Mishal Raheja
As
Dutta
Blue Blood
Part 12
Dutta rolled over to his side than shifted his body and lay flat on his bed. Folded one arm under his head and groaned still slightly asleep. The buzz of the phone forced him to quint one eye .He moaned and then answered with a knotted brow and a croaky voice.
"no guessing it'll be you.. humm? what do you want? and his voice abated.. followed by her giggle
" hawww? you still asleep Sahib, it's nearly nine..
" ohhh be quiet , I don't have to get up and water the plants like you do! it's my day off so having a lye in.. any problem Naku?
"no problem Sahib.. sorry to disturb your sweet dreams , she mumbled apologetically
" I was dreaming about the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world.. that I should be so lucky to know her.." he confessed softly
" why? you don't know her Sahib.. she belongs to you as well
" how do you know Naku? , carried on Dutta and bashfully Naku gave a nervous titter over the phone
" I know Sahib, for I know that girl. She tells me all that is her heart "Dutta quite enjoyed this early morning over the phone expression of playful affection..
"really? then tell me too Naku , what is in this girl's heart.. hummm? he flirted
"I don't know Sahib! take guess a yourself?
"heyyy Naku! I demand to know! what is in your heart! he heard her giggle on the other end
"so Sahib you accept that I am that girl? and he smiled as he rolled on his back and replied lazily
"nooo.. you're not.. since when have you become the most beautiful girl in the world ! humm? delusionary woman! but Naku was not to be put off and she too replied
"because, I see my beauty and my love for you in your eyes ,Sahib.. that's how Naku knows" Dutta chuckled audibly .
"it's amazing that you are demure and dainty but your talk is direct and deep Naku." Dutta told her with deep sincerity..
" listen , Naku don't you think it was a great idea that I bought you a phone?
"yes Sahib it was , we can discuss and clarify important issues.." Dutta sat up in bed and demanded
"what clarification of important issues Naku ? he heard she sighed ..
"Sahib.. what time will you come to pick us up?? Dutta nearly jumped out of bed annoyed.. at her impending calm after winding him up
" shall I come over right now! you know I can do it! he yelled
" nnooo Sahib.. I didn't order you.. was just asking! and no don't come now have to get ready.." Dutta went silent and she became anxious
"Sahib why are you getting het up? I was only asking about" he interrupted her angrily
"it's how you approached and hyped me up Naku.. you talked about clarifying an important issue.. I felt you meant us.. our relationship.. that you have changed your mind about me" Dutta simmered down ,but she heard his broken breathing over the phone.. she had to correct him and calm him down
"Sahib.. you know you cook up some thoughts which has not even an ounce of reality in it.. you are far to suspicious.. at least you shouldn't be ,not with Naku" , Dutta nodded and replied
" Naku ,you may be right. I do doubt and become insecure. Would you accept that it may be due to an occupational hazard? In my trade all I come across is characters with a fair amount of ambiguity around them. so have to be on guard all the time.. but Naku.. have lost quite a bit in life. have just you and Krishna in my life. Dutta certainly doesn't want to lose them.. that's why I jumped at your words." he simplified
"fine Sahib.. I accept what you share with me. Just promise me you will share all your fears, worries and joys with me.." Naku said with a lump in her throat.. but Dutta asked innocently
"and anger ,rage and temper.. what of that? do I keep that to myself , Naku.. tell me?
"Sahib , if it's makes you feel better .. then you can give me a small sign, and with Bappa's strength hopefully I'll combat it by fragrance of my love.. and if not then...
"I'll go and let off steam in the gym at a punching bag! Naku.." teased Dutta. he heard she sighed and he wanted to know why?
"heyyee! Naku I made a joke ! no need to sigh.. you seem disappointed? Did you think I beat up women too? Naku was shocked to hear his question
"no! I never thought or think that Sahib! don't you make up your own stuff.. it's hurtful to hear from you that I can ever harbour any negative thoughts about you.." Dutta realized he upset her and justified
"no I meant Naku , since you know I am adopted.. also you are aware that I was a bit screwed in the head about the whole adoption issue.. soo.. you might well suspect I have a dormant violent streak buried in me that lashes out at women too.." he had hardly finished speaking when he heard the the dead tone on the phone! Naku had hung up on him! Dutta threw his quilt aside and hauled himself upon his feet , grabbed his phone and stood by his slightly opened window that looked across the pyramid roof of the outdoor garden. Slightly shelled shocked he pressed his semi drowsy eyes with his forefingers, then looked down at his phone that looked up blank in his flustered face. He had upset her, clearly. Robbed her of the joy that she had made a difference to his past misery that he had hung on to before. That he was now a new man. But what he showed her on the phone could be detrimental to their forthcoming relationship.. well she should be more understanding instead of hanging up on him! griped Dutta as he chucked his mobile on his bed from where he stood! Baji caught the flying phone and yelled
"woooh! Bhau what's up? why are you chucking you're phone? what's up ,is it work bothering you here let me give them a mouthful it's a holiday today! argued an irate Baji..
