Chapter Forty Five
Blind Faith
Naku watched Dutta step out of the vehicle, her eyes were fixed on him, aware that his stare was responsive too, her heart had skipped a few beats; how many? No one knew, but the indication was clear, Saab was not blind! This news spread through her with joy, but not in any way over-powering the fact that her Saab stood before her safe and sound. She was ecstatic, words could never capture the magnitude of emotions running through her. His steps were gaining on her, but she remained still, not because she didn't want to move, but simply because she couldn't, her mind was too occupied in its joy that it was unable to instruct the simple action of expecting her to take just one step closer to him.
All the pain that was conducting praises from her screams and agonised cries earlier on, had been somehow blessed with numbness while she stood completely frozen, her mind no longer acknowledged the soring pain through her body, or maybe it did, but it was flourished with the glory of something far more greater - the very presence of her Saab.
Her hands hung by her sides as she tried to make sense of whatever was happening before her eyes, but instead they just adored the contents of its view, not letting anything else matter. Dutta walked closer to her until only the space of a yard separated them; their eyes reflecting each other's image in their own.
Her chest exhaled from relief, no longer did it have to swallow the pain of missing him, her tears barely found a corner to escape from. The sun borrowed it's rays to them, showing them a path that was enlightened just for the two of them. Nobody else in that moment had mattered, whether they existed or not, it was of no concern to either of them. Her world was before her, while his world looked back at him welcoming him home. Home wasn't anywhere except for where she stood, for the first time his eyes were overwhelmed by a single moment in his life, and he happily allowed a tear shed to the very ground he stood to celebrate her welcome.
Though his teardrop hadn't reached the destination he'd entertained, his Nakusha had leapt forward just in time to catch it securely in her palm looking back to him and shaking her head in negation. Her hand reached out to touch his face slowly but then it pulled back with uncertainty; scared of mistaking this to be a dream, and if it had been then she'd decided that she'd never wanted to awaken.
Dutta's hand gripped onto hers before she could pull back, knowing just what her fears must've been. He shook his head once, begging her to not pull away from him, as he directed her delicate hand to his tired face to let her warmth magically fill through him and caress him back into reality.
She watched how the touch of her palm had made him aloof; he was lost in the comfort of her hand, and his lips pressed against the softness of her skin.
How long had it been that they'd managed to stay away from each other, the initial thought of it was growing impossible within those few seconds before him, she wanted to speak but her voice dared not to interrupt the love her Saab was bestowing upon her. The whole moment around them became enchanted; the trees had felt like they were stood in decoration for their reunion, the high sun beamed like a halo above them, the serene winds blew through nature like bagpipes that let their love seem like it was no short of a miracle, while the clouds shaded them safely from any evils lurking over their heads.
Saab... she finally managed to whisper in joy.
Haan Naku, ab tera Saab aagaya hai... his drained voice said in triumph.
They held onto each others hands one over the other, while the moment between them absorbed in their memories looking for a safe place to hide away forever. Time became baseless, like it had stood still for them - as it too had wished to pay its tribute to their ever-lasting love and let them remember it also played its role in uniting them, all but the world alone stood rotating around them begging to remind that it had still went on.
Sudarshan Jija Ji! Kala shouted, giving him a nudge while she tried to rub out the pain from the strain her neck had undergone ...hurry up, she's gotten away!
His voice groaned into the air bag that was beginning to suffocate him, Kala's consistent nudging had forced him back to face with the damages that had been caused, staring unfocused and blankly into a tree that had attacked their car with minimal efforts ...that Baji! He frowned taking in all the pain his face muscles had penetrated during it, being sure that the bitter gesture was worth it. The car is no good Kala Tai, what shall we do now?
Oh for god's sake Jija Ji, call some one and tell them to bring another car... she pestered and got out after several attempts of trying to open the damaged door, finally landing concrete she looked around at the mess they'd stood in. Baji wasn't visible anywhere, it must've been a long time they were out. Sudarshan was still struggling with reality when she looked to him for some sign of progression, but nothing. Her head shook in disbelief at that man's rotten efforts to doing anything.
Her initial instinct was to call for help herself; no one had known where she was headed so right now informing them of their whereabouts was a promising idea. Then, a cord had been struck by the name of Seema, and a brief smile slipped onto her lips as if hope still prevailed. Snapping her phone shut she'd decided to change plans.
