Mishal Raheja as Major Dutta Patil
Painful Rapture: Chapter ~ 26 part1
"give light, and darkness will disappear itself".Erasmus
Dutta arrived back at the school ,in time for his evening ,and final session of the day with his OUTs, as he walked purposefully down the corridor with his leather brief case tucked under his elbow ,he was ambiguous within his mind whether complacency filled every vein ,sinew ,bone of his body ,for her fragrance lingered, her kisses, laid an invisible stamp on him..or should he be swallowed by the wave of separation with questions , when will I see her again? darting his mind and piercing her heart. The clip clop of his combat boots catapulted him before the lecture room .He felt his palm press the heavy door and he entered, to a room of his pupils standing to attention, nodded at his class sideways his face fixed he placed his file and with narrowed eyes and one eyebrow somewhat raised he held his hands behind his back and addressed his class as his lips spaced out a bit "right officers as requested by your selves I am prepared to answer questions that come to your minds ,regarding this course of combat line Infantry, he paused and tweaked his mouth from one corner, "right the session is now open for FAQ,said Dutta...
The OUT's sat up with geared up interest and Dutta scanned them with his eyes ready to take and answer frequently asked questions, his gaze lay on Bhatnagar and he turned his head and signaled her with a jut of his head to begin "Sir my question would be whether we will be paid? Dutta nodded and replied "Yes the money will be paid directly into your bank accounts ,but a word of warning ,my expectation is that you have set up your direct debits and bills already ,as here you will not have banking facilities ,and my order for all of you would be to concentrate on your course rather than sorting out your financial problems ,is that understood ,he reaffirmed. they nodded exchanged glances. "Sir, how much leave will get? asked Bose timidly ,Dutta looked at her and replied "well a good question, and certainly a pertinent one as well, you will get two weeks leave during the middle of your course, plus two separate long weekends, and after you complete your course you will get 6weeks paid annual leave. I suppose that should make you happy" , he replied. Kapur sat up and drew Dutta's attention ,"Sir where and what can I eat ? he asked. Dutta gave him a frigid gaze it was obvious to him that Kapur was one of the funny characters of the class , "well Kapur if my memory serves me right you have already checked the areas ,as I noticed you lurking round in the vicinity ,but still for the benefit of others said Dutta with a tilt of his head ,the food areas serve 3 meals a day, and may I remind you all ,that Army food is of high standard ,the meals are balanced and healthy ,and I can gladly tell you they are large portions ,full of nutrients and enough body fuel for you to cope with the training. Oh and another thing some of you must have already noticed, that vegetarian, non vegetarian and halal food is catered for" ,assured Dutta. " Sir, where do I do my washing?",asked Yadav, "good you asked that question Yadev, replied Dutta as he nodded his head at him "ok now the school laundry will clean your uniform and military clothes ,but your civilian clothes you are responsible for , there's dryers and washing machine provided on site, also this is part of your personal administration if I may remind you" remarked Dutta. Khan,looked around shyly and looked up at Dutta and hesitated, but Dutta lowered his eyes and waited upon her to continue ,he had a vague idea that despite a certain boldness ,she preferred to withhold her piece especially in large group discussion. Finally he heard her question," Sir, can I wear jewellery? she asked softly. Dutta looked up briefly and stared at the whole class rather than her "right now this applies to all of you ,wedding ,engagement rings ,and wrist watches are the only ,and I repeat the only jewellery you are allowed, before you ask further can I also clarify that body piercings have to be removed, as a rule" ,he said firmly with a set firm face . The girls exchanged looks ,in a concealed manner referring to the ring on his finger which still posed an enigma before the girls was it a wedding or an engagement ring the platinum band? "Sir .I was wondering are we allowed to use our mobile phones? chirped Tiwari. Dutta looked at this bright and lively officer and replied" yes,Tiwari we encourage officers under training to call their families and friends ,and you may do so in the evenings ,provided you are not training or involved in a session, incidentally there are phone booths round the barracks as well ,should you want to use it", informed Dutta