"it's her.. Nakusha.." replied Dutta with his arms crossed rebelliously against his wide chest. Just the way Dutta stood told Baji , that Bhau was not in the best of moods.. wish he could liven his spirits by telling him the good news. But he clenched his jaw and alarmed recalled that Bhau took Naku's name .. whatever for? he had to play this down mused Baji as he moved towards his Bhau. With his hand on his shoulder he said
"look Bhau, it's far too early in the morning to be going into a mood.. and with this another tiff with Naku? Bhau you two! you never even think what time of the day it is and you just fall out! look Bhau if you ask me , it's pre date setting jitters! hope you not pulling out? teased Baji and Dutta gave Baji a sided glare and spate out angrily
" almost.. " Baji panicked and squeezed Dutta's arm
"are you crazy Bhau? what are you saying? Bhau ,this not on! you cannot do this to me Baji! fine then I'll call my engagement off to!.. in fact the complete idea of marrying Roops! Dutta flared his nostrils and yelled
"why the hell do you have to follow suit in all I do ! huh?to steal my thunder? Baji?
"no Bhau I can never steal your thunder! but yes being your baby brother I do imitate your moves!" and then Baji asked Dutta
"why the fall out with Naku?.. Dutta tells him the conversation on the phone and Baji touched his ear lobes and cackled
" Bhau you take the cake !! honestly of all the topics in the world you have to discuss bashing females? I mean what a distasteful and off putting subject to discuss with your lady love! now god knows what she must be thinking? tell you what you'd better ring her up and say sorry?.. I don't know what.. something that indicates you regret the sharpness of your words.. one look at Dutta 's face signalled Baji that the stubborn donkey probably won't budge.. and so right Baji was,
"nope ! Baji.. won't ring her! we both need time out from each other for a bit".. said Dutta dryly and headed for the bathroom for ablution. Baji yelled behind him
"so Bhau this date fixing for engagement seems a bit of a farce doesn't it? if you two both are having a hissy fits! . Dutta stopped at the bathroom door, turned his neck backwards and told Baji
"this date fixing meeting will go ahead alright! it not only my life that's being fixed ,but your's too bajirao! and with that he went into the bathroom and slammed the door shut in Baji's face! Baji thought, this Bhau is such a big actor! with many shades to him.. but none can be pin pointed as final flavour to Dutta.. for Dutta is.. many moods, tones and assortments.. yet limited! One of a kind..
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Krishna was first up the morning. he had bathed and was getting his clothes ready. Roops laughed and called out to him
"Krishna go water the flowers in the shop. I know you'll say the shop is closed today but the plants still need a drink, come on then ,get dressed ! and use the long spout watering can and water spray the orchids! Ordered Roops as she popped her head into the kitchen and caught Naku making flat bread for breakfast. Soon after , Naku served the food to Roops and Krishna.. and Roops then sauntered off to have a bath! before she disappeared she called out to Naku
"exciting day today Naku ,isn't it? date setting for engagement.. all a bit taxing if you ask me , why can't all this stopping at stations be averted and we arrive at our destination.. lagan! straightaway? she waited for an answer from Naku who retired back into the kitchen, may be she didn't hear me but I am sure she feels the same way too ,mused Roops as she went into the bathroom. Naku had heard her friend loud and clear , but was just not in the right frame of mind to respond to her question. Sahib didn't even bother to ring back.. he must be livid .. should she ring back to see if he was all right? suddenly she felt two arms go around the back of her waist as she stood at the sink rinsing the frying pan. She looked down and spotted a pair of young adolescent hands pressed against her belly.. and then the innocent already croaking voice
"Tai! why are you quiet today? you haven't even eaten.. Naku turned around and tousled his thick mop of hair, then held his face lovingly in her palms and replied
"no Krishna , I am not quiet just busy making breakfast and washing up.." but Krishna was a bright enough. He sensed tension especially in people he felt close too
"oh come on Tai ,I am not a kid although you seem to think so, you have not eaten breakfast why? what's bothering you? and yes Roops Tai is right today is a special day! I am excited! I am going to Aye Sahib's house, then why not you? tell me Tai? insisted Krishna. Naku pushed him aside and put away the dried plates but Krishna cajoled her, then pulled his face, hung his head and walked to the kitchen door. Naku grabbed the back of his shoulder, turned him around to face her. There was never any point in concealing anything from Krishna.The manner in which he always looked into her green eyes was like he sensed something was amiss. She might as well rid him of his misery and confide