Sudarshan could barely hear Kala's muttering, he'd hit his head against the window so hard at some point during the hit, that he was sure he'd collapsed into darkness in the same second. When he got up the sound of his right ear ringing continuously was soon becoming worse then a death sentence, it bored through his head like a watchman's whistle.
Seema's phone began alarming, her focus was divided between her stalled car as well as trailing over at Dutta who seemed intrigued by this pheasant girl who had looked like she'd been through hell for such early hours of the morning. Her phone continued to strive for her attention, but she ignored it, her attention belonged only to Dutta, and his mysterious ways of remaining occupied with this girl who seemed so familiar from a vague memory of her own. She couldn't make out if she'd known her from some place or the other, and attempted to explore with her time carefully in identifying her without consent from herself to do so.
But soon, abandoning any further interest in the couple and not taking a moment to think things through, Seema was enraged by the comfort Dutta was allowing to shower upon himself from the hands of this average stranger girl, during the midst of her presence. Lowering the door of the glove compartment at no further delay, she disclosed a small revolver, and plotted to end Dutta's life with her own hands instead. She stormed out of her car and took a precise aim at him, ...don't even think about getting any closer to her Dutta! She warned.
Naku immediately recognised Chanda, and instinctively addressed her without fear, ...Chanda tum? She questioned, remaining in her somewhat unsure friendly manner regardless of her exposure.
She smirked viciously at the almost formal response, ...not Chanda - Seema, she corrected, ...perhaps you've heard about me dear Naku, or perhaps you haven't, she queried with sarcasm instead, ...I guess Dutta wouldn't want to belittle you in front of the effect my beauty graced upon his life, of course he'd never dreamed of anyone other then me, but I guess he did what any other man would do, she paused to give Naku an insulting overview with her eyes from head to toe, ...he found a pass time, she shrugged.
Shut the hell up Seema! God, you're so full of yourself, have you heard nothing I've told you in the past few days, I can't stand the very sight of you, and yet you dare to stand there and boast that I could still ever remain in the dilemma that I loved you! I'm beginning to believe that there may be a God after all - 'cause that must surely be the reason he kicked you out of my life in the first place, and how I cherish that day... he thanked the heavens throwing a quick gesture to the sky above, ...or else I would never have had the privilege of obtaining the one true love in my life that I have now, she is the sole existence of this lifetime and many more to come, and I can't bear to imagine a single lifetime without her, but you know the funny part of this situation is that somewhere along the lines I owe you everything Seema - as ironic as this statement may sound right now it's true, but yet I owe you nothing, he informed as bitterly as a defencive Lion's roar.
Seema was tormented by his words and was inclined to pull the trigger an ounce more by the sound of every insult that left his mouth while he inched closer and made his hatred toward her more determined and his love for Naku more visible. Just stop it Dutta... she warned, stop it! Her grip grew firmer onto the pistol then its every preceding second.
Why? Dutta encouraged unaffected, moving closer all the while ...a few minutes ago you seemed so sure of every word you uttered, then why all of a sudden are you surrounded by insecurity while being graced an audience with my wife Seema? Why is this sense of insecurity before her making you suffocate so badly that you're leading yourself to believe that when you pull that trigger you'll succeed in separating me from her for the simple reason of getting back that breath of relief her presence has stolen from you - but let just one thing be known to you clearly... he breathed on her, ...Nakusha and me are combined in a place far beyond the deepest corners of your disgusting imagination, a place where your filthy eyes will never reach, a place where your very existence will feel like a curse. So you go ahead and achieve your desire by pulling that trigger and ending my life, my breathing may stop as a result but my love for her will see no end, in your eyes killing me would quit me my love, but our love is immortal - a word which someone like you will choose not to understand, but yet you haven't the power nor ability to argue its nature, so it's evident that I won't expect you to accept a word I'm saying, but I won't allow you to deny it either.
Yo - you don't mean that... she tried hard to restore composure to her tone, but did so poorly. You said... she started again and ceased when her attention was brought back onto Naku, who stood clueless, ...she's just a simple girl Dutta, just look at her, you can't compare half of her qualities to mine. Look at her... she grew desperate this time, ...if you threw her into a brothel nobody would pay so much as a dime for her!
Seema!!! Dutta unleashed in retort, only to be held captive by the pistol that now pointed directly at his chest, and the sound of Naku's anxious cry to prevent him from doing something that would lead to results she could never dare imagine, let alone live with.
