Mishal Raheja
as Dutta
Follow the Heart
Part 18
Dutta drizzled her with a tender gaze, doubled his chin, squared his shoulders and replied
" meri kahie hoi batien, mere pe he istamal kar rehe hai tu Naku? I am impressed. In the past ,apart from babba when I had the time to talk to him,he was the sole person who put weight on anything I ever said. Pun aacha laga meri batien tu yaad rekhte hai.."he praised her and she smiled at him shyly and replied,
" aap ke batien nehin yaad rekhoon ge Saab.. tu aur kis ke? meri zindagi mein, sawai Babi maa ke aur koi tha he nehin , ju mujhse mera dhook banteta.."Dutta, leaned over and caressed her soft cheek and moved her blowing tendril aside with his finger..he stared at her intensely, and consoled her gently
"you are not a loner now Naku.. and neither am I.. Bappa, made it happen so , that we found each other.. two lost souls , now found in each other.. so I never want to see you morose" Naku looked into his eyes, there was still love for his brothers there, conceal it however much he may. So she coaxed him too
"and I too can't see you saddened Saab.. bas! is waqat ko hum , Bappa ke dein samjhien. Ek dosere ko jane. Dukh, parishani bantein, tu ghum dor ho jati hain.. aagar ek dosere ka saath ho Saab!
Rishi! Rishi! khidher ho tum? Kulte Bhau ne boliya hai tumhe! yelled one of the BG s over the fence at the house. Dutta threw his arm around Naku and pulled her down as he popped his head up, and waved his arm from between the yellow flowers of the mustard fields ..and bellowed
"tu ja! main ata hai! roti khatam kar ke!. In panic he hadn't realized that he had nearly flattened Naku under his sided heavy leg and torso.. he raised himself up off her on one arm, and looked down into her raised up green eyes.. Naku smiled and gently dropped her head to the side on the field, whilst Dutta just looked at the mud on her cheek. After some thought, he lowered the tip of his nose on her cheek and gently brushed off the powdery mud off her burning hot cheek. he could see she trembled with embarrassment so he backed off and sat back.. but Naku still lay in the field and asked..
" Rishi ?? ..ab ye Rishi kaun hai? she asked as she eventually sat up as well.. Dutta gave a wee smile and teased
" bhuje tu janu? Naku giggled..
" Bappa! re Bappa! .. phele Jogi ! ab Rishi! kitne aadmi ho aap Saab? Dutta held her hand and pressed her palm on his bearded cheek..
"sirf ek.. Naku.. tera Saab!.. Naku looked confused, and complained..
" itne sare nam aap ke Saab, ye tu problem hai",Dutta glared at her and proposed
" dekh Naku , tu mujhe mere asli nam se pukar.. tu mein baki sab nam choor doon ga! humm?.Naku shook her head vigorously, and replied
"rakh lo ap jitne marzi naam.. aap ka nam muhje nehin bolna ata! bas aap mere Saab ho.. bas mere.. she said as she traced circles on the soil with her fore finger.Dutta looked down at her, innocent actions and pulled his mouth down firmly
" eye lardki! tune, suna na abhi us aadmi ne muhje boliya.. tu abhi jane de mujhe..edhur kam ke liye aya hai" he moaned as painstakingly he stood up. Naku held his hand looked up at him with ,mischievous green eyes
"sirf kam kerne Saab? mere pas rehene ko nehin? she asked innocently. He moved her hand and moaned
"jab pata hai tu kyon phoochte hai phir ,humm? don't distract me and you'd better find Kajri and bring her back to the yard as well.." he ordered and then pushed his way out of the tender, stalks of the yellow mustard field. She watched her Saab, tall and strong as he stretched his long legs and walked back to the house. As for herself, she ambled towards the sheep and located Kajri, having a field day with her kind. Naku bent down, scooped a frisky Kajri in her arms, walked back to the house, and then let Kajri loose in the farm yard. Naku carried a vivid glow on her face, prompted by the fact that, as long as her beloved was under the same roof as her, she felt so very much married. She giggled at the thought! as she went back into the house and could hear her Saab's baritone voice in Nana's farm house beithak. Naku was curious to know more and she pressed her back against the door and strained to hear what took place. Babi passed that way and grabbed her by the arm and pulled Naku back to her room and glared at her
"Naku! kya bola hai maine thuhje.. yahan khatra hai! pun tu jaise ek kan se sun ke dosere se bhar".. she whispered sibilantly as she closed the door behind them.
"Naku, aisa na ho ke Dutta ko edhur se chutti ho jaye.. phir rooti rehena us ke liye.." she reproached Naku. Naku, gave Babi's dark words some thought, and tried to bridle her in love thoughts, that somehow reflected in her actions too. But then, all she was doing, was following the callings of her heart, she justified as she kicked her mojari's off her dainty toes. She wondered why Kulte called her Saab? she prayed and hoped they weren't spotted together in the fields. Naku mopped her brow and accepted ,it would be frivolous of her to let off her guard and land both of them in trouble. She could not do that, Saab had put too much effort, in making their dreams come true. she couldn't ruin it.. Naku mused seriously.
