Mishal Raheja as Dutta Patil
Fettered Affection ~ chapter 32
"the uncertain glory of an Aprilday"..Shakespeare
His smooth thumb nail moved his across the outline of his moustached top of his narrow upper lip. Morey was deep in thought.. whatever happens he needed results tonight, tangible ones. Eyes still glued on the low lit corridors of the flats ,he picked up his walkie talkie.."where the hell are you? "Sir ji! store ke samne wali gulley ke pas "replied his man. Agitated Morey , wanted to know the outcome, and his man replied, "Sir ji, she's alone and is coming out of the shop now", Morey chuckled, "haan tu phir dekha de apna jalwa! and I'll be there with you shortly..
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Haan bol Kale! yelled Baji , abhi age bhi baka ga ye edhurich ah ke tera band baje main"
Kale explained that Morey's jeep had now moved and that he was being followed by Kale.. Baji shouted, "where is he heading for? jaldi bata! Kale explained and Baji, gave Dutta a brisk look, "Bhau main chakar laga ke aata hai". Dutta began to shut his laptop , but Baji suggested, "Bhau it's ok you delegate this job to me, I'll handle it" Dutta gave him a sided look and bowed his head lightly, "ok but keep me informed of what you're up to , and need I remind you Baji, he's a cop and possibly in uniform so try not to mess with his uniform, otherwise thujhe pata haina woh salle tera pe ulta charge laga de ga". Baji rearing to go thus went."ho Bhau! I'll be careful and he stuffed his gun behind his waist and whizzed off.
Dutta hauled himself up from his turquoise settee and reached out for his phone to check, messages, missed calls. To his disappointment there were none. He pulled his bottom lip into his mouth and with one arm folded behind his back, he strolled on to the terrace phone in hand. The cool fresh air of the night, and soft fragrance of the jasmine from the garden below, somehow reminded him of Naku.. hey Naku! itne dor ho gaye hain hum , ke phone pe bhi baat nehi kerte.. he shook his head a little as he sighed, fingers pressed into his phone in hand.The breeze swept his hair and he looked up at the moon, and yet again felt the sweet ache of wanting to interact with her. But another jolt of his neck deterred him, what reason would he have to phone her?to discuss the weather? or temperature? nehin! that would sound far to lame.. ummh he palmed his cheek, she's not actually dying to talk to me either, mera hal he pata ker sakte hai.. but he looked around innocently, and thrashed , now why that? I am not exactly sick? and he just shook his head and mumbled out loud, mera pas koi valid reason nehin hai ke I should phone, certainly don't want her to think that I am finding it hard to move on without her..
Naku stood in the moon light on the balcony of her flat. Yes of course , Saab bhaut yaad ate hain mujhe she admitted to herself. This silence, noncontact of any sort, made her yearn more him ..she wished though, that they could speak..Baji too had stopped texting between her and Saab.Naku thought with regret. She took a deep breath, and firmed her mouth.. what should she do? Sethji came in and buzzed around with his energetic gibberish, Tai! tu phir se off! kya Tai jab se hum adher aye hain tu down lagete hain! and then with a click of his fingers he yelled, "I know Tai! you miss Dutta Bhau ! main thek bola na? Naku glared at him, "bahut faltu mein bolta hai tu Sethji! main thek hoon" Sethji walked up to her and felt her arm, look Aye , don't forget iam the one and only baby brother you have, and try me you know if you share with me like I am your big bro, I'll give you ekdum dhansu! advice.. abhi try ker ke dekh Tai try me bol, what's occupying your brain? He stated touting his little frame like a big man.Naku giggled and gathered him closer to her, with her arm around his neck and she whispered.. in her brother's ear , Sethji main Saab ko phone kare ? he turned his face towards her and with a twinkle in his eyes, he said with a toothy mouth , dekha I said you had a problem , haan kar Tai phone kar! and she pulled him close and covered his mouth, ssh Sethji keep it low Aye sun le ge,pun woh Sethji aise kaise main phone kera Saab ko, reason kya doon..?Sethji shook his head and rolled his eyes around and confessed, "now what can I suggest.. haan tell him how you life is like living in a flat.. and ye bhi bol that you miss him! and Naku sealed his mouth with her palm with a shhh.. Babi suddenly came on to the balcony, one look at them she put her hands on her waist and a finger up in the air yelled, areee tum dono! kya masti ker rehe ho? aur tu Sethji junifarum! utar aur homework ka kam start kar! aur tu Naku dal ko check ker lena. mein nahane ja rehe hoon" ordered Babi as their mother, and both Sethji and Naku winked at each other.. and Naku thought .. Saab..
