FF: Shades Of Love last part pg 91 dt 28.12.15 - Page 45

Shade 21

I glanced at my watch. It was time. Her exam should have been over by now. Every alternate day she came here to sit for her exams. The school was on the outskirts of PV so took a bus to commute. However today I was here to pick her up.

There she was, coming out of the gates.

She stopped in her tracks on spotting my car. I got off and waved at her.

" Sahab what are you doing here?" She stood on the other side of the car.

" hey nakusha, how was your exam?"

She looked around before opening her mouth. " what brings you here?"

" Well I came here to attend a seminar. It's over now so I thought why not pick you from school and go back home." There was no need for her to look around, nobody here knew us and for god's sake that veil of hers could have been dropped.

" it's alright I'll catch a bus."

" but why? I'm also heading home you can come with me."

" no.. I mean I take a bus every time so it's okay."

" I know it's okay but why waste time? From here it will take you twenty minutes to reach the bus stand. Then again you will wait for another ten minutes for the bus. And just look up...it's cloudy. It will rain any moment. You have another exam to go and I am sure you don't wish to catch pneumonia ."

She lowered her head and thought for a moment. " okay."

I exhaled deeply and came around to open the door for her. She got in quietly. " you know nakusha I shall for that day when I wouldn't have to convince you for small little things."

As expected she averted her gaze and ignored my comment. Shutting her door I got behind the wheel and started driving. It was nice and breezy so I rolled down the windows. Once again there was silence between us. This silence spoke more than us.

" you didn't tell me about your exam?"

" it was good. But I am worried for the next one. Chemistry. These chemical equations, formulae, Valencies...God I don't understand. I have to mug up blindly."

I nodded my head. Then from the corner of my eye I caught her glancing at me. " what? Don't give me that look. Chemistry wasn't my favourite subject. Don't expect me to help you out. If I teach you then you'll forget all that you already know."

Disappointed she turned her head and fidgeted with the edge of her dupatta. " even Tayi is finding it hard to teach me."

I peered at her. " okay I can ask baaji maybe he could..."

" oh that would be great."

I shrugged, maybe he could help her out.

" baaji is a funny man."

I furrowed my brows. Oh really? Did he manage to tickle her funny bone? And that too in just couple of weeks?

I pursed my lips. What was wrong with my sense of humour? Did it fail to make her smile? Huh.

" how was your seminar?" Oh so she bothered to ask about my seminar? I kept my gaze fixed on the road and replied dryly. " okay. The usual stuff. "

As expected it began drizzling and she stuck her hand out to feel the raindrops fall on her open palm and outstretched arm. My lips curled slightly. However it was windy too so with her other hand she held the dupatta firmly that was covering her face and that irked me.

" enough nakusha. It will rain harder. You will wet yourself and fall sick. Move your hand back." I pushed the window up shutting it.
" falling sick reminds me that baba is now recovering well. The change in medicines seem to be working."

I shook my head. " but how long? If he continues to drink like this his kidneys and heart will definitely get damaged. Tell me one thing, does this man have no self respect? Living like a pest on you and your mother!"

His father was a burden and an embarrassment for both of them. Turning my neck I glanced at her. Wordlessly she was looking down at her lap. She didn't argue so she agreed but didn't prefer to accept openly.

Perhaps in my annoyance I got a bit carried away but look at her, she was the one actually suffering yet didn't desire to complain because that worthless man happened to be her father.

" music?"

She peered out of the window. " I don't like item numbers."

" when did I say I was going to play items numbers?"

" no I mean...people of your age...enjoy fast numbers."

" and what do people of your age listen to..bhajans?" Now what did age got to do with music preference? And seriously our age difference wasn't that much probably two three years, I supposed.

" I only enjoy ghazals. But I am sure you find them boring."

" oh please nakusha. Stop assuming things about me. For your information Jagjit Singh is my favourite singer." I turned on the stereo.

" Sahab some other time. Now please drop me here."

I frowned at her. " here but why? PN is just round the corner."