Saab please don't... Naku begged aware of the situation completely now and attempted to hold him back by the shoulders with minimal success.
All this mockery and insult you so freely throw in my face time and time again is all because of her isn't it... the sheer hatred in Seema's voice pointed out, ...the truth is like you said that your life holds no value for you, does it Dutta? She asked rhetorically, your only concern is for her, and hers for you... she threw a persistent frenzy of nods like she was suffering from some sort of attack and announced ...thanks to you I know exactly what to do now, to watch you die, it's her that I must kill. She pointed the gun at Naku as fast as she could, not allowing Dutta anytime to be decisive of her next move and fired her shot.
Dutta was fast regardless, he ducked Naku's head down just in time and took her under his arm protectively, while dodging the bullet by holding onto the barrel of the gun with his spare hand and seizing it from her just in time, letting the blank fire off into thin air; reflectively he was wanting to fire it back at her, but things had in that moment accelerated so fast that in the blink of an eye Seema had been shot by a third party. They were surrounded by four jeeps from all angles, unknown faces flooded Dutta's view in every given direction, his first instinct was getting Naku to safety! A crossfire broke-out around them, making it difficult to distinguish who was against them and vice versa.
Naku yelped from the roaring gunshots, Dutta had kept her in his cover without delay holding her hand and leading her into the forests in attempt to keep her safe. Mat ghabhra Naku, kuch nahin hoga... he shouted out to her; regardless of short breath from running through the woods with no particular direction. Tossing broken tree branches that hurdled their path, and leaping over uneven surfaces. He looked behind to catch any movement that may have been following their trail, but not a trace of any third party was in view. Perhaps the enemies intended to trap them from another direction, his mind quickly fragmented other possibilities instead. His gaze shifted left, right and straight ahead once again, he hadn't given up the idea of running just yet, he needed to be sure he could keep Naku safe, and hence continued to head deeper into the forest.
Naku's uneven wheezy sounds of letting her lungs wander desperately for a bit of air attained Dutta's awareness instantly, making him conclude that they were so safe to the extent that they could quite agreeably stop for a little rest.
Simple habit inclined Dutta to give a once over check around them to ensure they were indeed safe, while Naku took aid against the bark of a tree and wiping away any dirt that had accumulated over her face during the rough escape with the back of her hand in haste.
Chacha Ji... Seema shrieked, pressing her wound for comfort from the harshness of the drilling pain, while disturbing gunshots deafened her as she fell to the ground besides her car, ...who?! Her unfinished sentence was the last she breathed. While Chacha Ji tried his best to reach Seema in hope that she may still survive; he fought back with a few bullets but hadn't proved to be much competition for his opposition, and soon joined her.
Kala Tai! Who did you call for back-up? Not only have these people helped your brother escape but they've also managed to kill off Seema! Sudarshan yearned to be heard through the nuisance.
I don't know, how can this happen, we need to retreat, and find out who else knew Dutta was alive, quickly back away, and tell our men to give us enough cover to escape from this havoc safely! Ordered Kalavathi. Sudarshan Jija Ji, try to recognise a few faces, can you recall them from any previous work carried out during Dutta's order, why else would any of these unknown visitors dare to challenge my wishes? She asked one last time before they could leave.
No Kala Tai, I've never seen any of them, maybe they're here to grab the opportunity of Dutta Bhau's well acclaimed position as they must not have heard that your reign dominates at present day... he tried providing a possible explanation.
How can that be possible Jija Ji, surely they must've seen Bhau with their very own eyes now, and it didn't seem like they were after him, they seemed more like allies, as opposed to enemies, and note that it was us under threat, and Seema who was already foolish enough to become such easy prey... said Kala, it's a good job Bhau didn't manage to see me, we don't know if Naku managed to tell him anything as yet.
But Tai, what are we to do now that Seema is dead?
Oh for goodness sake Jija Ji when will you ever learn, she was never any good to us, in fact it's a pebble out of our shoe, so let us not waste anymore valuable time grieving over her pathetic death, and quickly head home, I also want you to call Kaale and find out just where and what Madhu has been doing during our absence... she ordered in wonder whether her suspicions could be right.
When Kala Tai's cars had backed out slowly, the newer interference from the party that was yet to be sourced had remained calm in their victory. Make the call and let her know that we're eagerly awaiting our next set of orders, until then we lay low... ordered the person meant in higher authority running the operation, ...explain that we know where Dutta is headed, but a firmer location is needed before we can reach him.