with a slight light touch on his face. "Sir, said Subramanian, what can I do in the evenings? ,Data looked bemused at his officer who was compliant in nature," well Subramanium, as long as you are not training, the evenings are for you to relax in, however there are leisure activities on site that you could make use of like ,the internet, watch television ,use the X box, or use the gym facilities like , swimming pool or sports ,now officers once you pass your tests in 6week ,there will be more freedom granted and you can actually leave the site, which I dare say should bring a smile to your faces,", concluded Dutta. "Sir, will I be able to smoke or drink alcohol"? said a boisterous Singh, Dutta flared his nostrils slightly and took a breath in, another clown he thought ,but decided to take his question in a stride " Singh, and this goes for every one since you are the legal age to smoke and drink ,you are allowed to buy cigarettes from the camp shop, and are allowed to drink as well depending on the stage of your training session, however I clearly stipulate that misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated at all". said Dutta with a menacing face as he paced up and down in front of them with his hands clasped behind his back. "Sir, I was wondering if my parents and guardians can visit me?, asked Kadam,"yes that is a good question Kadam ,no doubt everyone here would like to know the answer, replied Dutta, with a gentle look on his face, "well your parents or guardians can visit you on base in week four on parents day ,and of course they will be here for your passing out ceremony on the final day of training", replied Dutta. He stood tall and placed his hands on his haunches with his eye brows, somewhat raised expecting more questions, "yes? "Sir, said Venkatesan "can I practice my religion?" Dutta ,smiled and nodded, "yes practicing of faith is encouraged ,as long as training allows it ,and religious holidays are observed, which means in this instance you are allowed a few days for Diwali, also there are priests from other faiths on site ,and Sikhs can wear the five K's and a turban ,all though it might interfere with specialist head gear", explained Dutta. "Sir I am wondering if I am allowed to leave during camp training"? asked Bannered, Dutta looked at her and replied "ok after 6 week point depending on the platoon staff you will be allowed ,but remember even when you are outside you are representing the army officers and therefore expected to maintain good behaviour at all times and be dressed in a presentable manner in civilian clothes". The officers looked at each other as Dutta paced up and down. He stopped in the middle and looked at them with raised eye brows expecting more questions till he got one from Chauhan, "Sir are my belongings safe here?",he replied "Chauhan any valuables! and that I would say applies to all of you should really have been left at home, however you have been provided lockers ,and I expect your stuff should have had your name and number on it ,I also trust that you have a padlock and therefore emphasize that you keep your personal belongings padlocked ,now as far as other belongings are concerned, like at home you ensure the security by using common sense by not leaving them lying around, you would do the same here. "Ok" said Dutta "two final questions yes" he nudged his head towards, Kadam a shy and timid officer,"Sir in our medicals will we be tested for drugs as well"? , Dutta looked at him "right drugs are not tolerated in any shape or form in the army! , and may I remind you there will be random drug tests during training, and if found on the use of drugs you will be immediately removed from the training and the army. is that clear?" ,he said firmly. "Sir said Gavde what if I decide this is not for me"? Dutta accepted her question with reason ,and looked around at all of them "well this applies to all of you ,that if any time you feel that the army is not for you then you have the right to leave as the last resort, but let me remind you that this to, after having talks with the supporting staff ,tutors ,and welfare team who will try the utmost to help you pass the course, but I would expect from you lot your hardest to succeed and not give up at the first hurdle!". "Ok, officers any more questions and I sincerely hope you leave this room with cobwebs cleared he showed a minor sign of jest, so now you'd better relax and pack for your short Diwali break and have a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year and I'll see you after Diwali!. he said with his hands folded towards them .They all stood to attention and saluted and he saluted back and ,collected his, brief case and walked with long strides towards the door and left the room .
