Mishal Raheja
As
Dutta
Blue Blood
Part 6
His shoulders that stood proudly leveled.. gradually relaxed and sagged. His eyes shone with intensity as he stared right into her green eyes. They held a saddened cloud in them. Tears welled up but his eyes studied her swan like long milky neck, that swallowed a lump in her throat. With a voice that cracked she carried on with her related compassion for him.
"so Sahib , looks we are two of a kind. it's like Bappa brought us two together" Dutta blinked and broke his stare that lingered around her face. He sided his face hooded his eyes, firmed his mouth, then moved his face back on her face
"it is a strange coincidence.. I suppose when you can't explain why certain things happen? one can put it down to one's faith.. it makes sense ,if you believe in such things" he said tersely
"I do Sahib, and I am a little surprised ,you don't believe... with such devotion you come and buy flowers for worship .. I assumed that you are being brought in a religiously sound family"
" I am Naku.. but buying and offering garlands for worshipping Bappa is not real obeisance is it?"
"what is real then Sahib? she asked with interest in her eyes
"it's part of worship showing respect, but real for me is when one accepts the teachings and tries to apply them in one's life.. which I for one, Naku don't do readily.. seemingly, you do "
" I try Sahib.. to me clarity comes when I equate that Bappa makes things happen in my life and that he knows what's best for me"
"so you think meeting me is good thing Naku? he asked keenly looking into her eyes as he awaited her answer
"I don't know Sahib? but like I said before it was destined. Why do you not think it is auspicious?
" I don't know Naku? don't go into the depth of things, tend to find them tedious"
"you mean some things that don't relate to you.. you find best left alone.. see Sahib, as little as I know you, any issue that had a bearing upon yourself.. you not only think about ,but you shared with me too .. why did you do that Sahib? tell me more about your life?
"I suppose I wanted to.. tell you Naku" he replied pensively as he studied his fingers
" do you trust Naku ,Sahib? she asked suddenly and he looked up into her face, with his deep set eyes filled with gradual revelation
"maybe I do Naku. I surprised myself at sharing my personal life with you.. so tell me has your opinion changed about me then?..
" how do you mean Sahib.. my opinion about you? she asked perplexed
" do I seem less of a human being to you ,because my lineage is unknown..?
"well before I answer your question Sahib, let me share with you my unease. Did it cross your mind , I would ask you the same question about me?" ,Dutta sided his head, narrowed his eyes as he gave her a slightly stern look ,parted his lips and replied
" shall we scrap this question then Naku?, she giggled and nodded once
"Sahib it makes no difference to me.. you are as I see you. You looked out for my safety.. brought Krishna to my home.. exercised some right.. undefined.. but still a right", he grunted
" you talk too much! do you realize Naku..? give it a rest.."
" then why don't you talk Sahib.. I will listen
" look if you say everything , than what else am I meant to say? Naku just pulled back her neck , firmed her mouth and got up to leave .. Dutta watched her, still sitting in his makeshift piece of cloth. Lazily he felt his partly revealed hairy chest and called out
"heyeee stop! do I sit looking like a dead man all day? my clothes! dry or not just get them! want to change!..
with a nod she left the room and collided into Krishna pinned against the door of the small stock room. His pokey fingers held up Dutta's dry cleaned clothes on a hanger. Naku took it off him and pulled him aside
"no Krishna ! not yet, let him get dressed. Besides you go the shop floor and help out Roops she'll need it", Reluctantly he did what he was asked to do and Naku slipped back in to room. One look at the hanger and black uniform covered with a flimsy transparent sheet of plastic, bemused him and he pulled his mouth to one side with a slanted smile.
"heyee, I own you another one! for your graciousness.. you are very hospitable indeed.. so how much for getting my clothes dry cleaned?
