Mishal Raheja as Major Dutta Patil
Painful Rapture ~ Chapter 73
"so sweet was never so fatal"...Shakespeare
Morning had broken, but neither of them was in haste to awaken from their slumber. The biceps of his left out stretched naked arm smarted, as he felt the gentle weight of her head in between his bicep and breast muscle. He folded his neck and her stray hair tickled his nose, there was no way he was going to stir, lest the moment broke, his eyes smiled as he saw her tiny fair hand clutched to his chest hairs.With furrowed brows slightly above his narrow drowsy eyes, he mulled how unpleasant it would be even to move half a centimetre as he would for sure inflict an excruciating hurting on his chest. His shifty eyes roved on the outline of her rounded thigh on his torso and a shudder ran through him as forthwith he turned his face the other way and closed his eyes, as if to blot out recall of how beautiful her porcelain body really was. Heaven's this was a real trial of his desires, to have his woman close by, yet not close enough or safe for that matter to possess her completely. He bit his lip in abject gloom, and flared his nostrils and clenched his fist , he had to turn this feeling of dismal down in the dumps, for it was far from befitting a soldier! keeping away from your pretty wife is a doddle! and should pose not much of a problem !All he needed was strategic planning and then act upon it! he figured out. She moved and so did her hand from the hairy mat of his chest right up to his right cheek and his whole body twitched, and he couldn't help but press his lips on her fair bare arm. She budged her face up to his folded indented broad chin and feebly ,and shyly smiled at him, as she moved away from him ,embarrassed for being so close to him. He gazed at her as she sat beside him, her fair fingers swept her tousled jet black thick hair and she with much ease brought it all to one side of her swan like neck.He sucked his lower lip into his mouth and winked at her desirably ,ready to if nothing else , kiss her luscious lips and as he unfolded his out stretched left arm, he moaned ," ahhh, kaise sote hai tu mer arm pe, toot gaya hai!, from tonight can you please stick to your damned left side of the bed please ,and I'll stick to the right side" ,he muttered as he glared at her with narrow eyes and she bit her lower lip and giggled,"kyon ap ak raat main he mujhse tungh par gayea ho Saab? she challenged, and he pushed himself up and sat with his back rested against the head board ,scratching his hairy chest,"main nehi thang tera se , I am not a teenaged boy craving to sleep with his girl ,in case you haven't noticed ,I am a very responsible husband who only thinks about his wife and baby's welfare.. "he argued and in an infectious consistent foul mood, he threw his quilt off him, hauled himself up, slipped on his slippers and headed for the loo. Upon his return ,she, was not where he left her on the bed , and still in his kurta pyjama, he panicked and ran to the door where he caught sight of her moving up the corridor in the direction of her room,"Naku! he yelled noisily enough to wake the whole household. She froze on the spot as he walked menacingly towards her and yanked her arm with a rough judder and bent himself and lifted her in his arms and marched back to his room and kicked the door behind them once in. He plonked her on the settee and glared at her as he sat in the single settee opposite her, "what the hell are you up to ? the doctors said bed rest Naku! and you are up and about walking as if nothing has happened ! bata why did you do it? I cannot believe it that you are so dense kyon kiya tune aisa..?he demanded ,she bit her lip nervously and shifted on her bottom, on the settee and replied equally vexed , "I needed to go the toilet Saab" and he scowled back ,"tu bola kyon nehi mujhe I would have let you go in first! now get up and go before you wet yourself ,shall I help you? .. he ordered, part irate and part aloof but over all nervous. She shook her head silently, at his offer and on seeing her he moved forward ,and held her soft palm, put his arm around her back and led her to the bathroom caringly and looked down at her,"baaby main ah jaon tere saath undar if you want help? he ked lovingly and she blushed , and declined,"nehi Saab, main thek hoon ,I'll be fine ,"and he held the door open for her but still insisted ,"look leave the door open and call for me if you need", he repeated with intensity in his eyes, but she turned and looked at him and with a nod moved deeper into the bathroom and Dutta paused briefly outside, as his fingers palmed his stubble face. He waited ,with ears on red alert for any untoward sound. The sounds of the shower, calmed him into a sense of normalcy and he studied his finger nails and then on second thought, he opened her wardrobe and chose the pink and blue sari for her and laid out her clothes for her. Shortly she stuck her head wrapped in her head towel, from behind the bathroom door, he looked at her smooth skin face and knew for sure she was only clad in her dressing gown,and his heart beat with passion ,but he concluded that it was pointless as he had to keep his physically charged carnal emotions to himself. With a stiff neck he turned towards her and curtly said , "look main Rahmaan se chai ka kehta hoon you can get dressed in peace hummh ,"he said conclusively and walked out of the room gradually, one arm folded behind him...