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Shivangi came out of the grocery shop carrying her bag of milk carton, bread and margarine. She left the bluish glow of the halogen lights of the shop and began her walk on the sparsely lit short road that led to the flats. Traffic was fairly low , the strongest sound was that of the rickshaws that rattled and roared on the road. Shivangi due to their ear splitting sound, funnily felt safe as it give her a sense of security at night.. made her feel life was about..
Out of nowhere she heard foots steps behind her and she walked faster and the footsteps too sounded brisker and closer till they caught up and an arm prevented her from going any further.."itni raat ko, itni jaldi mein kahan ja rehe ho meri rani? humien bhi saath le lo .. she turned and thumped her bag at this man in jeans and open neck shirt.. obviously some hoodlum, looking for dangerous past times.
The man ducked and grabbed her arm with one hand and the other he put roughly around her shoulders .
A jeep halted with a screech and Morey braked! gallantly he came out of his police jeep slowly, wiping the back of neck. His baton in hand he peered keenly out of beady eyes as he progressed towards Shivangi who stood shell shocked under the forcible grip of the man on her shoulder. Morey leered, and asked in full sleazy fashion rather than authourity, "haan bhi kya ho raha hai ?filmi love scene? kya baat hai! himmat tu dekho teri chaman bahar, seedha seedha road pa hi, abhi zarra jeep mein beitho, thumare dono ki love story ka main thana mein the end kare ga! and he, step forward and grabbed Shivangi's arm! forcefully as she protested, "chorru mujhe!
But from the opposite direction more screeches were heard and a black jeep stopped and out jumped Baji!.."areee edhur kya horaha hai inspector Sahib?Morey screwed his eyes and turned to him," it's the hand of law.. doing it's job". Baji, yelled , "aacha aur kya jurm hai use lardki ka jiska haat ne pakra hai? he stepped forward and looked down with complete disapproval," bolo khaniya, tum ne kya kiya hai aisa which has called for your arrest? he asked Shivangi with a smile.. and she replied after she shrugged this guy's shoulder off her shoulders," I just went to the shop there to buy grocery and was on my way home, when this guy showed up and manhandled me..."she said bravely.
Baji spread his palms and pulled the guy towards him with a nasty face," kyon be! bahut garme hai tera mein? chal nikale main! and slapped him across the face and then threw them at Morey's feet," look Morey check evidence with a shop keeper, waise you can see her bag too on the road.. now if you need to arrest it's this bloody romeo! chor lardki ka haat! arrest this vulgar scum bag before I carry on a citizen's arrest him! "screamed Baji at a caught out Morey.
Angrily he pushed his hired goon and shoved him in the back of his jeep and then growled at him menacingly, "salle larki ke saath hero giri ki kya zaroot thi? you only needed to detain her with eve teasing chat.. till I was to get there! the man retorted, "ab aap kud he late aie ho tu mera kya kasor? and Morey started his jeep and roared off, "salle Baji rao! Dutta ka sniffer Alsatian phir se meri dum ke peeche!
Baji,meanwhile looked at the shaken girl and asked, "ok batao where were you heading for?, gratefully she pointed to the flats ahead.
