52

Sayajirao and Ray had reached Detroit, at Bhanu's apartment. Disha was to join them soon from Huntsville..! She called up in the evening to tell them that she was not coming as she had a weekend meeting with her guide. Ray looked at his dad. "There may be some real urgent issue...!" he defended Disha. "Huff..! Couldn't she plan properly? Ladies....!" he blurted disdainfully and Bhanu and Sayajirao exchanged looks. By now they both knew his remarks about girls.

The poolside barbeque was a delight. Ray had devoured the food like a starved person. Here too the chef was his father, grabbing the opportunity to show of his cooking skills. Bhanu had helped. Ray relaxing on the chair enjoying the food. "How is it...?" his Dad asked with expectation. Ray smacked his lips...

"Umm... ok. Dad...Nowhere nearer to what Nanu prepared...!" Sayajirao threw his hands in the air disappointed. "Nanu?" Bhanu asked puzzled.

"Nanu... his yardstick in cooking...!" Sayajirao said grinning. "Yes.. she is! She is the best...!" reinforced Ray. "Who is Nanu?" Bhanu asked.

"His tribal friend....!" Clarified Sayajirao. "Friend..?" Exclaimed Bhanu. "Yeah.. My Friend Nanu... age around seventy five years... five years back...!" said Ray proudly stuffing the chicken piece in his mouth.

"Oh... you mean, your expedition in India...!" Everything was clear to Bhanu. He grinned winking at Ray. Ray looked away ignoring him.

"Rice and mutton curry...!" muttered Sayajirao. "And a piece of gud....!" Ray added. "And Buttermilk...!" he added further raising his hand. 

 "I have yogurt.. if you insist..!" Bhanu said moving towards the refrigerator. "No need...!" Ray dismissed. The taste of Nanu's rice and curry still lingering in his mind, he picked up another piece of barbequed chicken.

"And he had a fight with others over the food and Nanu gave him special chops... and a place in the kitchen and extra rice and extra gravy..." Sayajirao mouthed Ray's words he had heard them umpteen number of times...

"Dhutt Teri was furious, when Nanu gave me those extra spicy chops...!" he smiled.

"Yeah...!" said Ray longing for that rice and curry again. "She has got a hearing aid now... She will hear me...!" he thought closing his eyes. Nanu had a special prominent place in his heart, though she too was a woman. He detested women, hating them to the core. But Nanu... he never considered her in women category... she was a class by herself... for him, she was Nanu!! Above everything...!Everything was best about her... her food... her grin... her slap on his shoulder... her slimy sweet chikki.... and her laps... where he slept peacefully....!!

He had arranged to send her a hearing aid through teacher...! Teacher was in touch with him and he kept sending money for the betterment of the people of the settlement. Teacher kept updating him about the progress. "Pappa and Putta both had married .. and Pappa had a child. Baby boy...!

"Nanu must be busy with the infant... she must have forgotten me..!" his heart filled with sadness. "Hope I meet her again...!" he longed.  Sayajirao was watching the changing expressions on Ray's face.

"Sonny... come back from Nanu's house..!" that brought him back on earth. "Ha... so shall we start? I am hungry..!" Ray got up to grab a plate.

"What were you doing till now?" Bhanu Exclaimed... "Only starters... where is the main course?" Ray asked opening the lids of the containers and inhaling the aroma....!

The door bell rang. "I will open...!" Bhanu went to open the door. Ray was busy ladling himself the delicious food and devouring it down his throat. Bhanu didn't return for a long time and Sayajirao grew restless.

"I will check..!" he too went inside. Ray filled himself to the brim and relaxed on the easy chair. He heard nothing from inside. He walked in casually and stopped looking at a lady sitting, fidgeting nervously. He looked around. Bhanu looked nervous too. Sayajirao was sitting across hanging his head.

"Dad?" he called and the lady looked up. "Saya?" she looked at Sayajiroa and got up slowly. Ravi looked at her blankly and then his gaze travelled to his father's ghostly face.

"Ummm... he is Ray Dav...e...!" Introduced Bhanu nervously. "Ray?" Ray was surprised. Bhanu had insisted on calling him Ravi... to hear 'Ray' from him sounded weird. "Bhai..?" Ravi blurted. The lady had come forward. He looked at her measuring her up. She must have been in the forties... with dyed short hair in streaks, shorter skirt, gray top and a clutched purse. She looked paler with her fair complexion and dark circles under her eyes. She looked up at him and he froze. She had gray eyes with the same blue tinge, as he had. He looked at his dad and the realization dawned. He clenched his fists with his muscles flexing.

“Saya....! Is he...?” she asked Sayajirao and Bhanu intervened.

“Maasi... please... I think you should leave now...!” he inadvertently stood between Ray and her. She came around and stood before Ray. “He is grown up...!” she said with wide eyes.

“Maasi... please...!” Bhanu held her hand. He saw Ravi's expressions changing and pulled her away losing his strength.

“What do you do, son?” she asked sweetly. “Business...!” Ray blurted .. “Studying..!” Bhanu and Sayajiroa found their voices. Ray looked at his father.

“Maasi... he is studying …!” Bhanu tried his level best. But she had heard what she wanted to hear.

“You must be doing well, Son! After all you are...!” her eyes traveled to Sayajirao and he fidgeted. She came closer and Ray contorted his face with the strong odor.... he glanced at the empty glasses on the table and looked away. She was drunk.

“Maasi...please come...!” Bhanu pulled her away. “No! Wait..!” Ray stopped him. “Dad?” he questioned and his Dad nodded hanging his head. Ray looked at the lady, his eyes spitting fire...