Breakfast between them was mostly about keeping a watch on who eats how much up to the required nourishment levels. He would subsequently, adore her every part and action with besotted gazes, "Saab ,mujhe dekne ke elawa ap apne khana pe bhi dehiyan dein" ,she reminded oft and he would side smile and respond,"ummh Naku ab thuje dekh dekh ke he tera ya Saab apna peith aur chaat dono puri kar leeta hai", and she tittered as she felt not even in their courting days would he come out with such submissively emotional baggage as he did so now adays. Many a times she stared at him and pondered , it must be hard to be a pregnant dad ,and she nearly choked on her toast which prompted him to thump her back caringly," stop staring at my frigging face! ya tu kha le ye mera shakal ko takte reh! duno nehi! ,he warned her with a raised eye brow, then out of the blue he declred,"look Naku ,I need to tell HQs that I am back in town, ummh it's not that they don't know but still I need to report for duty" he announced. She was prepared and thought it best that he should, as she knew that he probably is familiar with her stance about what he would want at a given time on space.She knew that he knew that the last thing she expected from him was to stay by her side for the whole period of her confinement. She smiled at him across the little breakfast tray perched up between them on their bed," Haan Saab, main thek hoon, once I get the all clear from the out patients ,I see no reason why you can't join your duties, waise bhi Saab duty tu duty hi , main bhi chate hoon ke , main kam pe jaldi laut jaoon, at least till I am seven months, after that I'll be authorised Maternity leave any way, she reasoned. He stood tall immediately, as he placed his cup of tea on the saucer ,and peered into her large green semi cowed, upturned eyes.He preferred nothing more than lung out on her at the preposterous notion of going back to work ! but he reminded himself ,such a husband he aimed not to be who pinned down his wife by his own takes on life , he was there in Naku 's life as she was in his to discuss issues related to their lives, for they were together more so for always inspiring each other to make the best possible choices.. Here again was a situation where he declined to impose his will ,so he sat down on the edge of their bed ,leaned forward and clasped onto her hand. She looked up into his narrow eyes, and his set firm lips which fell apart as he spoke in a non -confrontational manner, "look Naku , you wish to return to work, personally it's a positive idea, many professional women carry on working , till the stipulated period to stop work , waise bhi women working alongside men contribute doubly to the national economy, so not a bad idea in theory", he continued, but with a light furrow of his eyes he carried on, "but in practice I leave it in your hands , whether you should or shouldn't in terms your present state of affairs, your'e a PT, sensible and educated so tera Saab leaves it to you to decide upon the verdict regarding this issue," he completed as he held her hand in both his palms.This is what Naku , admired himself he always empowered her, appealed to her fair judgement, that set him apart from others , although she knew full well what his reaction in the first instance would be, but still...she placed her palm on his hand and looked with equal intensity into his eyes, and responded with a degree of conviction, "Saab shall we say we play it by ear ,leave it firstly to the verdict of the doctors and then if, needs be I can go in to work , if required or may be, work from home on patient and stock input data collection and collation.."Dutta nodded gently,"haan Naku brilliant, and this too because it'll keep you from going rusty and can be useful in terms of occupying you., ummh many work for money Naku but you I want you to work ,on contributing the best of your acquired skills".. he said subjectively with an acknowledged respect for her in totality not just as his wife but as a person.. Naku blushed as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "waise din ba din tu aur he kubsorrat dekhti hai Naku, ummh courtesy of my handiwork"..and he chuckled and yelled "Rahmaan"!!...
Rahman came and as Dutta ordered , laid out his camouflaged winter uniform ,belt and boots. Before he began to get dressed he suggested to Naku,"chaal since you are dressed thujhe AS ke kamre mein chor aayon , you sit on her bed and chat to her ummh keep her company hummh" he said as he bent and carried her in his arms and turned his face towards hers and proposed,"ek kiss bhi de ,meethi se, zayeeda sugary nehi ke main mar he jagon".. he chuckled and she pressed her lips lightly on his and moved her head back with a complain, "mare ap ke dushman Saab"! , and he tapped his forehead, with hers and grumbled ,"filhaal Naku tera Saab apna sab se bara dushman hai ,look what I did to you.. hummh".But she hugged him and rested her soft face under his chin, as he carried her to his mother's room..
Once dressed in his full combat uniform he couldn't conceal his feelings of immense joy at going back of the military college HQ, but still he headed for his mother's room and explained the reasons for his decision, and was mighty gratified, to learn of her approval,"haan Naku ne batiya humien Dutta ke tu Military college ja raha hai, bahut aacha hai ,ghar mein beith ke kerna bhi kya hai? maagar ye maat bhoolna ke ghar waqt pe ah jana ,woh Naku bhi intezzar mein hoge.."she reminded him as she blessed him.Dutta straightened up and looked into Naku's eyes and narrowed them briefly as he pulled his lower lip in his mouth, and then looked at AS, "ummh main ja ke ata hoon AS", and his eyes once again caught Naku's green wide does eyes and he turned and left the room.