Baji folded his arm and felt his chin in thought, "humm, he went" I know a family that lives in the flat, husband, wife, ek beta aur beti , woh government office mein kam kerti hai.."Shivangi smiled,"yes I know , Naku meri friend hai..Baji smiled and then offered to drop the girl safely to her flat. She mumbled a thank you and baji stood in the dark by his jeep till the girl reached her destination safely.
Still Baji had an uneasy feeling within him.. he would have to tell Bhau about the situation.. Morey here, it was clear, that he was up to something and was not really executing his duty. But before that he felt he needed to have a word with Naku..
Baji's name flashed on her phone and Naku , held her breath, Saab! she thought, then gulped and placed her hand on her heart, if nothing else, she'll get to know how about Saab was.." Bajirao! Saab thek hain? she blurted , and he smiled and felt the top of his head," tera Saab kaisa hai Naku..? now this question you need to ask Bhau.. he might give you the honest answer if you are lucky enough .. but for the moment I want to ask you about tera flat ki girl.."Naku moaned.. humm ok maat batao about Saab! haan I know Shivangi , why is she in trouble? Baji replied,"nehin but ho bhi sakte thi , had I not got there in time, she'll tell you the story herself , but Naku , I don't want you going out at night to the shops, whatever you need , take a stock during the day and top it up then.. samhje tu, log kaise hain one can never tell, raat ko it's dangerous" he warned briefly. But before cutting off he tipped her,"erry Naku! Bhau ko phone kar! he will smile.. aache me off, mausi ko namaste bol.. and Naku , yelled Bajirao rok!..but Baji had gone...
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It was late but Baji, according to habit, ventured towards Dutta's room.. Dutta was not around and Baji called out Bhau! Bhau!.. Dutta moved to the sliding terrace door that led back to his room ," oyee! I am here on the terrace stop, yelling the place down! .. before Baji could join him Dutta traipsed casually back into the room, and stiffly folded his long legs and sat on the lime green chair with the turquoise cushion .. and he moved his narrowed eyes upwards to Baji.. with a stiffened jaw.
He noticed Baji appeared perturbed and asked him as he relaxed his back against the arm chair and crossed his leg, "now are you going to tell me what happened or you'll stand there like a dumbo! Baji flared his nostrils slightly and sat down on the settee opposite Dutta, with his arms perched on his slightly parted knees he rubbed his palms , and explained the complete incident to Dutta ..
Dutta took it all in distastefully, and shot up on his knees and growled, "I told you so Baji, that this saala Morey is nothing but a guttersnipe.. salla ke sooch is filthy like sin..we will have to catch him out Baji, I am thinking ke"..
Both men discussed the modus operandi and Baji glared into space , and agreed, "haan Bhau , this sounds just what the man needs for final exposure.. Dutta doubled his neck and looked Baji in the eyes, "humm ab tu ja apna kamre mein,rest kar" Baji lingered and stared into Dutta 's eyes and his Bhau asked, "abhi kuch aur hai baki thujhe bolne ko? Baji shook his head and widened his eyes and said.. "kuch nehin Bhau, lagta hai mera kuch bolne se phele he kam ho gaya hai" Dutta just rolled his eyes and shook his head..
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For on his way out Baji saw Dutta proceed to the terrace with his phone.. Dutta stood before the white metal wrought iron railing and looked at the phone.. now he had plausible reason to phone this kali gori.. he dialled her number and put the phone to his ear.. "Saab! aap kaise hain? mujhe khabhi yaad nehin kiya? koi fikar nehi meri whether I am dead or alive! she bombarded him with protests..
Dutta clenched his jaw and swallowed impersonally. Now he was not expecting such an honest personalized reaction from her. Inadvertently he felt his heart and realised, it was Naku's dead straight innocence that had won him over in the first place.. with a sigh which made him let go of his rigidity a little bit, he squared his shoulders and replied, "hey Naku... ummh, tu yaad thi isi liya phone kiya hai..woh, to ask about your welfare.. are you settled in your new flat? hummh? Naku , went, "yes we have all settled, I have made friends with two college students, you met them.. I go to work.. she prattled on, but Dutta stopped her,"rok Naku! pun tu kush tu haina?.. Naku's voice faltered and she replied,"haan Saab, Aye, babba, Sethji bahut kush hai, he plays cricket with all the colony kids!"