Rajoo, watched him go and her beautiful , almond shaped sligthly oriental eyes clung to his frame as he scored towards his room. Once in the apartment he eased off and dashed for the nightly shower he was so accustomed to, dressed in his white pyjama kurta ,as per usual he glanced through his assessment notes he made during the FAQ session and updated his pupil profiles. He grabbed his lap top and brought out the love of his life and buried his nose in the chunni ,"aaj tu thuje itna miss nehi kya tera Saab ne ,because tera se malaqat jo ho gaye ,us Baji ke bachee ke waja se" ,he smiled with a twinkle in his eyes ,yes Baji his blood brother his shadow ,how well he knows the pines of both Dutta and Naku, "salla nautanki baaz ,gahre gahre drama kerta hai" said Dutta as he threw back his head slightly and chuckled. He grabbed his phone as he sprawled on the bed with one arm tucked under his head... no answer ,why was she not picking her phone up ,he thought . He thought she looked very mysterious and provocative today in the long dress and head scarf, he smiled and took his lower lip slightly into his mouth , yesss almost seductive, he mused as he held the chunni closer to his lips, "baaby, kahan hai tu ,talk to me Naku" ,restless he phoned again and he perked up "Saab ap kahan the ,itne dar ke bad phone kya ap na mein fikar ker rehi the" she moaned," Naku,apna phone check ker I phoned you before ,but noo, you didn't frigging bloody answer! ,where the hell have you been!!he bellowed ,"Saab I am at work ,where else? she answered, "well so have I ,I have been at work as well not having a jolly! he jibed, "ok Saab clam down.ab mein ah gaye hoon na ,please apni Naku ke kathir calm down " nehin! he forced , phela ek kiss de mujhe ,he drawled, there was a split second silence, " Saab aaj ap mujhse mil ke tu gaye the na? Naku whispered, "no Naku ,that was then! Saab wants a fresh kiss from your lips on his lips and now ..and that's an order, suna tune" , "ok Saab I give up here me complying", Naku giggled. "bere hansi ah rehi hai thuje lardki ,is fauji jawan ke moochein thang ker rehi hai kya ,hain? bata na Naku ,bol?" he teased and then became foussed "ok woman did you get Diwali ke chotte kya?" he asked, " haan Saab, a couple of days, and you ?", "yep me too, he said, so I tell you what ,well go and visit your folks first and then go home to PN, what do you reckon?" "yess Saab theekh hai, Aye, Babba ko bhi mil lain ga, Saab! Ap kub ao ga" she exclaimed, "oye itni kush, maat ho, isi waqt thoore he mein ah raha hoon, kal aon ga tayeer rehi" ,he affirmed.. "saajane ,mahiyaa",sang Naku,"oye gana kab se ganna shuru kiya tune ? ,bheri challo ho gaye hai tu lardki ,he teased" jab se ab se pyar hoya Saab, tab se Naku ke man mein saas baje te hain Saab" ,she replied,factually "acha challu lardki , ek baat tu baata? apne Saab se kab se pyar hoya tujhe? "he asked ,as he sat up on the bed running his fingers through his hair, Naku ,had thought for a while , when she could tell him when she fell for him" woh Saab baachpun he sei she replied, "what he suddenly shouted you have been eyeing me since I was 10 years old ,you are a bad girl Naku, itna naughty kahyal the tera , mera bare mein ,and look at me an innocent lad ,who never said boo to a goose , teri ankh mera uper the chee ,chee, he said and chuckled. "oye stop it you beast of a man, mein ne koi ap ko dirty looks nehi deya the ,but haan dil se pyar zaroor kiya hai ap se ,aap ke her baat se Saab , ap ke gussa se ,ap ke rung ,roop se , aap ke chaal dhal saab se " confessed Naku ,Dutta grabbed the chunni and twisted it around his head and his neck," "hummmhh love you ,adore you ,worship ,you baaby ,he said in extreme passion " yess Naku, agar kal ko mein maar bhi jaon tu mujhe koi regret nehi hoga ,kyon ke is janam mein tera saath main nein kuch waqat kazzar leya hain...he said with tears in his eyes... Naku put her hand on the phone "Saab marni ke baat ap ne kaise keh de ? ap ka khayal hai ,Naku zinda rehe ge ap ke bagher?..SSaab,ap hain tu Naku hai,ap ke bina Naku maqamal nehi hai" ,she whimpered tearfully, both remained dewy eyed at both ends till he broke the melancholic moment "hey..baaby give Dutta a warm hug chaal ah ja meri bahoon mein ,bekaroon hoon thuje apne sena se laga na ko" ...both sighed ,a long drawn ,almost agonizing sigh and the call ended...