" I know but still I insist you stop the car and let me get down. I will walk home."

I wrinkled my face. " what's wrong with you nakusha?"

" Sahab this is PV if I move around with you and that too alone it won't look nice."

I pressed the brake hard and stopped the car with a jerk. I glared at her, hating these restrictions that were stifling her freedom. It angered me to see how conscious she was of the people who had no right over her yet managed to rule.

She pushed open the door. " Sahab like you even I will wait for that day when I wouldn't have to show you the reality."

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

I sighed deeply and looked over the huge crowd that had gathered in this park to felicitate our team of doctors who were doing a commendable job in the hospital. Nana sahib who's surgery went off well had now occupied the stage and was praising the medical facilities of PV. Needless to mention AS who was sitting next to the MLA was taking pride in all the success. All this was definitely adding to her power and reputation. In turn brightening her chances of winning the future elections that were two months away. After praising the efforts of AS, nana sahib finally moved to the doctors who actually deserved this adulation.

Appreciation and acknowledgement of the hard work that our doctors had and we're putting in would surely help in boosting their morale. Most of them had come down to PV leaving their families behind and the comforts of a city life. My case was different this was my hometown and it was my duty to work for the welfare of people here.

I frowned at nana sahib's back that was facing me. Why was he talking only about my work? If today the hospital was functioning well then it was because all the doctors and hospital staff had literally slogged themselves. Then why was I being credited specially? I clenched my jaws as nana sahib's speech irked me.

" what Dr. Dutta Shriram Patil and his team has done in these few months can't be expressed in words. So here today I take immense pride in honouring him with this award." He turned slightly first glanced at AS and then me.

" Please Dr. Patil come forward and accept this small award as a token of thanks. Though the people of PV can't repay what you have done and are doing still if there is anything that I can do on their behalf then I will be highly obliged."

Getting up I buttoned my black blazer and smirked inwardly. Of course you and AS could repay and tonight I would make sure that you both did that.

As I accepted the award I found baaji whistling. He was sitting with other doctors and clapping loudly for me. I shook my head, for god's sake baaji for once behave like a doctor but then it was alright. He was a dear friend.

Once again my gaze travelled through the people who had turned up. They were cheering loudly.

" Dutta bhau. Dutta bhau."

That's not what I was looking for.

Finally my wandering eyes stopped searching. There she was, standing far behind in a corner. Though like her some other women too had their faces covered but still I could make out that she was nakusha. Her green eyes sparkled.

Stepping forward I grabbed the Mike. " I'd like to say something."

thanks for reading

Rose

Shade 22
The park was jam packed. It was good that people had gathered today to witness how efficiently the hospital was functioning under the guidance of my son, Dr. Dutta Shriram Patil. Out of the various projects started by me, this one was the most successful one. And of course a good chunk of credit went to me. After all he was my son, though raised and educated in the city but still today he was here with me, working for PV. Unlike his father who was an escapist. How hard he had tried to keep him away from me and his hometown but look today my son was in his hometown, standing in front of me.

I kept my head high as the crowd continued to cheer for him. MLA sahib sitting next to me seemed impressed and why not? Starting a hospital with latest medical facilities in this area wasn't a joke. It required high level of commitment and sincerity, something I had single handedly managed to put in. Surely his party wouldn't regret offering me a ticket to contest the upcoming elections.

The people roared and clapped loudly as Dutta accepted the award. I let out a thin smile, undoubtedly a proud moment for me. Dutta stepped forward and took the Mike but why?

" I would like to say something."

My face creased slightly, what was going on in his mind? There was pin drop silence as he started speaking. Everyone was curious and so was I. He started of by thanking the people of PV for this award. I pressed my lips hard, why was he showing gratitude to the people, they weren't giving him the award. It was MLA Sahab who had organised this event, he should have thanked him.

