His mobile rang, his father conveyed that Raja Sahib wants to see him right away….
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Meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan
meri jaan, meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan
meri jaan, meri jaan
(jaan na kaho anjaan mujhe
jaan kahaa rehti hai sadaa) 2
anjaane, kya jaane
jaan ke jaaye kaun bhala
meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan
meri jaan, meri jaan
(sookhe saawan baras gaye
kitni baar in aankhon se) 2
do boondein naa barse
in bheegi palkon se
meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan
meri jaan, meri jaan
(honth jhuke jab honthon par
saans uljhi ho saanson mein) 2
do judwaan honthon ki
baat kaho aankhon se
meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan
meri jaan, meri jaan, mujhe jaan na kaho meri jaan (smile)
meri jaan, meri jaan
(Geeta Dutt for Anuvabh)
Standing against a tree Naku took a breather…what a day it has been she thought, it is like a dream, she looked up in the sky, yesterday it rained, the force frightened her .,,,,she knew she would not have been able to step out as it took her days to take bath under the shower finally overcoming the fear few days ago but has she overcomed it or was it her excitement to join the party….yesterday night was so different, did she ever think she could go upto Dutta and kiss on his lips….did she ever think it was possible for her to overcome all her fears and inhibitions….is she in truly love…will she be able to stand up and face all the opposition which will come their way when they announce their intention…Naku sighed she did not want to think….she was scared…now roops and Baaji's relationship was bare in open as most probably everybody knows the meaning of the name ..it is just like yesterday, calm before the storm….Naku felt she was being watched….she turned to see Dutta who was working with the mechanics in the backyard was watching her leaning against a tree…last night he lay next to her patiently as she explored him, felt him the way a woman is curious about a man, as she recollected the same she felt shy to meet his eyes at the same time she could not move away even….
++++++++
Vipinrao raised his brows as Baji entered his father's office, Baji kept his face expressionless…..
Bajirao come have a seat, Raja Saab welcomed Bajirao, young man looking smart in his uniform, as he entered the office offering his greetings…Baji hesitated already feeling like a sacrificial lamb hearing the hearty greeting of Raja Saab……
Bajirao you were present yesterday at the party….
Yes Raja Saab I was….
You know about Roops' banner….
Baji kept quiet trying to judge in which way Raja Saab wants to go as if he has deciphered the name why is he not shouting yet…..
Ji Raja Saab….
If I am given to understand correctly you are the one who carries out all Roops orders in this house….
Ji….
You knew about the Banner….
Ji I helped her to get it registered….
And of course to choose the horse and pick the jockey….
Ji
Well Vipinrao has been my trusted employee for decades now….I respect his integrity and you are his son, I feel you will not let your father down….
Bajirao shifted his weight…..
Bajirao as a father I am worried about Roops, I have never ever shouted at her so badly before…I feel bad, times are bad….nowadays young people lack patience….
Hmmmm
I want you to do me a favour….you have been Roops' friend from childhood, you know I only have her welfare in mind….I want you to act as Roops' bodyguard …go with her to all places she goes…
Bajirao's heart jumped, wondering if he heard Raja Saab correctly….
I trust nobody with my daughter, Kalavati has come back home and what more tragedy it can be for parents….so I do not want Roops to do anything untoward….hence thought about you….
Raja Saab with the racing season around the corner…..
Yes Yes, you will work for Dutta as you work but when Roops goes to college or with friends I want you to accompany her, I am sure with best interest in mind Dutta will look for somebody who can help him, we do have a lot of trained personnel around, maybe not good as you but then as a stop gap….
Bajirao did not know how to react, trying to delve into the proposal ….
I hope you will do this much for me……
Err for how long Raja Saab….
As long as I feel Roops has stabilized emotionally, she rides high on emotions you must be knowing that Bajirao….
Ji…..
So it is a yes from your side….I knew it, Raja continued, after all you are Vipinrao's son, trusted lieutenant of this family…..
Bajirao knew he has been dismissed, the order was given and he had no option but to accept it….he got up leave….
Bajirao ….Raja Saab called out once again…..
Bajirao turned….
Baji one thing I forgot to mention, if something happens to my daughter, anything which is not desirable I will hold you responsible and in this regard I will be a ruthless father….his eyes were still…
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The communication system in the Haveli was in general quite fast, at times faster then the lightening incase you have right people at the right place, as soon as Baji entered Raja Saab's office Roops' maid came and informed her the same, as Kalavati caught her breath, Roops ran out of the room to come and stand on the landing from where she could see her father's office…she would have entered it if Kalavati had not come after her and pulled her back…..patience…..she said only one word…Roops looked at Kala's face…it was calm…..
Baji Rao came out within 5 minutes if not less for it was an order and he only had to hear it, coming out his eyes automatically went towards the staircase leading to Roops' room to see her standing there looking distressed….
He froze, opened his mouth to assure her but no words came out….he wanted to hold her but then it was not the place…he was in a spot…fixed…just then he heard a scream….
Baaji Bhau come fast ….Bolt has been hurt…………Naku screamed…..
+++++++++++
Nakusha was mixing the fodder as the horses would be back after their light exercise when she heard Bolt's neigh…she was familiar with his sound and it sounded as if he was in trouble..she came out of the stable to see Bolt limping badly and could hardly trot….Oh my god….she ran upto him, taking off the saddle she ran to call Bajirao…..
Hearing Naku's cry, Bajirao ran towards the stable, Naku followed him so did the sisters….Bajirao asked Naku to get the first aid box from the office as he inspected the wound…taking the opportunity Roops whispered fiercely at Baji…what did Baba say….
Good thing is I become your bodyguard and the bad thing is I have to treat you like a crystal ball, koi kharoch bhi aye na, suli pe char jayunga apna parivaar sameth..
What does this mean? Roops asked….
Baji bhau Naku came back panting with the first aid box, I hope he will be ok….
Kalavati who was hearing their interaction silently turned her attention to Naku who was looking very upset and distressed…
Baji sprayed Bolt on his leg, he would guess what has happened, the bone was broken and there were chances Bolt going lame and even if he does not go lame with multiple fracture as it looks apparent Bolt may never run in the races again….Tai Sahib is a good rider how this could happen, Baji murmured to himself as he injected Bolt with pain killers…..
Is it very serious? Naku asked….
Kalavati watched Baji…who hesitated knowing Naku's affinity towards Bolt…tu chinta math kar he will get the best attention….
WHICH IS THE HORSE NEARLY KILLED TAI SAHIB…a voice thundered from behind….Raja Saab was standing with his hands on his waist…
Nearly killed Tai Sahib? Naku asked…
Her saddle was not buckled up properly, she fell down nearly breaking her neck…..aur tumlog idhar instead of finding out how she is, you are after a horse?
Raja Saab Bolt has been very badly injured, Naku cried out
Not more than my sister and Bajirao if the horse is so badly injured you know what to do…PUT IT DOWN! I will not waste my money after it anymore!! And I mean it Baji Rao! Saying so Raja Saab walked away in long steps…
Put it down matlab, hamesha ke liye sula dena….Naku looked horrified and her legs gave away, she collapsed….
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Anupamaa