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Rahman had packed all his stuff and loaded it in Dutta's official jeep . Dutta, showered and dressed in the mufti that Rahman had laid out for him. Eventually he was ready, brushed his hair one side from his forehead and tiny side parted and brushed back from the other side, he combed his stubble and with narrow lion eyes stroked his cheek and smoothed his shirt, yes he loved his look his turquoise under shirt with top button open collar, covered by a long sleeved burnt olive green polo top .He pulled his sleeves up to his elbows revealing his hairy sinewy forearms with his browm leather strap large chronological watch .He moved himself in front of the long mirror to check his straight leg indigo rinsed denim jeans , sat on the end of the bed and pulled on his dark brown chukka boots. He slapped on the Emporio cologne on his cheeks ,front and back of his neck, with a glint in his eye as he thought ,"Naku"...hummm
Dutta, left his apartment, and observed silently, along with him others within the school were dressed in smart civilian clothes ,and he also noticed some of the Outs, wearing relaxed expressions on their countenances. "Major Dutta report to reception", sounded the loud amplifier. Dutta approached the counter and was saluted and he saluted back and raised his eye brows in enquiry "Sir Brig .Parekh is waiting for you in the, Deans office " ,Dutta nodded in thanks and stalked over towards his destination, engrossed in thought ,what could be the reason ,especially when he was packed and ready to go."come on in Dutta, said Parekh".Dutta entered clicked his heels and saluted Sir! He said ,"ah Dutta my man good to see you lad ! hows 'it going? ,spoke to some of your pupils in the dining area, pretty impressive stuff you are doing ,my son of a gun",laughed Parekh "oh Sir", questioned a surprised Dutta, Parekh nodded "yes my boy it's called senior management by wandering around!, so home ward bound are we?. Dutta nodded shyly and Parekh said "good, except there's a little snag, Dutta," said Parekh "what snag sir can I be of any use ?"offered Dutta, his eyes alert and keen. "well Dutta there is a domestic problem with one of your pupils",alerted Parekh. Dutta squared his shoulders and said "Sir please elucidate". Parekh beckoned him to sit down, and Dutta sat with his back straight not forgetting he was in front of a very senior officer. Parekh placed his hands on the desk and peered at Dutta ,"right ,like I said there is a problem with one of your Outs, may I remind you that we are in loco parentis for each of our pupils ,therefore the Army has a duty of care towards all pupils under training" .Dutta nodded and his eyes and ears were on full watch, as he sat with a fixed firm look on his face "sure Sir I understand very clearly "ok now ,you see Dutta since this officer is a female our duty of care has to show ,shall we say positive discrimination, continued Parekh .Dutta set his square jaw into a jut and waited for Parekh to continue ."see Dutta the officer is Khan ,she comes from the northern regions of Himachal Pardash ,now due to recent rains there have occured a series of landslides that have rendered transportation virtually impossible for a week .I recerived a phone call from ,Khan's guardian her maternal uncle ,Khan apparently is an orphan, her father was NCO Subeidar in the army and mother a house wife ,about a year ago they were killed in a crash when a bus they were travelling in slide off the rode and caused many casualties out of which were Khan's parents as well .Khan was then in Miltary Academy ,she ,basically comes from a conservative area ,where the norm would be to marry daughters off, however because she showed promise the Miltary Academy suggested her name for line Infantry, and considering that she is a deserving pupil ,the Miltary School would want very much for her to continue...carried on Parekh. Yes Sir. "but how can I help?" said Dutta "well let me explain Dutta ,due to the landslides and road blocks ,she cannot get to her destination ,her home, which is her maternal uncle's house so he has requested that the army make arrangements for her to put up some where for the Diwali holiday ,you may well say that she could stay in her barrack ,but we in the army are not hard hitting knobs are we?, keeping in mind the nature of the festival it would certainly be a shame that Khan has to stay behind and ,who knows feel excluded emotionally .You may also suggest that she go and stay at a course mates residence ,but in keeping the issue of her safety and our ethics of care ,I thought perhaps your mother could put her up for a few days",cleared Parekh Dutta's eyes widened slightly at the prospect "well arh, Sir she is my student how would that appear in the eyes of the school and her course mates as preferential treatment, pointed out a hesitant Dutta. "well as far as the school is concerned ,the dean suggested it as well ,seeing that she is your pupil and therefore under your care ,hence the school has suggested it ,especially so ,as I have assured the school officials that I know your family and house hold and would vouch for their integrity. "but Aye Shahib ,said Dutta ,Parekh raised his hand up, "Dutta never under estimate a miltary guy ,I have been sneaky and I have asked her and she said she would welcome Khan with open arms", said Parekh. Dutta knew there was no point in further argument ,it was an order from his seniors and he had to obey . "yes Sir, for my duty Dutta will consider this an order he said formally" .Parekh got up and slapped his shoulder ,"you are not doing your duty officer you are going beyond your duty showing compassion my boy!! ,now I have called Khan as she doesn't know, as yet where we are going to arrange for her to stay "said Parekh . The knock on the door prompted Parekh to command her to enter, and Dutta stood up to face her along with Parekh . Khan came in and was startled to see her tutor there she was dressed in a creme shalwar kameez with floral patterns embroidered with resham and zari on the simple boat neck and the kameez border with a matching creme chaddar with which she had covered her shoulders and bosom ,and waist and her feet were clad in dual coloured embroidered jutti. She saluted both senior officers and stood to attention. "Sir" she said as she stood still and expressionless. "at ease Khan said Parekh ,and she held her arms straight by her sides ."ok now Khan said Parekh as you know it's unfortunate that you cannot go home ,so, in this event the school has authorized that you will be going with Major Dutta to his residence ,which is inhabited by his mother and three sisters ,a brother and two brother in laws". Khan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Any objections Khan? questioned Parekh. "no Sir "said a resigned Khan as she timidly looked up at Dutta who bowed his head once and lowered his eyes towards the floor. "Ok in that case you better get your gear, for Major Dutta is about to leave shortly" ordered Parekh and Khan saluted both officers and mumbled a thank you gaze at Dutta who was busy looking the other way, and she left the room. "thank you Dutta, you have made a difference to her ,and you have a great time at Diwali with your family" said Parekh and both men saluted as Dutta left the room.
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Aye along with Baji and Roops, supervised and finally inspected the Diwali , decorations and preparations, Baji yelled at the BG's to hang the read green and yellow garlands and fairy lights at the key areas of PN, "kya hai re tum log ko ,sab ke sab kamchor ho ,picnic manta phirte ho, arey Deva shapat Bhao ah raha hai ,tum sab ka tu mein band baje dega tum dekhna!!he bellowed while he pointed his finger and hands here and there ,getting desired chores done. Roops stuffed her fingers in her ears and shouted "oh shut up Baji Rao Patil ,zaida hawa mein maat arouh ,ah ja zameen per tumhara raj khatam hona wali hai!, Baji looked at her with a frowned expression ready to pounce at her "kya bole re tu choiyaa!? dekhe na Aye Saab kaise bolte hai ye naam pukar ke, Aye Saab smiled "nehi hum tum donu ke bak bak mein nehi parta hum tu bas beachain hain Dutta ko dekhna ke liya" she said as she raised her hands towards the heavens, in prayer and wait for her son. "kya mein choyia hoon to tum kiya hai Baji Rao,choha!? Roops teased as she ran around the red settes, Baji stood and watched, "shahbaash choiya bagh ,sher aina wala hai aur thoje to begar dakkar lei he woh kaha jaye ga..ane de use mein bataie ga tere harkatein oye rok! rok! he shouted as she banged into a load of stacked emty earthen divas, Baji slammed his hand on his head "oh deva is lardki me kaun se dhust atma perwash kerti hai ,jahan jati hai edherech thoor phorre kerti hai" he bellowed "chalo re!! he commanded the BGs, "saf kero ya !and he ran towards Roops and encapsulated her in his strong grip,threw her on his shoulder and carried her up the stairs while she shouted "put me own Baji !you rude boy! ,put me down immediately Ayeee! ,but Baji paid no heed to her and turned at the top of the stairs kicked open the door and threw her on the bed and before she moved, he glared at her saying "shuttt up!!!! before I do something we both regret"! and he pulled himself out slammed the door shut, wiped his mouth ,with a twinlky dimpled guffawed and patted his head "wah bhi wah Baji Rao Patil didn't know you had it in you" ..and he walked and jumped as he skipped a step ...she needed that he thought..
Baji came back to her room shortly,and found her crying "look Roops I am sorry maf ker dena Baji ko ,chaal meri help ker diya rekhana hai roof top, court yard, garden or drive per, saath de gi tu ache lage ga, and he went forward and held her hand and she hugged him, "oohhh Baji I hate you, har baat mein tu mujhe rokta tookta hai", "ssh" said Baji placing his finger on her lips "Roops dialouge bazzi band ker aur chaal kam per ,der ho rehi hai ,Bhau ane wala hai aur suna hai kisi aur officer ko bhi la raha hai saath mein, said Baji , "tu tum kyon itne kush ho Baji Rao,flirt ker ne ka soochna bhi na nehi tu ,lagan ke liya na kar doon gi" ,said Roops menacingly as she wagged her finger in his face!! "hai Deva shapat, kitne gharmi hai is bandit queen mein he guffawed ,chaal ab Roop ke rani kam ker mera pe line marna band ker!" he teased and Roops leapt and pulled his hair and he yelled "Bappa baache lei is churail se , Roops ther tera band bajata hai mein "he shouted chasing her on the roof top..