Dutta clenched and unclenched his wrist and then turned his face aside ,and growled, " Naku! I didn't ask about your pura parivar! maine tere se poocha hai ke tu flat mein reh ke kush hai?"Naku shook her head at his shout, and asked instead," ap kush ho kya? Dutta snubbed her," aye lardki! don't try to act over smart with me , ju phoocha hai bata! Naku, could sense he was worked up and she didn't want him to bang the phone on her, so she hurriedly replied, "kush hoon Saab, pun, Patil Nivas mein zayeeda kush thi..", humm, he replied, I thought so.. haan, mera pas time nehin hota to sit and think if I am happy or not..he continued dryly, as he paced on the terrace in the cool night.
Naku leapt at the idea of offering him a few words of care and concern, seeing he had opened up a bit," are you telling me that you are constantly on the go Saab? woh I am not interfering, but I certainly hope that you are managing to eat and sleep sensibly" Dutta twitched his jaw, and concluded, now before she makes comments on my line of work , best to put her right,"dekh Naku meri maa bune ke kohsish maat kar, kya thek hai? kya ghalat hai mera liye? Dutta janta hai.. beside Aye Sahib, Baji, Tai, hain na mera pas to look to my every need.. so you don't worry about me" he said distantly once again. So temperamental he was, she had almost forgotten..
Yet,Naku felt led down by his dismissive attitude, but decided not to be raucous like him, as she kept in mind, how long it took him to actually phone her. she had to value and keep that in mind. So she replied, "Saab you know me, I have always looked out for you.. now that I don't live in your house doesn't mean that I don't think about you" but she put her foot in it as he reacted rather roguishly ," so you mean now that you don't live by me , you tend to be more preoccupied by my person? Naku could sense he was being flippant so she ,"maine aisa kab bola Saab?
Dutta, cleared his throat and said firmly,"tu bol bhi nehi sakti Naku! main waise type ka aadmi nehi hoon, ju tere jaise madam ji ke preoccupation bun sakoon.. I am more my own preoccupation" he said morosely, and Naku's heart just melted at his words and instantly she owned up ,"aww, Saab why are you saying so..Naku misses you.." he lowered his eyes on the terrace and his eyes smiled shyly ..at her words, how can he hold things against her, he chided himself..
Dutta's eyes softened at her confession and he went ahead and said what her words prompted, "Naku.. ummh you know my home is yours too, tu wapis ah sakti hai jab bhi you feel that renting the flat is a financial burden on you.. Naku, I supported you in living where you are, because I didn't want you to feel that I disregarded your efforts in leading an independent life with your family.. but on the other hand Naku, mujhe tere chinta hai ke tum sab safe ho? listen, promise me if you are anxious about your personal security or your friends or familys, you will contact me immediately..humm? Naku smiled dewy eyed as she recalled the occupants of Patil Nivas.. and she wanted to know how Aye Sahib was, Dutta replied in a most genuine way.." sab thujhe aur mausi ko yaad kerte hain.. ummm, you know you can visit whenever you wish".. he said gently.
Naku knew more or less that was the kind of answer he was likely to give, yet she recalled the last words she said to him after their leaving row , and she merely parrot fashion style , repeated them,"Saab ab jab bhi main wahan aie ge..you will ask me , and come and collect me.."
Dutta , doubled his chin and teased, "I hope you don't expect me to come and pick you bag and baggage right now?". Naku's eyes shone, as she asked keenly ,"are you serious Saab? and he roared," nehin! main nehin ayea ga! maine bola tha ke ghar chor ke ja? Naku, protested, "Saab ap ka bhi kuch pata nehin chalta? when you are serious and when you jest.. although I am fully aware that you are mostly serious and less or rather hardly ever joke.. she giggled and he replied sulkily ,"chalo one thing is good, that you know my characteristic traits, but on a serious note which is clearly not to taken lightly and then is Naku, be aware of your personal safety at all times.. did you know that Morey is the sergeant allocated to your area? Naku's eye flew opened in the next instance...the evil eye from not the recent past may be cast upon her again.
