what if she was a maid, that didn't mean she wasn't just like anyone else on this planet. Regardless of her occupation, she was one of the best human beings he'd met in his life. As Dutta thought about it, he realized, he'd never looked at her as a maid to begin with.
Dutta was brought out his thoughts when he heard AS speak.
"…bhagwan kare ki iss ladki ko zindagi ki haar kushi mile," she said.
Dutta needed to get away and get some fresh air, but was stopped by AS.
"Dutta beta, sun toh…" she called.
"Haan Aayi Sahib," he said.
"Yahaan aa, bait mere paas," AS ordered.
Dutta did as he was told. He went and sat next to AS.
"Tujhse ek baat karni thi mujhe," AS began. "Pichle kuch dino se ek baath mujeh bohot pareshan kaar raha hai."
"Kya baath hai Aayi Sahib?" Dutta asked concerned
"Dekh, khabi bhi kuch bhi hosakta hai. Aaj hum yahaan hai toh kaal nahin honge," AS said.
"Yeh aap…" Dutta began but was cut off.
"Main baas itna chati hoon ke tere zindagi mein koi aayeh joh tere khayal rakhegi, joh tujhse pyaar karegi...tera ghaar bas jayeh. Mujeh baas yeh tension hai ke aagar mujhe kuch hogaya, toh tera kya hoga," AS said as tears came to her eyes.
"Aayi Sahib…"
"Main sukoon se jeena chati hoon, yeh jaanke ke tere zindagi mein koi hai. Main teri shaadi karvana chati hoon," AS said. "Aagar tere maan mein koi hai toh bata deh. Mujhe koi aitraz nahin hoga."
Dutta was rooted on the spot. What was he supposed to say now? He said the only thing he could think of saying.
"Jaise aapko tik lage. Aapki kushi mein hi meri kushi hai," Dutta said.
"Tere maan mein koi nahin hai?" AS asked.
"Nahin," Dutta said. "Aapki pasand hi mera pasand hoga."
He was rewarded with a beautiful smile from AS. He knew he had said the right thing for her. Without saying anything else, he walked out. It may have been the right thing for him to say for AS, but for him – not so much. However, he refused to think about the idea of getting married. It wasn't the idea of getting married that turned him off, but it was the idea of another woman in his life –he just couldn't see it. He knew why he couldn't see it, but he refused to acknowledge it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Naku thought about AS all day – she couldn't help it. AS was a complete stranger to her, yet Naku received more love and respect from that woman than her own family. Thinking about it made Naku want to cry. For years she'd been cast aside as the ugly maid, but it wasn't until they came that she felt that she was a human being too.
Naku spent the rest of the day catching up with work that had fallen behind. It didn't help that Leela and Supriya were throwing a birthday party for their mother, Babi. That meant that there would be a million and one things to do. It was a last minute plan so Naku only had three days to prepare everything for the party. Naku had nearly broken her back cleaning up the house so that the next few days she could focus on other aspects of the party.
It had been a long day and Naku was ready to got o sleep. She walked towards her room as she wiped the sweat of her face with her dupatta. Not paying attention she nearly tripped over a box that was placed outside her door. She looked around but saw no one. She picked up the box as she went inside. Once inside, she closed her door, took off her dupatta and sat on her bed. Slowly she unwrapped the box and opened it. What she found inside shocked her.
Inside the box lay a beautiful purple saree. It was of a soft chiffon fabric that felt amazing in Naku's hands as she lifted it out. The designs on the border and pallu were intricate yet simple. As she removed the saree from the box, her eyes fell on something that shined. Putting the saree aside, Naku was surprised at what else was inside. There were at least 4 dozen glass bangles, a sheet of jewel like bindis, matching silver jhumkas, and the most beautiful set of payal's she'd ever seen. Naku was speechless.
Were these things really for her? If they were, who had gotten it for her? No one knew her – no one cared.
Then, like a ton of bricks the answer hit her – Dutta. She remembered when she'd told him that she was a simple girl, uninterested in big gold jewelry or flashy outfits. She remembered telling him that she loved all the simple adornments a desi girl was privileged to.
He remembered – he actually remembered what she'd said. Naku couldn't help the smile that crept up on her face. She could feel her cheeks heat up. She was blushing, she was actually blushing. Naku held the saree close to her heart as she let herself go. For the first time in years, Naku allowed herself to day dream. Not that she could stop herself. Just like in real life, Dutta Patil made his presence felt in her mind as well.
Then, for the first time in years Naku dreamed. Naku dreamed that maybe - just maybe – he saw her more than just a maid. He too saw her as a person. Maybe he thought she was beautiful, that she was worth loving. Maybe just maybe.
-----------------------------
The next day, Naku woke up with a headache. She felt absolutely horrible, like she wanted to stay in bed all day. Of course, that was not going to happen. There was a party in a few days time and there was a lot to do. So, like any other morning, she got up and began her day.