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Dutta instructed, Rahmaan to collect Khan's luggage and follow in a separate jeep enroute to the Patil Niwas. Khan, followed Dutta to his hooded camouflaged jeep. Dutta kept a stiff upper lip and clearly opened the back of the jeep for her to sit at the back, Khan heaved up and sat in the back .Dutta sat in the jeep ,put on his ray bans adjusted the mirror and moved towards the various security systems, accepted salutes and drove out of the military school. Shortly he pulled up further his burnt olive green the long sleeves of his over top, he placed his elbow out of the pulled down window and the breeze ruffled the mop of his hair, his half opened fingers time to time brushed against his stubble cheek . Yet his eyes ,remained on the road and his square jaw lay fixed as his mouth compressed .She could see the bridge of his nose strong and proud as she watched him from the back .She looked at her open palms, plagued by discomfort "Sir ,I do appreciate this act of goodness on your part", she said in a shy voice .Dutta heard her and kept his eyes on the road and replied with some effort "act of duty officer Khan, obeying orders" he said dryly .She remained silent she already knew that he was a professionally distant tutor and she thought it best to remain in silence. Dutta, pulled his lips to one side and thought ,he had to maintain, the tutor- pupil relationship at all times, no where should that lapse .Khan was not a friend, acquaintance or a relative she was his student, who would be back from her visit from PN to the school classroom .He was anxious that his privacy would be encroached upon by the presence of Khan, he flared his nostrils, pouted his lips, slanted his head ,he would have to amend his behaviour at home bringing it in line his demeanour at the military school. Aloof ,collected and reserved .He turned the camouflaged jeep towards the Dera Hospital .His heart missed a beat, but he clenched his jaw ,and his test would begin now .He drove towards the hospital entrance and saw her nearby the front door. His mouth opened and his lips gaped as his eyes stared at her from top to bottom ,she looked stunning and he sure shot was stunned! She wore a dark pink and light brown churridar suit, the vertical printed stripes shirt, with a floral self designed geometrical printed base border and end of the tight long sleeves , the shirt that Dutta loved on her was fitted around all her curves and flattered her womanly assets, and shapely legs in her brown leg hugging churridar . She looked his at his jeep, his ray baned face and mouthed "Saab" grabbed her baggage trolley and ran towards him ,her brown necked duppta juggled round her body as he lessened the distance him and her .He switched off the engine and swung his long jean clad mucular long leg out of the jeep and walked towards her she opened her arms but he stood near her and bent down, picked her trolley and carried it towards the back of his army jeep opened the door placed it to one side and faced Naku who fell in love with his appearance ,her lips quivered Saab Saab she went and he clenched his jaw and said distantly "peeche beith Naku", He opened the back of the jeep and Naku's wide doe eyes were shocked to see the image of a girl in a cream out fit with a chadder draped around herself.Naku nodded and sat opposite her .Dutta curtly opened the driver's seat door, sat in the drivers seat ,clicked his seat belt and set off. He checked the rear mirror and his eyes searched for Naku's gaze but she looked directly at the stranger .Naku gave a feeble smile "hello I am Naku or ap ?she asked, Khan looked at this beautiful delicate girl and replied "yes hello I am officer Khan, I am actually a student in the military school and Sir ,she turned her eyes towrds his back is my tutor"said replied to the point .Dutta looked at Naku trough the rear mirror and she met his gaze although she could not see his eyes as they laid under the sheer of his glares. Dutta could see that Naku was on edge so he made an effort to clear the air "right he went in an authoritarian tone officer Khan this here is Nakusha ,she is my fiancee .Khan's jaw dropped her eyes spontaneously went on Naku's fair hands upon which she could now see the large diamond solitaire set in a platinum band . "oh" she went on spur of the moment ,"that's great news Sir, as there was muffled debate amongst the Outs regarding the platinum band on your finger" said Khan timidly .Naku mouthed Outs, and Dutta gave a crooked smile and replied "officers under training Naku", he looked at her response , she saw he was looking at her from the rear mirror but she refused to meet his gaze and almost turned her back to him. He smiled and quickly took his lower lip into his mouth , "humm" he went the moody cow is showing streaks of jealousy he almost shook his head to one side I know Naku you are sulking because you're not sitting next to your Saab, well Naku Saab has to hold his horses and has to be reserved, he doesn't want idle gossip about his amorous advances"... "Naku, have you taken gifts for your family"? ,asked Dutta formally. Naku, decided to play the act the way he wanted so replied curtly "yes I have ,from the both of us".he smiled and wished he could reply loudly ,"but baaby you always organized my life if any areas needed to be attended to ",but he with held his remark .
