FF: Shades Of Love last part pg 91 dt 28.12.15 - Page 41

Shade 19

Jagtaap a local shopkeeper lay before me on the operating table. His heart rate was abnormal. His heart was unable to pump enough blood to his body. And lack of blood could damage his brain heart and other organs. Medicines had failed to work well so here I was placing a pacemaker under the skin of his chest. Hopefully now his heartbeat would be stable.

Returning at odd hours had become a routine but I wasn't complaining. I was enjoying my work. And I had to admit that working in PV was not as tough as I had thought it would be. Though AS didn't appreciate me in words but she seemed satisfied. And as I had expected she was no longer upset with me after all it had been more than a month since we had come back from Pune. Moreover she herself was keeping quite busy. The MLA was very impressed by the work she had done in PV and suggested that for further development she should stand for elections. People respected and followed her, it wouldn't be difficult for her to win the elections. I believed that she wasn't interested in joining politics but to my surprise now she seemed keen.

The hall area was dark and empty. Supriya and AS had most probably retired to their respective rooms and gone off to sleep. I was damn hungry but before that I needed to take a shower. Climbing two steps at a time I headed to my room and within minutes I was down again, changed into my black track pants and green t shirt.

As I approached the kitchen I found light coming out. At this hour who was still working in the kitchen. I poked my head inside.

" nakusha, what are you doing here?" She jumped in surprise.

My voice had startled her. But thank god she didn't drop the bowl that was in her hands.

She pushed back the refrigerator before placing the bowl on the counter. " I was heating the food for you."

I removed the lids to know what had been cooked. Dal, rice and lady finger. I wrinkled my nose.

" nakusha I don't feel like having all this."

She peered up at me. " then?"

" omelette would be great."

She averted her gaze and thought for a moment . " sahab it's Tuesday. You can't have eggs."

I furrowed my brows and glanced at my watch. " no it's still Monday. It's just 11.30." Why was she making an excuse? " don't we have eggs at home?"

She didn't reply so I went and opened the refrigerator. The rack was full of eggs. I took out two and handed her. She pointed toward the counter to keep them there. Taking out the chopping board she began chopping coriander and green chillies. Leaning against the counter I deposited my hands in my pockets.

" by the way nakusha you didn't have to wait for me." Though secretly I liked it.

" my exams are round the corner so I stay up late to study." She took out an onion and began pealing it.

I pouted in disappointment. " and here I was thinking that someone was waiting for me. Not fair nakusha."

She didn't care to look up at me and continued to chop the onion.

" easy nakusha. It's just a poor little onion. Seems like you wish to murder it on this chopping board."

Her hands stilled. " it's a vegetable. It's grown to be eaten. It's not some egg, mutton or chicken that I am killing to please my taste buds." Her sharp reply surprised me and I peered down at her in amazement.

" ouch. Touch. You're a vegetarian, right?"

" yes." She placed a pan on the stove and poured some oil.

" but nakusha eggs are no more considered as a non vegetarian item."

" eggs are hen's babies. If not eaten they can be chickens and later grow into hens. They are innocent and helpless species." She was dead against killing animals. Somewhere I felt that it angered her to see people taking innocent lives. Perhaps it had something to do with her. She was very much alive but the society ruled her life and she couldn't do anything about it. That frustrated her!

Suddenly I remembered that once she had said if given a choice she wouldn't even touch eggs. And here I was asking her to make an omelette for me. I mentally kicked myself.

She extended her hand to break and whisk the eggs when I stopped her. " it's okay nakusha I will have dal and rice."

She turned to glance at me. " I know you're fond of eggs. I'll make them."

" but I don't want you to do something you don't wish to." Her eyes softened at my words.

" how about cheela?"

I knitted my brows. " cheela? What's that?"

She opened the cabinet and took out gram flour. " it's like a desi omelette but it's eggless. You'll like it. Trust me."

" oh I trust you completely."

She shook her head and began mixing flour and water. " sahab, can you ever be serious?"

I stifled my grin. " excuse me nakusha, I am very much serious."

" is trusting you some kind of a joke?" I tried to sound offended.

" plain bread or toasted?"

" toasted."

Nodding her head she switched on the toaster.

She was indeed a tough nut to crack.

As she cooked I picked up her books kept on the refrigerator.

" no nakusha. This is not right."

" what?" She asked glancing over her shoulder. I showed her the algebraic problem that she had solved.

" but the answer is correct." She said while placing that cheela on a plate.

" yeah your answer is correct but your method isn't. You will lose marks if you do it like this."

She stuffed the cheela between the toasted slices and handed me the plate. " then how is it supposed to be done?"

Oh she was asking me to help her out and that too without showing any attitude. A welcomed change.