“Son...!” she was all set to embrace him. “No!” he paced backwards and she stopped.

“Maasi... Chalo... I will help you...!” Bhanu said again holding her hand.

“No wait... Bhanu!” Sayajirao intervened gravely and turning to her asked... “How much?” her eyes flashed with greed.

“A grand?” she asked turning to him. He took out money and she suddenly looked sober. Ray glared at his father who looked dejected.

“Umm... I mean.... its so embarrassing to take help.... “ she turned to Ray and continued... “From your father.... son...!” No one reacted. “I didn't know you are grown up and …. earning....!” her voice trailed looking at Ray's stone face....!

“Maasi... please leave...!” Bhanu said sternly and she understood that there is no point lingering for a longer time. She got up. “You are grown into a handsome guy!” she complemented.

“I am leaving, Dad!” he gave an ultimatum clenching his fists and she understood. Ray barged out of the house like a storm and Sayajirao picked up his bag.

“I think we should leave now. Bhanu didn't stop him. “Disha will drive back the car...!” he blurted the earlier decided plan. “I am sorry, Uncle...!” he apologized...!

***********

Sayajirao gazed at his now sleeping son, with a photo of a girl, laughing, tossing her head back, flashing deep dimples on her cheek,... on the screen...! He picked up the remote to switch off the screen but decided otherwise gazing at the pleasant appearance of the girl.

“Dhutt Teri...!” he too blurted pulling the duvet over sleeping Ravi. “I can't help, Sonny! You are the most valuable thing she has given me... !” he blurted gravely and walked out of his son's room... Dhatri's picture still flashing on the screen....!

51

“Dhaa... take care of yourself...!” Rini’s parting words stabbed Dhatri.  “No! You be there to take care of me...!” she said hugging her tightly.  Rini resolutely sent away her tears.   “You want me to leave the job and come here?” she asked holding Dhatri at arm’s length... Dhatri shook her head sniffing.

“No...! But... Why can’t you stay with me? Or take me there with you...! I promise, I will do all the household work...!” Dhatri said sobbing.  Rini looked away...

“Household? Dhaa... I don’t have a house there... I will have to stay in make shift tents... in freezing cold...!” Rini painted a picture of thousand words...! Dhaa looked lost... Rini stared at her little sister gravely and then pulled her closer.

“You have a responsibility, Dhaa.... Look after Mamma and Papa when I am away... I may or may not return.... you will be the only one...!” she was very serious...

“May not...? What do you mean, may not?” Dhatri asked with ghostly face.  Rini shook her head a bit and placing her hand on Dhatri’s shoulder said... “Be prepared for the worst Dhaa... I am posted on the border... the worst terrorist hit area.... We all should be prepared.... !” Rini looked away and Dhatri broke down...

“Who asked you to  take up this job, Rini didi?” She sobbed harder.  Rini held her closer.  “Dhaa... when a soldier is on frontier.... he leaves everything behind.... and embraces death like a friend...! Feel proud that you are a sister of a martyred Soldier if I die saving my country...!” Rini stopped to wipe Dhatri’s tears...! 

“Dhaa... you are a sister of a soldier... be brave...! Promise me, you will take my place in this house... in case anything goes wrong...and take care of everyone...!” Rini held out her hand.  “Yes!” Dhaa looked determined.  “I am proud of you Didi...!” Dhatri wiped off her tears.  “I promise..!” she said borrowing some courage from her Didi.  “That’s like my little sister...!Jay Hind!” she hugged Dhatri for the last time and moved out of the door, wheeling out her huge trunk, leaving everyone in distress... !  A soldier was going on the battle field to safeguard the borders of this Nation.  

“Yes Didi... I am your little sister... I will take care of everyone...!” Dhatri murmured resolutely coming out in the courtyard with her head held high....! 

Rini smiled at Dhatri’s stiffened posture.  “Dhaa! She will come around to her normal self soon...!” she thought loading her baggage in the waiting car.  Dhatri ran behind....!!

********   ******   **********

“Uncle... I am really sorry...!” Bhanu had no words to apologize.  Sayajirao looked away dejected and then regaining his senses said, “Thats ok! It is not your fault.. You too didn’t know....!” he patted on Bhanu’s shoulder consoling him and walked out of Bhanu’s apartment.  Ray was already in the car behind the steering waiting for his father...! He raced away as soon as his father occupied the passenger seat.   

“Ravi....!” Sayajirao turned his face to look at his fuming, infuriated son.  “No! Not a word, Dad!” Ray yelled and Sayajirao shut his mouth at once.  He kept gazing ahead ....!

“Why, Dad? Why didn’t you tell me?” finally it went out of his control and Ray pulled over the car at a motel.  Sayajirao fumbled, shifting on his legs nervously. 

-“Sonny.... I really didn’t know... “ he knew his sonny is not going to buy his argument. 

“Why do you have to shell out money, Dad...!” he dug his fingers in his hair in frustration.  Sayajirao had no answer.  

“I didn’t want any arguments...!” he said weakly and Ray looked away dejected.  “Thats why dad.. people take advantage of your.... your...!” he tried to find out a milder word for his dad.  Sayajirao shook his head.   

“We were in Bhanu’s house....!” he clarified further to his furious Son.  “Damn it!” Ray banged on the table.  “Forget it...! Let us go! I will drive...!” Sayajirao took the keys from his dejected son.  They drove to the airport silently.  Sayajirao left the car at parking and waited for Disha.  She was to come and drive the car back. 

“Dad....!” Sayajirao looked up from his book to find Ray at the door of the library of their house.  “Sonny...” he sighed keeping aside the book.  Ray walked in. 