Dutta though , revived her back to the present," Naku, ok bas that's all I had to say to you , look after your self Naku .. and rather abruptly he ended the call...
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Naku's response to his call was a new found hope in their bond.. Babi could see from inside their flat how Naku smiled , shied, nodded and giggled. She couldn't wait , Naku and her were very close, so Babi took herself on to the balcony of their flat and gently placed her hand on Naku's shoulder,"kiska phone tha meri baachi?"she asked as a concerned mother and Sethji came too with a beaming cheek to cheek smile,"areee Aye! ye bhi koi poochne ke baat hai? Tai, jaise hass rehe hai ekdum sure shot hai ke phone pe Dutta Bhau tha! haina Tai , he turned to Naku with a wink.. Naku tousled his hair and pulled him close for a cuddle.."shaitaan jab thujhe sab pata hai tu kyon phoochta hai? she pulled his ear, and he went ,awwwoo! ek tu thujhe main Aye ke maar se baachoon, upar se tu mera pe he baras rehe hai"
Babi shook her head and tapped her forehead with her palm and gazed anxiously at Naku," thek hai Naku , bas main ye nehi mangte, ke phir se tera dil toot jaye.. Bhau ka kuch pata nehi hota , kabhi kuch, kabhi kuch..ab tu he dekh kitne bar Bhau na thujhe phone kya ? hain? Babi moaned.
Naku felt she had to defend him, "Saab ne haal pata kar ne ke liye hi phone kiya tha... maine bola sab thek hain, aur haan Aye ye bhi bola Saab ne ke, hum jab chahe Patil Nivas ah sakte hain", Babi mopped her brow and sighed, "haan Naku maan tum mera bhi chahe ke AS se milne jaon.. chalien ge kisi din hain? Naku lowered her head as she moved back into the flat from the balcony,"haan Aye , chalien ge jab Saab khud bulien ge...she mumbled and stiffened her head and began to prepare for bed..
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Kala and AS had just finished breakfast and were sitting in the lounge, when the phone rang. It was Rana Ranbir Singh.."namaste, mein Rana Ranbir Singh baat kar raha hoon, Dutta Bhau ke Aye se baat kerne thi".Wide eyed Kala caught Baji on his way out and frantically called him over and then carried on over the phone, as she answered,"ji Aye Saab, ko main bolte hoon, kis silsale mein baat kerni hain aap ne? asked Kala.
He expressed an interest in paying them a visit now ,as he was in the area. Kala turned to her mother and called out to ask.."Aye koi aap se milna cha rehe hain , ghar pe ana chate hai abhi.. kya khaoon? Baji looked at Kala and mouthed" who is it? she mouthed the caller's name, her hand on the phone as she muffled the sound.. Baji being head of security beamed dimples and gave an excited thumbs up, so Kala replied,"yes we would love to have you over , see you then"
Rana Ranbir Singh , rang his daughter who was at work to apprise her of his immediate course of action! She of course objected empathically , but all her protests fell upon deaf ears..
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"Naku, I have to see you , can me meet for a light lunch.. asked Supriya .Naku checked the clock it's was eleven's ,and the bulk of her work was tackled so she agreed.They set the venue and giggled how they looked forward to being together..
In the mean while Supriya sent a text message to Dutta.. "greetings Dutta Bhau , can we meet for lunch? Dutta dressed in his steel grey pathiani was on his way out to meet some diamond dealers, attended to the text and was about to reply , no! but stopped midway in his action when he saw his drive blocked by a flash car, out of which stepped none other than , Supriya's father Rana Ranbir Singh! ye edhur kya kar raha hai ?