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The moment he entered the zone of the military college , he experienced a profound sense of deep worth.The purpose of vocational aspect took charge, he went through the preliminary security checks and the all too familiar pattern of handing his jeep keys over to the duty soldiers for parking, greeting the reception staff and finally being invited into Parekh's office all such transpired sequentially. Parekh, failed to conceal his immense delight at having his favourite officer back in the fold once again.Dutta clicked and saluted in accordance with decorum, but Parekh with a huge smile acknowledged his finest officers', achievement .."congratulations my boy I see by you succeeded in impressing our colleagues abroad with your strengths and our army! commended by your honorary Colonel rank, that's saying a lot Dutta well done. !he said as he warmly shook Dutta's hand, and after a pause ,continued ,"now let's see how we can make this new rank of yours official here? he proposed . Dutta fell silent as this proposition was not in his hands, so he thought it best not to say much on the subject but , said what he meant to say, "yes thanks very much Sir!I was indeed honoured too with the award ,came as a surprise though, but still nevertheless gratified and accepted on behalf of my country", he paused and then carried on, "basically now Sir! I am reporting for duty ,and await further orders from your good self!" he expressed formally. Parekh ,nodded," well yes Dutta you are bloody well needed here ,we have a new batch of 2nd lieutenants coming in next week for three months extensive training.On the weapons front we have, Khan with us still, but I suspect she could do with a massive input from you on the curriculum front, although I dare say you have loads of practical input to hand down on the weapons front too ,that which you got first hand from UK..must say you did an excellent job at recommending the body armour, the shipment has arrived ready for your persusal Dutta.."Parekh paused , and peered at Dutta, "any questions officer?,Dutta stood imposing and with utmost respect replied,"no questions Sir! but a suggestion", and after an encouraging nod from Parekh, continued, "well Sir, I had a thought that the core aim should perhaps be to introduce the body armour on this batch of new recruits, as a dry run before placing a massive order.."Parekh welcomed the idea and approvingly remarked, "yes Dutta marvellous idea ,I shall let the team handling the new recruits to be aware of the focus, and another thought came to my mind, that your rank of Colonel from our army can be announced on the day of the passing out parade of this new batch , what do you reckon? Parekh commanded. Dutta, bowed his head and then raised it and obeyed, "whatever you say Sir! is my command". Parekh looked at his finest officer and commented ,"I got to hear about the mishap with your wife at the Rehab centre, I mean she is an army officer's spouse! would you like our boys to intervene or would you rather the civvies dealt with it..? asked Parekh in a grave manner, Dutta, a wee bit taken aback stood to attention, ,"Sir that's very noble of you to suggest ,but really personally, the army has far more important tasks to deal with ,rather than solve issues that can be resolved in civil courts".. "Parekh spread his palms, "as you wish officer, but promise me you will seek the army's assistance if needs be ,"Parekh insisted and then buzzed his PA,"ummh yes ,please can you arrange for, Major Dutta's office keys to be brought in here" ..Dutta waited for his keys, but when the PA, came in he ordered, "now can you buzz the cleaners also to get Major Dutta's office to be cleaned and dusted ,before Major goes in , and these keys I am giving to Major ,as I suspect the cleaners have duplicate keys to all rooms.!" he ordered. Parekh, looked across to Dutta from his stately desk.Dutta eyed this familiar room he had visited on countless occasions, but now he could very clearly saw the prompts, stimuli of the British empire, and Parekh ,caught the smug expression on his officer's face and asked out of curiosity, "and what may I ask are you looking so assured about Dutta? and Dutta with a slanted smile replied ,"oh nothing much Sir, just wondering that the British may have left sixty odd years ago, but, their tradition in solemn furniture still creates history in our lives , ummh take for example the furniture in your office.. Sir, and to think I have now been to that land in person.."he refelected, and Parekh ,winked at his finest officer, "bit of history I have around me ,and for that matter you too have Dutta .. a stiff upper lip son of a gun!, retorted Parekh with a laugh and then with a wave of his hand said "dismissed Dutta! go get a feel of home now.. till you turn up on parade soon! Dutta saluted and with a twinkle in his eye withdrew from Parekh's room.