I glanced at MLA Sahab from the corner of my eye, was he upset? He looked stiff and his expressions failed to give away anything. I gritted my teeth as Dutta didn't stop there. Now he was applauding the doctors and the hospital staff. Was he going crazy? Why the hell was he praising others when the entire credit should have gone to the Patil family. These doctors were doing their job and they were getting paid for that. Not that they were doing any kind of charity. However my generous son was making it appear as though these people were doing a huge favour on PV by choosing to work here.

Just five minutes back the whole wave was on my side, the adulation and the sentiments of the people were solely in my favour, I had managed to raise on an all together new level in their eyes but now...

Dutta had no idea how is careless comments were hampering my political plans. I didn't know why but suddenly I was beginning to see his rebellious father in him and that angered me.

" please don't take me otherwise just now nana Sahab said that if there's anything he could do for me then.." He paused and glanced at nana Sahab.

I became restless and shifted in my seat.

" there's something that nana Sahab and aayi sahib can do."

Now all eyes were on me and I had absolute no idea what my son would throw at me.

" there's something that really disturbs me and I hope that nana Sahab and AS can help me out." Speak up or shut up Dutta but this whole suspense was killing me.

" well we as doctors don't discriminate between our patients. We treat all of them equally. Whether they are rich or poor, old or young, married or...widow." I inhaled sharply.

" but in PV it's different. Widows here are treated like animals." There were silent murmurs in the crowd. Some weren't agreeing but some were.

" the restrictions that are imposed on them have made their lives a living hell. And I don't see that we have any right to dictate their lives. God has created all of us, when He doesn't discriminate then why do we?"

A section of people started clapping for him, showing him their support. For heaven's sake stop it Dutta, there was no need to touch that issue. But he being his father's son didn't stop and continued.

" so I would like to personally request nana Sahab and AS to put down these outdated and uncalled for restrictions on women who have lost their husbands and set a new example for the people of PV where everyone is given respect and treated equally."

With that the whole crowd erupted in applause and whistles.

" in fact I believe that every individual deserves a second chance. Nobody can live alone, we need a companion so why not give happiness and life another chance."

What rubbish! How could he suggest widow remarriage? What was he thinking that in two days he could change the mind set of these people? Who would come forward to marry these widows?

Suddenly an unexpected fear crawled within me.

I glanced at nana Sahab hoping him to refuse but Nana Sahab had a huge grin on his face, displaying all his teeth he went upto Dutta and patted his back. " son, you have my full support."

Huh. Support. Who was he? An old man who was in bed just a few weeks back. Who cared about his opinion? My fuming eyes darted at nakusha. It was all because of her. I knew this cursed and ill fated woman was influencing dutta.

This function was organised to honour Dutta my son. The purpose was to uplift my position in the society so that it benefited me in my aspiring political career. But here Dutta was working on giving these worthless widows a place in the society. Dropping my gaze I turned to MLA Sahab.

" I am sorry today my son has been an embarrassment. I had no idea he would come up with something so ridiculous."

MLA Sahab showed me his palm. " it's not ridiculous. He makes perfect sense. In just five minutes he has managed to get the whole of PV on his side. Think before you decide." Indeed the crowd was going crazy about him. It took me years to earn their respect and adulation, today if I refused then everything would slip away just like sand from my hand.

Dutta's eyes sparkled as he walked in my direction as though he had won the battle but he didn't know I was yet to play my card. He stood tall and I too was on my feet.

" so AS, ready to announce your decision?"

" absolutely. However tonight I have not one but two announcements to make."

He furrowed his brows. " two?"

" yes. I announce to put away all the restrictions but at the same time I also announce your marriage with supriya."

His face creased and he gritted his teeth. " what nonsense!"

Adjusting the pleats of my sari I smiled at my son. " I am serious Dutta. You say yes, I say yes. You say no, I say no."

He turned his neck and peered at the crowd. " oh don't worry about them. It won't take me long to garner their support...again. I have been doing it for years. They are emotionally gullible. But I doubt you would get an opportunity like this again."

He took a deep breath and swallowed hard. " what about supriya, have you asked her?"

I crossed my arms before my chest. " do you think she'd refuse me?" The ball was now in his court and I waited anxiously to see how he would play it.