"yes Krishna, I am not myself today. Not so long ago spoke to Sahib.." before she finished Krishna slapped his hand on his leg and exclaimed
"let me guess Tai, you must have said this and he must have said that! so a disagreement exists? Naku couldn't help but laugh at his simplicity. He certainly made things easier for her
"you could say something like that Krishna! but tell me how can you tell there is still a disagreement? Krishna nodded his head like a wise man and replied,
"look Tai , had you agreed over a mid -path between your this and his that.. you wouldn't be walking with a face as long as my maths ruler! Naku laughed and shook her head and he reached out for her hand and pressed it against his flustered cheek and with tears in his eyes he told her
"look Tai , this is how I want to see you laugh always! see.. you and Dutta Bhau are the closest I have seen what life would be like if I too had caring parents. To see either of you moping around gets me worried that you might walk away from each and this poor pathetic Krishna will be left alone, destitute like you found him to be, not so long ago! He let go off her hand , clenched his fists and roughly tried to knead back his tears into his eyes. The sight warmed her eyes and she pulled him to her and closed her arms around his small body
"come here you! ooohhh.. love you Krishna! and what's this talk you'll end up all alone.. with a name like Krishna! how can you be alone? you live in the hearts of people! so chin up my little lord! and ask of me what you want? and I shall give to you! Krishna smiled roguishly and demanded
"then ring up Dutta Bhau! in front of me ! Naku looked into his eyes and wavered ..but Krishna ,waited with his hands on his hips as he grabbed her phone from the kitchen work top ad passed it to her.. still miffed with him, she rang Dutta but speedily passed it over to Krishna. With a big smile he chirped at Dutta
"sorrieee! Dutta Bhau it's not Tai.. but your other half Krishna! and he heard Dutta chuckled
" humm what is it Krishna? yes I knew it would be you not your Tai! she must be in a mood? Krishna nodded
" so Dutta Bhau! you admit that Tai is in a mood? now sir! I ask you why is she in a mood? you don't have anything to do with it by any chance do you?, teased Krishna . Dutta's mouth slanted into a smile and he admitted
" Krishna your Tai talks too much, just like you! and why aren't you getting ready ,you chatterbox!.. Dutta wanted to speak to Naku but he too was still in a huff. He banked on Krishna to take the initiative which he took! much to Dutta's hidden delight..he heard Krishna's voice.
"Tai!! Bhau wants to speak to you ..sounds urgent! and he handed to phone over to Naku. Naku sighed and waited.. Dutta mumbled..
"have you got anything to say to me, Naku? but Naku rolled her green eyes and replied
"no Sahib, I thought you had something to say to me.." Dutta flared his nostrils and delayed.. Naku assumed , before he puts the phone down upon me.. she looked at Krishna helplessly.. and like her young knight in shining armour! he flew to her rescue and took the phone from his Tai and said
" Dutta Bhau , we can't wait to come over today.. what time will you come? and Dutta smiled and replied
" Krishna , Dutta too is looking forward to seeing you all, especially your Tai.. incidentally give her some of your good sense too, humm? and yes, I'll come to pick you up soon enough , so go get ready now" ordered Dutta
"ohh Dutta Bhau I have been ready since morning.. Roops Tai is getting ready now , it's only Naku Tai .. who still needs to sort herself out.."replied Krishna craftily so Dutta Bhau could approach Naku Tai himself. Dutta asked for her and once on the phone he mumbled
"why are you not getting ready Naku? are you annoying me.? not done! Naku, not done" Naku sensed his unease.. but then this feeling of being in a lover's tiff had it's own pain which has a sweetness about it and her heart softened a bit and she replied softly.
" sahib.. Naku will get ready when you get off the phone" Dutta gulped with a scowl on his face and grumbled
" ok go! see you later.." and hung up. Naku gave a secretive smile and she nodded at Krishna with approval which made him happy.
"see Tai! never fair Krishna is here! me master in magically solving problems, isn't that right correct Tai.?
"yes Krishna it's magical indeed the magic of love! which if one gives away, one you end up getting more! and with a small smile launched on her face Naku , left the kitchen and went straight into her room to get ready.