~~~~~
Dutta meanwhile, had noted from the corner of his eye, his nosey beloved when she lurked outside the beitak, to gather what went on with her Saab. Kulte jostled him out of his thoughts, as Dutta stood with his arms behind his back
"ye bata Rishi Bhau.. gare chala leta hai tu? Dutta most put off, retorted a bit of truth about his past ,life..
" haan.. sab jabi se chalna wali cheez chalta hai main, tractor bhi.. gare tu mamole cheez hai! Kulte was already taken over by his short but sharp answers , was quick to question
"tractor? wo kaise? Dutta tilted his head a little and replied
"wo aise Kulte seth, ke tum bhol jata ho main khera hai, jaisa bhi kam mila main kerta hai..abhi, fasal ke kattie, harvest time pe, main kisi ke khet mein tractor pe kam kar raha tha.. Dutta replied cleverly. Kulte accepted his answer and added with an equally sneaky smile
"waise Rishi.. tu insaan ko bhi jabi de sakta hai, abhi tu mere saath tu koi hoshyari nehin dekhiye ga? Dutta turned the question on him
"tum batao seth, tumhe kya lagta hai main tum he chuna lagie ga? nehin! ye main nehin kare ga mere rozi lagi hai tumhare wajah se.. koi ghadha!! hi hoga ju apne lagi lagai roozi par laat mar de", he scoffed inside. Kulte , nodded and then explained the purpose of his private audience with this young farm hand
"Rishi, tumhe mandi jana hoga, I want you to buy bales of fodder for the buffaloes and, service oil for the tractor, oil finished , tu band para hai..aur haan! ek baat aur, koi aacha sa ghora nazar eeye to khared lena! aur tu aisa kar, abhi nikal ja! aur andehra hone se phele wapis laut ana.. Babi mausi ko bol thujhe kahna saath band de ge.." Dutta was about to leave and Kulte yelled,
"areee rok larke! paise tu le ja!.. he saw Kulte licked his fingers, counted the cash and gave it to him.. Naku , again riding on the wind breezily stepped out of her room and nearly collided into Dutta and he silently rolled his eyes and moved aside. With a raised voice, he called to Babi, but actually let Naku know, what errand he was meant to take.
" Babi kaki, main mandi ja raha hoon , raaste ke liye kuch khana ko band do!.. before he could get to the kitchen , Naku did, and got down to packing a tin of chilled kheer for him. Babi watched her darling girl bubbled with vivacity .Dutta finally stood in the kitchen door, his arms stretched, palms pressed against the door post. He poked his head forward and called out to Babi to give the food. Babi, looked at the crestfallen Naku and allowed her to do the honours .Naku walked up to him and held the tiffin in her hands ..he paused and waited for her to look up into his deep set eyes. She did, and told him
"ye lo.. main buniye hai.." Dutta accepted it silently and stiff necked walked out of the kitchen into the farmyard. Babi hadn't seen him at such close quarters.. this farm hand. Yes he looked different, but deep down she like Naku knew who he really was? and thus it was enough for her to be gripped by fear, both for herself and Naku. Babi stressed, what if he was found out.. who he really was? she shuddered to think what Nana would do, especially to Naku. Once again, she took it upon herself, to advice Naku to be vigilant.
"Naku mere baachi! dekhne mein tu ye khera, wo, nehin dekhta , pun phir bhi, yaad rehe ke hum dono Nana se bhaut bara saach chup rehein hain!.. Naku calmed her Babi maa down
"Babi maa.. Nana kaunsa devta saman aadmi hai? ap ko yaad haina! uska bas chala tu usne kuch bhi sooche bagher meri saagai ka sauda kar dila us bhodde se! tu hum bhi uske saath kuch bura nehin kar rehien hain",she replied protectively about her Saab.. Naku rushed to the window stretched over the sink to catch a glimpse of him going to his barrack before the journey. Dutta sided his neck and pointed to Kajri who nibbled at his feet and instructed Naku.. with a stern look
"dhayaan rekhna Kajri ke.. ye na ho ke tere laad mein , she goes out of the farm yard into the fields! Naku giggled and ran outside to him from the kitchen
" dhayaan rekhe ge, Saab.. Dutta sshhed her, placed his finger on his lower lip as he shifted his eyes stealthily , to check if some was about to hear her call him "Saab".. with a grouchy look he mumbled at her..
" Naku , watch your mouth.. don't call me .. and he mouthed the word "Saab"..and he disappeared into his quarter and so after a while emerged, with his shoulder bag and placed the tin of kheer in his shoulder bag and went off on his way..