She had been ordered around all day – all day. Between Babi, Leela and Supriya Naku hadn't had a chance to even drink any water. She had really wanted to say thank you to Dutta for his kind gesture but she hadn't seen him all day either. He had been out with Baji all day…again. Naku couldn't figure out why he was so distant, why he avoided her but then on the other hand, why he was so sweet.
It was just past 9 in the evening and the house was a buzz. Babi and her girls were fathered in the living room planning what they wanted to do for the party. Naku wanted to do nothing but crawl in bed and sleep. At this point her head ached, she had a fever coming on and her entire body ached. However, that was easier said than done.
"Naku, mera juice kahaan hai?" Surpriya asked.
"Aur meri pani?" Leela asked.
"Aye ladki, jaldi jaldi kaam kar!" Babi ordered.
Naku picked up the tray and began walking out of the kitchen. Suddenly her head spun and everything went black. The last things she heard was the glass shattering and someone yelling her name.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dutta and Baji were just returning after a whole day of doing nothing. Dutta was thankful that his friend didn't pry into him too much. Dutta wasn't stupid, he knew that Baji knew what was going on. He also knew that Baji knew him and he knew that Dutta didn't want to talk about anything. Dutta had figured that at this time of night, it was safe to come home because everyone would be in bed or in their own rooms. Which meant, the chances of him running into Naku were slim.
Dutta thought back to the previous day when he'd gone shopping for her. He'd remembered how she said she loved the simple things in life. She loved sarees, and jumkas, and payals and bindis and chudiyaans. So, he'd bought them all for her. He didn't know what had gotten into him, he'd never done anything like this in the past. He'd never bought a gift for anyone – not even Baji. But here he was, buying gifts for a maid in his mom's friends house. What the hell was happening?
As Dutta entered the house he heard Babi and her girls calling for Naku. It was then he saw her in the kitchen. Dutta began walking faster in an attempt to avoid having a confrontation with Naku. He walked past her as she came out. He prayed that she didn't see him and that if she did, she wouldn't try to stop him – and she hadn't.
Suddenly he heard the shattering of glass. Turning back he saw the tray and its contents spilled all over the floor. He saw Naku hold her head and stagger slightly. He knew that she was going to fall and he couldn't let that happen.
"Naku!" he yelled before jumping to catch her in his arms.
Everyone rushed over and Dutta carried her to the sofa.
"Nahin! Usse yahaan maath rakhna! Chi!" Babi yelled.
Dutta couldn't believe the idiocy of that woman.
He had to get Naku down so he could call a doctor. He knew Naku's room was at the far end of the house and he wasn't going to waste any time. Instead he took her to the closest room – his.
Laying her gently on his bed he pulled his phone out but stopped. Who was he going to call? He didn't know any doctors here. Then he remembered the doctor that had taken care of Naku at the hospital – Dr. Kishore Mehra. Thank God Dutta had saved his number. He quickly dialed the number. As soon as the doctor came on the line Dutta rambled something about Naku being ill and that money was not an object – he just needed the doctor here as soon as possible.
The next ten minutes were the longest ten minutes of his life. Once again Dutta stood scared out of his mind – the uncertainty killing him. This was the second time in his life he was scared, scared for the same person…Naku. He was scared that something had happened to her. He was scared that he wouldn't be able to help her. He was scared that maybe he was too late. He was scared that he'd lose her. Above all else, he was scared that he was feeling all these things.
By then AS had come down upon hearing the commotion. She now saw with one hand gently stroking Naku's head. When Dutta had heard the doctor arrive, he nearly dragged the man to his room.
"Aap log please bahar jaiyeh, main iski checkup karleta hoon," the doctor said.
"Ji," AS said as she got up.
She and Baji headed towards the door while Dutta stood rooted on his spot, unmoving.
"Dutta, chal," AS said.
Dutta didn't move.
"Bhao…" Baji called.
Still no response. Dutta was focused on Naku's limp body.
"Bhao," Baji called again, this time touching Dutta's arm. "Chal…bahar chal."
Dutta came back to reality and realized he couldn't stay in the room while the doctor checked out Naku. So he let Baji drag him out and heard the door close behind them. He was out of the room, but he wasn't going anywhere else.
While the doctor was in with Naku, Dutta thought about how he felt when he saw Naku crumbling to the floor. With the glass shattered all around her, she would have fallen on the glass – it would have resulted in cuts, it would have resulted in her bleeding and her being in pain. Dutta unintentionally balled his hands into fists at the thought of Naku being in any kind of pain.
When he'd lifted her body he was shocked at how light she was. He was shocked at how limp she was. But he was terrified at how lifeless she looked and felt. His heart was beating so fast he felt that it might just jump right out of his chest. He was beside himself in worry. What if something happened to her? What if?