“For how long, you are going to....!” Ray chocked.  “As long as I can...!” Sayajirao said gravely.  Ray sat on the chair.  “But why? You don’t owe anything to her.... She has already squeezed you to death...!” he gulped.  Sayajirao held his hand. 

“I don’t know, why, son.... but I can’t say no...!” he looked helpless.  Hopelessness crept in.... They both sat there wordless. 

“Ok!” Sayajirao sighed getting up.  “Let us hit the bed...!” he patted on Ray’s shoulder.  Ray followed.  They both knew that sleep was stolen from them that night. 

Ray came back and switched on the TV to find everything boring...! He searched through the archives.... kept switching the channels.... and spotted the folder... Humm... This is much better... he started the slide show...~ His expedition on deciduous forests flashed....! As he skipped the unwanted slides his lips curled up in a faint smile.... He father was at the door...

“Dad...” he beckoned him  inside not taking his eyes of the screen.  Dad settled on his bed and both of them continued watching the clips and photographs with Ray giving a brief commentary...!!

“Whoa.... “ Father exclaimed at the close up of the tigress.... “500X zoom Dad...” Ray found nothing exciting about it.

“Chappa...” he blurted and father looked at him in surprise.  “Dhutt teri... called it. Chappa.” he clarified dreamily... going into the forest again!!

“Dhut Terri?” father asked... “I mean Dhatri.. !” he murmured.  Sayajiroa’s eyes twinkled.  “Dhatri? You mean the girl?” he fixed his eyes on the screen...

“Girl? “ Ravi thought for a while... “I don’t know... I mean...I thought she is a human being... “ he again paused for a killing length... “Mutant... Dad.... Mutant...!” Ray flared up.  Sayajirao looked on with a question mark on his face.  For the first time his son, now twenty four years of age was talking about a girl calling her mutant, forgetting about what had happened at Bhanu’s place....  

50

She was in dilemma. “Is it a right decision to accept the dinner invitation?” She was not sure. No one had asked her before. She was a terror in her collage.  Her fierce nature, her no nonsense attitude kept away flirt boys.  Though she had a big friend circle, hardly anyone thought of taking advantage of her... or flirt with her.  She was a leader and her friends preferred to follow...

 “But there always a first time, Sir?” She remembered her own statement which she had thrown at him confidently in retaliation of his contemptuous question. She turned in her sleep.

 “I can take care of myself..!” she blurted turning again. This Maj. Vinit had ruined her sleep. “I should be focused. I am leaving in four days… I will be relieved in three days…” she smiled in her sleep. The thought of getting four days leave filled her heart with happiness. “I won’t tell anyone… I will surprise them all….!” She thought smiling happily.

She came back to her room after the day’s work. She was to get ready. She was again in dilemma. “What to wear?” She was not sure. “When unsure.. do what is convenient!” she said to herself and took out a salwar kameej to wear. 

 

Exactly at 1900 hrs… An Army Bullet- Royal Enfield was at the gates. She came out of her room. He was waiting in a casual attire; A bright white T Shirt and Denim jeans. He measured her up without any inhibitions, so did she. 

 

“Humm… not bad! He can easily be passed as a handsome guy!” She thought glancing at the Bullet. 

 

“She looks.... in anything she wears..!” he couldn't find the right word to describe her ..! “Where?” he asked courteously. She merely shrugged. He kick started the Bullet and she adjusted herself behind. She loved the firing of the Bullet. He drove silently through the heavy, undisciplined Pune traffic. She too preferred to remain silent. He took her to the other end of the City, ZK’s Restaurant. She liked the ambiance.. simple and tasteful…! He pulled the chair for her. 

 

They had nothing in common to talk....! He gazed at her flushed face. “Is she scared?..... Naa!” he answered himself. She can't be scared of anything. He measured her up adoring her appearance. Her short hair, the hair locks dangling on her forehead being free from the confinement of the cap... she tried to fix them and then gave up. 

 

“Why is he so polite..?” she thought. “May be .. his style of biding farewell...!” she answered herself. “Is he going to talk, or I should start first?” she didn't know.

The waiter came with menu booklet. “Your choice...!” he murmured looking at her. She glanced at him and accepted. He was surprised. She ordered. The waiter looked at him. “Repeat the same!” he said and she looked up surprised. 

He gazed. "I like what you like...!" She looked away with reddening cheeks. 

 

“M'am...!” he gazed behind her and got up respectfully. “Excuse me!” he excused himself and she looked behind. She got up with a jerk seeing him talking to a graceful lady. She walked nearer. He was talking to Mrs. Kavita Gadgil, wife of wing commander Anil Gadgil and mother of Abhijeet Gadgil who died in MIG 21 crash. She had fought to the end for justice to her son. Finally Air Chief Marshal, Tyagi had to apologize in writing that it was a technical glitch and not flight lieutenant Abhijeet's inexperience that took his life...! She had got back the honor of her son and now working for Air safety in Air Force...! 

 

He was talking to her. Dharini came around leaving her table. He realized and introduced her. Mrs. Kavita Gadgil had all praises for women in defense. Soon they both were so engrossed in talking that they forgot that Vinit and Wg. Cmdr. Anil Gadgil were with them.

“Would you like to join us?” Vinit intervened. “Oh! No! Someone is waiting for us too! You two carry on!” Mrs. Kavita Gadgil shook hands. Wg. Cmdr. Anil winked at them. Vinit and Dharini came back.

Now they had some subject to talk... Vinit being being associated with Kavita Gadgil's first ever mobile flight simulator...! They had everything to talk finding that they had so many things in common. Her Prayer... “God give me strength to change the things my conscience cannot accept...!” They both uttered in unison...! "Safety above convenience...!"