Dutta caught his breath in racing pulse, and headed over to Naku, placing an arm around her inviting her in to rest on his broad shoulder. She respectively slipped her fingers between the shy gap of his open kurta clinging onto him, and sought consolation for a short while, placing her cheek to his bicep. Small sobs were unsuccessful in remaining hidden from Dutta's knowledge, with the help of his dampening sleeve revealing her pain of separation from him, furthermore.
His concern for her gained instant priority, kya huwa Naku? Naku? He asked again, but her sobbing grew more uncontrollable, as she tugged onto him as closely as possible. Dutta stood a little dazed to her sudden outburst, but no doubt did worry overwhelm his mind when only more tears graved onto his sleeve, which were the only reply expected in response to his every question. Naku... he tried again, suppressing his own hate toward the rain her eyes were flooding him in, ...tu jaanti hai na, ke main teri aankhon mein ansoon nahin dekh sakta. Kya tu' tu khush nahin hai ke main wapas aagaya hoon?
Nahin Saab! Aaj aap mere paas ho, to mere ko yakeen nahin ho raha, aisa lagta hai ke jaise main koi sapna dekh rahi hai... she paused before telling him the real reason that haunted her. Pann Saab, hum dono ko ek saath dekh kar duniya main koi khush nahin hai, sab chahte hai ke main aap ki zindagi se door chali jao, aap ne sunna na ke Seema ne kya kaha, ke main aap ko kya khushi de sakti hoon...
Naku... he intervened, but it was no use, she continued without paying heed to his tired plea.
Sahi bola uss ne Saab, main ek aam ladki hai aur jab se main aap ki zindagi main aaye hai, tab se aap koi na koi takleef ka saamna kar rahe ho, aur mere mein itni himmat nahin hai Saab, ke main aap ko iss halaat me dekhoon, aisa lagta hai ke jaise aap ka dil mujhse pyar karte karte tak na jaye kahin.
Yeh tu kya keh rahi hai Naku? Questioned Dutta in unrested disbelief, ...zindagi bhi jeena bhool sakti hai kya? Zindagi to chalti rehti hai, lekin jis zindagi mein pyar na ho, woh ek laash se kam nahin hai - mera dil tumse pyar karne keliye dhadak ta hai, jab main tere paas hota hoon to aisa lagta hai ke main kahin swarg ke badalon pe to nahin chal raha. To phir tu mere dil se uska dhadakne ka astitva kyun cheen na chahti hai Naku, kyun mere dil pe shak naam ki cheez ko bulawa de rahi? Kya itne dino se main tujhse door rahan woh sazaa kaafi nahin thi kya, ke tu mujhse mere akele jeene ki wajah ko ghum karna chahti hai? Tumhare bager maine jeene ki koshish kee thi Naku, tab se mujhe ehsaas huwa ke tumhare bager Dutta kuch nahin hai - kuch bhi nahin, uss waqt main jeete jee narg ki aag mein tarpa tha aur waha se bahar nikaal ne wali sirf tum thi Naku - tum aur humara pyar.
Mera kehne ka matlab yeh nahin tha Saab, main to bas aap ko khush dekhna chahti hai, pann shayad main bhool gaye ke jitna pyar main aap se karti hai, uss se kahi zyaada aap apni Nakusha se karte hai, agar aaj main yahan pe hoon to sirf aap ki wajah se Saab, main aap se kya cheene gi, mera sab kuch to pehle se hi aap ka hai, kuch der keliye main batak gaye thi Saab, mere ko maaf kardo... she implored.
Maafi to mujhe maangni chahiye Naku, tujhe lagta hai mere har dukh ki wajah tu hai, jab sachai to yeh hai ke teri zindagi kaanto se maine bhari hai, lekin ab nahin, ab teri zindagi sirf phoolon se saji gaye, kyunki aaj se woh har kaanta jo tere raaste mein aane ki gustakhi karega usse main nikalunga, apne haathon se chun chun ke nikalunga.
Saab... Naku breathed running into his arms which wrapped around her back to hold her close.
But why are you in this state Naku? He soon remembered, looking at her discomposed face cupped in his palms, ...tell me what happened Naku, is everything okay, why were you running the way you were when you hit Seema's car, was somebody after you? He quickly alarmed at the horrific thought.
