105

Mrs Russel and Sayajirao were busy in the kitchen.  Dhatri stood at the door.  “Umm... !” she coughed slightly.

“Yes, Dhatri... need something?” Sayajirao asked her kindly.

“Umm... uncle... Were you... I mean...!” Dhatri didn’t know how to ask him.

“Yes, Dhatri... I was there at the conference... Ravi’s father...!” he said holding her hand.  She smiled broadly and turned to leave.  Sayajirao smiled inwardly...! “Sweet girl” Mrs. Russel murmured...! They both saw Ravi watching Dhatri intently ... !

Ravi’s phone rang.  “Disha and Bhai are coming..!” he declared and Sayajirao looked relieved.  Rini glanced at Dhatri.  Dhatri had closed her eyes...! 

“I am not going to the Doctor...!” she suddenly opened her eyes with a shudder.  Vinit patted on her back.

“Its ok, Dhatri... We will go home soon...!” he said looking at Rini and she nodded.  

“Home?” Ravi’s heart twisted.  “You are home..! Dhatri...!” Sayajirao reflected his feelings and Ravi looked at him gratefully.  Separating from all these people was not what he wanted....! 

“Ok. Forget about the Doctor... Come on... I made chicken curry for you!” Sayajirao said smiling and Dhatri glared at Ravi.  “Yeah... only for you!” Ravi grinned.  “We have a lamb for us... Chops..!” He added further and Dhatri clenched her fists... 

“Hungry Gudda...!” she muttered furiously and then turning to Rini, said, “I am not hungry, Didi.  I want to sleep..!” Vinit took her inside winking at Ravi.  Rini walked in.

“Ok. You go and have dinner... I will sit with Dhaa...!” she said and then added.  “Please save something for me... Chicken curry or Mutton...” Vinit slurped hungrily and Dhatri flared up.  “I don’t want anything.... even if I die of hunger....!” she muttered pulling the duvet over her head sulkily.  Rini kept stroking her head ....!

“Where was Disha Didi all these days?” Dhatri asked tossing the blanket aside.  Rini shuddered...

“You don’t know, Dhaa... Didi was so worried... She lost her apatite... her sleep...” said Rini trying to sideline Dhatri’s direct question...! 

“Humm...” Dhatri closed her eyes pondering...! Rini pressed her hand on her chest feeling relieved.  She was worried about the encounter....! She heard the ringing bells and stood up.  Indroneel was doing pooja... worshiping and praying loudly...! They all gathered in pooja ghar.  Dhatri looked on.  Indroneel was crying while singing prayers...! She looked aghast...! Sayajirao wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“This is for you, Dhatri... A Thanks giving prayer.....!” he said patting on her shoulder.

“Dhaa... Ēkhānē āsā!” Indroneel turned to her...! She came forward reluctantly.  He thrust Aarti Thali in her hand...! “Say thank you!” he ordered and she said “Thank you!” Smile appeared on everybody’s face.  “Humm... Bhalo...!” Indroneel felt better... He gave prashad to everyone including Mrs. Russel, chanting some mantras furiously..! 

“Naak Ragado...!” He ordered Dhatri and she obeyed sitting down and touching the tip of her nose to the floor.  

“Humm.... “ he again grunted with satisfaction.  Dhatri mimicked...! 

“Shut up...!” he raised his hand...! Dhatri ran out of the pooja ghar...!

“Rini... This is really delicious...!” Vinit had filled up his plate to the brim so did everyone else.  Dhatri looked on with watering mouth.  She swallowed her saliva, frowned and left..!  

“Humm... !” Ravi was standing before her with an extra plate filled with mutton chops and chicken curry with bread...! She looked up taking the plate from him.  He smiled and she gulped with top speed.  Ravi watched her contentedly.  

“Thank you...!” she said holding out the empty plate..!

“Go and put it in the dishwasher..!” he ordered.  

“I don’t know where it is...!” she retorted keeping the plate down on the floor.  He picked it up, held her arm with the other hand and dragged her to the dishwasher...! 

“Keep it in this...!” He said thrusting the plate in her hand.  She dumped the plate and came out muttering..! He followed smiling..! He wouldn’t leave her alone even for a single minute....!

“Maj. Vinit, will there be a problem, if we do not do the medical check up here?” Indroneel asked in a hushed voice.  Vinit turned to him.  Ravi listened.

“No...!” Vinit said firmly and Indroneel breathed relief.  “We can do the medical check up in India also..!” Vinit added further, stressing on the point that a thorough medical check up was a must. 

“We will go as early as possible...!” whispered Indroneel and Vinit nodded.  “I will make the arrangements... May be tomorrow or in a couple of days, we will go back!” Vinit assured and Ravi’s heart ached with the thought of parting with Dhut Teri..! 

“No.. he said looked at both of them...! “I mean... we can run the tests here...!” he said urging...! But Indroneel shook his head.

“No.. Ravi.. I want to take her back to her parents! She was my responsibility...~” he said hoarsely, swallowing and wiping his eyes emotionally.  Ravi fought back his tears...!

“Ravi.. Bhanu and Disha landed...” Sayajirao walked in.  “I will go!” Ravi dashed out of the house and turning back.. asked... “Dhatri, you mind coming with me?” Dhatri shook her head shyly and Sayajirao grinned.

“It’s Ok Ravi.. she is tired and needs rest...!” Sayajirao said patting on her head.  Ravi looked thoroughly disappointed...!

“Go Dhatri... you will feel fresh and your Disha Didi will be happy to see you fit and fine...!” Vinit pushed her a bit and Ravi turned again excitedly waiting for Dhatri.  Dhatri went with Ravi reluctantly...! Vinit winked at Rini and she smiled half heartedly.  She was not sure about her sisters...! She waited with apprehension.  Ravi raced away with Dhatri...!