He walked, serenely ,tall and stout down the corridor in the direction of his office. She saw his back and was positive it had to be him! she quickened her pace and called to him just as he was about to turn the corner,"Sir! Khan reporting!".He stopped in his travels and slowly turned his feet and looked down at her and received her salute.It was more than evident to him by her stretched smile with a chipped top tooth and narrow oriental eyes, that she was pleased ,surprised and the rest!, she unknowingly clasped both her hands near the buckle of her belt , and he gave her a raised eyebrow look after which she hung her arms by her side. With head boppedhe , politely acknowledged her, as the least he could do, "ah yes ,Khan I hear you continue to serve here , how do you find it? he asked curtly and she muttered flabbergasted, "oh yes Sir I am liking it very much ,and then after a mini gap she dared to ask him," so you are back Sir ? I mean from UK? and would you be coming back to work here Sir,?I could do with some support, she pleaded. Dutta stiffened his neck and hardened his manner ,"may I remind you officer that I am still your senior and as such in no way obilged to answer your questions Junior officers do not fire rounds of questions at their Seniors! .. and now if you'll excuse me I have work to look through in my room" and with that he went on his way. Khan with clasped her hands didn't know what struck her! ,but this she secretly welcomed that he man hadn't changed in any way, he was still, strident! unapproachable! and brassy .But for her it was enough that he mentioned he had work to look over ,which meant if she was lucky he would be working at the Military college.. Dutta sat in his office, it had been sanitized and smelt clean and appeared dusted .Unperturbed he sat back in his arm chair behind his desk and hauled his long legs on his desk, crossed them and then rested his head against the leather head rest , hummh it was not his job to brief her it was Parekh's , but still goaded by duty ,he buzzed his boss and clarified, "sorry to bother you Sir, am I supposed to brief Khan or are you meant to? it's just that I bumped into her in the corridor and she being smart asked me if I was going to work at the school?".. defended Dutta ,and Parekh, replied, "ah thanks for alerting me Dutta best have her in then.."
Khan's speculations were given confirmation. She was summoned in, and explained the decision both he and Dutta took earlier. As was always the case with Khan she was receptive to new tasks and encounters. Parekh after the brief as was his practice , asked Khan for comments and she expressed, "well Sir! I am once again very fortunate to work under the guidance and supervision of a capable and outstanding senior colleague as Major Dutta. In particular I am keen to learn more about the protective body armour, Sir! said Khan all charged. Parekh was well pleased with the reaction he anticipated from Khan and soon after, dismissed her, and she in turn left the senior most officer's office with a spring in her step.. once again fate had brought him before her , he was the only man in her life who has left such an impact on her life even now when things were different. She thought to herself ,she must give Naku a call to see how she was getting on..
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Dutta, reached home, his mother had warned him of not being out late so here he was as he boisterously stretched his long legs and doubled ascended the marble staircase of PN that led to the first floor. He paused , as he collected his breath and fixed his uniform and lightly felt his stubble cheeks, when finally he headed towards his mother's room. His narrow keen eyes searched for his beloved and having found her, they rested on her beautiful frame that lay propped up against the puffed up pillows next to his mother, who knitted away busily. On his way he came across Roops and ordered, "go get some tea please Roops your Bhao is very tired, and needs a lift!" he snapped his fingers in older brotherly mock authority. Baji on hearing his Bhao's voice. emerged out of his room, and ran behind Dutta straight into AS's room and said aloud "kya re Bhao humari kal ke date udhuri reh gai! me waited for you at the bar but you were busy, I guess wife sitting! chal use chor , aisa kiya ho gaye tera aur Naku ke darmiyaan ketu kam pe dhor gaye Bhao? aree itne jaldi tu Naku ko chor ke kam pe challa jayeaga?" stirred up Baji . Dutta gave sided glances at Naku, and she gave wide eyed looks back at Dutta and Baji watched the pair of them and guffawed , "aree Bhao aur Naku, ab yeh nazaroon ke bouncers ek dosre pe phekna band karo, aur yeh batoan how's it going? hummh Bhao?,Dutta sat on the single arm chair in his mother's room and replied,"tera tu pata nahi Baji where you are going? but in a few day's time I'll be going to work for sure" ,he answered with a soft caress to his cheek. Baji pulled his mouth down and turned to Naku,"kitna boring aadmi hai tera Saab ,kam!kam !kam ,har waqat kam!he rendered dramatically and Dutta crossed his leg and said in his guttural voice,"haan jaisa tu nakam,!nakam,!nakam!"he snapped, and everyone laughed as Roops came in with the tea trolley. Dutta raised his head up as he noted movement from Naku on his AS's bed and he growled at her ,"tu kadher uth rehe hai? late reh Naku!,!then turned to," Roops please take the tray to her , she'll make the tea ,aur meri chai tu Naku he buniye ge", he said half obstinately and half understandingly, for he knew Naku loved serving everybody. Roops looked at Dutta renderingly and commented to Baji,"kuch sekh, mera Bhao se Bajirao, kitna khayal rekhta hai woh apne pati ke pasand ,na pasand ka ,and Baji countered ,"aree nahin Roops! Bhao sirf apna khayal rehta hai , use sirf Naku ke hatoon ke chai pasand hai isliye he told you to give the tea tray to Naku!" he scratched as his head. Naku looked shyly at Dutta as she held his cup of tea in her hand and Baji tried to make a beeline for the cup but Dutta raised his voice and hauled himself,"hey! Baji tu rehne de I'll get it myself!" and Baji winked at Roops and said "tera Bhao gaye kam se,"! Dutta reached Naku and sat by her at the edge of his mother's bed and then took the cup of tea from his wife's hand.He looked at her and sipped his tea and Naku held her breath and warned ,"carefully Saab mau na jal jayea , garam hai ,"and he bowed his head and looked at her with narrow lion like eyes from behind the cup , and winked at her slowly , and then he sipped and his pupils dilated in relaxation mode and he said "aache hai chai Naku bahut"..Naku blushed and her mobile phone rang.She handled it and her face broke up in a smile ,as she spoke aloud ,"Khan! ummh Ragoo kasie hai re tu ?long time no speak"chirped Naku .Dutta raised his eyebrow and continued to sip his tea quietly , fuming inside, the bloody cheek of the woman to ring Naku of all the days today !.Naku continued her conversation, merrily ,in fact Dutta deep down was secretly happy to learn that his Naku had the opportunity to converse with a friend he heard her bashfully reveal about her being blessed by Bappa she put it over the phone. Naku's face clouded as Dutta heard her say "bahut afsoss hoya tumhara mamma jee ka sun kar, chalo Ragoo ye tu bahut aacha hoya ke unho na tumhara lagaan Mushtaq ke saath dekh liya, congratulations "said Naku and Dutta heard and turned his face the other way ,although much relieved to hear that Khan too was a married officernow.However Dutta perceived ,that soon after Naku became silent as perhaps she didn't find it befitting to make further references to her friend's life before others within listening distance. Naku bade her good byes with an invite for Khan to visit, and she then disconnected the phone. Dutta too stood up and was about to stretch his long arms across , but checked himself when he realised he was amongst he company of his mother and sister. Still he looked down at his wife from a his great height and ordered,"chal kamre mein! wapis ah gayon hoon ab,"and he looked at his mother, who settled with his suggestion and said "haan Naku ab tu chale ja apne kamre mein," and Dutta inclined his lofty muscular frame and scooped up his wife in his arms and made way towards his room. He sat her down on the turquoise settee in their room and propped a lime green cushion behind her back ,now he stretched ahhh and moved towards his cupboard and pulled out his lemon coloured kurta pyjama and went into the bathroom to shower and change.Once done he stood before her looking squeaky clean and waited for her to signal him and she lovingly opened her arms and he sat beside her and slowly let his shoulders and head sink in her lap ,"umhh Naku my head hurts , baaby run your fingers through my hair", he said lovingly ,and she did so as he closed his eyes in sheer bliss, "ummh Naku thujhe batana hai ke Khan will be working with me now ,so can I request you not to get to chummy with her, ummh waise tu you are sensible but still reminding you" he warned her. Naku took his behest with a pinch of salt but added, as she caressed his stubble cheek, "Saab if you're working with her tu I would request you to be considerate towrds her Saab uske shaadi tu ho gaye hai maagar pati patni mein unbun rehte hai, woh bole ke he picks on her because he is junior commissioned personnel, bole, driver hai in the transport section of the army while she is a commissioned officer.. "before she could finish he sat up "hain ?ye kya ridiculous reason hai? Naku to fall out over! both are idiots dono he tu army main hain tu jhagra kis baat ka hai,?"he dismissed , but Naku argued, "Saab it's not as easy as you make it out to be , she says its over their ranks and placement in their jobs, she said she tries to be the good wife and serve him but at every given opportunity he pushes her away by saying that she thinks she is higher placed then him and therefore bosses him round,!" and Naku suddenly, burst into tears. Dutta put his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head,"look darling leave it with me ,I'll interview the chap and see if he can enrol as a cadet, depending on his qualifications, or see if he can enrol as a soldier in the transportation support core, tu worry na kar tera Saab hai na , ummh yes I will be sensitive, to her waise it will be a tad difficult as this is a domestic issue between a husband and wife , but in this one off instance as both are army personnel I suppose if it affects their mental and emotional health I can intervene and investigate how best one of them could be developed" he comforted her. Naku sided her face and stared at him as he lapped up the seething tenderness in her green eyes. With sided glances, he checked her fair arm looped into his and he bent his lips and felt her blouse clad shoulder, she whispered ,"Saab ap bahut aache ho.."he bowed his head one, blinked his eyes, and moved her chin up and brought his face closer to her and said softly," pity, nowadays main thujhe bata nehi sakta ke main kitna acha hoon, baaby" and his lips brushed her lips and his arms went around her shoulders and he slowly began to sink on her , and she moaned Saab, I feel sick" and he cussed !shh! he let go off her and sat up, his knees apart his fore arms perched on his knees.. and slowly he turned, to her with a jaw that twitched and gave her a sided narrow eyed look.. "umm bol meri shazadi, what do you want me to get for your sickness.."