 

“Its 9:30..!” she blurted. “I have taken permission for your late arrival …!” he handed over a note and gate pass. She took it. “Humm... He has a foresight...!” she thought..!

“Ok then! Goodbye and Good luck!” he shook hand and raced away. She came back to her barrack wondering... “Goodbye? Is he not going to come tomorrow?”

“Who cares?” she shrugged changing into a night dress. 

 

*********** ********* *********

“Dhaa start preparing for GATE and GRE...!” Rini ordered and Dhatri protested. “Nooooo....! Please Didi... I have had enough of studying... No more studies.. I am finishing this course somehow...please... Rini Didi! I am fed up of the same ABCD and 1234 with permutations and combinations all these years....!” she said and Rini burst out in laughter.

“What you want to do, Dhaa? Job?” Rini asked. Dhatri didn't want a job either. “Umm... Didi I won't ask much from you, but if you can ensure my sustenance... I plan to do nothing...!” Dhatri said giggling. “Just food and clothing...I will stay with Mamma and Papa...!” she added. 

 

“Dhaa...! Stop it!” Rini raised her voice annoyed with Dhatri's no ambition plan. “Ok. I will work for Disha Didi's wedding...!” Dhatri found out something worthwhile. Rini shook her head hopelessly. 

 

“Don't you want to go to US like Disha Didi, for higher studies?” Nilima asked and Dhatri flared up.

“And become one like Disha Didi...? Always talking about Dollar, Rupee.. Money..! She has become money minded... so calculative...!” Dhatri contorted her face. Salil looked away embarrassed. He too had noticed the change in Disha. She somehow had started detesting India....always talking about the comfort and career opportunities she had in the US of A. 

 

“Its not like that, Dhaa...!” he started off weakly. “It is like that, Papa...! I don't want to talk about her, I don't want anything from her...!” Dhatri raised her voice too. Rini gaped... “What happened?” she asked her Mamma silently. Nilima shook her head. 

 

“No.. nothing much... She once said, your father earns peanuts compared to what she is earning as research assistant....” She stopped looking at Rini's furious face, and then continued... “She always converts Dollars into Rupees....! That's why...!”

“Yeah...! Its always like that...! you talk about something.. she talks about the price...! I hate it...! Rini Didi... I tell you... I will die a popper, but won't ask anything from her...!” Dhatri said with pink face in anger. “Four years... Four years Didi, she has not visited us... why? Because Papa couldn't send her air ticket, three years back...She is saving her money....!” Dhatri vented out.

“No.. Dhaa... its not like that...!” Salil again tried to defend weakly. “I know papa, I heard your conversation....!” Dhatri said looking at her mother who tried to hide her tears. She didn't want rift between the sisters but Disha's attitude was making her the weak link. Rini was a peacemaker.

“Its Ok. Dhaa... forget about Disha Didi.. Come on let us go for shopping... I won't be able to see you for months.... Once I go to Dras,...!” she said in realization. Dhatri couldn't stop her tears. “You won't even call?” she asked in distress. Rini shook her head. “I won't be able to call for days...But whenever possible... I will call you first...!” she hugged Dhaa with emotions gushing out of her eyes. Salil looked on at the sisters with moist eyes. 

 

“I can ask anything from you Rini Didi... but her? Only once I inquired about 'Security Enabled Linux by Frank Mayer and Computer Networks by Tanenbaum, She threw the Dollar prices on my face, Didi...!” Dhatri vented out again. “Suresh gave me the pdf... I downloaded some good books... !” she said flaring up her nostrils. Rini gaped. She had not talked to Disha in months. She too had sensed the change in Disha's attitude. “Chalo... Forget it...! Your Rini Didi is here...!” she said thumping on Dhatri's shoulder and Dhatri grinned...! “Yeah...!” she said contentedly. 

 

“I have to pack my baggage...!” Rini said with heavy heart looking at the scattered things everywhere. 

 

“Take care of yourself... Rini... Don't go overboard...!” Mother spoke with worry. “Don't worry, Mamma... I will be alright...!” She faked confidence....! Salil smiled faintly. 

 

“So... come on... Let us all go for shopping...!” he cheered up everyone...! He had hidden the fact that Disha had called last month and had asked him to take care of the expenses of her wedding in India showing her inability to contribute...! Had he told this, Rini would have severed all her relations with Disha....!

49

"Your presentation was good!" Dhatri admired Suresh when he finished his presentation after a couple of days.  "You were good too!" he reciprocated and she shook her head.  "With your help...!" she said seriously.  

"No.. No!  The dog saved you!" blurted Suresh and she gave him a wicked grin.  "Not dog! I saved myself...!" she said mysteriously.  Suresh rolled his eyes. 

"No! Seriously... I saved myself...!" she said looking around in the canteen.  "Ha!" Suresh shook his head hopelessly and the dog barked and growled again.  He looked around startled so did the guys who heard the growl ...

"Hihihi..."  Dhatri giggled.  "Now this...!" and he heard the loud cry of a crow...! He looked out of window to find no one.  "See?" she giggled again sipping coffee and chomping on Samosa.  Suresh was flabergasted.  He looked at her. 

"I can mimik anything, anyone without opening my mouth..!" she said in hushed voice leaning towards him.  He saw a ghost in her.  "You mean...?" he lost his words... "Yeah! I am a ventriloquist...!No one knows from where the sound comes....." she said. "I can create any sound effect...!" grin appeared on his face. 

"Ayi Cchottu... two caapii.." the canteen boy turned and came to Suresh...! Dhatri had called him in Suresh's voice.  His mouth fell open... "See?" Dhatri smiled.  "I call it voice engineering....hehehe...!" she whispered.  "Better than computer Engineering...!" She didn't mind sharing her secret with her friend.  Suresh's eyes flashed.