He lifted his head, looked at the people one more time then dropped his gaze. "okay. I agree."

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

I exhaled deeply and closed my eyes, resting my head against the rocking chair. What a function it was, quite like this chair, rocking. Not for a moment had I thought that Dutta from out of the blue would bring this topic. But then how could I forget that he had Patil sahab's blood running in his veins. He had to be like his father, unpredictable, impulsive and an emotional fool. He too didn't know how to manage, control and above all rule over the people of PV. Had no idea how sweet power tasted.

I shook my head thinking how today Dutta had almost ruined everything. Good MLA Sahab suggested that the situation could still be turned in our favour.

But what was Dutta thinking? Why did he share the fruits of his success with his colleagues, what was the need? And those widows, nobody thought about them because they weren't worth it and here he was offering them a better life! What for, what would these women do? And lastly widow remarriage! Was he kidding? Whatever it was it definitely for a moment scared the living daylight out of me.

What if he out of generosity...the thought shuddered me.
My eyes snapped open.

Thank god the idea of announcing his marriage with supriya crossed my mind just in time. And he gave in. Reluctantly. But that wasn't my issue.
Today's function served more than one purposes. It enhanced my position in PV. With dutta's marriage announcement now I didn't have to worry about Dutta leaving PV. He wouldn't run away like his father. And lastly my long cherished dream of having Supriya as my daughter in law would be soon realised.

I would have fulfilled this dream years ago but Patil Sahab didn't approve of this alliance. He was dead against child marriage. I tried to convince him in so many ways, Supriya came from an upper class rich family, she was her parents only child so after marriage the whole property would pass on to her and her husband, it would secure our son's future. But no Patil Sahab remained stubborn and to avoid this alliance sent Dutta to the boarding school. And when I decided to adopt Supriya after her parents death, he got so furious that he left home and PV.
But what has to happen, happens. I smiled to myself. Today Dutta was not with him but with me, in PV. For years I had been taking care of Supriya's property and now within a few days she would be my daughter in law. Patil Sahab I would soon have my son, his wife, money and a flourishing political career, what more could one ask for?
* knock knock *
" Supriya come in. Why are you standing at the door?" She appeared disturbed and gloomy. Ought to be, after all this whole wedding thing came as a shock to her. I took her hand softly and suggested her to sit.

" I am sorry beta I should have asked you before announcing this marriage." She slowly blinked her eyes.

" but you know how much I love you. You are like my daughter and I have always dreamed to have you as my daughter in law. Trust me I don't have the heart to see you leaving me and this house. I know I am being selfish but.."

Tears welled up in her eyes. " no AS. You're my mother. You're the only family I have. But do you think this is...okay?"

I cupped her face in my hands. " of course beta trust me nothing can be better than this. Today I was so happy to see my Dutta being applauded and praised that I couldn't control myself and thought that this is the best time for him to settle down in personal life as well and who can be better than you for him? However if you're not happy with this proposal then I shall not go ahead. Your happiness matters to me the most."

She lowered her head and her eyes scattered the floor. " AS I am...fine. But..."

I lifted her face and looked into her eyes. " but what Supriya?" Her lower lip quivered and a tear rolled down her eye. She shook her head. " nothing." And placed her head on my lap.
I ran my fingers through her hair and relaxed back in my chair. All was well now.

thanks for reading

Rose

I think the devil sat on my head when I wrote this part 😈

Shade 23

I paced up and down the room as baaji continued to eat my head.

" bhau do you have any idea what you have done?"

I gritted my teeth. " of course. I have decided to get married."
" out of the blue? And that too with Supriya?"

I stopped and glared at him. " why? What's wrong with her?"

He shrugged his shoulders. " what can I say? I hardly know her. In fact you tell me, do you love her?"

I furrowed my brows. " from where did love come from? She is a nice girl and I know her since childhood."

He gave me a baffled look. " so you will ahead and marry any girl who you find nice? What about love, bhau? Isn't that important for you?"