~~~~~~
For a man only just reunited with his love. Dutta behind the wheel of Nana's truck seemed preoccupied with thoughts about his unfinished tasks. He got to the mandi, bought bales of fodder and loaded it on to his truck. He recalled that Kulte had also asked him to be on the lookout for a steed, and if a favourable one was found, then Dutta should purchase it. Few horse dealers, checked the unassuming khera as he looked with interest at a black stallion.
" dekhe tu aisa hai , jaise khared ne laaga ho ghore ko?", gibed the dealer. Dutta tilted his head, narrowed his lion like eyes dangerously and replied
"lagta hai tu sauda nehin karna chata hai", and he pulled out a wad of notes from his sewn in kurta pocket, and furled it with his thumb ,in the dealers face! the dealer saw, evidence of a potential buyer in Dutta's person. He quoted Dutta the price for the steed. Dutta gave him the asking price and the sale was done. Dutta ,loaded the black stallion on the truck, patted it's back ensured that it was settled as he put a bag of oats near the horse, and took off from the cattle market. Once on the road, he stopped at a local small time dhabba and went straight to the phone box and dialled a number..
~~~~~~~
Baji raoo! yelled Roops. Baji, glanced through the rear mirror of his jeep and then braked in the middle of the muddy road that led to Patilvadi. Baji smiled and slowed down. Soon she jumped into the front seat beside him and showered him with her zesty grin. Baji knew she had some ulterior motive in mind, otherwise, it was usually him, who would go looking for her. He turned to her and asked pointedly
"kya chahiye hai? Roops, appeared surprised.. and hissed back , with somewhat feigned sadness..
" what? that's a bit cruel Baji.. can't I meet you without wanting something or the other?? kabhi dil bhi tu chata hai..she tried to convince him. Baji nodded smartly as he drove slowly and with eyes still on the road he replied..
"cut the dramabazi Roops ke baachi! itna tu jan ,peechan gaya hai main thuj ko.. you butter me, then jhaat se koi kam niklwa leti hai tu mare se! like I don't have enough jobs of mine to do already? moaned an irritated Baji. Roops leant over and checked his expression, as he held the steering wheel.
"aye, Baji drama main kerti hoon ya tu? kabhi funny ,tu khabi apne qad se bhi lamba mau buniya hota hai tune.. aur kya kam kare re tu Baji? jeep edher se edhur dorne ke sawa? she suddenly threw her shoulder sideways and jogged his affectionately.. and whispered
"sorry Baji , tu saachi bole.. yep I want you take me to my friend's house, she lives far, and surely you don't want me to walk the distance, especially when it's quite far from here " Baji without gazing upon her, suggested
"what's wrong with walking Roops? it's a healthy exercise.. you should do it as often as you can, bas yehe kehna hai is Baji ko", he spoke like some wise man.. Roops.. punched his arm and yelled
"zayaada maat bun Baji! don't tell me tu bhi sunyaas lene laga hai Dutta Bhau ke theran!..Bajiii ji! please drop me to meri dost ke ghar.. Roops thujhe aur bhi pyar kare ge! she pleaded playfully. Baji looked at her side ways and said
"heyeee acting nehin meri maa! chal rasta bata fatafat!.." he commanded..
Trrring!!! rang Baji's mobile and he pointed to it on the dashboard and jerked his head at Roops, to take the call..
" helooohh! she went. On the other end Dutta , looked perplexed and stared at the receiver, and asked
"heyee band kar nautanki! larki kahin ka!!! tu zaroor apni peechle janam mein koi aurat hoga! mard ban! "roared Dutta. Snubbed,Roops ,announced slowly,
"it's Roops, Dutta Bhau" Dutta was now even more taken back
"ummh, Baji hai udhar! tu phone use de", she passed the phone over to Baji and he went
"Bhau, I was just about to phone you, bata , kya bun raha hai? Dutta flared his nostrils and growled
"pata hai ju tu phone kerne wala tha! thujhe apne mashukiyoon, se fursat mile ,to tu mere bare mein shooche!.. dutta muttered
" pun bbhau!.. deva shapat! I was going to ring you" he defended. Dutta roared
" oyeee chupkar! and let me finish , aur beech mein maat tokna! I want to see you, I have come to the mandi, before I return , I have to see you, so tell me where you are ? and as I have transport ,I'll drive over to you". Baji knew not to refuse Bhau, it sounded important. He told Bhau where he was, at the outskirts of Patilvadi.To Roops he clarified, that dropping her to her friend was out ! as this meeting with Bhau would be of significance for her too.. Roops complied happily, as it meant, she too was included in the plans of, mission reuniting Dutta and Naku!