"nothing Sahib! you have acknowledged the deed, that is fair enough payment" ,she replied gently as she laid his clothes on the high stool. Dutta pressed his palms on the surface of the bed and hauled himself up. He walked past her, still huddled up tightly in the white bedsheet and gave her a sided whisper
"let's see if these dry cleaned clothes make me a new man? he said dryly and walked towards the stool, turned his head around and suggested politely
"excuse me? some privacy please?, Naku giggled and left the room, musing. Sahib whatever you are? whatever you wear? Naku will continue to have a place for you in her heart.
~~~~~~~~
Baji had told Dutta he would return for him as soon as possible. he was aware that Dutta too wouldn't like to linger longer then was required at Naku's shop. Her reputation was at stake, and that would be totally unacceptable for his Bhau. As soon as he entered, Kala spotted him much relieved. She had waited for him. He briefed her and she insisted that she would accompany him too. She had already arranged for Seema to look after Aye Sahib. Seema too joined them briefly in the hall and assured both brother and sister
"Tai, Baji , I am so pleased to be of some use to you all, especially to serve Aye Sahib, it's my honour, besides I was sitting at home doing nothing. Also this house is one place where babba sends me without blinking an eye.. he knows I'll be safe here.. by the way where is Dutta? did you manage to locate him Baji? I worry about him.." expressed an overly concerned Seema. Baji looked at her face and knew exactly where she came from. So tersely, he replied hurriedly, as he literally pulled Kala Tai towards the exit door.
Once in the jeep it was coming that Kala would ask him too, where Dutta was? Baji told her that he was at Gul Bahar. Kala smiled cheek to ckeek and she exclaimed
" Baji I know I should be preoccupied with my manner with Dutta and Aye Sahib's condition as a result.. but would you believe me, if I said to you that I still love Dutta? and as such I was always interested in visiting this flower shop and meeting the girl, in particular who runs it.. but Baji do you think I hate Dutta? tell me Baji? she asked desperately
" Tai from my eyes, to me you always seemed to shower more attention on Dutta than me.. he was your preference and I was your rejection.. Dutta is the saint whilst I am the sinner! ..that's why I am baffled over your fall out with Dutta.. Tai you are the eldest and I am the youngest. It's not my place to guide you, but put your focus on what's important... monies, inheritance, who gets more ,less, or whose in charge shouldn't matter.. you know yourself any of these.. are of least significance to Dutta! so why should they matter to you? keep family bonds upfront.."
" yes Baji, I regret my sentiments, but my position within the family got in the way.. felt I was not treated fairly by Aye Sahib.. that's why I lost my mental equilibrium... I shouldn't have.. I worry now if Dutta will forgive me? Kala speculated. Baji turned his head towards her, as he drove and gave her a dimpled smile
" oh come on Kala Tai! Dutta is as soft on you as you are on him.. watch he'll be over the moon to see you. just let it go Tai.. and think Tai! you'll get to check out the girl too.."
" Baji.. do you think Dutta will come home?
"Tai what are you saying? why won't he come home? he can't be lodged at the flower shop forever, he has his own house, Patil Nivas! why are we discussing this issue any way Tai?
"because Baji, sometimes words ,cruel words that come out of ones mouth as weapons can cause a lot of damage...to the other person at the receiving end", alluded Kala .She was ashamed of her cruel remark to Dutta about his mother being the woman of the night. She felt somewhat secure that Dutta would perhaps not repeat the cruel word she used about his mother.. Baji mused on Kala's words and tried to recall his conversation at the liquor bar with Dutta.. it was hazy as both were drunk. he had a cloudy recollection that Dutta had said something, incomprehensible.. and soon after he had fallen flat on his face.. but he sure had said something.. Baji frowned and palmed the back of his head. He regretted being drunk that day.. as those words that Dutta had said , probably pushed him to the waterhole! But what were they? Kala sensed her brother's sudden silence, and hoped he was not suspicious of her..
"you ok Baji? you gone quiet all of a sudden.."
"Yes Tai I am fine. was just thinking about Dutta.. we are not far from where he is?