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Dutta showered and looked through his wardrobe and chose a steel blue pathiani suit. Baji barged in and was surprised to see his Bhau dressed in a staid , pathiani ,as opposed to something slightly festive. He questioned his Bhau who replied firmly
"why festive Baji? it's a formal , hopefully uncomplicated meeting to settling a possible date for the engagement. Besides I have to go pick Naku and her family.. unless you want to do it , he asked still in a somewhat sultry mood. Baji was not a fool to go collect Naku's family.. as he sees that as Bhau's prerogative! Dutta slowly glided down the stairs and looked around the open plan lounge in the huge hall way. Kala came up to him and asked him if he would collect Naku. He smiled at Kala , doubled his stubble chin shyly and assured her that he was about to do..
Dutta sat in his four by four wheeler and drove towards Gul Bahar. He shifted his folded finger above his top lip and mused with his narrowed eyes glued to the road ahead. He wondered , would she still be in a nasty mood with him? how lame can that be? he chuckled.. it's picking date day. He brushed his hand over his stubble face as he drove. He pondered with slight amusement what Aye Sahib and his family might think if they found that him and Naku were in a small spat situation.! He chuckled as he parked right before the flower shop and turned his head towards the Gul Bahar. Well only one way to find out mused Dutta as he strode towards the door. No sooner had he arrived at the step, the door flew open and Krishna stood before Dutta in a kurta pyjama embellished by an embroidered waist coat. Dutta smiled at him and folded his palms in love for the little boy, and he commented on how fantastic he looked like a young lord Krishna himself. Krishna raised his palm upwards and moved his hand to bless his Dutta Bhau in pure role. Roops giddily followed soon after and she looked very attractive in a green and beige U cut anarkali and churridar suit.. Dutta stood to one side to let these two pass and he called out to Krishna ,that the car was open so hop in!..
He stood with his shoulder hitched against the doorway and his contracted eyes looked around with much eagerness as he waited in person upon her arrival.
Then she showed up looking drop dead stunning as usual. Dressed in a sheer French chiffon mustard coloured sari speckled with small gold motifs all around; embellished by a wide gold and maroon applique border. She wore a contrasted short sleeved maroon blouse edged by the identical gold and maroon applique that matched the rest of her sari. He gazed into her face, simply beautiful with sharp chiselled features, and those green doe eyes that now stared across the shop floor at him.. from a smooth skinned face, framed by simple mid parted hair ,twisted into a braid that hung comfortably from the nape of her long swan like neck .Dutta eyes stayed fixed on Naku who anxiously twisted her arm and ensured her sheer pallu stayed modestly across her bodice and over one of her shoulders.. he bowed his head, moved to the side of the door and pointed to the way out silently. Naku brushed him ,and he caught her exclusive fragrance , that never failed to intoxicate him .. but he never piped up the courage before to even admit to himself that it mattered to him. Dutta stepped out as she set the alarm and shut the front door. Chivalry never lost it's meaning with him .He may be brash and unpredictable but he never forget to give respect where it was due. So the door to the passenger seat was opened by Dutta. In silence, he tenderly feasted his eyes on her as she lurched and slid into the seat beside his driver's seat.
As Dutta drove on from time to time he stolen glances at her reposed delicate hands in her lap . He kept his eyes on the road and accepted that she wished to maintain her silence.. fine! he too would play along. For the fact remains that she headed to his house with him at this moment in time, to fix a date for their future together.. based on not just what he hankered for ,and what she desired for also. Hence he took a deep and drove on in silence.. there was a bit more to go before they reached home.
~~~~~~~~
Ravi turned into Patil Nivas and rolled his eyes and caught the sober splendour of this building , that security services personnel department Dutta's house.. why ever would a man with such a house want to work? how odd! His train of thoughts were intruded upon as he was ordered to park Nana Sahib's car before the front door of Patil Nivas. In service, Nana was politely helped out of the car by Ravi.. and then after the father left. Ravi turned to the beautiful daughter, whom Ravi had a tough time in actually getting, on her own. Unfortunate for him, Seema too hadn't shown much interest in going out shopping ,where he could have made an innocent pass at her. Still may be today, he could give her some attention and she to him .Irritated Seema called out and questioned why he wasn't letting her out of the car? discomfited he moved his stiffened muscular body out of her way that nearly blocked her way. Seema walked away from Ravi , but he wanted to know what he was meant to do in the meanwhile? Seema explained she would have to check in doors and let him know? Luckily Baji turned up and suggested Ravi go the side of the house to have refreshments.
Nana Sahib was greeted by Aye Sahib and they both sat and waited for Dutta. Aye Sahib explained he had gone to collect Naku's family and is expected back shortly..
"Here I am Aye Sahib and Nana babba! good to see you sir, and he strolled swiftly and felt their feet. Dutta, Roops and Krishna stood inside the house close by the door.