Her eyes widened in fear from the embarrassment of revealing Kala Tai's truth to Dutta, she turned away in hope of procrastinating.
What's happened Naku, somethings wrong isn't it... he pushed, ...is Aye Sahib okay, what about Baji - why wasn't he with you, why were you on foot Naku, tell me, my patience knows not how to rest any longer, I can't bear the silence you're observing to buy yourself time for god's sake tell me what it is?! He almost panicked without pausing for breath, making her look to him at once.
It's Kala Tai! Her voice echoed to the heights of the tallest trees, and thundered through the silver lining of the clouds right back to Dutta's ears until it's meaningless effect felt like torture to his conscious mind.
His steps slowly moved away from her; bewildered from the echoes of her voice yet, ...what are you saying? He barely whispered, ...I don't, I don't understand, what you're saying makes no sense to me...
Saab, the truth is... she cried delicately, ...Supriya running away on the day of the wedding right down to the accident in which you almost lost your life; it was her all along, she prolonged into limpness without attempting to move any closer to him. Kala Tai had it all planned from the very beginning, and at first we were all shocked, until she confessed one deadly deed after the other, when Aye Sahib had heard everything with her own ears, even she was devastated, but then our worst fears came alive Saab, Tai held all the family members captured in the house - including Aye Sahib, Leela Tai, and even Roops. Baji tried to oppose but he got shot in the process...
Kya? Baji, is he...
He's fine, Madhu shot him in the leg, so he was still able to help me escape, it was her who informed us that you were with Seema, but... she gulped with terror from the bitter memory of seeing him fighting back all alone while she got away.
But what...? He trailed her unmotivated voice, waiting for her to carry on.
But while we escaped, Tai and Sudarshan Jija Ji caught up with us and brought turmoil onto our efforts of reaching you in time to save you.
To save me...? Why, from what?
From Kala Tai. Her evil ways were related to Seema's terrorised acts who informed Tai that you had gone blind... she finally let out swallowing the painful knot in her throat, which was when the rest of us found out that you were... she stopped when words no longer supported her speech and hesitated to leave her mouth. Dutta saw the pain his absence inflicted on Naku and his family; in time he generated benign movement toward her, in aid of giving her comfort, but hoping to retrieve the courage from her instead to be able to hear further of what she had to tell him. He held onto her tightly while she dared to continue.
Why didn't you tell me that night I called you? He hushed lightly resting his chin above her head.
I didn't know then Saab, I only found out last night, when Kala Tai held everyone captive, and all your trusted guards dragged us out of our rooms and presented us before Kala Tai who then revealed her true motives of remaining in your life and house. All except Kaale have become answerable to her, Kaale too helped us escape, and Kala Tai offered Baji a place by her side - as an ally, but he refused downright, making Tai furious, but then...Madhu - Madhu shook hands with her, and admitted to the fact that she was here only to gain her revenge on you due to the second in line love she received from her Father, as he only ever longed for the love from his only son, which spread hatred inside of her.
But you said that Madhu told you of Seema?
I know, but that's just it Saab, we can't be sure, Baji warned me to not trust her, but it was her that led us to a safe escape route, I know she shot Baji, but she said that it was important to do that as it consolidated Kala Tai's trust in her, and this was not the end yet she reminded before I left Patil Niwas, she said to tell you there was much to do yet, and specifically sent you the message that no matter what - you must stay strong, and that' she stumbled feebly.
And what...?
And that she loved you.
He stayed quiet for a long time this time.
What are you thinking Saab? She finally asked moving away for a bit of fair space.
What's left to think Naku... he replied turning away from her to sit on the large tree roots to shelter his exhaustion, ...the sister I had thought to have loved me more then her own life all these years has suddenly exposed that she had in fact exercised a whole different meaning of our brother and sister relationship from the very beginning, and now a sister whose existence I've been unknown to from the very start also comes into my life and does strange things which deny me the privilege of deciding whether her love she claims for me is in actual fact genuine or not. I just don't know anymore' he sighed with retire, ...all my life I've been deceived by women, they so freely adopt a disguise and with no human emotions then one day they agree to come forth with their games and decide it's no fun to play anymore and expect me to believe anything they say after that. I just can't do it anymore Naku, I never let Madhu close to me for obvious reasons, but now after all this, she has without doubt confirmed all my suspicions and firmed my attitude toward her even more.