Dutta was much taken aback as he stiffly and slowly, moved forward with one arm tucked behind his back,"Rana Sahib , this is a surprise, admitted Dutta as he led the man into his house. the man turned his head to Dutta and replied, "yes I was passing through the area.. so thought I should pop by.. Dutta! Dutta.. you know not, but Supriya's dead mother was a close friend of your mothers".. Dutta bowed his head as both men walked into the lounge. Kala presently , received this visitor and she answered Dutta's perplexed looks," haan Bhau Rana Sahib phoned us this morning , tu sau raha tha tab.."
Rana Ranbir Singh performed a formal namaste to AS and said,"Aye Sahib, bahut din se chata tha ke ap se ah kar miloon, aaj ye khwaish puri ho gaye hai.. he turned to Dutta and put his arm on his broad shoulder, "ap ke beta se mila kuch din phela kisi party mein.. mera dil ah gaya hai is pe.. your brother has impressed me immensely young lady, he said to Kala.. Dutta , blushed and lowered his eyes as he stared at the floor. How he hated moments when he suddenly he became the centre of attraction.. he moved his head and looked at his mother, helplessly and said, "Aye Sahib ap batien karien Rana Sahib se, main, kam pe ja ke atta hoon.." then he looked at Kala and added , "Tai I trust you will look after our guest well.." and did Namaste and went off.
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Dutta drove to the venue Supriya had set. He was not going to go initially , but seeing that her father landed up at his door step , made him wonder whatever for?. Baji rang him as he drove,"aree Bhau ! tum kadher ho?, ek din tumhe ekale chora aur tum, ghayeb! Bhau mein ek hi jaan kya kya kere? ab tum batao tum kab edher aei ga ? party hai abhi edhur," Dutta growled," oyee nautanki! zayeeda drama maat ker , tu right hand hai mera tu behave like a bloody right hand! before I give you a left hand! do what needs to be done! I delegated you, pun yaad rekh Baji !cash first in hand than hand over the mal! Dutta ordered.
Baji nodded,"woh tu main kare ga Bhau , pun tum ye batao, what are you up to?. Dutta rolled his eyes and flared, his nostrils slightly , as he looked sideways out of his jeep's window.." main, going for lunch with Supriya.. he said irritated. Baji jumped out of his skin,"kya? kab ?kahan? kaise?.. Dutta doubled his chin and muttered, "Baji uska baap ghar phoonch gaya hai..Baji sniggered,"pata hai Bhau! watch it ab to tu gaya!
Dutta growled,"bikwas maat kar! you mean you knew ke that guy was supposed to come to our place.. Baji some friend you are you should have warned me.." Baji replied, areee Bhau thand rekh! seems like a nice man, bas tera uppar uske nazar hai.." Baji guffawed and Dutta rolled his eyes and retorted," ja and do the job I've asked you to do now I have arrived at my destination ! announced Dutta, as he shook his head in despair.
Baji, sniggered, "haan Bhau main kam kare aur tu aishh!" and quickly cut the call before his ear drum was punctured with Dutta's roar. Dutta parked in the customers car park..
Dutta walked in and Naku gripped into Supriya's arm tightly, Saab! Supriya smiled" yeshh. It's him in person, hope it's not a problem Nakusha ?.. I thought what I have to say can be said to both of you". Dutta stopped in his tracks and only his eyes moved and settled on Naku, dressed in her pink floral shalwar kameez.. her plait hung in front from the side of her neck.. her green eyes shone with warmth as she noticed his narrowed lion like eyes.Sternly he bit his lower lip and moved to the ladies.. the waiter scampered behind him, and pulled out his chair for him.. and then stood before him with folded hands, "Dutta Bhau.. namaste" Dutta went.. "hoon, kaise hai Nandish?teri Aye ah gaye hoispital se?.The waiter literally doubled over with gratitude, and replied,"haanm Bhau, ghar ah gaye hai , aap na hote tu treatment nehi hosakte the , meri Aye" he confessed gratefully. Dutta nodded, " mera namaste bolna , aur sun , kabhi bhi kam pare tu contact , Baji ok?.. and with that Dutta finally sat down beside Naku,who blinked in disbelief.. she saw him after ages. Awkwardly , he placed his long arms on the table , and over his shoulder , turned to Naku and gave her a, tender look.. she smiled and lowered her eyes, as Dutta moved his head and faced Supriya across the table.. who tapped her fingers on the table in a business type manner and said, "Dutta I am so glad to see that you could make it".