"HOD!" he demanded.
"YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN THE DECORUM OF THE CLASS.... ~" HOD's deep, monotonous, heavy, voice reverberated ....and the CS guys glanced at the entrance, startled.  The voice was coming from somewhere else, Dhatri had not opened her mouth...!

"Hehehehe...!" they both laughed giving hi fives..! "Shuuu don't let anyone know about it...!" she said seriously and he nodded.  "Caapii on you!" he blackmailed and she nodded opening her bag to pay money. 

"Have to push off... Got OS Lab!" she ran out of the entrance and Suresh ordered another samosa....! "Daatri..." he murmured in his heavy mallu accent. 

************    **********  **********

Rini was surprised to see Maj. Vinit on the jogging ground.  Normally it was his squash time.  He completely ignored her.  She didn't bother either.  They crossed twice with no recognition on his face and she had to greet him per the protocol.  "Good morning Sir!" she saluted and simply gave her a nod.  Exactly at seven she returned.  The handing over the charge had started and she was to prepare a detailed documents of her work and designs in Autocad...! All the unfinished work had to be kept aside.  She had started preparing the document and felt the shadow of a tall figure.  She knew who it was. 

"Sir! Its almost done sir...!" she reported getting up.  "Don't use such fuzzy terms Lt. Dixit... Done or not done?" he asked sternly.  "Not done sir!" she reported.  "Ten minutes!" he warned.  "Yes Sir!" She said turning to her desktop.  "Director's office...!" he added and she nodded.
She finished bifercating the files into done and TBD (To Be Done) and saving the excel sheet came out marching towards Director's office. 

"You are called in Command Office" The Director said looking at both of them.  "Both!" he clarified.  "Yes Sir!" they both nodded walking out of the office and towards the vehicle.  Her papers were handed over to her with the Jammu Tavi Ticket and the instruction sheet.  She didn't understand why Maj. Vinit accompanied her.  "May be to make sure, I am really leaving...!" she thought bitterly.  They were returning back.  "Do you mind coffee with me?" he asked and her jaw dropped.  She glanced sideways trying to keep her face straight.  He waited for her answer. "Ok!" she spoke faintly.  "He can be polite....!" she thought.  He turned the gipsy and parked infront of Barista on law collage road...! She got down...  Heads turned to look at her... in her olive uniform...She walked straight, eligantly clutching her cap under her arm, into Barista.  He was there to pull the chair for her.  "Humm  show off....!" she thought.  He took the opposite chair.  "Latte?" she nodded and he ordered. 

They had nothing to talk.  She looked at him.  A Tall Six Feet, Lean body displayed his rough frame.  His piercing eyes bored into her.  She looked away embarrassed.  He still gazed on.  She stirred her coffee nervously, taking a sip.  He just had clutched his mug. 

"Leutient ... " she looked up.  "You will hand over in next couple of days..." he threw the meaningless statement.  "I will be relieved in three days...!" she said in realization.  "Yes..!" he said in a bare whisper.  She looked up again sipping.  His chizzled straight nose made him invincible, hard! She couldn't take her eyes off from his thick mustaches... ! "He is handsome..! Very Impressive..! He must have been fairer... Fair Reddish complexion.." she concluded her observation. 

"Finished?" he asked and she was confused... "Measuring me up?" he nailed her and the color of her cheeks changed.  She didn't answer but avoided looking at him. 
"I must say... you are an extraordinary person...!" he gazed straight into her eyes.  She clutched the coffee mug. 
"Do you have any idea where you are posted?" he asked and she came back to the conversation... "Now he has come back to his own self..Bitter..!" she thought opening her mouth to answer.

"I mean... Do you know the weather?" he asked clarifying himself.
"Yes Sir! I have done the homework!" she said confidently and his lip curled up.  "Have you been there?" he asked.  "No Sir!" she said and his eyes flashed malice.  "But there is always first time, Sir!" she nailed his contempt.  He gave a nod.  "Yes, Ofcourse~" he said finishing his coffee and getting up, not bothering to know whether she had finished or not! She got up and followed him gracefully.  He was there to open the door for her.  "Showing off...his courtious behaviour..!" she thought and walked out of the door.  He followed. 

"Good night!" he held out his hand pulling over at her place.  "Good night, Sir!" she said giving him a firm handshake. 
"Would you mind Dinner with me...?" he asked gazing at her, daring her to say no!" She looked up confused.  "Tomorrow evening at 1900 Sharp.. Be ready!" he issued military orders, his courtious behavious gone with the day light.  She gaped at the moving tail lights astohished....

**********   *********   *********
"Come over!" Bhanu invited.  "What? You are at the other end of the country!" blurted Ray. 

"So what? Come over this weekend!" Bhanu urged.  Ray looked at his father... he nodded.  He already had planned to visit Bhanu, with Ray or without him. 

"Ok! will call you later!" he said disconnecting.  "Yeah.. sonny, we should go...!" his father insisted too. 

"Dad..!" he gave up.  They were in SanFransisco and Bhanu stayed in Detroit...!

"We should go ... She is also coming...!" father pestered his son.  "I will book the flight..!" Ray offerred to fly his father.  Sayajirao gave him a nod of approval.  After all his son was a grown up man now, into his own business of serviellance and security systems...!" he thought proudly. 

