SS~Dutta~a trilogy~ thread 1. Follow the Heart. continued on thread 2 - Page 76

Originally posted by: dilse14

hi hamlet hi dilse, good to see you
wonderful udcoast is clear for dutta & naku😊wedding preparation looking frwddutta's hand got injured too oftenud soon
thanks for enjoying the ud ,yes will update tommorrow, find out more.. thanks very much for the lovely image .. yes ,100 pgs belong to all of us.. much love hammie

Originally posted by: twinkle-star

aww such a beautiful update dear...enjoyed it sooo much dear...totally mind blowing dear...awee this dutta is chooo chweeet...He wants to know the truth...but Naku still remains silent..But Dutta is very patient & kind with her.. .He was relieved to see naku with him under the same roof..Dutta-baaji convo is outstanding dear...its very very sweeet.....Loved baaji's advices...baaji suggests 2 options..Either Love her or hate her...dutta is finding difficult to take one option...pleased to see dutta's maturity&compassion... Love prompted by anger ....baaji is correct..true love conquers all barriers.loved baaji's sweet words...love guru...awww loved dutta-naku's convo..very well written dear...loved the way he eased naku's pain...his words are very powerful...Its soo beautiful hammiee lion...hats off to you.Dutta does not intend to set her free...any plans in his mind???aww again loved Dutta-& baaji's convo...baaji is absolutely correct...dutta only idolized naku's visual beauty...Its high time for him to understand her totally ...aww naku feeding soup part is awesome hammiee lion...Is he planning to teach her a good lesson.??. baby will find it out in upcoming updates...thanks soo much for the great update dear...loved it sooo much...sooo sweet of you🤗...big teddy hugs from twinky baby..

heloo twinky.. thanks for yet another back log.. your commitment is admirable😊
thanks for agreeing to complete your back logs after my ud tommorrow, you'll have wish to comment.. thanks for posting some fantastic pictures of dutta.. makes me miss the original LTL.. appreciate your comments on the uds.. always focusing on story.. keep reading ,will ud tomm twinks.. much love hammie

Originally posted by: -bharti-

Hi hammie, long time no see 😆 hi bart.. yes true but now I see you !

Part 19

Arey yaar yeh aadmi dressup horaha hai aur waha naku ki jaan ki ghanti baj rahi hai. Huh! worse baji n AS blissfully staring at the piece of art ? why cant they hear naku,s struggle or screams

Atlast ! naku raises an alarm, yeh ladki chillane se pehle bhi soch rahi hai ya sharma rahi hai ?

Dutta picks up arms instead of paint or brush which actually even for me is to think wa uncomfortable, bechara hammie i doubt if he has even touched the metal for a long time. But this was no time to think of the pros n cons Dutta utho waqt agaya ladai ki, arjun ki tarah iss ka bhi haat khaap raha hai ladne se pehle, ab koi krishna bhi toh nahi hai aas paas isko himmat dene, bhaag milkha bhaag oops i mean dutta bhaag 😃
well summed up bart, but it was hard to deviate from the LTL dutta for whom gunmetal was child's play..

I thought dutta seeing naku in distress would take dilawar,s guts out pumping all the bullets in, dutt teri, phate muh tere! do do baar miss kiya, ab tu gaya dutta dilawar ki haaton marega.

Chalo atleast baji is here, ab toh dilawar is trapped i thought, "Baji tu andar jaa issko mein dekhlonga" ?? matlab kya hai? yeh kya dekhni ki cheez hai ya maarne ki cheez, koi exhibition lagi hai?? yaar mein toh ab sach mein kisi bhi artist se koi umeed hi nahi rakhu.

woaw sherni naku ko pistol ki zaroorat bhi nahi chahiye, nails hi kaafi hai. with her killer looks n her stance dilawar knew she meant every word.

Even though i didnt like dutta encouraging naku to commit the crime but i gues it had to be done to protect naku from the wily unrepentful old man.

In all this drama baji is the only sensible guy who first protects the household elderly n then speaks some sense. Nahi toh dutta aur naku would be behind bars for abetting n murdering.
yes i totally agree bart.. and was aware you would pick on this.. and yes artist dithers ,see what I mean? it was a wrestle for me to show dutta in such a role.

Dutta,s divine interaction was worthwhile to note, he is surely troubled at the turn of events. but his mother,s sound moral influence helps him overcome these minor glitches. The heart to heart chat with naku was much needed n his self loathe evaporated. It was beautifully written hammie, i felt it was an ideal way to sort out misunderstanding which unattended would have festered into something big. Naku was very convincing in her argument, her words empowered him which inturn soothed his wounded ego. ..humm ye artist bhi nikala.. typical man! with mardangi!

Hain? whats with babi, why cant she just sleep in peace. hyper mom😛
thanks bart for commenting on part 19.. was impatient to read your take..

Part 20

uff! babi baji se bhi badi nautanki hai re, deva re deva But she is a perfect saas for bhau, she proposes he disposes, he proposes she disposes 😆 loved the comment!

Ab why is babi buzzing unnecessarily, naku bhau ke kamre mein uske bed mein ?? if thats indeed the case then babi will surely faint. Wah! baji ka timing mannna padega, has to be the one who stops her midway.

Yeh naku bhi soyi toh bhi kaha soyi hai, dat teri! kya honewala pati hai naku ki, he,s soundly sleeping on the huge bed when naku is crumpled on the floor, ediut 😡. Now babi gas even a bigger reason to cry, her daughter,s bleak future lol.. haaa haa.. stigma ,talk about drama..

Satyan savitriji i mean nakushaji adds ghee to the fiesty babi. But its more to do with the social cultural boundaries which sends babi in a tizzy. Luckily for them there is none other to add fuel except ofcourse the sleeping sher.

Hain? naku kis bast ki day dreaming karti hai i fail to understand jab dono ke darmiyan kuch hota bhi nahi lol. Poor naku, like us readers can only imagine. 😆 i know these are your true feelings.. our imaginations, what's there to lose.. hamari bhi tu thrill hone chaiya.. so glad you spotted it

Ab ek mareez se chutkara mili toh doosra tayyar muh phulake, hammie this dutta looks more like you jab dekho sulking. wottt?? me sulk? noooahhh ,i just roar!