~~~~~~~
In great style, on the dual carriage way, Dutta's truck crossed and then halted against Baji's black jeep. both faced adjacently. Both men had one hand pressed on their respective steering wheels. Both with twisted heads, looked at each other and then smiled.. Dutta though, also caught onto Roops seated beside Baji and rolled his eyes, pulled his keys out and jumped out of his truck.
"side mein laga de apni jeep, and lets go over and sit on the grass.." instructed Dutta and took out his shoulder bag.. with him. Baji did the needful and then both him and Roops sat cross legged on the grass before Dutta in a circle. Baji delivered a dimpled smile at his beloved mate and teased with a wink
"sooo Bhau! kaise guzar rehe hai meri hone wali vahini ke saath? pancho unglien ghee mein? he sniggered Dutta took a deep breath, tilted his head to one side and replied
"meri choor tu, but I can see tere life kafi mazza mein guzar rehe hai! kuch kam bhi kerta hai tu Baji , ya phir love and fresh air pe guzara ho raha hai..? Roops, threw back her head laughed, and defended Baji
" no Bhau! Baji is really, very hardworking, muhje tu once a while he meets.."she shyly explained. Dutta felt the side of his stubble and peered at Baji..
"isi jeep mein ghumta phirta hain ju tu Baji.. I hope you realize that Roops hamre gaon ke beti hai.. so hope you are thinking about some long term settlement with her.." Dutta asked gravely. Baji stretched forward and felt Dutta's knee..
" main tu bolon Bhau! tu aaj wapis laut ke ah as Dutta Bhau ! tu main apna aur Roops ka band baja doon!.. and he jumped up, bent his legs, revolved around, raised his arms and pretended to play the shenai! Roops laughed and added shyly
"haan Dutta Bhau, Baji says you and Aye Sahib have to speak to my babba for my hand, in marriage.." Dutta smiled at Roops, most touched but lowered his eyes and replied
" humm ,that will happen ,but before that I have commitment to the gaon walis, that I would help them recover their grains" and he looked at Baji and said
"that's why I set up this meeting Baji.. from tonight you need to cart the villagers back and forth , to steal their grains from the granaries. I shall unlock the granaries.. bas tu apna kam shurru ker dena! I want it done tonight, no matter how many phera's it takes samjha tu..! Baji nodded
"ho Bhau! you leave it to me.. I know the place..".. then he sniffed.. and remarked.."Bhau, ye elachi ke kushboo kahan se aah rehe hai..??Dutta sided his arm, picked up his shoulder bag and put it in their midst on the grass. Baji like an excited child, pulled out the tiffin.. and opened it..
"kheerrr! vah! ji vah!.. and he looked at Dutta.."kya baat hai Bhau! itna prem , ke Naku saath mein thujhe kheer bhi dete hai ,kam pe bhi kha kha ke mazza lut!.. then he invited.. "shall we all sample it..? Dutta shook his head..
"yehri lardki ! ye bhi nehin soocha hum kaise khaien ge kheer ?Baji cackled and replied
"areee Bhau! how was she to know , ke they'll be more than one bhooke! chal Bhau ,no problem.. lag paro haat ke saath..." and he cupped the tiffin , brought it closer to his mouth, curved his finger, dipped it the kheer and then be started to eat. Dutta chuckled at his friends self- indulgence, then roared
"oyee paitu ! sarre khud he jaye ga! edhur la! and Dutta forced it out of Baji's hand and first passed it on to Roops! who ate it with her curved finger too..
" bahut lazeez hai.. Dutta Bhau , aap lucky ho , Naku can cook tasty food", remarked Roops and Baji jumped at her,
"umeed hai Roops ke baachi!! tu bhi khana bana sakte hai ?nehin tu phooti kismet Baji rao ke!.. lagata hai Bhau ke ghar hi jana pare ga, khana khane ,nehi tu mar jaye ga! .. Dutta chuckled with hooded eyes, as Roops literally flew off the handle! and defended..
"eyeee Baji rao.. ata hai muhje khana banana, wo bhi aisa ke tu apne unglien chatta rehe jaye ga! she hissed. Baji looked at Dutta and cried out
" Bhau, dekhe tum ne.. kaise katne ko pareti hai tere payre dost Baji ko ye lardki?.. Dutta pushed himself up to stand and retorted
"Baji, don't drag me into your tiffs! mind you in a way I am happy, tere pe control koi tu kare ga.. be it Roops! Baji jumped up and threw his arm around his Bhau's shoulders and winked
"dehko Bhau .. Baji ko sirf ek he control kar sakta, really.. wo hai tum!, and both friends walked away from the green. Roops although, saw the bonding clearly and equated it to being a man thing! she was nevertheless delighted. Baji was happy and involved in doing good too, like his friend Dutta Bhau..