He was making sense and I was hating it. " baaji, people go for arranged marriages also and they are pretty successful."

" and you think you are prepared for marriage and that too an arranged one?"

I averted my gaze. True I wasn't prepared for marriage and especially an arranged one. How could I be when I grew up seeing my parents fight all the time. When I didn't have a healthy childhood and was sent away to a boarding school. When my parents lived separately and neither of them cared about the other. If this was marriage then surely I wasn't ready but nevertheless I couldn't stay single all my life.

" Baaji, One day I had to take that plunge then why not today?"

He sprang to his feet with his hands on his hips. " like this? Out of nowhere? Here we doctors were feeling proud that you were appreciating us and then unexpectedly you shifted to widows and widow empowerment. Why this sudden change of topic?"

Depositing my hands in pockets I tilted my head slightly and whispered. " it wasn't all of a sudden."

He gaped at me. " you mean you planned this?"

I shrugged my shoulders and turned around, not facing him before replying, " sort of." I couldn't bear to see how nakusha and other widows were treated here. I had to do something. Something big. Confronting AS behind closed doors wouldn't help. I had to bring this issue out in public. Nobody knew me however they literally worshipped AS. So I had to make a place for myself here, I wanted people to look upto me before I used AS's following for my benefit. I knew if I raised this issue before everyone then she would definitely give in and she did.

" but bhau..bhau..are you listening?" I turned around. Lost in my thoughts I didn't realise that baaji was calling me out. " in all this tell me what was the need to announce your marriage? Couldn't you wait?"

Flaring my nostrils I snapped. " no I couldn't. I was desperate. Understood?" I had no other option. AS had cornered me and I had to say yes. It was either my life or Nakusha's and I chose hers. And I wasn't regretting it. Pushing the balcony door aside I stepped outs. " bhau what are you doing now?"

I glanced over my shoulder. " I need some fresh air to clear my head."

Baaji laughed. " what is there you wish to clear when there is nothing inside your head."

Grabbing the pillow I chucked at him. " enough baaji. Now shut up and go to sleep."

Summer night was luminous with starlight, moon was full and bright. Sequin silver stars winked down at me, illuminating the vast curtain of sky.The air was still and heavy.

My mind was all worked up. I was hell confused and I needed to let it out. My eyes searched for her in the courtyard. She wasn't there. Reluctantly I took out my cellphone and dialled a number.
" yeah baba its me."

" hey Dutta my son, all well? You sound disturbed."

I gave out a weak smile and lowered my head. " baba I am engaged."

It took him a moment to blurt. " what?" And then I told him all that had happened today. He didn't interrupt instead patiently heard me out. When I was done he broke his silence.

" marriage is not a joke Dutta. It's a life long commitment. " his last words were not more than a whisper. Perhaps he was wondering about his own marriage that was...
I bit the inside of my cheek. " I know baba I made the decision in a haste. And now.."

" are you regretting it?"

I threw my head back and exhaled deeply. " I don't know baba. I really don't know. I am so confused. I don't want to think that I have been trapped...what do I do?"

" sit down. Close your eyes and listen to your heart. I am aware that the heart is on the left side. But son it's always right."

" baba I need you."

" Dutta I am always there for you. And very soon you'll find me next to you."

My eyes turned wide in surprise. " really baba?"

" of course. My son is getting married. Do you think I would miss it?"

He couldn't guess how relieved and delighted I was. " thanks baba."

" love you son." And then we disconnected the call. Suddenly I felt a lot better.

Following his advice I pulled a chair and sat down. Shutting my eyes I tried to relax.
Nakusha's face flashed before my eyes. Her face that had no veil that was uncovered. And she was smiling. Yes I did all this for her. To see her like this, smiling and happy...free and alive.

But why did her happiness mean so much to me? Why the emptiness and loneliness in her eyes tugged my heart? And why her smile lit up my face? Why before saying yes to AS my eyes searched for her in the crowd? And even tonight why was I missing her?

Was it just simple concern or something more?

thanks for reading

Rose