How insensitive can he get ? he wakes up in the middle of the night when naku is dozing awkwardly yet he can notice only her beautiful face aur sketching karne ka man kiya ??? WTH?

Ab yeh pukka hammie ki tarah kyu sound kar raha hai? this is what im hearing for so many years, the irresistable urge to create write or whatever. Hmm its the creative person,s itch ?
iI can feel some affinity bart.. hummm.. may be aisa he hai.. but tu jante hai sab kuch, good ,bad and ugly about hammie .. haina?

I wish to know honestly if dutta wants a nurse or a life partner, 😉 what an indecent proposal to make ? abnoxious hai yeh banda. He is such an unromantic rude irritating matlabi painter babu, i guess most creative people are in many ways the same, self obsessed. 😆 I agree "main" issue..

Yahi mauka hai bolde naku that you are shit scared of being his slave for the rest of your life, that is what this man is looking for...
wottt? tu rehe de maat use wrong track pe dal.. slave tu woh hai uske beauty ka
Ek kaamwali in the garb of garhwali who can carry his paint brush, who can feed him poha day in n out n then who can nurse him every time he decides to fall n damage his body n a pleasant face to stare n moan.

hmm whatever said n done dutta in a maroon kurta i guess is worth all the drama. 😳

Waise he was trying to chance pe dance maro when babi was shedding those tears, but what stops him im wondering. Now why did he stop from the maang bharo act if he was this despo, God! yeh toh sach mein yedha hai. Ab naku,s life is under grave threat, she might have as well landed in a soup. 🤣 loving your comment!

Hmm waiting to see this krishna radha ki lagaan kab aur kaise hoga, umm yeh seema ma,m last mein kya karne ayi ? 😛...welll find out tommorrow bart.. line marne aye hogi dutta par.. ye phir dutta is lagaan ke baat she must have found out
thanks for getting me out of my misery ,by commenting bart.. loved both of them.. with much love, as ever yours hammie

Originally posted by: Hamlet53

Mishal Raheja

as Dutta

Out of my hands

Final part 21

Dutta's mother looks across at this flamboyantly dressed young woman in a bold fuchsia coloured summer flowers sari. The woman flaunts her below the shoulder loosely hung stylish hair. Her bold fuchsia lip rouge gives her lips a full on pout look.. she nears and bends to touch Aye Sahib's feet and gains a gentle feel of the mistress of the house's palm on her head.

Bab too hurriedly shuffles into the lounge area to check out this attractive woman with great interest. As it is, she caught the bit when Baji had mentioned she is some important person from the art school.. isn't that the same place where her daughter had worked to earn extra money?.. Babi mops her brow with the back of her hand , when it dawns on her that she may be Dutta's boss?.. and she's pretty. Why is she here? what does she want? fears Babi, looks up and mumbles a supplication to her deities...Deva, kuch bura na hoi, na koi bandish. Baji as second nature to him, switches on his hospitable charm and leads the guest to the chair adjacent to his mother.. and himself with an apologetic raise of his hand retreats to the kitchen as if to show he's organizing refreshments..

"Naku! you'll never guess whose turned up? Seema ma'am.. aur use recent developments ka kuch nehin pata! so better get your thinking cap on! Naku dressed in her usual white sari, panics facially and begins to cover her face with her hands , in the kitchen. Yes Baji is correct, Seema ma'am is in the dark about her being a widow! and what's worse ,she is unaware of DP and Naku's forthcoming lagan.. this was far from being an easy complication to come out, without probably causing grief to Seema ma'am, and her jumping to conclusions.. worries Naku. Still Naku thinks, she'll take it as it comes..

"don't you fret Baji, nothing we can't handle ,besides have you told DP, I bet he'll be pleased to see her, asks Naku with a seemingly unruffled look.

As Naku walks in serenely carrying refreshments with Baji at her side, Seema literally rises to her feet, with an exclamation,

" Nakusha!!tum? safeed sari mein? when did this happen? and how come I have been left in the dark? after all you were taken on as the subject at my art school ! answer me!

" she will give no such answer Seema! Nakusha is not yours or mine subject anymore! she also will not be a widow for long ,for I am about to marry her shortly! ,bellows Dutta firmly as he glides down his wooden stairs in his steel blue pathiani .. Seema spins around with a snubbed expression and catches sight of Dutta's infuriated expression.. yes it's clear his obsession for this rather pretty chit of a girl was always destined to end this way.. she muses, then gathers herself gracefully and flies forward to greet her gifted artist..

"Dutta! Dutta! wohi gussa! wohi tavaar!! but what a transformative turn in your life... can't say all this news has come as an entire surprise ,but still didn't predict something formalizing between you too so soon", Seema greets, meets and moans to Dutta.. Dutta smiles and then raises his hand up to welcome Seema after his apt putting her in place.. coupled with a totally ignoring of the trite in her manner.

"well Seema.. what brings you this part of the woods? he asks point blank , but with a twinkle in his eyes. Seema too always enjoys to lock horns with Dutta.. and what she is about to say him, in fact to all present here is sure to throw a spanner in the works!

" dekho Dutta,main thumhe.. bilke ap sab ko kush khabri dene Aye hoon , ke Dutta ko Italy ke art school ne dawat de hai ke Bharat ke art works ke namesh kare. Dutta has won a sponsorship! after the viewing of his entered art work themed on the Indian woman in varied settings " All are aghast , but she turns to influence a verbally mute Dutta .. for his eyes are fixed on the big bold terrified eyes of his beloved Naku.. Seema trips the spell of the lovers visual messaging..