~~~~~~~
Things were beginning to get shaky in the shri Ram Patil's household. Often arguments erupted between Kamde and his wife Bela, and Davde and his wife Abha ... the conflicts were always about the shortage of money and general want in the household. Daksha, found it difficult when she saw her family suffer. Tonight there had been fresh fights over the selling of Heera and Sona.. a meeting was mentioned with Dutta .Also, the news that Dutta with working as a farmhand at Nana's farm house. Daksha came out of her room and asked her husband Shinde.
" batao mujhe Dutta Bhau ke matalaq? Shinde looked into his expectant wife's eyes and consoled her tenderly
"Daksha, tu parathna kerti haina Dutta ke liye? tu sun,wo teek tha.. haan kehra ka kam kerta hai wo Nana ke farm pe, Heera and Sona sirf uske control mein ata hai.. khyal rekhe ga wo unka.." Daksha felt her husband's arm and replied
" dekha Dutta Bhau ,kam kar reha hai tu iska matalab hai wo badal gaya hai!!meri suno, wapis la ayo use.. ye uska ghar hai.. main tu samjhoon ke Heera aur Sona bhi jaise babba ke pas hi hoon.. sunte ho ji, wapis le ayo Dutta Bhau ko.." Bela and Abha sauntered over and held her arm and confessed
" saach bole tu Daksha, Dutta laut aye tu kitna aacha ho.. lagata hai humeri zindagi mein musibatien ke pahar tot gaye hain.. aacha nehin kiya hum ne uske saath.. admitted Bela and Abha too joined in
"haan Daksha.. ghar mein aisa time nehin aya ke khane peene ke cheezon ki kem par jaye, she cried.. Daksha spread her arms out and hugged her vahinis and comforted them
"aap Bappa se parthna karien, ke wo jald laut aye.. aur saath mein, aap dono Kamde aur Davde Bhau ko bhi samhjhein ,ke wo naraz hone ke bajie, kush hoon ,ke Dutta Bhau kam kar raha hai! kam kam hota hai, bara ya chotta nehin" advised Daksha.. as she retired to her room. Bela and Abha however confessed to each other, in the darkness of the mud courtyard.
"pata hai Abha , muhje tu lage, Bappa se humien sazza mile hai.. Dutta aur Naku ko juda karne ki, Nana se paise lene ki, apna pariwar ko dhoka dene ki, cried Bela ,and Abha too agreed
"haan Tai, tabhi ab hamre ghar mein roz barooz paise ki bhi kilat ho gaye hain.. hamre pati ju kuch hai , sharab aur shabab pe urtha rehe hain," cried Abha and they both knelt before the small Bappa idol in the courtyard and prayed for the forgiveness of their many sins..
~~~~~~~
Dutta working at Nana's farmhouse charged Daksha to find out more about his welfare. So the next day she made it a point to meet Roops in the market square near the vegetable stalls. Roops felt she had to confide into Daksha, she was aware this vahini of Dutta was all for his welfare.
" waise main aap ko bata rehe hoon , ke Dutta aur Naku ab ek dosere ke pas hain.. pun ye baat aap kise aur na batien apne ghar waloon mein se.. Dutta Bhau , kuch kam pura kerna chata hai..phir wo kudh aap logon ke pas ghar laut Aye ga.." Daksha was ecstatic and she thanked Roops for giving her such wonderful news that Dutta was with Naku at the farmhouse.. Roops watched her leave , and was well pleased with herself at making a pregnant woman happy. Surely the gods will consider this as an act of good deed!
~~~~~~~
As he drove the truck back to Mandwa farm, gradually his anger began to rise. So here he was putting many,farmers homes in order.. his eyes welled up as he analysed..that his own household remained disorderly. He twitched his jaw as he reasoned, that his brothers never really gave a toss! about him! or his condition! so best he should expel them from his mind too. Still, he sighed as he drove and accepted the bitter truth as it appeared. But it was his heart that refused to let go of his brothers.. it still hurt him deep inside.. how he wanted to follow his heart, but was somewhat withheld by the unshakeable rejection he faced by his brothers. His face flushed with rage as he realized, that they totally disregarded their vows to their babaa of keeping him close to them.. instead what did they do ? chucked him out! he fumed and crunched the gear! tilted his head to one side.. leave them be Dutta , he mused ,as he gripped the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles turned pale!