This time it's was Seema who ran to Naku and held both her and Roops by the hand , brought them closer to her father Nana Tavde. She keenly introduced them as two young ladies who were business women. Tavde was pleased and blessed them but seemed more interested in Naku. Out of interest he turned to Aye Sahib and enquired if Naku was the girl betrothed to Dutta.? Aye Sahib , confirmed it and somehow detected a certain regret in Nana Sahib's eyes. Aye Sahib felt she needed to assure Nana Sahib.. that Seema would always be part of Dutta, Kala and Baji's lives. In fact, both her husband's best friend and Aye Sahib would have wanted Seema as her daughter in law but life does pan out differently in reality. Nana looked across to his daughter with Dutta ,Roops and Baji and Naku. She looked an integral part of the sweet bond of friendship they clearly shared.
Dutta time to time gave Naku top to bottom looks ,but soon enough Kala called the girls in the kitchen and so he and Baji sauntered over and joined Nana and Aye Sahib.. Krishna hugged Aye Sahib and wanted to know when the date would be set? Aye Sahib smiled and introduced him as her grandchild.. and suggested they discuss the date for the engagement. Kala and Seema rushed out of the kitchen and checked the numerology calendar and discussion issues.. which might have implications .Dutta turned his head to Baji and whispered
" funny those two, Naku and her friend.. your one! are stuck in the kitchen .. because their pre-nuptial is being discussed" Baji too whispered back as got glared by Aye Sahib
"they'll come Bhau.. serving tea!, he sniggered.
Eventually the date for the engagement was decided and Aye Sahib looked to the kitchen and called out
" Naku , Roops, can you set up the refreshments please..? Dutta's heart missed a beat as he saw Naku as she came out of the kitchen with a plate of cupcakes and a bowl of sweet mother watering flavoured gujar ka halwa. Roops followed with more delectable sweet and savoury delights.. Aye Sahib led Nana Sahib and Seema to the table and as soon as they sat. Soon after, Aye Sahib announced before all.. one week from now.. next Friday!
Naku blushed as she felt Dutta's wanton gazes on her face.. and she retired to the kitchen. Roops along with Kala dished out food on every one's plates. Krishna was busy but not that busy to miss out that Dutta slipped into the spacious kitchen surreptitiously .. Dutta strolled in and then folded his arms as he stood on the other side of the island unit where Naku stood setting out empty cups and saucers on a tray. She ignored him and carried on with what she was doing.. Dutta smiled and then spoke as he felt
"why the attitude Naku ? enough is enough! and he walked around the island and stood before her and said
"if you are exceptionally good looking doesn't mean you show haughtiness Naku.. you should show some humility at least towards an ordinary looking bloke like me! said Dutta as he wallowed in mock self- pity. Naku pulled her lower lip to one side and looked at him accusingly with her green eyes and replied
"Sahib you know you are lying through your teeth, Naku never noticed her looks till the day you walked into her life and you call me haughty? then she refrained from saying anything more.. Dutta melted like butter by the sweet sad look on her face. Tenderly he felt her shoulder with one hand and then with the other ,he tilted her face up and looked into her green eyes. In a slow guttural voice he told her
" I have rights over you now Naku .. the date has been fixed.. and he was about to brush his semi closed hand on her cheek but she moved back and challenged him
" you have Sahib , but not until next Friday when we are formally engaged.! and he watched her silently as she carried the tea cups on a tray and walked out of the kitchen.. to be continued Hamlet53 9.10.15
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Have a great weekend and thanks very much for your on going
support ,much love hammie
dilse,naku.. sorry had family issues.. so late in posting.. all is good with me 😛and family
hi hammiee
mein aagai loved the ud...dutta aur uske akad😛 ..naku ke jagah koi aur hote toh darr jate...naku has good sense of judgement ..dutta is still a stubborn kid
he came to pick her up ..he approved of her look & i his remember LTL ..the mirror scene ..naku's approval for the kurta😳
ravi is trying his luck magar abhi kuch attention nahin deya seema ne
nana is guest of honour ..he has some impt role to play😉in future ..am i right hammiee
dutta aur naku ke engagement ki tayari have to do ..wht dress should i wear waiting for friday ..ud soon😊
as always u r amazinggg hammiee
hi hamlet
awesome ud ..dutta & naku tiff has brought informality into relationship...they r getting engaged its good they get use to each other tantrums & moods😆 ..i 'm waiting for engagement of our awesome couples😊ud soon
Originally posted by: Hamlet53
love you baji rao.. dayaaa!... ye dosti hum nehin bholien ga.. come what may be..
always yours hammie
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