"Dutta you cannot miss the opportunity of a life time to share your skills, abilities , knowledge.. you own this to your country ,your background! can't you see it's not just celebrating your identity but your national identity too! those who haven't come to India ,you take a rich morsel of India to them!.. why are you silent Dutta? say something! for goodness sake your works about the role and image of the Indian woman, won you this award! now tell me you will take the offer??pleads Seema.. as she also turns to include his mother,

"Aye Sahib ap Dutta ko samjhaien ke aisa mauka bar bar nehin ata!." but before Aye Sahib can answer , Babi butts into the conversation airing her conflict of interests,

"dekho Seema Tai, aap ne shayed Dutta Bhau ko thek nehin suna .. Dutta Bhau aur Naku ka lagan hone wala hai.. tu Bhau kaise abhi ja sakte hain? for once , Naku's mother outlines that which pleases both Dutta's heart and mind! and he turns his eyes towards Baji in a signal to follow suit..

" haan Seema ma'am! ye kaise hosakta hai ke var he naho.. oh please I want my Bhau to get married a.s.a.p.. waited so long! besides, this union between Dutta and Naku cannot face a glitch! I protest! the visit to Milan can wait! yells Baji and by the expression on both the mother's faces , Baji's protest appears to be a winner.

But Dutta continues to stand still . But as if, the rest of the people dwindle into some hazy oblivious mist.. his eyes only fix upon Naku.. his beloved, who disintegrates gradually into pieces as present conversation continues. He watches her stoic warfare with her tears which are desperate to spill out.. a hot flush begins from the end of her neck and creeps up to her cheeks.. then not withstanding more, she begins to run away from the gathering.. Dutta clearly in alarm speeds behind her and stretches to grab her wrist and she turns her neck backwards to his face of half in anguish and half enraged.. he parts his lips and commands

"kamre mein chal mera! abhi! this minute! and he turns and before all, he leads her in tow by the grip of his palm , just above her wrist, in a huff up his wooden stairs... the company turns and all eyes watch Dutta ahead and Naku in tow.. they watch Dutta cross his study cum balcony, barge into his room with her and then slam the door to his den shut! Baji bops his head and wears a smug look on his face.. Seema is crest fallen , but yes she prefers to wait for Dutta's verdict from his own mouth.. and therefore engages in small talk over a cup of tea that Babi , decides to serve her with..

Seema asks about Dutta's sling, how the injury occurred? Baji and Aye Sahib, give her an account , which makes her conclude that Dutta's life is totally embroiled with what goes on in Nakusha's life.. in simple terms they are two people in love.. and how deep is his love for her will now be measured against how deep is his love for his land? muses Seema...

~~~~~~~~

As soon as the door is shut ,Naku runs straight into his arms and he winces in pain.. but Naku just let's the flood gates of tears spill out on his open collar. He feels her slim petite body shake with her weeping against him, and he rubs the small of her back tenderly and hushes her ..

"shhh, chup ho ja Naku.. ye itna roona kis liye? she clenches her fists and moves slightly from him and moans amid sniffles

" itne bare baat Seema ma'am ne bol de! and you act as if nothing untoward has happened! pata hai mujhe what you'll chose? the trip.. thek bola na maine DP? batao" she cries.. Dutta rests his left hand lightly on the curved round edge of her shoulder.. brings his injured hand close to her chin and props it up ,as he looks intensely into her eyes

" Naku.. Naku.. why do you constantly doubt me? you cannot allow emotions cloud your reason.. it can be dangerous. Where sometimes it's a boon to flow in the stream of emotions.. but in other instances in life one needs to keep emotions under check and let reason prevail.. so that, right decisions can be taken.. over reacting in this situation is making you assume things which I may not even be considering.." he explains.. but before he can continue, she exclaims like a child!

" so it means that you won't accept? dekho DP! you can't put off our lagan, remember aap se intezar nehin hota! she manipulates . Dutta feels her soft tear stained cheek.. her skin hot.. and he glides his finger tips on her porcelain chiselled features, and reminds her

"waise thujhe yaad haina , I said to you let's get married right away forget about the reeti riwaj.. any thing can happen ? but tu nehin mane.. hogaya na lotcha? ab bol Naku kya kare ga ye tera Dutta? she hides back against the niche of his hairy chest and cries in a muffled voice ..

"mujhe nehin pata? pun jo bhi karna hai! jaldi jawab do Seema ma'am aur hamre pariwar ko.." orders Naku amid tears.. Dutta shifts his chin on the top of her head and his eyes look yonder in space.. they carry a content expression.. he has a proposition and he swivels Naku to face him.. and tells her,

"com 'on then! let's go downstairs.. people our waiting for us..chal! and he pushes his left palm forward and this time Naku leads and he follows behind her.. midway she pauses in her descent and turns her head backwards at him, with big bold pleading eyes. Dutta too halts and looks down into her eyes , but with a fixed firm face..

"kya hoya? rok kyun gaye?.. barooosha nehin kerti mujhe par?.. Dutta fires multiple questions at her.. Naku giggles and then in nervous embarrassment, dips her head in vigour and mutters

" kerti hai.. Dutta glares at her, irritated by her silly traits.. takes a step down and stiffly brushes past her, and continues to descend till he reaches the bottom of his wooden stairs . Naku now picks up speed and joins him in a hurry .. and huddles along behind him..

~~~~~~~

All eyes are on this couple. Seema with bated breath senses that it will be Dutta who will enlighten every one. So be it , however it does bother her that why such a big burly bull of a man, with a vivid personality of his own, needs this small ,insignificant .. once his subject of a girl's input, in arriving at such an important decision of his life!

Dutta walks decisively and stands in the middle of the room, fixes the crease of his sling at the back of his neck and begins in a guttural voice

" mafi chata hoon, ap sab ko intezzar kerna para.. pun baat he aise thi..apne hone wali patni se mashwara zaroori tha", Seema cuts out his introduction and interrupts impatiently

"Dutta can you take us out of our misery please! and tell us what you have decided regarding the sponsorship? I have to inform the Milan art school if you can make it?

"well Seema if that's the case, then you'd best tell me when is this exhibition ? that you have already assumed I will accept.. says Dutta coldly. Seema perks up and says,

"sorry Dutta for being cheeky and nearly taking the decision on your behalf.. thing is, you are undoubtedly so brilliantly deserving that I cannot accept any old answer except yes!.. as for the date it's day after tomorrow.. ticket bhi bheech diya hai tumhara.. she gushes out with information.. all around are in shock and Babi nearly faints, and Baji helps her into a chair. Dutta takes a deep breath and gives Naku a love torn gaze.. then walks toward's Babi and crouches on his legs and says..