Dutta nodded and replied , as he eyed her narrowly. " humm had other things ,but had to come, you can say was the need of the hour.. and Supriya went so you know?
Dutta turned his head to Naku and said quite plainly,"Supriya ke babaa mera ghar pe abhi abhi ayean hain? Naku's eyes flew open and he turned his head to Supriya and asked her point blank,"have you got an idea why he's at my place Supriya?
Supriya, replied, "now do you want the good news or the bad news? Naku replied, "Supriya phele good news do please..? Dutta slowly sided his head towards Naku and prompted," if I were you I'd ask for the bad news first.." she looked into his narrowed eyes questioningly,"aap jante ho Saab kya hai bad news? He kept his eyes on her face and said softly,"humm, Naku mein sab janta hoon, good aur bad news dono" and he turned his head to face Supriya.."but doctor sahiba ke mau se suna mangte hoon.."Supriya replied ok.. will tell you both but phele let's order our food first.. and I'll tell you both ,while we wait...
Dutta bowed his head and moved his face slowly to the side and Naku did too.. and he tried to read what messages she gave through those beautiful green doe eyes.. he sighed and gradually tore his eyes from her stunning face and looked the other way.. seemed he was forgetful what beautiful eyes she had , but suddenly he pulled back one of his arms off the table and his nostrils flared up a bit as he mused," humm pretty tu hai ye kali gori overall, but ugly things she had said to him.. and his head moved slowly and his eyes rested on Supriya .. and this one.. knows too much about me, he wondered.
How she would broach the subject? but he was damn sure she would do so without any issues.. and as his shoulder touched Naku's he yet again gave her sided look with a hint of a smile..her green eyes poked out as if to ask what is it? but he turned his head sideways as he allowed the waiter to set the drinks on the table..
Naku cupped her glass of lemonade and gulped it down, then set her glass on the table and turned to Supriya,"ab batao bhi ye good and bad news! I can't wait.. and she turned to look at Dutta who screwed his mouth at her impatience, "Saab! I know you don't want to know , but I do ! Dutta turned his big head the other way and muttered, "that can be seen.." Supriya looked at Naku and began , "well the bad news is my babaa has gone to Dutta's house to get me hitched with Dutta.. Naku being Naku, had a completely blank look on her face.. and then turned her head to Dutta , who explained, with a furrowed brow.."Supriya aur mera lagan ke baat chal rehe hai.." Naku's sharp winged eyebrows knotted and her eyes looked glazed.."lagan? and she then turned her eyes to Supriya and flashed them at her across the table, "some friend you turned out to be... and what's more he's been your patient! she protested in a small way and then turned and gave Dutta a sided accusing look and with a stiff stern face he mouthed the words,
"puri baat sun! let her finish! and stop over reacting, he warned her..
Naku lowered her eyes ,her face turned crimson red.. Supriya laughed and reached out for Naku's arm and continued ," hey Nakusha now for the good news , ye shaddi nehi ho sakte! because I am saying no! for Dutta.. Naku flared her nostrils and retorted, "why have you rejected Saab! what's wrong with him? he's a big man, well known in this area and has a golden heart! but Supriya interrupted, "he is also Dutta Bhau! Nakusha! isn't that right?