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Dutta arrived at Naku's house and her parents and brother rushed out to receive him .Dutta got out opened the back door for Naku and Khan to disembark. Khan looked at him perplexed ,"Sir"? Dutta lowered his eyes and said in a guttral voice "its ok officer you may come out ,this is Naku's home and, this is family her parents and brother ,and after a pause he completed they are my in laws" .Khan came out ,under Naku's watchful eyes and looked at the beaming couple and young boy who lept towards theirbeloved Naku . "tai tu ah gaye aur Bhao, aur?" stopped Sethji, Naku embraced her brother and Dutta noticed he had shot up and was nearly as tall as her as she embraced him "haan Sethji ,Aye, Babba, ye officer Khan hain", she looked at Dutta, student hai military school mein, ghar nehi ja saki diwali per is liya school ne aye shaib ke pas bheej deya chutti ke liya , Naku explained, as she almost subtly gave an overt glare to Dutta ,who met her cold look and nervously looked up and nodded at Babi." "Haan Bhao,ao under aao, she said happily "pun pheli arti kera gi mein" and she gently swung her pooja thali before them and led them into the house . Khan was surprised a wee bit to note that an aristocratic in his manner, Sir, would venture to marry in such a humble abode, she lowered her eyes and deduced may be they liked each other and then this bond between them transpired her thoughts were interrupted as Dutta almost ordered her to take a seat on the three seater simple sofa .Dutta stood as Khan looked up Sir! ,and she waited for him to sit first ,he gave her a blank look and sat down on the single sofa and crossed his leg .Soon after, Khan sat down her back erect as she stared at Dutta's face . Sethji came and sat beside Dutta's on the floor with his kees tucked under his bottom and put his hand on his Dutta' knee and before he could say anything, "Sethji chaal mujhe apna report card dekha" ,Dutta demanded with a mock stern look,as he checked his manicured buffed finger nails . Dutta ,smiled as he held the report card and shook his hand with his brother in law "this is a brilliant report Sethji and you certainly need an inam for this" and he got up and stood tall as Naku stole a look at how handsome and manly he looked with jeans and olive green long sleeved top with his sleeves pushed up to his elbow which was his inimitable style! . He too looked at her with a slight move of head, his face fixed. In a split of a secondhe raised an eye brow and went to his jeep and came back with bundles of gifts, "Babba he said touching Ganapat's feet ye pashmene shawl aur kurta pajama ap ke liya chappel ke saath" .Aye ap ke liya ye saree or shawl, sais Dutta with reverence and reaspect, "and me me said Sethji , Dutta looked at him ,"now behave like a young man Sethji ,tere liya bhi hai ye kapre, jeans ,trainers ,aur ye Sethji said Naku as she came out of the kitchen and almost knocked the slippery packets out of Dutta's hands "ye dekh", and she held out an Indian cricket team day kit with Sachin printed on it , Sethji jumped for joy "yeah India rules" he said with a fist held high and stripped off his tee shirt and stood in his vest ,grabbed the day kit shirt sweat shirt from Naku and put it on and posed in a batting mode ,"just one second! said Dutta and went to the door and reached out for the cricket set he had hidden and passed it on to an ecstatic Sethji "Bhao ap saach mein Dutta Bhao ho ek dum chakass .Dutta stiffened his neck and brought his fore finger to the corner of his mouth and nodded with a stiff smile as he stood with one arm folded behind his back. Dutta looked at Naku with a softened look but she turned her back at him ,he checked her back and his eyes twinkled, the bloody woman looks gorgeous in her pink and brown striped churridar out fit, he turned his face, she is asking to be grabbed and he walked up to her in the kitchen and stood behind her his fingers itched to feel her but he bent over and whispered in her ear "bhaow kha rehi he kya ? , Naku shouted "Khan, please could you give me a hand" and Dutta moved back and promptly left the kitchen as Khan came in and almost touched his elbow "sorry Sir" she said and the two girls collected and carried tea and metthia to the living room. Dutta sat down and before Naku could pass Dutta tea ,Khan got up held