"dekho mausi.. ab se do din hain tumhara pas apni beti ke lagan ke liye.. main tayaar hoon..

Babi cries with joy and nearly falls at Dutta's feet , but he grabs her shoulders and raises her up on her feet and says to her

" maa beta ke par nehin gerti, ashirwad deti hai.. says Dutta tenderly and Babi sobbingly gives him her blessings. Aye Sahib , dabs her eyes with her pallu. Dutta then stands, turns curtly and says to the two mothers,

".. ab, aap dono tae karlien ke kaun se rasmein, ap ne dau dino mein kerne ha? .Kyun ke ho sakta hai lagan ke rasam ke baad, humien flight pakerne hogi.." he says firmly.. both Aye Sahib and Babi were not going to ask questions, they accept whatever has come to pass ,given the new developments.. but Aye Sahib does swell up with pride at her adopted son..

"kush reh mere baache.. tune apne Aye Sahib ka maan rekh liye.. " and with moist eyes Dutta meets Naku's tearful eyes.. but Dutta stiffens up and walks rigidly towards Seema and tells her

" yes Seema I will kill two birds with one stone.. phele I'll get married , and then I will go to Italy but with my wife.. is ka ticket, main doon ga.. but! Naku goes with me.. on my expense. So while I prepare for my wedding , you get my ticket and our flights organized! Dutta orders and Seema smiles and says

"well I guess all's well that end's well! ab koi mau meetha karie ga ?she clasps her hands.. Babi bursts at the seams with happiness and traipses into the kitchen.. Naku too shyly follows her.. Baji eyes Dutta and then impulsively almost runs and goes into a warm bear hug with Dutta.. who moans.. as he puts his left arm around his friends shoulder.. Baji snivels at his Bhau's bosom..

"aaj main bahut kush hai Bhau.. tum me ne ek maard ka kam kiya hai..." and Dutta moves him from his chest and says,

"oyee actor! acting band kar! aur le ke chal mujhe A&E outpatients and let's get this damned sling off , feel so maimed.. baji!

~~~~~~~~

At the out patients, Dutta's wound above his right hand is examined by the surgeon.. a nurse with surgical gloves, pulls out the metal tacks, as painlessly as she can. There wasn't a peep out of Dutta.. why would he complain? he was having a rushed lagan with his beautiful woman, so pain he cannot feel anywhere on or in his body. His soul rejoices today.. ummh, he sees shri Krishna sitting in the consultation room.. watching his bandages come off.. finally the sling comes off and Dutta's glad to see it binned! his hand is scarred and tender.. it's the scar that makes a slight impact on Dutta.. and he looks across to Krishna who raises his palm and communicates to Dutta..

"aree Dutta , yoon samhje ke ye nishaan apne Nakusha ki rakhsha kerne ka, zindagi bhar ka tera waada hai us se".. Dutta smiles back in reverence at his lord Krishna and then lowers his eyes and feels the knitted pink skin atop his right hand with the fingertips of his left hand. The surgeon gives his medical opinion and tells Dutta clearly, that he will have to wear a palm glove grip bandage for a short period.. however he would be able to use his right hand within reasonable degree of light work.. Dutta is more concerned about how soon can he pursue his art work.. he explains ,that he was also in the process of travelling abroad ..

" well Dutta I see no reason why you can't do light art work involving fine motor skills ,like painting.. however for heavy art work like sculpture you will have to give his hand some time.." Dutta well pleased stands up on his feet, all sounds good and he couldn't wait to hold a paint brush again!

~~~~~~~~

As the two walk into the hall of Patil Nivas, they are greeted by a group of local women, scurrying around, dressing the place up for a lagaan .. pinning up torans.. Both men have to swerve past a couple of young girls busily involved in making brightly coloured rangoli patterns with a selection of powder colour.. others were post themselves in various areas around the spacious lounge.. involved in the task of smashing turmeric down to a fine powder for the auspicious occasion.. on seeing Dutta enter with Baji.. they titter quietly and exchange looks.. and Dutta's face turns red as he lowers his eyes and speds away.. he turns to Baji..

"nikal edhur se fatafat! before Aye Sahib and Babi mausi turn up and involve us in tasks.. I need to go to my room.." he advises Baji , who turns to his Bhau,

"dekh Bhau! ye bhi sooch rehe hoon ge, sher kabo mein ah gaye hai! sniggers Baji as Dutta ignores him and somewhat languidly goes up the wooden stairs to his room. Once in his room, he heads straight towards Bappa's little idol, dips his head in worship and gently takes the idol in both his palms.. and then slowly moves towards the framed picture of sri Krishna in his room.. with a more of a warm informal smile than an expression of a grave faced devotee , he begins

"jai sri Krishna!.. bas kehna tha' maine thek faisla kya hai na?.. you suggested to me I use Bappa's gift of wisdom.. and too also keep in mind what I hold important.. so shri Krishna .. I used wisdom and now I will marry Naku , and together we will travel abroad to spread my knowledge and learn from others beyond my shores.. now I seek your blessings in both undertakings", shri Krishna smiles and with a raised palm responds to Dutta..

" mera ashirwad tu hamesha tera saath hai Dutta.. but let it be known, that it's I who makes things happen.. so not for once should you conclude that this is the only decision you will have to take.. you will soon find out what I refer to.. so when you face yet another challenge , just remember I allow events to occur, so that humans can realize what they are all about.." and suddenly the door opens and Naku enters with a platter covered with an ornate silken napkin. She finds Dutta standing before shri Krishna's picture and is pleased to see DP's devotion, although she wonders with a smile, what he could be offering prayers for?

"DP... she calls softly and Dutta turns, to face her with Bappa's idol still clasped in his hands.. but .." ye kya? still wearing a bandage..? she asks with obvious disappointment. Dutta walks towards the side unit and places Bappa's idol gently in the middle.. then turns to look at Naku with a slight cocky tilt to his head..