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After cautious security checks the seedy man was let into PN's main hall. AS, queried the man's presence, and gathered so much that he was probably one of the locals come for some sort of assistance, still as was know, this household always welcomed whosoever entered through it's doors, so AS, instructed to beckon Dutta. Scared and weary Kaley headed towards his Bhao's room, and knocked tat he door and Dutta yelled "ah jao"! Kaley opened the door a wee bit and stood between the parted door with his hands held in front of him in obedience,"Bhao ap se milne koi aadmi ayea hai",informed Kaley.Dutta looked across to his BG,and instructed,"thekh hai main ata hoon , tu Baji ko bhi bol de neeche ja ke dekhi ke kaun,". Dutta stood up to leave and Naku from where she sat on the settee ,raised her arms before her and gave him a coquettish look ,"pick me up! main bhi jaye ge neeche ap ke saath, please Saab" she pleaded, and he slanted his head and give her a narrow eyed look ,"chaal ok, you might as well come down stairs at least an eye can be kept on you,!"he agreed , and she moved forward ready to be carried and give his temple a sniff and commented, "Saab ap har waqat itne hawwt smell kerta ho" ,he turned, his head to face her in his arms, and glared into his eyes, "just shut up before I drop you! zayeeda flirt kerne ke zarorat nehi, before I forget and break all barriers with you!" he roared, and she closed her arms around his broad neck and kissed his prickly stubble cheek,"ohh my darling action man is getting rusty hummh? never mind patience is a virtue.. she sermonised, and he jogged her slightly and scowled at her ,"Naku why do you tempt me you evil woman?! it's like Eve tempting Adam in the garden of Eden , but let me tell you baaby this Adam is a smart ass! not a yehra like that adam!" he stared into her green doe eyes his own eyes filled with high confidence and she continued by having the last word ,as he carried her down the corridor ,"jhoot! sab jhoot! Saab," and she buried her face in his neck and giggled, as he rolled his eyes, shook his head slowly , gradually his mouth pulled itself into a slanted smile..
Naku cringed in fear and held Dutta tightly as they got to the bottom of the stairs. Dutta folded his neck and looked at her and found her face paled as he took her to the red sofa and seated her comfortably. No sooner had he sat her down ,then the man ran towards her and prostrated himself at Naku's feet! and begged, "Vahini je mujhe mafa ker do , mujhe se khalte ho gaye ,Bappa ap ko hamesaha kush rekha, main mujram ho ap ka! sazza do mujhe Vahini Saab, pun maffi de do mujhe! main!.. he cried at Naku's feet while all watched aghast., Baji moved swiftly and dragged the terrorized man from the back of his collar all over the floor away from Naku and started kicking the life out of him yelling, "Bhao yehe hai salle jis na Naku ko dheka diya !salle main tera khoon pe jaon ga! teri saat pushtien bhi khampien ge!! hollered Baji as he raised the man to his feet and aimed his tight fisted hand ready to disfigure his face beyond recognition. Naku screamed, Saab roko Baji ko!! , maafi mangne ayea hai tu, Baji let go of the man! she repeated.The man then ran and feel at AS's feet," AS , maadat ! haan main ap sab ka mujram hoon maagar , mujhge jail ho gaye tu , meri pati aur bacchon ka kiya hoga?" he pleaded as he cried endlessly .Dutta bellowed, "bas! bhaut ho gaya tera ye natak!", and he progressed slowly towards the man and ordered ,"uth!, and once the man weakly stood before him Dutta looked him in the eye, and spoke clearly and coldly,"apradh tu tune kiya hai, maagar kyon ka is waqat tu mera ghar mein gahra hai ,aur tune mafa bhi mange hai, aur meri patni na thujhe maaf bhi kar diya hai , tu isliye main bhi thujhe jane doon ga, maagar tera khalif ilzam wapis nehi honga , isliye ke meri biwi tu teri harket ke wajah se baach gaye hai , maagar aager thujhe sabaq nehi mila tu kisi dosseri aurat ko tu nuksaan zarror phooncha sakta hai , darro pe kar danga kerna apn aap mein ek jurm hai ,is liye sazza tu thujhe zaroor milne chaiya, maagar mera se nehi Kanoon se, jahan tak teri biwi baachoon ka sawal hai , tu jab tak tu jail mein hai, AS unka kharcha uthien ge , aur Baji tera ghar ration , paani phooncha de ga", and he looked at Baji ,who by now stood with folded arms and heeded to his Bhao's command , with a nod. Dutta looked back at the man with narrowed eyes, and the man feel down to Dutta's feet, and wept,"Dutta Bhao ap mahaan ho, saach mein.." but Dutta had enough of this man's grovelling, and responded in silence and Baji, came towards the man ,pulled him up by his collar, and ordered,"chaal ab ja yahan se, is se phele ke Bhao apna faisla badal de, pun areee apne sazza ab jail mein kat.."he shouted bitterly as the man sheepishly walked out of the marbled floored hall of PN.