~~~~~~~~
Naku knocked at the stock room door and he yelled from inside
"enter!.. she walked in and there he stood tall and imposing in his cleaned black uniform! he looked at her with his stubble chin slightly doubled. His deep set lion like eyes checked her out. She too had changed into a brilliant blue speckled paisley printed fitted shirt, with a plain white churridar. Her blue chiffon chunni hung backwards from the front of smooth silky skinned long neck
"this is your house Naku.. you don't need my permission to enter" he teased. She lowered her eyes and replied
"it's a decency requirement Sahib, you were changing"
"look Naku, after you seeing me through the transition from wet clothes into a bed sheet.. nothing for me is private anymore".. sure enough she giggled and looked at him with big bold but lost eyes. Dutta peered into them , and raised an eyebrow
"what are you thinking about now Naku?
" erhh Sahib, was thinking about your leaving.. will Baji be coming for you?
" yes he will be Naku.. but what tells you I'll be leaving with him?
"you're not? asked Naku innocently and Dutta sided his face sternly
"I am not sure Naku. some nasty hurtful things have been said, that stirs negativity within me"
" but Sahib, it's not that one can leave one's family at the drop of a hat! why are pushing your family away? look at me Sahib, I long for a stable family.. I made my choice and now my family is only Roops .. that's it! let me tell you Sahib I long to be part of a loving family.. like yours , of what I have gathered. Sahib , think back was there a moment when you were treated like an orphan as you put it?? if not, then listen to your heart and return home!.. she pleaded
"Nakusha! it's not that easy as you make it out to be.. I don't want fame , fortune or wealth from that family.. only their name was what I was given? now that too is weighing down heavily upon me"
" Sahib! your tone frightens me! please think of relationships, bonds, people! don't take a hasty step! people you have been connected with, for ? I don't know how long? cannot be broken due to one incident" she begged him. Dutta studied her face, there was such unaffectedness in it ,pure concern for him, that he felt ,he had to say something that offered her some respite.. give her a good impression about himself, rather than one that leads her to believe he was a grouch , stubborn and horrid.. so he took a step forward and looked down into her eyes
"Naku if I say to you, I will try... will you believe me?
" Sahib , it doesn't matter what I do? to me what matters is your happiness" Dutta studied her expression, it was fixed.. unsmiling ..
" why are you getting serious Naku? it's bad enough I see more of the grim side of life ,and now you too
" it's to show you the gravity of your decision Sahib..
Krishna barged in and ran to Dutta , hugged him around the waist
"Dutta Bhau! I never knew you spent the night in the store! wished I had known ,would have slept by you! this Tai kept me away! I listen to both Naku and Roops Tai! it's what you wanted isn't it? Dutta closed his arms around Krishna's young shoulders and replied
" good Krishna.. you love and respect the bonds that you have gained in the forms of Naku and Roops.. that is what making a family is called". Krishna let go of Dutta and yelled,
"come Dutta Bhau! you have some people asking for you!. Naku and Dutta both looked at each other and then, Naku left the stock room first and headed straight for the shop floor
~~~~~~~~
Naku spotted Baji and they both smiled at each other. Beside him stood an attractive young woman, with bold fountain earrings, and dark glossy rouge on her lips. She was stunning thought Naku who stared at her part silk part net sari pallu, that she held gracefully on her arm. Naku wondered who the lady by Baji could be? she gave Baji an enquiring look and he nodded
"yes.. Naku this is Kala Tai! Dutta and Baji's older sister", he turned to Kala
" and Tai let me give you Nakusha! she is the owner of this shop! Kala graced Naku's finely featured face , those extremely attractive green eyes.. and a gentle countenance
" well well well! I finally get to meet you Nakusha ! I am delighted to see, you are pretty and fresh! like the flowers from your shop,that grace our gods at home. Even my mother would love to meet you Nakusha!, exclaimed Kala and Naku blushed and said gently
"Tai.. call me Naku please, I will like that.. shall I show you around the shop? is there anything in particular you would like? she offered and then turned and introduced Roops and Krishna..