" humm hai bandage with.. dekh it's a palm one.. see I can wriggle my fingers.. let me show you humm? tu aise nehin maine ge.. demo dena pare ga thujhe.." and he moves slowly toward's her and then stops as the platter comes between them

"ab ye kya hai?.. Naku giggles and he fails to see the joke and literally pulls off the silky cover! and uncovers, laddos and burfi! Naku with a smile that radiates her complete face , presents him with the plate that rests on her palms.

" DP.. lo mau meetha karo.. Dutta gives her a flirty smile and then shyly picks up a burfi with two fingers of his palm glove grip and brushes it against her petal lips. Naku takes a bit in, chews it with a naughty smile.. and is about to pick a fresh piece of burfi to pop into his mouth.. but Dutta nods, and before her big bold green eyes he eats the remainder of the burfi she had eaten..

They both smile at each other. He chews the sweet, rubs off the crumbs from his fingers ,then moves forward and takes her face in both his palms and looks at her rosebud mouth for a moment, then recedes and gently brings her into both his arms and locks her.. real close to his chest.. she snuggles against his chest and he teases her ,as he adjusts his chin on her head..

"waise Naku tere riti riwaj ka ab kya bune ga? hope you are not mad at me humm? Naku presses her palms against his hairy chest and tries to throw her head back so she can see his face..

" nehin DP.. the most important muharat is that of the lagan itself.. and that you have earmarked upon totally.. waise bhi jab sab ghar wala have accepted what you suggest in the circumstances, so it makes it seem fine.. besides I'd rather be with you for life in the most dignified and ritualistic way.. then let you go on your own, and wait a lifetime for you to return! but I know how you feel for your work and that's' why I tried not to influence you.. well it was hard.. to let you go." and tears well up in her eyes and her voice falters.. and Dutta gathers her in his arms yet again, and affectionately, fondles the back of her head..

"this is what I thought, before you volunteer to sacrifice your happiness for my work.. I should find a solution that would be suitable.. acceptable to both of us and our pariwar.. chale ge na tu mera saath, jahan main le ke jaon ga thujhe Naku?.. she pushes her arms from under his arms pits ,and crosses her arms on his wide hard back and whispers against his warm chest..

"humm.. ye Naku hamesha aap ke saath rehe ge.."and he smells the top of her head and brushes his lips on her hair..well .. he has to apply reins to his way ward emotions.. best he gives vent to his turbulent passion at what he does best! he parts from her and holds her at arm length and chuckles..

"Naku tuhjhe mil gaya ju tu chate thi.. ab tu ja aur main zarra studio ka chakkar laga ke ata hoon.. aur haan Naku.. I'll be there for a while, and you better see to it I am not disturbed.. " he commands with a sober face. Naku attempts to refute that she is not the only one dying to get married , but he raises his palm and says, rather severely..

"jaa ab Naku! haat batta neeche ja ke rasmoon mein!..Naku pulls a face and leaves his room immediately..

~~~~~~~~~

Dutta does as he said he would, head for his studio.. he pushes open the door with his palm gloved hand.. already he feels like a new man. He steps in and looks around his easels around the room. Naku's sketches look at him from every corner from his studio. The poignant thing is that nowhere do his sketches use any colour on his beloved Naku.. in fact his works revolving Naku's persona are only black and white representations, charcoal pencil on white sketch paper.. but he vows that today is the last day it would be.. now very soon he will paint her in colour..that which comes into her life due to him...he is that cause and reason of painting rainbows in her life. Suddenly his life too, becomes sensible for him.. the door clicks open and in comes the man after Dutta's heart..Bajirao Patel

"eyee Bhau tum edhur chup ke beithe ho, dekh kal tumhare ghar mein tumhare haldi ke rasam hone wali hai ,aur tum.. apne cave me ghussa ho! dekho Bhau ye kya hai? what kind of a lagan is this? such a hurried affair as if tum bhag ke shaadi kar reho ho! " Dutta gives him a look of sarcasm and replies dryly..

"dekh Baji as happy as the occasion may be, but this is as far as it goes! besides haan , it's true main lagan karte he bhag raha hoon.. till I don't do it , I won't able to shed more light on this matter.. so mera dost is mamala mein thujhe wait kerna hoga"

"ho Bhau! pun tum mera bhi tu sooch, baachan ke yaar ka lagan hai, aur koi stag duo bhi nehi.. chaleta hai kya pas mein naach ghar?! entices Baji.

But his Bhau ,silently walks to the window.. opens it, and looks across the twilight reddish hues of the sky.. the sun sets and night with it's dusky dark greyish black blanket unfurls itself to smother the orange hues of sunset.. a few stars hurriedly pop up! against the firmament. But Dutta only searches for the bright star .. ju maa hai.. Aye!, his soul cries out and his eyes begin to well up. Baji rushes to his side and places his hand on Dutta's shoulder.. he has been long enough with Dutta to hear the unspoken groans of the inner recesses of his Bhau's heart...he suggests caringly,

"chal Bhau ! let's go to damodar kaka.. waise bhi , he needs to be here kal tere rasame start ho rehe hain and day after lagan, chal! chor stag night ko let's go to your ghar! Dutta turns and hugs Baji and mumbles

" Baji a true friend is one who can read the unspoken melancholy, joy and sorrow of his friend, tu saach mein dost hai.. my quiet speaks volumes to you.." confesses Dutta

~~~~~~

Dutta is quietly pensive in the passenger seat as he sits next to Baji in the driver's seat. Baji is conscious that despite the joy, of marrying the girl he fancies, his Bhau still appears morose.. this is unhealthy.. and he cannot stop himself from vocalising,

" Bhau, tu kyun udash hai? kuch samhhej nehin aya mujhe? umm..

" nothing Baji, it's just that in moments of high happiness, one can't help but miss loved ones ju pas na hoon.. but don't tell me you didn't know that already?

" Bhau , mein yateem kya janoon, apnon ke bare mein.. jab se hoosh sambhala hai, thujhe, babaa ya Aye Sahib ko he paya hai.. so me content all my loved ones are around! no dearth of loved ones! Baji quirks.. They pass a sweet meat shop, and since Baji was in such a hurry to retrieve Dutta's happiness he left Patil Nivas without collecting a box for Damoder kaka! so he halts before the shop..