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Before, he went to full time work, Dutta took Naku to Out Patients.The gynaecologist after examination and subsequent scan was pleased to inform both parents that both baby and mother were now out of danger , but care still needed to be maintained. Dutta posed a question, "how soon can she be mobile on her feet." the doctor suggested, "small measures of walking on her feet can take place as long as Nakusha feels pain free and comfortable, and with he help of a banister, she can ascend and descend stairs slowly.The doctor also said she can carry out simple jobs like light tidying up and cooking that involves only preparation of ingredients and stirring is recommended, but no lifting, involving pots or jugs of water till after twenty weeks...Naku smiled at her Saab ,but was tempted to ask, the important question, "woh I was wondering , would I be given the all clear to go to work?, the doctor, smiled at her,"umh Naku at the moment the answer is no it is not advisable to return to your job ,as it does involve lifting and assisting patients in physio therapy sessions ,so if it only involves deskwork , then you could return, but it all depends how you feel as an individual.." advised the gynaecologist. Dutta, sat straight up, his hands placed firmly on his knees, and apprised the doctor curtly"she has decided she would consult her Rehab centre and see if she could carry on her duties working from home.." with that the out patients appointment finished and Dutta allowed, much to his wife's delight, for her to walk out of the hospital on her own two feet. Naku walked, her arm looped in his arm , and he caringly, sat her in the back seat of his Mercedes and helped her with the seat belt. He sat in the drivers set and fixed his rear mirror, and found her face unhappy,"ayee Naku kya hoya hai thujhe humm? ,you should be happy jahil aurat! you can walk on your own bloody two feet now! he growled ,and she moaned back at him her eyes flashing, "I am not happy because you put me in the back seat," he glared at her through the mirror ,"you moody cow , you are pregnant in case you haven't noticed , hence from now on whenever you travel by road, you will have to sit in the back seat due to precautionary measures in case of emergency braking! baat kerti hai yehri!" he rattled. Naku ,nodded and he was pleased she never thought it otherwise. But he realized how fast things were transforming , little things like her sitting in the back seat ,for some time , to major things like being far apart from her, he looked at her through the rear mirror and asked,"waise Naku do you feel any different from what you felt a few months ago jab humara lagaan hoya tha hummh?", Naku looked up into the rear mirror and caught his intense eyes," haan sab I do feel different , it's strange but each situation ,each purpose ,each goal ,each joy ,each sorrow sparks a new emotion a fresh; life is so full and varied, we are a bundle of reactions and coping mechanisms! to each situation our responses are quite unique and different, so yes Saab lagaan se phele there was a sense of apprehension and anticipation. After the lagaan there was a feeling of a sense of gratification towards the deities , and a sense of achievement that ap ko pa liya hi aur ab.."and he stopped her ,"aur ab Naku , there is the waiting for this bundle of joy to arrive that has , ummh is a statement of our love , but have to say Naku tera Saab ko bhi bahut kuch give up kerna para hai , ummh ,like you! tu mera pas reh ke bhi mere pas nehi , ummh you know what I mean?, I think there should be an organisation for supporting pregnant fathers as well , I mean look no one ever knows for how long one has to stay away from one's wife, take your example.. currently you are still at risk , what after that? tab kiya hoga , ummh I doubt it if things will be the same.." he said compacted under emotions.. she leaned over and felt his shoulder,"awww Saab kyon ap aise soochte ho, Naku sirf ap ke Naku rehe ge hamesha! chahe kisi ke maa bun jaye pun , sirf ap ke Naku aur ap mera Saab raho, she said, as he caressed his shoulder ,and he bit his lower lip , with a little boy who received some TLC from his mummy.. but then a babe he was not and soon he took charge of this brain rather than his ticker!.He, gazed at her briefly through the rear mirror and pulled his mouth to one side of his chin and continued, "don't patronise me Naku, the fact of the matter is Iam accustomed to particular way of living with you, and that is now undergoing a change, umhh is a slow change Naku, that's what 's annoying about it , main fauji hoon, I believe in quick action and results.. but here it's painstakingly slow my darling." he said his eyes slightly cloudy, Naku felt his shoulder again from the back seat and replied, equally overcome,"Saab these prolonged delays, in such a condition, are nature's way of giving time to the new parents to cherish this pure state , but even more so to prepare themselves for the arrival of the little one..". he peered into her eyes through the rear mirror and, said,"tu thek khete hai Naku, but sure is something that keeps us on our toes.." she nodded shyly as she contemplated, communicating with each certainly helped in their relationship...