~~~~~~~
Naku remained edgy all day. Her pulse rate was fast paced and she tried to hang about Babi maa.. being more of a nuisance than a helping hand. Babi, teased her or rather counselled her
"dekh meri baachi! ye tu jan le ke jis cheez ko man chahe.. wo aasani se nehin milte. Intazaar kerna parta hai.. jaise tu use,kehra ke wapsi ka kare.." Naku smiled shyly and then opined herself
"haan Babi maa, tu thek bole.. pun pyar main intazaar ka dard aacha lagata hai.. pun saath mein dar bhi lagata hai kuch ho na jaye? and with this dilemma she trailed out of the kitchen into the back yard. With Kajri in her arms , she strolled around the yard and peeped , to ensure the sheep, goats and larger animals were settled. Heera and Sona, poked their heads out and shook their heads which jangled the ornament bells around their necks.. She sauntered over and looked at them.. their horns looked menacing but their eyes looked doleful. She gingerly put her palm forward and Heera's pink curled up tongue, sought it.. she brought her palm closer and got a lick of approval by the burly ox. She giggled and said to it ..
"tum bhi.. akhro aur kadhoos dekhte ho shakal se Saab ke theran! pun lagta hai , Saab ke theran tumhara bhi dil ah gaya hai Naku pe.. haina?
"nehin! Heera mein mera se zayeeda akal hai! wo baawara nehin mere jaisa! said Dutta in his guttural tone behind her.. Naku turned around and her eyes sparkled, her upper lip curled into a smile
"Saab! ab laut Aye?.. aur ye kaun hai aap ke saath? Dutta turned his head and then caressed the black stallion 's head with admiration in his eyes..
"ye Toofan hai Naku.. samjhe le mera naya avatar! He teased , as he walked the horse to the stables.. and settled it with more petting and love.. Naku watched as he gently run his slender fingers through the horse's thick black mane.. ufff.. she thought, his adoration for the horse made her jealous.. Dutta stopped and from the stable, studied her disappointed flushed face and called out..
"edhur ah Naku! get to know Toofan! kuch nehin kare ga.. feel him..chaaal edhur ah!! bola na thujhe , bot bun ke khare hai!" he scolded. Naku walked over and stood on the other side of the horse's neck. Dutta extended his arm over the horse's neck and reached out for Naku's trembling palm and pressed it above the horse's warm neck.. Naku giggled nervously and her eyes met Dutta's deep set eyes.. he grumbled
"eyeee Naku! darte kyun hai tu.. hummh? would I put you in danger? nehin! that much I knew that this stallion was not wild.. waise bhi, if he warms to my touch.. then why wouldn't he love your touch as well humm? after all tu aur main ek hi tu hain", he whispered tenderly to her over the horse's neck..Naku's strokes extended gradually over the horse's silky neck... Dutta looked down at her dainty fair palm as it moved on the stallion's raven black skin.. Slowly he placed his palm over hers as it slide on the horse. Naku, blushed and bit her lower lip, as Dutta peered into her eyes with a questioning look.. and raised his eyebrows.. then with a slanted smile, murmured softly..
"yaad kiya tune mujhe? I bet tune soocha ho ga , main phir ghayab ho jaye ga? haina? Naku pulled out her palm from under his palm and replied..
"haan, I missed you.. and haan dil mera dhoob raha tha, aur haan, beechain thi.. inteezar ker rehe thi aap ka.. pun nehin, muhje pata tha aap laut ke wapis aao ge mere pas! , she confessed. Dutta stroked her tiny fingers with his long slender fingers and stared into her green eyes, and replied
"aacha hai.. I was on your mind.. I always want to be on your mind eternally.. makes me feel at least in one relationship there is stability.. life is odd, even your own flesh and blood betray you... soochta hoon, tu na hoti meri zindagi mein tu ,main kya kerta? Naku, moved from behind the horse's neck, came around and stood before Dutta and looked up into his deep set eyes.. and raised up her green eyes
"Saab , bolo aap ko mere ankhoon mein kya nazar aata hai..? Dutta was not in the mood.. he was plagued by his brothers.. and his own hardness of heart towards them..
" muhje nehin pata , tu he bata de.. mein thaka hoya hoon Naku.. suna chata hoon main" Naku grabbed him by his bulky upper arms and forced him to face her.. and cried out slightly hurt
"Saab , aap na jano meri ankhien kya bolien? pun Naku jane aap udhas ho apne pariwar ke karren.. maafi de do Saab apne Bhau ko.. only then you will be at peace! she emphasised. Dutta moved her palms over his upper arms and walked away from her and the stables, and headed straight to his barrack, flopped on his bed and folded both his arms over his eyes.. now ,he fumed.. my falling out with my family comes between me and Naku too.. and he shut his eyes tightly to pass all his anxieties into oblivion..
Naku ,cried silently.. she was annoyed with him.. not even having her beside him, blotted out his dissension with his brothers.. but Naku's mind .. said .. give him time Naku.. for the moment support him, yehe pyar hai.. being around your loved one .. when needed.