I kept the plate on the counter. " see it's simple..." She stood close to me and peered down into the book as I explained her. I couldn't help remember the time when she had pointedly refused to sit next to me. And look today she was standing just centimetres away from me. This trip to Pune had managed to crack the ice between us if not break it completely.

She took the book from my hands and began going through what I had shown her.

" hmm this cheela is delicious. You have magic in your hands." I expected a thank you but she simply nodded her head and didn't look up from her book. She was different. Compliments failed to delight her. Ah how did I forget that saying thanks was not that easy for her. In fact she would blurt thanks when it wouldn't be required. For example she had thanked for the Pune trip when I had not expected. There was no need to be grateful, she had no idea how amazed I was to see her happy.

I chewed on my late night snack as she continued to solve the math problems. " are you planning to finish your whole syllabus tonight?"

She shook her head. " no. But since you are here and if I get stuck somewhere, I can ask you." It felt nice to see her getting comfortable around me.

I glanced at the small clock sitting on the cabinet. " nakusha it's quite late. You must be tired. Go to sleep, study tomorrow."

She finally looked up from her book. " it's late for you too but you don't look tired."

" that's because I love what I do."

" same here. Even I love to study."

Point. She had a valid point. Winning an argument with her was next to impossible.

" after finishing your studies are you thinking to take up some job?"

" not really. I am not studying to make money. I study to gain knowledge. To become a wiser and a better person. And if possible share this treasure of knowledge with people like me."

" what do you mean by people like you?"

She looked away. " not all women like me get the opportunity to study. The society doesn't allow them to prosper. So if somehow I could reach out to them, it would be nice."

I smiled at her. " you wish to be a teacher?"

She shrugged. " hmm. Perhaps."

What a beautiful desire. Once again she showed how selfless and considerate she was.

*tring. Tring*

the door bell rang. Who could be at this hour?

" Sahab you eat. I'll see."

" no, I'll come with you."

I opened the door and was astounded to see him. He grinned widely and spread his arms.

" hey bhau."

" baaji!"

thanks for reading

Rose

Shade 20

Throwing a last glance at the huge wall clock in the hall I switched off the kitchen lights. Walking back to the servants quarter with books in my hand I kept an eye at the main gate. I pulled down my dupatta then spread my bed on the floor and lay on my stomach to study more.

I had to admit that his method of solving the sum was much simpler and easier. It saved time as well. Glad he corrected my mistake and offered to look into my work.

I peered at the gate one more time. It was midnight and he had still not returned. These days he remained extremely busy and came back home only to shower and rest for a few hours.

His college friend Baaji Rao had also come down to PV to help him out. I thought after baaji's joining him his work load with reduce but I was wrong. Sahab was a cardiologist and his friend was...what had Sahab said, yeah anaesthetist ( what a difficult name to pronounce) he was sahab's junior and had often assisted Sahab in his surgeries. Sahab had contacted and offered him to work in PV but he hadn't replied. And last week he came unannounced and gave Sahab a pleasant surprise.

They usually returned home together and tonight both of them hadn't come back. I wondered had Sahab eaten or just drowned himself in his work. He often ended up skipping meals which was definitely not a healthy habit. There was a small canteen in the hospital, I hoped at least baaji made him have something.

I yawned shamelessly and closed my books as my eyes began to droop.

*****************************************

Aayi stirred the vegetables. " nakku, baaji bhau is asking for tea."

" Sahab is back?"

" no only baaji bhau has returned. Bhau is still at work."

I shook my head. What kind of work was this where he didn't even bother to rest.

* knock. Knock.*

" come in nakku." Yes he insisted on calling me nakku and not just that he even forced me to call him baaji. Apparently 'Baaji Ji' and ' bhau.' Made him sound old and boring.

As I handed him tea he stretched his legs on the couch. Sahab suggested him to stay in the guest room but he was adamant to share sahab's bedroom. Sahab agreed reluctantly but refused to share the bed with him. Hence he had to manage on the couch.

I grinned inwardly. Though Baji wasn't quite tall and fitted somehow still Sahab could have been a little more considerate toward him.

He sipped on to his tea. " ah nakku thanks. This is so refreshing. I badly needed it. Last nights surgery was damn complicated."

" I'll get you your breakfast."

" no need. I'm not hungry just sleepy. I'll take a quick nap."

I coiled the dupatta around my finger. " Sahab...he's still occupied?"

" yeah. As I told you the case is complicated. The patient, what's his name...hmm Nana Talvade had to undergo an open heart surgery. Bhau will keep a check on him for a few more hours. He won't be back soon."

I lowered my head in disappointment.

Nana sahib was a very powerful man. After AS he was the next most influential person in PV.