48

Dharini met Mrs. A.K.Singh in the party.  She was impressed with the lady.  They had a all army families.  Her father and grandfather were in Army and her brother serving in Artillery Division, Punjab Rifles...! Mrs. Singh was impressed that Dharini was from a civilian family with no connection to Forces at all.  She spent long time with her talking about her experiences.  Dharini was surprised at her friendliness.  The Lady seemed to be interested in interacting with people.  "An outgoing type of a person!" Dharini branded her. 

Dr. Guruprasad was surprised to see the letter.  All the service records of Lt. Dharini Dixit was called for by the headquarters.  She was yet to complete her two years.  He sent the records shrugging. 

"Service Records?" Maj. Vinit was surprised.  Her figure before the gathering flashed... "So she has impressed him...." he thought recalling the last night's party at Officers' Mess.  He had seen her with hatred talking to other officers freely and Mrs. Singh having a long talk with her.  "Wait and watch!" he decided to keep a tab on the activities at the Head Quarters. 

"Don't be under the impression that you have proved yourself, Lt. Dharini Dixit!" he blurted little loudly and took a breath of relief finding himself alone. 

Soon the news spread... Dharini was called again with her transfer orders to Dras, J & K, 471 Engineering Brigade.  Dharini was surprised.  Transfer? She had not had her turn yet.   But she was happy to serve in Engineering Brigade with Tanks and Artillary Maintenance.  She heaved coming out of the office.  Finally Time to leave DRDO! 

"What?" Dras? " Vinit was surprised.  He looked at her happy face with a frown and contempt... "You will soon know the hardship... " Winter was approaching. 

"I am to report to Maj. Vikram Singh! He will help me till I settle down" he overheard her mentioning to her colleague.  "Vikram Singh? Not the commander?" he was again surprised.  Mrs. Singh talking to Rini flashed.  He was puzzled.  "Ok! Let me see who is heading the Engineering Division..." he thought bitterly losing interest in his present work.  His brain preoccupied with her thoughts he forgot to answer the intercom.  His assistant dashed to pick up the receiver.  Maj. Vinit came back to his senses startled.

"Yes Sir!" he said keeping the receiver down and moving out towards Director's Office. 

"Take the charge from her by next Monday! She is leaving this fifteenth." he ordered and Maj Vinit came out without a word.  "Fifteenth? Only 13 days..." something churned inside.  "She is leaving?" He came back to his cabin.  Dharini waited eagerly for the evening.  She was dying to call home to give the news.  She was apprehensive about her parents' reaction.   J and K... already a battlefield with insurgency and terrorists activities, she was excited but was not sure about her parents.  Nilima was always against her joining the Army, Salil had permitted her reluctantly.  They had taken a sigh of relief when she was posted in Pune.  Now J&K would be a bomb shell on them.  She might not be able to make it to Disha's wedding. 

Rini had so many things on her plate.  She had to plan for everything before going.  She was given four days leave before joining.  She was happy.

"Dharini ...!" Maj. Vinit's tall figure towered over her desk.  "Yes Sir!" she got up immediately.  "Start handing over the charge from tomorrow and finish it within four days..!" he said roughly and she nodded with affirmative "Yes Sir!" he gazed at her keeping his palms on her table leaning forward and she looked at him in surprise.  She waited further orders and he straightened himself.  "Tomorrow at 900 hours sharp.  He warned her with his boring gaze.  "Yes Sir!" she accepted the challenge.  He lingered for a second.  The boy brought in afternoon coffee and he settled himself on the chair picking up the mug.  She avoided his gaze.  "Why is he here?" she wouldn't know as he himself didn't know why was he there at her table.  They sipped coffee silently.  He didn't want to go and she didn't want him there with her.  She looked up questioningly keeping the mug down.  He got up and strode off briskly.  She wondered not seeing frown on his face.  "Must be happy to send me off!" she thought looking at his back. 

**********   **********   *********

Dhatri couldn't sleep ... Her friends tried to cheer her up in vain.  Nothing could lift her mood.  She kept staring blankly at the placards she had prepared for the next day's seminar.  Her presentation was ready, she had rehearsed it several times, she had mugged it up and reproduced before her friends... but her anxiety had not reduced.  "I know, I will forget everything, looking at the crowd...!" she was sure about her failure.

"Don't look at the crowd, initially! Look at the screen... and then your confidence will be back.  Hold something tightly in your fist..!" Suresh Menon suggested and she tried holding her pen in her fist which didn't help.  She was desperate with her heart beats increasing and her pulse racing...! Hope... someone very important... some minister or someone dies tomorrow  and the collage be closed tomorrow...!" she prayed hard holding her own neck for some miracle to happen and she can escape from standing before the crowd.  She held her black thread and felt the KirtiMukh hung around her neck.  She took it out and held it in her fist.  She felt better, with her confidence returning slowly.  She rehearsed that 20 minutes presentation which ran into pages... "Ha! I have learnt it by heart... I can reproduce...!" she told herself shaking a bit in confidence.  Her alarm clock chimed.  She was already up.

"Mari mai... Mari mai... she prayed hard like tribals....locking her hands behind and touching the floor with her foreheadhead.   "Dhatri... stop it! You will do it!" Ragini held her shaking hand.  Dhatri wiped her sweat with her other hand.  "See? I am turning cold... by the time we reach our class I would be frozen...!" she said shivering a bit.  Ragini laughed... "Dhatri... its only a class room presentation... Stop this drama...!" she scolded Dhatri and Dhatri went ahead morose.  Suresh was at the door.  "Daatri... I will assist you in changing the slides in your PPT..." he gave her a good news and she heaved a sigh.  "Ha... Mari Mai!" she prayed thinking her Marimai! She thrust the presentation papers in his hands and said... "Prompt me..Ok?" he nodded and Ragini winked at him. 