Naku turned and embarrassed checked Dutta's face who palmed his stubble and replied in space," you said the same about me Naku.. Bhau na hoya, duniya ka sab se bara badmash ho gaye ye Dutta! he roared and rose up to his feet to leave and Supriya looked up his tall imposing frame, "oh sit down Dutta! and stop throwing a tantrum! remember what strategy I told you? count backwards from ten till the anger abates in you! she ordered, and he spread his palms and look around in disbelief his mouth opened. Naku whispered ,"Saab please rok jao.. just sit down .. he gave her a I am doing you a favour look, and sat down next to her gingerly.. Supriya shook her head as she looked across at this big stubble faced stern faced man in his trade mark pathiani clothes, and the dainty demure fine featured doll,who sat next to him..
Dutta and Naku both looked at her quizzically and Supriya said with a straight face, "look I deal with people's minds, and this much I know clearly that you both are chained to each other with affection .. now why you two act as as if you don't care about each other beats me? Dutta sided his narrowed lion like eyes towards Naku and she shyly lowered her eyes.. Supriya asked, will either of you give me a good reason why you shouldn'tget married..? Dutta sighed and looked the other way, uncompromisingly.
Supriya knew it would probably be difficult for Naku to say anything either, so she felt she would instead have spell things out for them to get the desired result.. "look Naku, I know you are in a pickle about Dutta's profession, yes seemingly there is a dark side to it.. but as his rehab officer , try to think about how he contributes to the life of the needy and the destitute.. you saw the waiter in this place who has tasted Dutta's sensitivity and care for his people.. surely you have to give Dutta a chance to prove his worth.. and for that the test of time is necessary , but Dutta and Nakusha.. love can strengthen in time, but this same time can also fade the feeling of love also, and the odd thing is people don't even realize how and when that blissful feeling of love that once existed between two people vanishes!
So my brief for you two is don't waste time ,make your love permanent in the form of a lasting relationship.. she said seriously to them.. and Dutta turned to Naku and asked spontaneously.. mujhse shaadi karege? Naku was so shell shocked , that her fingers began to twirl around the corner of her pink chunni on her lap.. and she gave a shy nod.. Supriya clapped gently and turned to Dutta ,"now was that a proposal Dutta ShRiam Patel? what style , blunt, no nonsense ,it sounded almost like a don style order.. now or never! She laughed , as she moved her elbows off the table for the steaming food.. Dutta turned to look at Naku sideways and whispered.. "ab to tu nehi bole ge ke Saab aap mujhe yaad bhi nehi kerte, huh? she giggled and looked at Supriya.. "how come you have the knack of ironing out complications.? Supriya dished out some rice and said," you see Naku , when it comes to saving my own skin, my mind starts to work in fifth gear , now see! I am off the hook now! "she laughed.. Dutta looked across at her and thought.. more brains than beauty ..she's made my day.."so doctor sahiba I wonder your babaa is up to? he asked with a smile..
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Kala took her mother to the side and reminded her not to be talked into anything ,that was likely to unhinge her brother. Rana Ranbir Singh, introduced himself as Supriya's father. He mentioned the name of his deceased wife and AS was surprised to note that she knew the lady they were neighbours.. so she softened to Supriya.. her father then put forth the proposal for Dutta's hand in marriage. But before AS could assess the proposal , Kala asked quite clearly, why her Dutta Bhau was considered for his well educated professional daughter. He was forced to tell the truth , it was because he was confident that his daughter would be well settled in this family ,and also that in their future business ventures he would be excel confidently if he had the backing of an influential man like Dutta Bhau..
Kala replied that both her and Aye were in no position to give a definite answer to his proposal, as Dutta had yet to be asked.. to be continued ... Hamlet53~ 4.4.14
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Precap: "oh this is such lovely surprise, thanks Dutta, have to say never expected this..
N.B, dear readers, many pardons for the long delay, several reasons , the biggest one the wu's of the real LTL1..
Twinks, hope the storms have died down, must be cool.. and thanks for alerting me that tammy has made a vm.. kya baat hai tammy.. gimme some time to check it..
Edited by Hamlet53 - 11 years ago
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