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AS raised her hands to the heavens accompanied with the blessed chant "Jagdammbe".Her eyes beheld her beloved son and Bahu walking through the great entrance hall of PN. The family, hemmed around Naku , with smiles that welcomed her with many a blessings pouring out of them. Dutta raised his palm ,and in one attempt answered every one at mass,"haan doctor bole Naku chal phir saketa hai , maagar zayeeda nehi, tu if you see her walking too much by all means check her,"he said firmly ,but Naku too interuppted ,"AS unho ne bola hai ke rasoi mein bhi hulka pholka kam main kar saketi hoon".Dutta turned to her, "ja phir Naku , bhook lage hai, mera liye sandwiches buna ke le kar ah.." and after a pause ordered Roops ,"aur tu chotti chai buna".. Naku, beamed and slowly walked towards the kitchen, and Baji followed her , to help.He assisted by trimming off the coarse edges of the bread ,and commented, "bola tha na thujhe Naku ,and Roops you better listen too, ke ye yehra Bhao sirf apne pasand ka khyal rekhta hai.."he stirred again as he guffawed, and Naku , chastised him,"ohhoo choor de tu ab Saab ka peecha, baachre kitna weeks se mera haat ke sandwiches nehi kahaye unhoon ne, so leave him alone" ,and she carried his plate of sandwiches with a glass of orange juice and set it on the dining table.. Dutta saw her and briskly with long strides reached the table ,pulled his designated head of the table chair out, and sat. In a prolonged instance, with his proud broad head slightly inclined, he just gazed at the tempting white triangular pieces of white bread. She sat next to him and watched as he delicately lifted one piece and with a twinkle in his eye and a swaying smile on his lips he devoured his delight food.. he bit, munched, chewed and swallowed and stopped to gulp and took a deep breath in as he complimented her,"taras gaya tha baaby tera Saab, tera haat ke bune hoya sandwiches ke liya, thank you my darling, surely this has to be ambrosia the food of the gods" and as was his habit , he ran his fore finger in circles to pick up any last stray crumbs on his plate, and finally felt the corner of his mouth to remove residue crumbs latched on the hairs above his top full lip..Naku just sat and stared at her big hungry lion, overwhelmed, she placed her tiny fair palm on his hand and he looked into her eyes and read how much she loved him.
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Once back in their room, he could make out that she was tired and he helped her settle on the bed ,and fussed around with the duvet to tuck her in the left side of the bed. She sat with her back relaxed against the headboard, and beckoned him to sit beside her with her palm.Dutta could tell this woman was not to nod off yet, so he obeyed to her well, command, and sat beside her on the edge of her bed. She groaned a little as she bent and eased her toes. He slanted his head and quite simply, felt the soles of her feet and massaged her tiny fair toes. In panic she leaned forward and moved his wide palms and pulled up her knees ,"Saab kya kar raho ho ap?, maat karo! mujhe paap laga ga,"she begged, her face fraught with worry. He narrowed his eyes and gently pulled her legs straight and resumed his massage, "oh just shut up , koi paap nehi laga ga thujhe, tu meri sawa kar sakta hai? that's allowed, but main nehi, Naku that's a bit unfair, why can't I earn a few gold stars ,for caring for my wife who is part my own body hummh? bol? its ok for you to go through the hoops and stages of pregnancy, umhh nausea, carrying our baby for however long it takes! and then heavens alone knows through the phase of child birth! aur main thujhe foot massage bhi nehi de sakte.. my foot!! he growled, and she smiled and leaned forward and tousled his hair above his bent head, "Saab ap se argue karna tu fasool hai, ap ne kerne tu apne he hai," she admitted, and he raised his head and peered into her green eyes "you are right I do my own thing and at the moment I want to take you in my arms and feel your lips.. ye tu allowed haina? and Naku nodded bashfully, and he walked to the other side of the bed and moved to her side and gently dragged her into his arms and moved her dark hair from her face and tenderly kissed all her features individually.But as he neared her mouth , she moved forward holding the pit of her belly,"Saab I feel sick.", and Dutta moved away from her on the double and left the room to get some salted lemon for his wife, and he muttered ,"jahil aurat jab pata hai sickness hoti hai tu bloody lemon pata nehi kyon apne pas nehi rekhte!.. to be continued Hamlet53~ 14.12.12
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Precap: Naku looked stunning in her red sari, Dutta just gave her a never ending long