The inevitable happened.  Her mouth was dry. She forgot everything, even to swtich on her laptop and start the presentation, shaking and sweating profusely... Suresh had already talked to the professors that he would help Dhatri in her PPT.  Everyone waited... some in tension, some contemptiously, some ready to pounce on her with questions, some to see the drama, some waiting for her to fumble and make fun of her.. some with sympathy... some praying god to help her...!  Suresh started her presentation and the first slide flashed on the big screen.  The slide triggerred Dhatri and she started with tremendous speed.... Suresh grew restless.  She had moved on to slide number 10 in just seven minutes.  By this speed she would finish within fifteen minutes. 

"Oh! Wait Wait!" her professor stopped her and she went blank suddenly.  She looked up blank with dropped jaw and her friends banged their foreheads.  "Aaj toh Gayi...!" Ragini prayed hard.  Smirk appeared on many faces... "Aaj toh Gayi..!" smirk grew into grinn.  A murmer ran through the class. 

"Ms Dhatri... Elaborate on spiral model please...!" said the professor.  Dhatri went blank.  "Spiral?" she forgot that she had prepared slides on that model... A spiral staircase flashed before her eyes... she felt like she was sliding down spirally with lightening speed.  She looked aghast.  Suresh frantically searched for the previously displayed slides and his notes... Nothing...

A blue rock pigoin appeared from nowhere flew through the window fluttering! Its "Ghuk Ghuk... sound reverberated distracting the class... The students lost focus... Suresh thrust the highlighted text in Dhatri's hand... She glanced at the first word and remembered everything.  A smile of relief appeared on her lips... she was ready to answer... and she had found out a way out ...!

Suresh flashed the slide... and she started off...! Another boy got up smirking... "Ms Dhatri... you talked about the Automated testing... where can we apply this? and where we should not?" he asked bringing studiousness on his face.... A dog barked outside the door furiously and the support staff ran out of the Trapizoidol hall to shoo it away to find the deserted corridors... The class was distracted again... Dhatri smiled at Suresh who thrust the relevant text in her hand... She started off again when the things settled. 

A comparitive analysis of waterfall method, spiral method, rapid prototype methods was the concluding slide and Dhatri took a sigh of relief as if coming out of the waterfall thoroughly drenched in the  scorching sun....!

"Hushhh....!" she sat at the back with Suresh, both wiping off the sweat.  "It was good!" he complemented.  She grinned... Whatever it was... Its over...!" she said reclining back.  Ragini looked back with thumps up.  Dhatri grinned... the ordeal for her was over... She didn't bother about the results...! Mari mai and her papu mari had saved her....!!

47

Part 47


"Lieutenant Dharini, Lt Gen A K Singh is visiting...!"  Dr. Guruprasad, Director DRDO Pune looked up through his spectacles to gauge her reaction.  She was summoned to his office as soon as she entered the office.  General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command was visiting.  She didn't understand the reason for summoning her.  "You shall accompany him with Major Vinit Pandit for his keynote address in Symbiosis School of Business Management..." He dropped the bombshell and she gaped with dropped jaw.

  "Yes Sir!" she said recovering from the initial shock and saluted.  He handed over the papers to her saying "His profile..." She looked up confused.  "You should know..!" he said with a contemptuous smile.  He was no less than Maj. Vinit in detesting women in Defense.  

"Yes Sir!" she came out after a salute and sat on her chair with a thud.   "Am I accompanying him?" she was bewildered.  She took a deep breath.  "Ok! No issues... I will do my best!" she thought resolutely gearing up herself.  "A lieutenant is accompanying a Lieutenant General?" she again wondered, a smile of pride appeared on her face. 

"Maj. Vinit is waiting for you...!" Office boy came in to inform and she frowned.  She got up adjusting her cap and went out for the meeting.  "Why is he accompanying? Why can't I go alone or with someone else?" she thought with a bitter taste in her mouth.  Vinit glanced at her contorted face.  "Are you alright?" he asked disdainfully.  "Yes Sir!" she nodded forcing a smile on her face. 

A brief meeting of seven minutes without discussion got concluded with the Director issuing orders and instructions.  Others only had to nod and accept the responsibilities.  Maj. Vinit was unusually quiet.  Tension was visible on his face.  Rini glanced at his face and smiled inwardly.  
"Chief commanding officer, Southern Command..." She looked away.  Sometimes ignorance is bliss... she didn't know whom she was pitched up with. 

Lt. Gen A.K.Singh was one of the few distinguished commanding in chief's known for their achievements.  He  was commander of an armoured brigade during Operation Parakram. He later went on to command the Jhansi based 'White Tiger Division' and the elite strike arm of the Indian Army the 'Strike One'.  A big Name in Indian Army, Rini was little apprehensive and Vinit was sure to have trouble, being officer of Southern Command. 

The motorcade arrived and the entire DRDO campus came alive with tension and apprehension.  A strict hierarchy was maintained and Rini didn't even get an opportunity to have a look at him.   She was called in the afternoon in the Director's office.  A full house Military gathering was already in the discussion.  She saluted, looking straight into the white wall.  Lt. Gen. A. K. Singh measured her and gave a nod of approval.  "Lt. Dharini Dixit!" Director introduced and she saluted again. 

"Ok! Officers, the meeting is over!" Lt. Gen. sent the men out.  The Director and Vinit were to stay back.

"You are accompanying...!" he said and she reported.  "Yes Sir!" "Good!" he appreciated.  "We are leaving in ten minutes.  You may have to address the gathering ...~" he dropped another bombshell on Rini.  "Yes Sir!" she had no other option.  "You may go!" she was given no other clue.  She didn't even know the purpose of the gathering...! It was to felicitate Lt. Gen for being honored by Ati Vishisht Seva Medal! He was a recipient of, Vishisht Seva Medal and Sena Medal for his meritorious service...!