"Tai, this is Roops, my dear friend and we part own this shop.. and this here is Krishna , he lives with us.. as our body guard! she said with a giggle. Kala looked around searchingly
"no Naku haven't come here to buy anything today.. I have come to fetch my brother Dutta. Is he about? asked Kala..as she saw a tall human shadow at the back of the shop floor, and with a smirk she asked..
"got any indoor cacti plants ? would like to take one home with me today!.. Dutta heard his sister and strolled into the room..he looked crisp and fresh.. she looked for signs of prickliness..
" you mean you have come to take me home Kala Tai? he stopped and sided his head and then continued slowly
"but I hate to tell you this , you will have to leave this place without me! he growled as he gave Naku a helpless look. She pleaded with her green eyes, when she caught his eyes on her face.. Sahib was having his stubborn donkey turns! she'd better act fast and offer them another place other than the shop floor to sort things out
" Tai, Sahib!, looks like you have lots to sort out.. my shop is tiny but there is a small privacy area in the back where you can talk in private. Naku led them to the back and all three of them Baji, Dutta ,and Kala followed her to the small stock room. Once there , Naku was about to leave and Dutta yelled
"stop! Naku you needn't leave. Might as well stay and listen to what is said! my life is not private.. it should be made public knowledge now! since I am this stray scrap !
Kala reached out to him much distressed and he just moved out of her reach
"no need for play acting please Kala Tai! the truth cannot be denied! at least that's how I consoled myself all these years.. yes I admit.. never felt out of place.. Aye Sahib's love, Baji's friendship kept me going.. but tell me Tai.. all that mothering that you showered upon me the day this waif and stray was brought into your house.. what was all that Kala Tai??? what was it? he stopped as his voice cracked and she grabbed him by his arms and stood before defiantly
"look at me Dutta! look! at me!! , she shouted and he held his tears in his eyes and questioned her in deep hurt
"tell me Kala Tai all that , Dutta loving! what was all that..?
"listen to me Dutta! it was love , is love ,and will always be love for you! she cried. Dutta brushed his hand past her face with complete disrespect!
"lies! Lies! all lies! poor stray Dutta made into a complete sucker! and all in the name of love! nooo! it's not love for Dutta, Tai! it's love for money ,power and status! , he cried
" listen to me Dutta! I was the one who nursed you.. with Aye and raised you up and protected you! looked after you! look out for you even now! look at me Dutta!, she cried hysterically as she tried to hold his stubble face which glowed with anger. He pulled her palms off his face took two steps back and raised his arm, pointed a finger at her and roared accusingly
" you Tai! said to Aye my mother was a prostitute!.. that my blood is bad! that you and Baji are true blood .. blue blooded children of babba! that I am vile!
All stood in a state of shock! Baji went around to Kala and grabbed her by her arms and reeled her around to face him
"Tai.. I don't believe , such a wicked thing would come out of your mouth! why did you say that Tai?? look at the state of him! you have killed my Bhau! he ran to Dutta and cling to his chest and wept. Dutta's arms just hung limp by his side. his eyes were bloodshot and glazed with tears.. and he whispered..
"she said so Baji.. she said it to Aye Sahib.. she didn't think twice.. went ahead and said it ..my mother was a prostitute .. ooohh Baji ,here I was looking for my parents.. and she came out with this.." he raised his eyes and looked at Kala with cold blooded eyes
" Baji tell her to forget me.. that she ever knew me.. she wants the power of attorney . She is welcome to it! but it's good riddance to Dutta..
Kala joined her hands before all , including a horrified Naku.. She hated all this. she never imagined it would be something drastic as this...