"ab tera tum mau bana hoya hai Bhau.. mujhe tu kuch meethai lene de kaka ke liye? informs Baji and slides out of the black jeep.. Dutta watches his friend walk away with a spring in his gait..and Dutta muses, how can he ever be down and under with this nautanki about? Within no time Dutta arrives at his home, the little unassuming shack.. mera ghar! his heart leaps! and he cannot help but turn his head towards the huge Banyan tree. The moist mud pit still stood under it with little pools of rain water.. the light in the house is indicative that babba is still awake.. mujhe yaad kar raha hoga.. Dutta squares up enthusiastically and disembarks from the jeep ,but Baji races and pulls Dutta back..with a cry

"Bhau I want to knock at the door, and present kaka with laddos, ab tu dulha bune wala hai, kuch tu sharam karo, apne lagan ke sweets apna babba ko khud de ga? not done! " and Baji taps at the door..Damoder appears, a shawl drapes on his shoulders, as his tired old eyes immediately light up at the sight of these two! Baji plonks the sweets upon his hands and Damoder looks behind and smiles at Dutta ..

"pooch ge nehin kaka ye meethi kis liye hai?teases Baji with an all out beam.. Damoder looks at Dutta and then replies to Baji..

"mere Dutta ke ankhien bata rehe hai , ke apne babba ko kushi jald hi dena wala hai! and Baji squirms into the one room humble dwelling and Damoder reaches out for Dutta's face, gives his son's forehead a kiss.. Dutta leaps ahead and clings to his father with his strong arms around the tired old body of Damoder and presses his cheek against his father's neck and cries..

" babba Aye ke bahut yaad ah rehe hai.. Damoder grabs Dutta's shoulders and consoles his son by strokes of love with his moving paternal palms on Dutta tough strong back..

"mera baache..Aye haina pas hum dono ke.. humare dil mein woh hamare diloon ke dakhan hai.. chaal undar ah.."and Damoder takes his son into the house.. smoothens the bed cover on his charpoy and makes Dutta sit beside him.. he balances Dutta's palm gloved grip hand, on his palm and with a gentle stroke says

"tu apna bikul khayal nehin rekhta Dutta...main kush hoon tera khayal rehkne wali ah rehe hai.."Baji brings the sweet before Damoder's mouth and says with uncontrollable glee

"abhi tum mau meetha karo kaka! and saman bhi band lo, Dutta ke rasamien shrru hone wali hai kal se.."On the way back to Patil Nivas. Dutta drives with his father in the passenger seat.. and Baji of course in the rear seat of the black jeep.. Dutta briefs his father.. that the lagan is hurried due to his trip abroad.. Damoder of course supports the idea of his son honouring Naku.. when they arrive home, in spite of being a low key affair. Aye Sahib and his sisters, have the whole faade of Patil Nivas vibrating with string lights! there is a clear message of lagan being sent.. to near and far.. Inside both mothers and a few locals flit around excited hands on! with the haldi ceremony preparations due the following day.. Aye Sahib delights as she receives Dutta's father and extends her hospitality to no end for Damoder .. after all he is her darling Dutta's real father. The emptiness in Dutta's heart still continues, and the need arises in him to go to his room. his first port of call of course is his heavenly friend and confidante.. shri Krishna.. as he nears the picture of the dusky young handsome god.. he hears the tunes of the flute beckoning him.. shri Krishna tilts his flute to the side of his mouth and plays a light happy tune when he sees Dutta before him..

"ah gaya tu Dutta ?yakeen tha mujhe tu aye gam mera pas.. hulchul ju hai tera maan mein mere baache.."

"jai shri Krishna.. troubled I am, don't get me wrong I am grateful for all the favours you grant me.. pun kya karoon Deva? mujhe apne maa bhaut yaad ah rehe hai.. kya karoon? dil udhas hai.. shri Krishna smiles compassionately at this devotee of his who constantly allows his divinely presence in his earthly life..