She came out in confused state of mind.  "I may have to address? What? Why?" she had no clue...!  She shook her head to bring it in place, that is on her shoulders! She went to the rest room to get herself ready.  She already was in full uniform... Nothing much was to be done.  She came out to see the centry/Jawan waiting to polish her shoes.  She waited with bated breath. 

Afternoon at 3:30 exactly, they had reached House Full Symbiosis Auditorium.  Lt. Gen. occupied the stage and Vinit and Rini stood behind in attention per the protocol.  His forceful, fluent, witty, speech inspired the crowd beyond expectations including Rini.  Her chest heaved with pride. 

 His insignia of National emblem over crossed baton and saber craved her.  Some day I will be in his place... she dreamed...! His speech elaborated women in Army. This was basically a motivational speech to inspire students to join Army, its glorious past was described. Lt. Gen. A. K. Singh concluded his speech by bringing out the role models; Lt. Dharini and Maj. Vinit Pandit, recepient of Sena Medal during Operational Exercise of Sudarshan Shakti..! Suggesting that the gathering would be delighted with their experiences...!

He concluded....
Dear Girls
While you carry a purse , She too carries a 65Lbs gun...
When you rest in AC and Coolers, She guards you in the scorching heat.....
When you apply your make up, She too applies colours to camouflage herself.......
When you enjoy with your family, She plans to take over the enemy.....
For your peaceful sleep, She has passed many sleepless nights....

- Salute To Her.... He saluted for Women Power!!

There was a pin drop silence for a while and then the crowd erupted clapping....with tearful eyes admiring women in Armed forces....!

Maj.. Vinit gazed straight with expressionless face.  Rini didn't know what she was expected of....!  The protocol said Maj. should go first, so did he.  ...

Again, another round of glory of Indian Army was reiterated...! Vinit was witty enough to send waves of humor in the gathering.  Rini didn't know, he had a sense of humor too! She had to outperform him ...!

She stood before the gathering in full uniform, upright with heaving chest in pride... Her tall 5.8 figure, her fair complexion and lean toned body resonated her strong personality... her olive green uniform and the two five pointed stars on her badge shined in spot light....!

She chose a perfect topic to discuss... her Officers Training Acadamy experiences...The thrill, the advanture, the routine, the crisis management training... ! She was perfect in using management jargens in front of Management Students... the crowd uproared clapping when she finished with Mecauley's quotes...


To every man upon this earth,
death comes sooner or later.
And how can a man die better
facing fearful odds
For the ashes of his father
and the temple of his Gods...!!


And then she concluded chuckling.... In this.... Man includes Woman too!!
Lt. Gen. A.K.Singh had a broad smile on his face....! "She is adorable...!" he thought.  "She must meet Vikram ... soon!" he thought inwardly planning ...! Maj. Vinit had no expression....! Rini didn't care either.  

They were to gather for the evening party at officers Mess....! Rini had to get ready....! She hated civilian dress....!

*************    *************   **********
"No..! I can't do that...! I will help you... you give the seminar...!" Dhatri was scared with the thought of giving a presentation before the class.  Her team mate tried her best to persuade Dhatri to participate.  But Dhatri had a stage fright.  She would forget everything and fumble...! She was a bad speaker unlike her Rini Didi.  Standing before the audiance was like standing before death for her.  "No, Ragini... please... I will ruin everything... please... no presentation... I will help you in preparing the presentation....!" she offerred.  But this time, Ragini was not going to give in.

"Dhatri... everyone must give a presentation... you too! So prepare one...!" Ragini put her foot down.  Dhatri sat on the bed horror struck.  She had successfully avoided standing before the class.  Her one on one orals were good but not group discussions.  She preferred to be silent when it came to discussion.  The otherwise chirpy Dhatri lost her voice standing before the class.  Her friends had tried everything to boost her courage in these three semesters in vain.  This time seminars were compulsory and were to be counted in internal assessment and Dhatri was in a fix.  

"Why can't we make it in a team?" she asked miserably.  She had lost her sleep hearing that she had to give a seminar.  

"Dhatri... choose your topic... SDLC or OS !" Ragini asked.  Dhatri looked lost.  "Dhatri, choose one.... else M'am will impose a topic on you..!" she warned and Dhatri blurted "SDLC software Development Life Cycle...!" adding further... "I know only cycle in this...!" Ragini giggled.  "Start preparing..." she ordered and went out.  Preparation was not at all a problem for Dhatri.  She was resourceful, knew exactly where to find the study material, knew how to search on the net, knew the liberary inside out... but she had a problem with presentation...! 

"My week is ruined...!" she was tensed up.  She had to do it alone.  She had to mug up her entire seminar speech. 

"Rini didi...!" she gave her a desperate call.  Rini listened to her for a while.  "No problem Dhaa... prepare, mug up, rehearse and give a speech to me over phone and I will tell you how to deliver it!" she found out the solution and Dhaa felt better.  She spent sleepless nights mugging up the speech and was sure that she was going to fumble at the last minute....!

"You will do it, Dhatri! Her only friend from the opposite sex, said calmly" Dhatri looked at Suresh Menon with some hope.  He smiled.  "I will help you!" he assured and she felt better.  He was a studious kind of a person taking up studies very seriously, never missing a rank.  He was the only boy Dhatri was comfortable with.  She had avoided teaming up with boys for all these semester.  

"So! Come on! Cheer up ..!" he said smiling and she reciprocated.  Her preparation in the liberary started with Ragini and Suresh helping her...