" nakku, anything else?" I didn't realize I was still standing there with nothing to do. I bit the inside of my cheek. " actually I was thinking of sending Aayi to the hospital with breakfast and fresh pair of clothes for sahab."

" good idea." He gave his dimpled smile before pulling his duvet to sleep.

" hey baaji, just a minute. Please take out his clothes before you nap."

" no ways nakku. Bhau will punch me if I touch his things. You know he's very possessive of his belongings."

I glanced at his cupboard. Going through his cupboard in his absence seemed odd but then it had to be done. Pulling open the doors of his cupboard a shriek escaped my lips and my eyes turned wide in shock.

His wardrobe was in complete mess.

" what happened nakku?"

I pressed my lips hard. " just look at the state of his cupboard. So unorganized! I am sure he must be like this at his work place too. Careless!"

" nakku you're wrong. When it comes to work bhau is extremely efficient and disciplined. In fact he is too strict to tolerate any kind of mistake. I remember during my initial days he gave me a hard time when I worked under him."

Yeah as a doctor he was responsible but otherwise quite careless.

Going through his pile of clothes I wondered which colored shirt and jeans to pick. Should I ask baaji? No. He would choose something bright and jazzy like the shirts he himself wore. Hmm lemon shirt and black jeans? No he would look like a taxi.

Okay decided black shirt and light brown trousers.

Now was the toughest part. His...taking a deep breath I pulled his drawer and without looking grabbed whatever came in my hand.

I poured butter milk in a flask. Made stuffed paranthas. Packed a bowl of curd and some pickle.

" nakku why are you packing all this?"

Taking out a picnic basket I deposited everything in it. " aayi, why don't you take breakfast and clothes for sahab?"

She waved her hand in the air. " no I don't have time. And that hospital is quite far off. I can't walk so much."

" just think, AS would be pleased to know that you took so much care of her son." My suggestion made her think.

" if you don't want to go then it's fine. I'll go." Picking the basket I turned on my heel.

" stop nakku. Let me take the basket." I knew she wouldn't miss a chance to get into the good books of AS.

" besides I also need to buy medicines for your baba. Let me go and get the prescription." She left hurriedly not before crossing AS in the hall and letting her know about her visit to the hospital.

I arranged a breakfast tray for Tayi. Since last evening she hadn't stepped out of her room. Didn't come down to join AS for her meals. Off late she had become quite moody. In fact sometimes she seemed sad and lost in her own world.

I was taking up her tray when Aayi called me from behind. I stopped at the steps.

" nakku your baba has vomited again. I need to be with him. You go to the hospital."

" but aayi..." She didn't even bother to hear me and went away after keeping the prescription on the table. That meant I had to buy medicines too. Why did baba drink when he couldn't digest?

I sighed soundly. Maybe Tayi would agree to accompany me.

*knock. Knock.*

" nakku go from here." Tayi poked her head out of the blanket. She was still in bed. Strange.

" Tayi I got paranthas for you."

She shut her eyes firmly. " I don't want to eat."

" what's wrong, why are you not eating properly? Are you I'll?" Keeping the tray on the table I went to her and touched her forehead. She wasn't warm.

" nakku yaar leave me alone." She turned her face to the other side.

I stared at her back that was facing me for a long minute. " Tayi are you free?"

" why?"

" see the weather is so good. Let's go for a walk." She didn't respond.

" have you seen sahab's hospital, let's take breakfast for him and surprise him."

Now she turned around to look at me. " I have been to his hospital. It's far away and I am in no mood to get out of my bed."

" but he didn't come home last night and even today he will be late. "

"so what? There's is a canteen in the hospital, he can eat from there. He's not a baby who needs to be fed." With that she pulled up her blanket and covered her face.

I shook my head. " fine Tayi I am leaving. But at least have milk."

She didn't answer and I wordlessly left the room.

Picking up the basket I began walking down to the hospital. Tayi was right. It wasn't nearby in fact I had to walk a mile. But then it was worth it. He too worked so hard for the people of PV in return he at least deserved home cooked food. On my way I saw a woman selling mangoes I bought two large size mangoes. If he didn't return for lunch then he could have these to fill his stomach.

As soon as I entered the hospital, the smell of medicines and astringents filled my nostrils. I wrinkled my nose. How did people work and survive here?

The corridor was buzzing with people. Patients and their relatives were leaving or getting admitted. I didn't even know where his cabin was. I stopped a compounder.

" where is sahab's cabin?"

He shot me a confused look after examining me head to toe. I shifted uneasily under his scrutinizing gaze.

" I mean dutta sahab. Where is he?"

" go straight then take a left. First cabin on the right side." I nodded.