" dekh Dutta.. you are one blessed person! who has two mothers.. yes one of your mother's is with me ,but look around you, the other mother is with you too ! my child.. dekh Dutta! tera dard main janta hai, pun sooch mere bhi dau maien thein.. Devaki maa jis ne mujhe janam diya, aur Yashoda maiyaa jis ne mujhe pala.. yaad rekh Dutta! janam dene wali maa se palne wali maa ka darja zayeeda buland hota hai... sooche is par ju maine thujhe bola hai ! and Dutta smiles with moist eyes as he hears shri Krishna's flute notes dwindle away.. yes his lord Krishna is right, he understand's the pain of Dutta's heart.. it's true his sentiment of feeling the gap of his own mother.. at such a milestone in his life.. may very easily give vent to this feeling at large, that Aye Sahib perhaps didn't fulfil her duties as his foster mother.. which will be totally untrue.. for whatever he is today it's because of Aye Sahib's parenting! So Dutta has to stop his whinning .. for he has been and is in a most fortunate position , mai ke elava , he has babba also who nutured him too.. mera babba ! two in one! he smiles.. affectionately..

~~~~~

The day begins.. as Baji barges in looking like a waiter ,the breakfast tray balances on his hand,

"chai nastah! Jago mohan pyare! utho and get ready for the ritual of getting a cleansing ,purifying face pack Bhau! he rings out in tune..

Dutta, moves his folded arm on his eyes and groans in his early morning crackling guttural voice..

"Naku kahan hai? and he turns on his side ,plonks his head cushion on his ears.. Baji comes over to the side of Dutta's bed and pulls off the cushion from under Dutta's folded elbow , with an instruction..

"Bhau here, your yellow kurta for the ritual.. now get up and shower and have your breakfast ,then come down.. Dutta looks at the cellophane bagged mustard yellow kurta

"rekh de udher pehan loon ga .. and mera apna kam hai kuch ,don't want to be disturbed.. especially by you "warns Dutta menacingly .. but within himself he feels denied of Naku's affection. She hadn't turned up to serve him breakfast.. well aagar woh nehin aye then it calls for doing his own thing.. and after ablution he wears a white voile embroidered kurta and white pyjamas.. he has work to. To let his imagination go wild.. But before he goes to his studio, he cannot but help, peep down at the ground floor where the atmosphere is set for the haldi ritual.. patla stool is set for his bride to sit upon.. his mother, her mother, his sisters and Baji in his brocade knee length sherwani is busy keeping the ladies amused.. there is loud festive music; lots of dancing by Baji and his sisters.. Dutta is almost tempted to join in , but he turns from the balcony as he keeps in mind that he himself has work to do.. one last look ,makes him halt as he hears cries ,bring the bride! rasam shuro karo!! Dutta walks away discreetly towards his studio...

But before that a gentle hand, grabs his arm.. it's his mother and Babi mausi..with another another domestic hand carrying the haldi platter on hand.. Dutta pulls a face and almost begins his protest when his mother chides him.. too

"rasam hai Dutta phele var ko haldi lageti hai .. phir ju reh jai to vadhu ko lagai jate hai.. " Baji sniggers in the back ground as he sees his Bhau.. being led to the patla stool where he is sat, gathered knees.. his mothers and sisters,and Babi apply haldi to significant parts of Dutta's body.. with the betel leaf.. he complies , but his eyes shift about to catch a fleeting sight of his Naku.. once the ritual is complete.. Dutta heads toward's his studio.. covered in haldi.. his cheeks, above his wrists and small dabs on his feet.. he cannot wait to start his work.. With care he folds up his sleeves and faces the white portrait canvas pinned to his easel.. he adjusts the light.. and then offers his part haldi blotched hands that hold his painting tool ,the brush.. up to the heavens..

" sri Krishna...aaj main Naku ko tera ankhoon se dekhna chahta hoon.. give life to my injured hand and let it be that I see Naku as she really appears right here on this canvas of mine.. he feels a shudder ,an empowerment within himself and he starts to paint her.. with fervour he wields the wide brush, marks her seated posture upon the patla stool.. curves in the folds of her arms that rest upon her propped up knees.. He hushes his heart that leaps to paint her face in its natural peachy hues.. and with a fine brush he fills in the details of her innocent shapely face.. meticulously, he takes his own sweet time to paint her fine features, the flow of her shiny raven black hair.. the slender swan like neck that holds the face he adores! and those green doe eyes.. his brushes curves down to define her shoulders.. then he stops and with fervent brush strokes clothes her not in white but in the colour green!! paints her kameez on her curvy bodice and further more of the matching green for her knees clad in a shalwar.. he rests his brush in the trough for a second, and with parting lips, stares at her painting. His Naku now wears clothes other than the widow's white sari! and with a degree of unwillingness, he paints soft folds of a green chunni on her left shoulder.. just like it is in the actual ceremony in the lounge.. his imagination sees what is for real..

In the ceremony, Naku walks in slowly, dressed in green, led by Babi and Roops, gently she is sat on the low flat stool.. slowly the platter of haldi is brought forward and both mothers and Dutta's sisters dip the betel leaves in Dutta's left over turmericand apply the paste on her cheeks.. shoulders, arms, knees and toes.. Simultaneously in the privacy of his studio.. Dutta observes his creation and then, rests his brush.. with a smile.. he wipes off finger tips of haldi from his stubble cheeks, and tenderly , caresses the yellow haldi colour on each of her cheeks on the painted canvas.. he carries on with the ritual of wiping off bits off haldi from his arms and feet and marks her corresponding significant parts with the yellow colour off, from his body.. on to her portrait.. he senses a sentiment of purification.. Naku too feels a strange descent of a pure placidity over herself during the ceremony in the hall...

~~~~~~~

Dutta although tired, knows that one more piece of work still has to be undertaken.. the ultimate one.. but before that just as he is about to set aside his oil based portrait of Naku...in haldi ritual. Baji barges in and complains about Dutta being absent from the haldi ceremony! but soon after his eyes pop out and he exclaims in amazement..

"Bhau this a stroke of wonder! how did you manage to paint Naku in the exact detail as she looks like in the haldi ceremony in the hall..??

"Baji it's called the artist's master stroke.. that which is triggered by the magic of love and blessings of the gods! ..replies Dutta. Then after a pause.. he instructs Baji.. "sun, you'd better get my bags packed, and tell Naku too that saman band le! lagan ke foran baad we will have to dash off to the airport! abhi tu ja and let me get on with my work! orders Dutta.. Baji makes himself scarce..

Dutta invokes the divine intervention of shri Krishna yet again .. this time he wishes to paint naku's portrait as his bride.. let it be,as she will be tomorrow.. a picture of sublime, simplistic beauty.. he fixes the easel and mixes his colour .. he paints her picture.. Naku in the attire of a yellow sari his Maharashtrian bride.. complete with mundavalya .. the decorative strings of beads, flowers on her forehead.. and the pearls nath in her nose.. he paints a slight smile on her face and closes his eyes, bedazzled by the radiance of her beauty that he creates.. on canvas.. he studies it, and then says aloud ,