"forgive me Dutta! I got carried away, only thought it was my right over the power of attorney. Being the eldest! but Aye wouldn't listen.. forgive me! she beseeched Dutta pushed Baji away and faced Kala
"just stop and go ! I am not listening to you.. he said tersely. Kala grabbed him by his shoulders and screamed in his face
"you'd better listen Dutta! Aye Sahib! yours and my mother is very ill.. she is crying for you Dutta! pining for you .. will you not save my mother Dutta?? come home she is weeping for you save my mother Dutta! save her! Dutta 's face fell and he turned pale and looked down into Kala's crying eyes
" I will save our mother Tai.. come let's go home.. Aye must be waiting.. and he almost walked past Naku ,she grabbed his arm and looked up into his hooded eyes..
"Sahib , I am proud of you.. go home to your Aye..just remember , Naku is alone here.. without an Aye.. "his heart felt some of her hurt. Thought of what he has and she hasn't... and he nodded and said to Krishna ..
"look after both your Tai Krishna..
Naku and Roops watched them all leave together as one family.. and she turned to Naku..
"good our flower shop helped love bloom once again in their familial relationship..
~~~~~~~~~~
Baji suddenly recalls the words Dutta had mumbled at the liquor bar
"Iam a man born of a woman.. but from a father unknown".. she'll be very lucky if Bhau will over look Kala Tai's toxic words.. but Baji prayed.. all will be well..
Nothing much was talked about on their way back. Dutta drove, with Kala beside him. Baji engineered it that way, so any remnants of ill between them may be further erased. But then it would be in itself a mammoth task for Dutta to forget completely, the issue that Kala had raised. The priority for the minute was, to return to Aye Sahib and ensure she returned on the road to recovery. Kala too was just grateful that Dutta acted fast and was on his way home with her. She turned and studied his strong profile and her eyes welled up with remorse. She would have to make amends to their bruised relationship. She owed it to him and to Aye Sahib, as Kala felt she probably upset Aye and Baji too, by her words to Dutta. With a sigh she asked
"only a real brother can respond the way you have Dutta .. you have granted me forgiveness and in doing so you have raised yourself so much higher than your older sister ..
"Tai I am doing this for the woman who gave me a safe haven all these years. But Tai I would like you to imagine what it feels like when one is told that your mother was a woman of ill repute? It is not a good feeling believe me ", he drawled slowly as he drove into the precinct of Patil Nivas. Baji knew from now on he has to be on red alert ,at all times ready to push all his family towards each other. Yes he suddenly felt he had come off age! Dutta peered at Baji in the rear mirror ..and commented
" why are you silent Baji ? I did what we all wanted.. or do you still want me do something else"
"yes Bhau I do.. forgive Kala Tai ,for her lack of foresight ".. Kala sided her head to the back and glared at Baji
"shut up Baji! and stop stirring things up again. don't you forget you remain the baby brother and Dutta will always be my brother born before you did! A smile somehow played on his mouth. Was he, Dutta , then ready to bury the hatchet? Funnily enough he himself was hazy about the answer as he pulled up the hand brake and jumped out of the car outside his house . Briskly he stretched his legs up the steps that led into the house...first thing first!
~~~~~~~~~
Aye Sahib sat up on her bed! rejuvenated at the sight of her Dutta. With opened arms she beckoned him ,and quite spontaneously he sat on the end of her bed and eased into her arms. Her arms closed around his broad shoulder as she pressed her cheek into the curve of his neck..
"I knew, ages old bonds of love wouldn't break that easily! she sniffed, as she looked above and called out "Jagdammba!. Dutta smiled ,as he gently pulled himself back and nodded at Seema who attended to Aye Sahib in Kala and Baji's absence. Seema's heart fluttered at his brief look of approval. Kala stood at the end of her mother's bed as one in the witness box ,ready to be sentenced by the judge. Aye Sahib glared at her , which Dutta noted and pointedly stood beside Kala to shield her from his mother's justified back lash..
" I hope you are ashamed of this mess you created Kala? I am pleased that Dutta has come and proved that he respects the significance of what a mother is? the whole universe recognises the one who gives birth and nurtures her fledging.." Aye Sahib knew full well what she said.. that she didn't give birth to Dutta ,but she took pride in nurturing and raising him up to be what he is today.. noble ! and Dutta soon enough gave proof of it. his nobility..