Dutta himself was frustrated by his odd turns.. he thought about how long she would tolerate his randomness. He ran his fingers through his forehead hairline and pulled his lips to one side , and concluded.. Naku understood the irregularities of his behaviour.. besides she knew about his brothers attitudes. Dutta closed his eyes gently and mused, but they were sharing a tender moment.. and he walked away from it.. did he break her heart? was she put off by his strop?.. he sighed and hoped not. He yearned for sleep and restlessly once again attempted to close his eyes.. and then he heard a gentle tinkle near his door. Dutta pretended to be asleep. Naku tip toed into his room, and found him asleep lying on his back, one knee up and the other leg lay flat side ways.. he appeared fast asleep. She moved forward. Looked down at him and bent downwards and kissed his broad smooth forehead silently. Then levelled herself up, turned and quietly left his room.. Dutta relished the feel of her soft lips that only just bounced warmly on his forehead for a split second...
Once he recovered from the kiss of angel he sat up in bed and lowered his long legs on the side of his bed. had Naku not come into his room.. and not woken him up! he would have faltered in his commitment to the gaon walas! Hurriedly he slipped on his slippers, went over to the window, peeped and checked Naku was nowhere in sight before he left his barracks..
~~~~~~
With his staff in hand, he stood briefly in the farmyard and moved his contracted eyes around, to access visibility. He wasn't keen to carry a lantern, lest it drew attention to him in the dead darkness of the night and raise alarm by Nana's BGs. His sharp observational skills and retentive memory, made it easier for him to find his bearings even in the dark. He suddenly realized he needed a sharp tool with which to prize open the huge metal door of the granary hence he returned to get one. Then swiftly Dutta veered himself to the store. Night flies flitted about and he flicked them away with his palm. With his staff he, pushed aside the shrubs and foliage that bordered the winding muddy track that led to the granary from the side of the house. As he shuffled along in the dark on the beaten tracks, he wondered if Baji had turned up? Finally he got to the granary and walked past it towards the dip in the soil which overlooked the road. Affirmative! Baji was there, Dutta waved his patka up above his head and signalled Baji to reverse his truck slowly to the granary door, which had been prized open by Dutta.. Dutta was greeted by the handful of villagers who jumped out from the rear of Baji's truck..
" Rishi Bhau! humien pata tha, tum apna vaada nehin bholo ge! they exclaimed as they felt his arm. his shoulder.. out of great affection. Dutta spoke in a lowered voice to Baji..
"Baji turn your front lights off, and give these men a hand too, don't delay be quick! and then he instructed the villagers
"abhi tum ,fatafat, kamooshi mein, apni borian uthao godown se! aur truck pe laad do.. jaldi ,jaldi.. khatra hai.. yaad rehe" ,Dutta warned, as he stood and watched silently. The villagers stood in a line and passed down gunny sacks full of the grain ,that belonged to them. Speedily sacks of, flour, rice were passed sideways by hand to hand, till they got to the very end where Baji stood near the rear flap of the backed up truck. Eventually the mission was accomplished and the grateful villagers hugged Dutta and shook Baji's hand. Dutta saw tears of gratitude in their eyes and he responded to their warm hugs ,but then raised his palm..
"bas! koi ehsan nehin kiya maine.. Bappa muhje tumhara darmiyaan le kar aaye.. ye bhole Nath ka kamal hai ,ke muhje istamaal kiya apne bhagtoon ke dokh dor kerne ke liye.. abhi jao! Baji.. mera bhai hai, tumhe wapis bhi le ke jaye ga.. jai ho bhole Nath ke! koi tumhara pariwar mein ab bhooka nehin soi ga.. aur yaad rehe, phir koi Nana jaisa lootera tum se tumhara maal mange tu sab mil kar dat ke uska maqabula kerna! he instructed, and bade farewell to the villagers. To Baji.. he walked up too, and stood before him.. Baji, hugged his Bhau with all his heart and soul, and a dewy eyed Dutta too closed his arms around his bosom friend. Dutta felt Baji's shoulders and held him apart ,looked down into his eyes and said.
" Baji.. main kuch bolon bhi na, tu samjhe jata hai , what I feel like at this moment in time.. because you follow my heart and soul..what you have done for these people today.. facilitated , what rightfully belongs to them.. they will remember you too.. along with a man named Dutta..aur ab tu ja inhe le kar.. before we are all caught! briefed Dutta as Baji ,wiped a tear, climbed back into the truck ,stuck out his head from the driver's window and called out to Dutta ,before he drove off..
"milte rehna Bhau! apna khyal rekhna..".. Dutta too dabbed a tear and watched his friend drive off..and Dutta retraced his steps back to the barracks behind the house, and surreptitiously retired to his room, and this time he fell asleep content and satisfied, straightaway.