"I will see tomorrow Naku.. will your real image correspond with what I pour upon my canvas tonight.. I want to see the affinity of my imagination to your reality.." and then very much in love .. Dutta.. leaves his final portrait of Naku in her wedding outfit in the room.. yawns and leaves his studio..

~~~~~~~

The day of lagan dawns.. it stands out for it's simplicity.. yet full reverence to the main ceremony where the chants of the sacred mantras are recited by Purhoit ji the pandit, who waits in the mandap for the groom to arrive. The families stand around the mandap , where the havan of the sacred fire is alight. Dutta the groom arrives! dressed in a silken ivory dhoti- and golden thread kurta.. his head covered with a gold organza twisted material turban. Upon his arrival, Kala ties the mundavalya on his forehead.. soon after the priest invites him to the mandap where he stands imposingly on a pat facing west and given a thick garland to hold.The priests holds a cloth screen before Dutta's face.. and chants more scared mantras.. Dutta's narrow lion like eyes seek Naku above the cloth !

Finally Naku arrives! flanked by Babi and Sethji.. Dutta's whole body enjoys a thrill! when he finds out that his beloved Naku appears precisely the same as he imagined her as his bride.. dressed in a silken yellow sari.. tied in Maharastrian style.. gradually she is escorted to the mandap an stood on the other side of the cloth screen.. holding a similar garland like Dutta's. After sacred rituals the cloth is lowers and the lovers eyes smile at each other with loving appreciation of each other's beauty! With welcome they garland each other. The formal marriage begins with full rituals and culminates in both Dutta and Naku.. being reminded of the sanctity ,and commitment of the sacred eternal bond.. Dutta puts the symbol of marriage the mangulsutra around his Naku's neck.. and then finally with a pinch.. of his palm glove bandaged palm.. puts vermillion in her mang.. the both look at other lovingly and he says romantically to her..

" shaadi mubarak ho Naku"... and soon after he gently closes his palm ,just above her delicate wrist and leads the circumambulations.. seven times! musing upon each of the scared vows being chanted by the priest.The lagan is solemnized! flower petals are shower upon both, as they bend and receive blessings from their elders!

~~~~~~

Dutta went into the changing room at the airport and got into his black pathiani.. zipped up his black leather ankle boots.. Naku kept her bridal sari on.. her husband wanted it on.. but she did take the mundavlya off.. and Aye shahib had given her a golden shawl which she drapes around her shoulders.. when it is departure time.. Dutta and Baji hug.. and Dutta parts from his mate and gives strict instructions..

" ghar waloon ka khayal rekhna Baji!... and send those two works of mine to Milan by courier services.. need them for the exhibition.. and haan I'll keep you posted! and they part..

Within the aircraft, Dutta allows his pretty bride to sit by the window , so that he can slyly feel her arm and hold her beautiful hand closer to him.. but Naku is more concerned about his right palm.. and she cradles it in her lap ; rests her head back. It is understandable they are tired and phased out. It has been a hectic rushed day for both.. soon her head drops on his strong shoulder, and as soon as the lights get dim in the aircraft.. Dutta turns his head to his right shoulder and lets his lips sink on her head.. till he feels the powdery vermillion on his lips... a back left hand, wipes the vermillion, off his lips on to his hand.. he sighs and slouches in his seat and rests back his head.. and muses.. poor girl.. took her straight out of her environment.. I wonder how she will take to our togetherness in a strange land?

Yes they are put up at a reasonable hotel.. both wouldn't know any way? the complete experience is alien to them .. the journey from the airport across the city, to their hotel.. this is all new.. the weather for starters, is cold and damp.. and then the language.. all greek to the them.. at last they are shown to their room.. both look at the huge bed with a simple bedcover.. and towels shaped as roses on the foot of the bed.. Naku stares at the bed and thinks.. aaj hamari suhag raat hai.. she gulps and Dutta turns to her and cups her face in his palms..

" kya hoya hai duniya ke sab se sundar larki? and she bursts into tears and cries her heart out against his hairy chest.. and sobs..

"aap ke kamre ke yaad ah rehe hai.. had we been at home, it would have been decorated.. beautifully.. Dutta tilts her head up and looks down into her tearful eyes..

" ayeee Naku! mera karma ke saab se unique cheez tera samna hai, tera pas.. and he lowers his lips on to hers and kisses her softly.. and grips her closer into him.. raises his head and says.. brushing his lips on her slender neck..." Naku jab thujhe phele bar dekha tha as my subject.. kuch dhoonle dhoonle khawab dekhe the maina.. ab chata hoon un khawaboon ko haqeet buna loon..." Hamlet53 ~30.1.15

The End

Epilogue

The exhibition was a huge success! Dutta presents Naku, her haldi portrait ,and bride portrait as a wedding present, before all in Milan .The art critics and connoisseurs of art bestow many awards to Dutta as an exceptional artist from India... so much so, that they offer him a job of art tutor in the faculty of Asian arts and sculpture.. Dutta then realizes that shri Krishna had told him he would have to make choices to recognize his true calling.. Naku is constantly home sick and bends his elbow.. to return home.. Dutta's foster mother did fear what if her son decides to settle abroad? But she also knew deep down that Naku would bring him back to his roots.. but Dutta is a man with his own mind. He does return with plans to turn Patil Nivas into an art school, particularly for under privileged youngsters, also open to overseas visitors too! where visitors could sample the series of his faith theme paintings. He refurbishes his father's house and both him and Naku live with Damoder.Baji rao is the boss in charge of Patil Nivas...Aye Sahib's chotta beta..

Dutta himself choses to live a humble modest life.. in the house where his Aye, bore him ,lived and then died.. under the banyan tree he finds bliss in the mud pit.. seems his first love continues to be making clay sculptures... Hamlet53 ~ 30.1.15

Well that's it from me, dear readers till we meet again.. thank you every single one of you for appreciating and supporting my work. hammie, is indebted to each one of you forever..

Originally posted by: Nakusha

hi hammiee

zor ka jhatka diya ...end...must say a beautiful story with beautiful end

dutta's journey as art school senior ..naku as muse ...his obsession for her ...he realized his love for her ...didn't matter what her social standing was...u woven it beautifully 😳

remarriage of a widow...his insecurity while dilawar end

opportunity came knocking in form of seema😆chat shaadi ...milan trip ...he got his sweet heart & well recognized ...he is working for his community & back to where he belong with his love naku

hammiee it was a SS its a trilogy ...thats the reason i have accepted the end coz u will start a new one.😉...trilogy ka matlab pic abhi bakhi hai

u r gifted writer & we reader get involved with characters ..it becomes difficult to bade good bye ..but i m optimist 2 edition baaki hai

this forum i will always grateful met talented writer like you'll ...its surviving coz of it

big hug & lots of luv😊

as always u r amazinggg hammiee

Originally posted by: afi7861

ooohh hammie tum ketni sangdil ho END kar diya 😳 chal koi nahi hum phir milenge

ye song tumhare liye

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3P3DSk_ap0[/YOUTUBE]

i hope you like it hammie