Maybe you've trusted the wrong people so much in the past, that you choose to not be lenient towards the handful of people that really are your well wishers - simply because you will begin to doubt yourself of not being able to make correct judgement of good character... Naku tried to help by summarising his thoughts, and then she had no choice but to bring the subject back to its poisonous roots. Saab, there's one more thing I need to tell you... by this time she felt her mind groping onto reality as her vision fizzed into something unexplainable, when the pain in her bleeding feet took sudden toll, and her famished state also severed her condition and idled her current position, until she wasn't able to hold out any longer.
Naku, kya huwa tujhe?! She fell stiff into Dutta's masculine arms who displayed just in time to catch her, he was lost for hope when he caught her weightless body midair and continued to place her to soft ground gently beside him. Looking for help in the middle of nowhere was a useless option to consider for even a second, yet his eyes wandered in search of some sort of miracle.
Soon after, a distant revving could be heard roaring like a monster, Dutta became alarmed instantly. Naku hadn't provided movement of any kind, and instead she lay there calm and restful, he lifted her to head toward safety, but the sound caught up with him vacant from any signs of struggle. Making him juggle with the fact of whether he should be panicking or not, but as he listened closely he'd realised that it was only a single vehicle that travelled through the trees, and by the sound of it he was pretty sure that whoever it was knew their way around here well. He chose not to waste any time and begun shifting through another path carefully with Naku, he was of course stopped when he came across the obstruction that now had a title - Madhu.
Where the hell is Baji!!! I want to know now, not tomorrow Jija Ji now, right now! Kala menaced through the halls. ...I don't understand, this morning we were in lead, Dutta the great Dutta Bhau was suppose to be dead, and now all of a sudden not only is he free with his lovebird Nakusha, he's also gotten his eyesight back and has even gained freedom from that fool Seema! How did this happen! She thundered on tremendously loud. Guards! She called, ...tell me where Madhu is right now!
Kaale came forward and answered before anyone else could, ...Madhu only just left not too long before your arrival, she waited for a good while but when someone called consistently, or to be particular: a third time, claiming they were something to do with a fashion show that you are to be a part of, which I recall as Lakme fashion week, the person had stated that papers that were submitted by yourself are supposedly still absent with precise information from your behalf, and if this vital information isn't delivered by 2:30pm this afternoon then both your lines of clothing for the fashion show will be dismissed and furthermore won't be granted entry into any international show for the simple reason that the owner of this first time luxury label has proved to be incompetent for the crucial standards of the couture world. She said to forward this message to you at once and left me in charge of things here, and told the rest that you'll understand the need for the urgency of her sudden leave.
Kala had no choice but to believe every word Madhu left behind for her, she was well aware that she made a few errors for the standards to compete with the high end fashion brands, but blamed only herself for not giving this matter priority in the first place - the fact that Madhu left to sort these issues out meant that perhaps she really isn't at all interested in helping the others, shooting Baji wasn't something for the faint hearted and she also did that to stop him from escaping, but above all this Kaale said it himself that Madhu had been here the whole time and no one else came forward and corrected him otherwise. This meant there was another enemy lurking somewhere that wished ill of Kala clearly, but the real question was who?
Not so fast Bhaiya... she said.
Get out of my way. If you think that I'll for a moment even care that you call yourself my sister, then I can assure you with prompt guarantee that you are wrong, don't attempt to test my patience, I'm warning you... Dutta threatened without hesitation.
I don't doubt your saying Bhaiya... she replied calm as the ocean breeze, ...but I'm not the obstruction in your way, Kala Tai is, and you should know this by now, yet you waste time threatening me.
Time is what you're wasting Madhu, don't behave like you're on my side, because we all know what the truth is... he snarled back at her.
No we don't all know what the truth is, everyone else may know, but you - you don't, in fact you never do, so let me tell you for once and change the way things have run around here. Follow me and you'll be safe... she offered while steering away in the opposite direction slowly.
What makes you think I'll follow you?! He protested with little doubt.
You don't have a choice! She shouted back without bothering to look if he followed her.
And right she was too, something told Dutta that there was more that met the eye with Madhu, she didn't shout to get her point across, she didn't have any kind of back-up, she was alone and didn't have a single trace of desperation in her voice, it was like she knew what she was doing, but Dutta was still confused as to how she found out exactly where they were. He'd made sure that their trail hadn't pointed any persons in their direction; so how was it that Madhu found them so swiftly.