His door was ajar still I knocked and waited but there was no response from his side. Poking my head I slowly went in. Resting his head back on the chair he was dozing off. Ensuring not to make any sound I quietly kept the basket on the opposite chair. Then went close to him. With his eyes shut his face wrinkled. The bright sun rays were falling directly on his face. I thought of drawing the curtain but then that couldn't be done soundlessly, so I stood closer blocking the sun. A moment later the wrinkles on his forehead ironed out.

However he still looked tired. I shook my head. He was hardworking diligent and sincere toward his work but then that didn't mean he neglected his health. Agreed he was here to serve his patients and was doing a fine job but still he needed to rest.

In his sleep his head hung on the left side and slipped slightly. I suppressed the urge to hold his head so that it didn't fall. And a second later it fell.

His eyes snapped open and he seemed astounded to see me. " nakusha you're here?"

I immediately stepped back. " actually I brought breakfast and clothes for you." And glanced in the direction of the basket.

" you didn't have to trouble yourself, I could have grabbed something from the canteen."

I had enough of this canteen thing. " God only knew what kind of food you get here."

His lips curled in a smile as he got up and approached the basket. " Sahab don't you think you should fresh n up first?"

He simply shrugged. I took out his clothes and handed him. He went into the bathroom/ washroom. Folding my arms before my chest I silently examined his small cabin. It wasn't air conditioned, the walls were painted in a dull yellow color and it wasn't even spacious. Very average as per his taste and stature. Yet he never seemed to complain. I remembered his school, it had all the possible amenities. Though not lovingly but he had been raised lavishly without any doubt.

After spending so many years in cities I was quite sure it mustn't have been easy for him to settle here. But I wondered what propelled him to leave all the comforts and come down to PV to practice. I didn't have an answer but I was glad that he decided to serve the people of his hometown. They needed him.

The sound of clearing his throat made me turn. In fresh pair of clothes he looked better. And I was right, black was definitely his color.

" if you're done with admiring me then can I eat? I'm very hungry." Of course that mischievous spark in his eyes was there as I hurriedly averted my gaze.

" wow the paranthas are yum."

I poured him a glass of butter milk.

" what nakusha, no coffee?"

I looked at him sternly. " I think you're surviving here on coffee only." Coffee. Coffee. Didn't he know excess of caffeine wasn't good for health!

" after having these paranthas I doubt I would be able to work."

I ignored his remark, I was aware that there was no surgery lined up so he could eat peacefully.

" but seriously nakusha you're spoiling me."

I peered at him. Why he had to talk and eat at the same time? Couldn't he just quietly have food?

" I don't intend to spoil you. I work for you and it's my duty to serve you."

He made a failed attempt to sulk. " what you brought me food out of duty? I thought you were worried for me. nakusha you broke my heart."

" Sahab you have a big and a strong heart. Relax it won't break so easily." I unfolded baba's prescription and read it.

" big and strong heart...should I take it as a compliment?"

I looked up and glanced at him briefly. " it was an honest comment. Take it as you wish." Always fishing for compliments.

" Sahab is there a chemist shop in the hospital?"

" of course there is. Come let me give you a tour of the hospital."

He stood up at once. Moving around with him in Pune was fine but here in PV, I didn't think it was a good idea. " sure but at least before that finish what you're eating."

" I am done." He looked around for a napkin. I mentally kicked myself, I had forgotten to get tissue papers. Not finding one he began licking his fingers.

I twisted my face. " Sahab!"

" what? It's your fault, you shouldn't make such tasty food that I have to end up licking my fingers."

He could use the washroom but sometimes he really behaved like a baby.

" what's this?" He snatched the prescription from my hands.

" baba's medicines. I need to get them." He read it.

" nakusha you go home I ..."

" no Sahab I will pay for them."

He tilted his head. " first hear me out then start blabbering I will pay I will pay."

I pursed my lips and refrained myself from glaring at him.

" look this prescription seems quite old. Perhaps two years. I suggest one of these days send your baba here for check up. I am sure the doctor would want change these medicines."

I nodded. Once again he was helping me out without my asking him.

I packed the tiffin back into the basket and turned to leave when he said," I know you don't care but just letting you know that I will be back home for lunch."

Good. Later he could even rest. " you won't leave afterwards?"

He stepped dangerously close to me and lowered his face. " if you wish then I won't leave ever."

thanks for reading

Rose

Dutta dwelling on the trip and that Nakusha didn't accept his friendship, on his side it was a good trip glad babi couldn't make it so nakku got a chance to some reaaly quality time doing some etraordinary stuf we all take for granted going to mandir eating out or to see somoe other toourist attractions going to the fairground etc.

thanks rose a good well written trip enjoyed reading .