~~~~~~~~
Dutta woke up on a high the following morning.. he fulfilled his commitment to the deprived and less fortunate people of the gaon.. he felt lighter, as the load had been removed. In his sense of achievement he even desired for a glass of hot morning tea. He needed it, as he had a secondary job to do today, other than grazing the cattle. So for the stimulating beverage, he went to the kitchen window and tapped on it from the outside.. it was Babi who responded to his tap. Civilly, he asked for some tea, received it and then while he sipped it, he walked towards the can of tractor oil, that he carried to the tractor. He pulled his black kurta off, to avoid oil smudges, and left it on the side, next to his glass of tea and moved to the tractor..
Naku came out and was greeted with a rather lovable sight of Dutta in a white sleeveless vest, with bulging chest muscles, taut knotted biceps , hairy armpits complete with his hairy chest! she stood and watched as he lifted the bonnet of the red tractor ,unscrewed the oil container and carefully held the can of mobile oil, poured the shiny yellow liquid to the required measurement. After he finished , he disposed off the empty container and desired for a sip of his tea from his glass on the ground. But before he did that, he looked at his oil greased finger tips.. and Naku..who smiled at him from a short distance, dressed in a red and orange ghagra choli ,with her chunni pinned to the back of her middle parted ,paranda plaited hair.. walked towards him. Her payal, tinkled and rather passionately he checked her out with approval, as she bent down and picked up the glass of tea, and gently held it to his pink lips. With puckered lips he noisily, pulled the beverage into his mouth and gulped it down.. his fingers stretched out.. slowly, he sided off towards the hand pump.. Naku, with her free hand pumped, as he washed off the stubborn grease off his fingers! Naku too intermittently held the glass of tea to his mouth.. till he had sipped all of his morning tea.. His eyes softened at her pretty face and he said, lovingly
" thujhe dekh liye Naku.. ab ,mera din aacha guzrega!... chal ,I have to take the cattle out into the meadow for grazing.." and he picked up his kurta from the floor, shoved his head and then his arms through it! reached out for his staff and systematically, first took out the sheep and goats, followed by the buffalos and the oxen straight into the meadow. Such was their delight ,that they charged straight ahead out of the fence gate.. right into the pasturing areas,! Naku watched and laughed at the sight of the lambs and gaot as they raced across the grass deeper and farther away from the house.. Dutta turned to Naku and said..
" tu ja abhi ,nashta buna.. aur phir ghet mein le ke ah.." Naku pulled a face and refused to budge. Puzzled he waved his palm before her face and asked,curtly
"ab thujhe kya hoya hai? bola na nashta buna ke la ghet mein.." Naku shook her head vigorously and stared at him with her big wide green eyes and sulkily replied
"main kyon bunya aap ka nashta? wo bhi Babi maa se bunwa lo.. jaise chai mang le us se", she moaned Dutta glared at her, and growled
"tere fasool baton ke liye mere pas time nehin.. ajeeb hai tu? aadmi ke apne maasle hote hain, aur ye apna drama chalu ker deti hai!.. before he knew it ,he saw tears welled up in her eyes..
"heyy Naku.. what is it? tere ansoo ka main ab kya karoon? ek tu tu kuch bata bhi nehin! muhje kaise pata ho ke thujhe kya hoya hai ? hummm. he said in a gentler tone this time.. Naku just shook her head and turned and left, and he called out
"ghet main tu aye ge na?.. before she answered, he moved off already with a thunderous scowl on his face. He too heard her reactionary sentiments at the manner she was treated by him. The kitchen door banged hard.It was enough! and stopped him short and made him turn around. Slowly, he walked towards the closed kitchen door and tapped on it. Sure enough she opened it, and with tearful eyes she stared at him with some neglect.. but soon enough gathered herself and with a wee smile asked
"kya hai Saab? Dutta cleared his throat, and sided his face with hooded eyes and replied
" dekhna tha, tu thek hai Naku ? Naku nodded, and giggled
"main tu thek hoon Saab, pun muhjhe pata tha , aap soochte hoge mera bara mein". Dutta moved his face back to her and replied
"humm, soochta hoon Naku, ke thujhe har kushi doon, wherever possible, and if ever I lose it, you know that something is bothering me, so I don't want you to feel that it's because, main thujhe pyar nehin kerta". Naku moved forward from the door post and pressed her warm palm against his lips
"Naku jane, Saab.. aap mujhe se itna pyar kerte hain, ke mere liye apni jaan bhi khatre mein dal dete ho, ek bar nehin, bar, bar.. aap dekhte nehin ho, ke main kitni , kush hoon, my contentment knows no end.. and I pray to Bappa ,that hamara saath janam,janam ka saath ho".. Dutta raised his palm and rested it against the side of her warm cheek.. and both stared into each other's eyes...to be continued, Hamlet53~ 12.6.15
N.B...sorry kaka balli, for the delay in posting the UD.. kuch kam par gaya tha.. tammy, hope all is well with you, missed your one liner this time.. to all have a great weekend.. much love hammie.
Edited by Hamlet53 - 10 years ago
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