Put Bhabi here, she'll be able to relax better once she's given some sort of comfort... Madhu offered pulling an old tattered cot bed to an empty spot, introducing Dutta into a ruined derelict building that had looked like it had slowly deteriorated since years on end in the middle of nowhere.
How was it that you knew exactly where to find us? He asked at no extra time.
Let's just say it wasn't hard... she answered paying less attention to the details Dutta demanded of her.
Meanwhile Naku begun stirring, both siblings became attentive and headed to her side. Dutta was first to speak, Naku... he waited to hear an answer, the sun irritated her welcome back to reality, he noticed this and offered her shade immediately, Naku... he called again, tu meri awaaz sun sakti hai na? He eagerly asked.
She breathed in before turning unconsciously to one side like she were determined to strive for some real sleep, which is when Dutta realised Naku was strained of energy and only invited rest.
So what have you thought Bhaiya? Madhu asked instead, whence it was decided that Naku had been granted her rest for potential recovery.
Nothing. Apart from Naku I refuse to think about anything else right now, and you too can leave... he replied as stern as a cold mountain, leaning against the cot bed Naku rested on stretching his arms across in search for a moments peace.
Of course, I should have expected that from you, not only is your Mother begging God for just a single glimpse of you, but your friend Baji; your sisters and loyal guards are also beginning to seek some kind of proof that you still exist! Have you even realised how long it's been that their eyes have starved from the lack of nourishment they've been deprived of just by your absence Bhaiya! I know that you don't want to trust me, and I'm not asking you to... her front of bravery finally shattered like a glass pane with immense force of hurt, ...all I'm saying is come back home and show the world who's boss. Show Kala Tai that so what if she thinks that materialistic power is God in this world, go back and tell her - show her that power cannot be possessed by force or snatched; it only nurtures with those powerful enough to tame it, it breeds with true warriors, it's an ally for the brave, a sword that makes betrayal yield like a coward and show it to its true place; which is to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity to remind them that such great power cannot be wielded to such imaginable strength amongst the traitors and evil doers! She preached like she stood at a gospel church and exploited her desperate hopes of creating a believer within a wrongly damned soul.
You speak of traitors Madhu? You! He stood to retaliate her attempts, ...stop it, stop it now, you're only embarrassing yourself. He remained calm yet raged mentally, his mind rebuked a thousand things about her, her words made sense yet confused the hell out of him, whose side was she really on? Where did her interests lie, if she'd wanted she could've easily brought Kala Tai right here to them, considering how easily she located them. Go now, and let me be, it's my family and I'll decide on my own what I need to do.
What did you just say? Her hollow words reached his ears in good time, ...it's your family. I'm afraid you got that wrong Bhaiya - you got that very wrong, it's our family and we'll decide what to do next. I don't care if you accept me or not but the truth still stands, by you saying the sky isn't blue doesn't make it so, and it's just the same with us and somewhere deep down inside you know it, I don't care how long it takes you to come to terms with this truth, but eventually you will come to terms with it = I'll make sure of that... she closed her speech determined with an updated goal now in focus.
Money - that's the right you've come to claim haven't you? He outsmarted by cutting the chase directly to the point.
What?! She forgot to breath as the words left her mouth, astonished by the baseless accusation that cast a nasty spell over their fragile relationship. There was no need to say she was horrified that Dutta would even think her capable of such altitudes of greed.
It's always money isn't it, money makes the world go round right, and your world seems to have stopped spinning since you've arrived at Patil Niwas, so I presume you need the resources to keep your life-long quest healthy, what else could it be?
The money you possess means nothing to me... she assured him, I have money and plenty of it - but I'm surprised you even asked me such a ridiculous question, you know better of the fortune I've inherited, then why belittle yourself in such a poor manner, at least make the bitterness worth my while Bhaiya, make me believe that you have a single reason solid enough for me to hate you.
I don't have time for your mind games okay, just tell me what you want from me and be on you way, that's all I ask... he begun stressing far beyond any means of comfort.