Dutta was brought back to reality when the doctor came out.
"Kya hua doctor? Meri Naku…………." Dutta stopped.
What had he just said? Looking around he was thankful that AS was out of ear shot, although Baji wasn't.
"Mera matlab hai…Naku kaisi hai?" he asked, trying to sound as calm as possible.
"Haan, woh tik hai. Baas thodi si bukhar hai, kaal tak utar jayega. Usse aram ki zarurat hai. Thodi dehr mein usse hosh ajayegi. She'll be fine," the doctor said as he patted Dutta's arm.
Baji walked the doctor out while AS and Dutta entered his room again. Seeing her lying on the bed like that still worried Dutta but he trusted the doctor. Less than 15 minutes later Naku woke up with a groan.
"Naku," Dutta called.
When she looked up at him with her warm eyes, Dutta finally let out a sigh of relief. She was ok.
He watched as she looked around. He saw her become tense because it was only the two of them in the room. Baji and taken AS to the mandir downstairs leaving Dutta alone with her.
"Naku tu kya kaar rahi hai?" Dutta asked as he saw her getting up from the bed.
"Aapne kamre mein jaa rahi hoon Saab," she said weakly.
"Magar…" he began.
"Aapne joh kiya, uske liyeh…thank you Saab." With that she walked out.
Dutta watched as she headed to her room. He followed her from a distance until she reached her room, went inside and closed the door. Knowing she was safe inside her room let Dutta breathe just a tad bit easier.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Naku was taking in a tray filled with empty glasses and an empty pitcher to the kitchen when she heard someone behind her.
"Kya kaar rahi ho tum?" the deep voice asked.
She knew who it was without turning around.
"Aapna kaam Saab," she said coolly.
"Doctor ne tumhe aaram karne ke liyeh bola hai," he reminded.
Without saying anything he took the tray from her, surprised at how heavy it was.
"Jaanti hoon. Magar kaal ke party ke liyeh bohot sara kaam pada hai," she said.
"Ghaar main naukar hai kaam karne ke liyeh," he nearly yelled.
Now she finally looked at him, gave him a weak smile and said, "Main bhi toh iss ghaar ki ek naukrani hoon."
She took the tray back from him and headed to the kitchen.
Naku noticed that for the rest of the day, he said nothing to her. She also noticed that when no one was around he helped her. Whether it was carrying things around the house, or if she needed to reach something. She felt him watching her all day. If she stumbled he caught her, if she looked tired he was there with a glass of water. Naku couldn't figure out why he was acting like this. How did he go from avoiding her at all costs to nearly stalking her?
She didn't have time to think about it – she couldn't think about it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dutta sat at one of the tables on the lawn, set up for the party. From where he sat he had a clear view of Naku. He'd been watching her like a hawk since her fainting spell. He couldn't just let her go around working herself to death. Someone had to watch out for her because no one else was going to. If it were up to him he'd have locked her in her room, refusing to let her out until she was fully recovered. Of course, it was not up to him.
He watched as she served guests, he watched as she ran around doing everything and anything people told her. He watched as she was insulted by various guests. It took all of Dutta's self restraint to not go up and knock those people clear across the compound. He watched, unsettled, that she never once made eye contact with him all night. It was like he didn't exist at all. She walked past him, around him but never once looked at him.
"Dutta," he heard someone call.
Looking up he say AS waiving to get his attention.
Getting up he headed to where she stood. She then took him by the hand and dragged him up on stage. Dutta wasn't paying attention because he'd lost sight of Naku, he was trying to find her again. He finally spotted her standing by a table two rows away from the stage gathering all the plates and things left behind.
"Dostoon, aaj main aur meri saabse purani saheli…Babi…ek announcement karne jaa rahe hai," AS began.
"Haan, hum iss dosti ko risthedari mein badal ne jaa rahe hai," Babi said.
This had Dutta's attention – Naku's as well because he saw her freeze.
"Mujhe bohot kushi hai yeh kehte hue ke maine aur Babi ne, Dutta aur Priya ke rishta paaka kardiya hai," AS said.
"Kya?" Dutta said.
It was then that he noticed that Babi and Supriya were also on the stage flashing their 100 watt smiles. AS looked absolutely joyous. Everyone around them clapped.
"Haan! Kuch hi dino mein meri Priya…Mrs. Dutta Patil kehlayegi," Babi said enthusiastically.
Dutta looked to where Naku stood but was shocked that she was no longer there. He tried to find her in the crowd. Again he spotted her cleaning up another empty table.
It was at that moment – after all this time – she finally looked up at him. She let her gaze linger on him for just a second before the picked up her tray and went inside.
Their eyes had only met for a second, but Dutta had seen something.
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