" Aye Sahib! Kala Tai , came to collect me.. made a break through my rage . made me see sense in my action of leaving home.. I wouldn't yield , but she held strong and showed remorse Aye Sahib.. now this matter needs to be on hold.. or better still be forgotten", said Dutta . Kala smiled with tearful eyes at her brothers support.. that brother whom she chose over her birth right. she had to say thing too
" Aye Sahib.. we all are familiar with Dutta's frenzied rage when he gets into one.. Well the storm calmed down as soon as I told him about your illness! and now he is here!" said Kala with a sparkling smile. Seema too chirped and gathered that all seemed well and hence it was safe to ask
"so where did you say Dutta, you spent the night?
"I didn't Seema.. he replied curtly and Kala jumped in
"ok let me take away the suspense! Dutta was taken to Gul Bahar the flower shop! yes Aye Sahib I met Nakusha the girl who owns the shop! and yes Seema you were right! she was beautiful , intelligent .. to which I add.. caring and sensitive too. As when I went there, Dutta looked well! so I approve of the girl.. Aye Sahib! exclaimed Kala and looked at Kala with a huge smile. Dutta , though silent ,made not protests or denials.. he sensed a good feeling.. as he yanked his head to Baji and indicated to leave. but before he left .. Dutta knew what was coming!...
~~~~~~~~
Dutta was somewhat relieved that things had simmered down at the home front. But certain issues still bogged him down..The amendment to the will.. and more importantly , a heart to heart talk with Aye Sahib.. about his background as she knew it was long due. Seema sat beside him in his jeep, driven home , but bored with his silence so she suddenly melted the ice as she teased him..
"tell me something Dutta of all the places in the world, how did you end up in the fragrant world of the flower shop?
"I didn't end up there.. Baji took me there, Seema ! I was dead drunk, wasn't in the right mind to make sane decisions ..
" fine! very cosy! Dutta.. whatever makes you happy.. tell me why didn't Baji bring you to my place? babba would have be happy to have you.. and I would have loved to care for you ,just like I cared for Aye Sahib this morning" Seema complained and a fed up Dutta retorted
" ask Baji that question! he was the one in the right mind and the one who made the decision"
"shall we go to Gul bahar Dutta? I need to buy some fresh flowers for the house"..
Dutta's eyes twinkled.. good she suggested but it was his own will he followed as he parked his jeep before Naku's flower shop! She was window dressing, fixing dry flower arrangements, decorative glass beads and fresh flower bouquets and posies.. One look at the nose of the black jeep that halted before her shop.. increased her pulse rate and she pushed back a wavy tendril of her hair. She watched Dutta's uniformed leg as it projected out of the black jeep.. but was taken aback when he walked around the bonnet and let Seema out ,distantly yet politely.
Naku took a deep breath.. she mustn't forget , Seema was a customer who spent big money when she came last time.. so she had to be welcomed with the same fervour as last time.. or may be more now, so she doesn't entertain any strange ideas about Sahib and herself ,especially because Sahib spent the night here..
"Seema! brilliant to see you.. and then she moved her eyes to Dutta
"and you too Sahib.. all well with you? Dutta mesmerised by her eyes replied
" humm..as well as can be.. Naku thanks for everything.. he said in a guttural voice
"why thanks Sahib? you make it sound as if it's good bye", replied Naku.. as disappointed, she looked at Seema.. who laughed and teased
"or Naku it's hello! with a beginning of something?
Naku blushed and searched Dutta's face quizzically for an answer?.. he lowered his eyes and mumbled
" who knows?.. to be continued. Hamlet53 28.8.15
~~~~~~~~~
N.B.. welcome back tammy.. 😃 and missing you , bart, Afzal and Emily..
Have a good weekend.. all! love hammie.
Edited by Hamlet53 - 10 years ago
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