the cup carefully and stood next to him her eyes lowered shyly and she said softly "Sir your tea this time not coffee " and she smiled as Dutta looked at Naku who flared her nostrils slightly and asked her Naku chenni ke bagher kaun se wali hai? .Naku bit her lip and looked at him wih her large doe eyes and pulled her lower lip to one side "ye wali Saab jo mera haat me hai" she said softly but surly "tu de please", he said and stretched his palm and took the cup from her hand, while Khan watched crestfallen and placed the cup she held for him on the table. Naku noticed her somewhat snubbed look and said "Khan mujhe de do mein cheeni wali chai peeti hoon". Dutta sipped his tea and called out "Sethji why don't you talk to your guest ,he moved his eyes towards Khan who blinked her eyes shyly ,"did you know Sethji she is a 1stLieutant in the army ,ask her questions ,why she chose this line ?,what does she hope to achieve? ..said Dutta with elusive army pride, but Naku was a tad alarmed to hear these parallels, she thought may be Saab wants to know why she joined the army? ...before going any further Sethji held her arm and said ap ao mera saath mein ap ko apne mohalla ke bacheeon se milwaon ke ap ek army officer ho he said with a toothy, cocky sparkle ridden smile. He took her out and pompously introduced her to the neighbour hood children .Khan felt empowered with so much public love and admiration showered upon her and she was not even in uniform ,her shoulders squared up and she smiled broadly revealing one attractive slant chip in her top incisor and her eyes narrowed into an oriental , mysterious smile ,indisputably its worth fighting for such a lot ,she mused as the curls around her angelic face kissed her forehead and cheeks .. however she questioned innocently about the liaison between the two families but the truth of the matter was she wanted to updated herself about Naku's significance in Sir's life!! Dutta ,stood tall to leave and said "Aye ,Babba ab jazzat dein humain ,ghar Aye Sahib or sab ,humara intezzar ker rahi hoon gaye" and he looked at Naku and cocked his head while Naku embraced her family wearily and bade good bye...
Dutta , stood by the passenger door of the jeep, narrow eyed with a slow move of his head signaled her to sit next to him ,but Naku held Khan by the hand and opened the back door of the jeep, defiantly and both got in and seated themselves .A snubbed Dutta went to the back gave Naku a cut throat cold look and slammed the back door secure . He had taken his ray bans off as it was dusk and he looked at Naku engrossed in imposed to annoy him chat with Khan .He studied Naku's face ,and his arms on the gear stick longed to hold her close , making someone at ease and wanted was his woman's forte , he sniffed a little and held his breathe as he looked at her large doe eyes again and thought beauty not just from the outside but also from the inside, was his Naku ,and he raced his jeep towards home. During the journey many a times Dutta attempted in desperation silent vital visual messaging with her vis a vis the rear mirror but Naku ,each time refused by turning her head away .He felt the rage rise from the pit of his stomach up to his head ,he glared at the Diwali lights ,neon signs of festive glitterati on houses ,trees illuminated and high ways and road ways arched with Lakshmi, Rama, Sita, Ganpati , twinkling red ,green, yellow lights shouting out the festivity for all to enjoy , Dutta's eyes shifted and once again fell back upon her through the rear mirror ,how dare she refuse to read the messages from his eyes! he checked her slender fair neck and his nostrils flared and he moved his head in rage as he looked at his long slender hands on the steering ,if only he could get his hands around that porcelain neck of hers ,instead of burning it with kisses he would surely throttle it!!! ;he roared internally as he changed into fifth gear in a fit of temper .."Nakusha lights dekh!!" he bellowed loudly as he spat wrath ,both the girls startled.. and Naku pulled her lip and smiled sheepishly ,"humm" she replied and he looked at her reaction ,in the hope that she would look at him but she didn't... end of part 1...to be continued~ Hammie 30.10.11
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Edited by Hamlet53 - 12 years ago
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