Good... she eyed sharply, ...because I don't play mind games. I work effectively and efficiently, my skills and resources of funding my interests are catered for in every given aspect you could possibly imagine, I'm highly educated to a vast knowledge of building an empire of my own - my Father whom I love thee most in this world no longer lives, the only person he only ever wished to be so close to in his dying days was you, he's the man whose every gift however small or big still remains with me even today, his every passion became my passion, his every memory resides within me even now, which breathe through me like they're barely a day old, I gave up my whole life to come and see the one person he longed to see every time he gifted me something but often wondered what it would be like if it was you on the receiving end rather then me, every passion he cherished captured thoughts of you, every memory he created with me had a conversation with your name grasped into it, it was like I had known you my whole life without ever meeting you, I loved you more then you could ever imagine, because he loved you. I was dying to meet you because I thought that along with my Dad you had also stayed beside me this whole time, and although I'd never met you, it was like I was coming home after ages to reunite with you. My Dad is dead - yet I felt safe - why: because I knew that I had you, the closest living thing that I have to him, and you think that I'll stand here and play silly mind games with you just to extort money from you! Well I'm sorry to disappoint you Bhaiya, but it's not your money I want! Acceptance is all I want, it's all I ever wanted.
But how can I just believe you? He pained prominently in evident defeat.
I've explained the true treasures of my life to you Bhaiya, treasures that no wealth as proud as the heavens could tempt me, but please - don't insult my respect I have for you, I fear that I may lose it soon enough, make that change I beg you, make me doubt that I could ever doubt you!
This could all be a clever set of dialogues dressed in its most fiercest form of attack to persuade me, perhaps it's not money then - but sheer revenge you seek, how can I know you're telling the truth? He begged to differ, unable to admit that he was becoming persuaded by her speech.
You don't need proof to know that Bhaiya, the retreated look in your eyes betrays your words, the broken frail tone of your voice has damaged the delusion your mind's false security built around you. Your eyelids lower in ease of knowing that it's not a traitor you face, yet you waste time in interrogating my actions to provide your mind with brittle means of justification to convince it that I'm the traitor, when in actual fact you know that if I was I wouldn't be standing here alone - Kala Tai would be standing in my place putting a bullet through the head of an unarmed man by the name of Dutta Shriram Patil.
If revenge is what I sought then this moment in time alone would denote the ease of the task, I could indulge my vendetta at a five star service, plated and chauffeured to me in it's finest prestige, wouldn't you say? she wittingly remarked.
So what are you suggesting we do?
Her eyes widened at his response, ...are you're saying you trust me? she said sheltering hope.
I'm asking what your plan is; I don't remember saying anything about trusting you.
And I'm here to tell you just that, I don't deny it - but at least say once that you believe me... she said provoking her fraction of hope.
I can't, I would be lying if I did... he held his breath to stop his voice from growing unstable, ...the truth is I don't know what to believe anymore.
Believe only that I'm your sister Bhaiya that would be enough.
I've seen enough to say that seeing isn't believing Madhu, seeing is nothing but deceiving, all this time I kept blind faith in the one person who I saw shower the most love on me in my life - and how wrong I was. Only fools believes everything that is shown to them... he despaired.
You're right, only fools believe everything that is shown to them, and as far as I'm concerned my brother's no fool.
God how long has it been I've been around here! I hear that LTL is finishing, wow that must mean long enough I guess. 😆
I am so sorry for being this late, 😳 I have no excuses so I won't try to save my neck, I think I wrote the beginning of this chapter since October or was it before that,😲 I really can't put a date on that, can you believe it. But whatever the case I won't leave this story incomplete , even if the forum closes or whatever, for anyone who is interested in seeing the end through with me, I will keep updating no matter what. Even I wanna see this baby with an ending! 😉
Thank you to everyone whose messages continuously filled my inbox showing me their love for this ff ❤️, I am truly grateful to all, I really am, I'm not just saying it - believe me. So a big big thank you. 🤗
And last but definitely not least, this chapter is a huge dedication to my love, my darling: MIsheZ.x 🤗🤗 for all the headaches I've given her over this chapter since last year - literally! A big thanks to you hun, you know I love you, but you also now that I'm always looking for that opportunity to say it lool ;)
And this dedication is split with the one and the only Yuvika_15, yep as promised this is all for you hun, 🤗🤗 I know you wanted romance but what can I do, I have to write it according to my imagination, so it looks like the kiss is postponed to the next chapter 😳😳😳 which I won't leave till long this time, however I won't promise (as I'm hardly good at keeping them these days) so you can imagine my reluctance. 🤔
Thank you for reading, and keeping your interests in my story I appreciate it with no limits I can assure you. 😃
Lots of love from your Tink😉
xxx
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