112

“Bhanu...!” Disha held his hand.  Bhanu didn’t move. 

“I think I should call mamma...’ She said deep in thoughts.  Bhanu looked at her.  They were on their journey back ...  !

“Sometimes... Ravi acts so childish..” she said looking out of the window.  Bhanu didn’t react. 

“I mean he should have understood... Hugging Dhaa like that....!” she went ahead.

“Whats wrong with that, Disha?” This time Bhanu couldn’t stop himself. 

“Whats wrong? Bhanu, she is an Indian girl....!” Disha couldn’t believe her husband’s reaction.

“So?” he questioned little irritated.  Disha looked at him. 

“Even Jim hugged her..! And you were ok with that...!” he pinpointed.  Disha kept quiet for a while.  Bhanu was disgusted....!

“I mean... Dhaa shouldn’t start day dreaming of settling in US!” she said deep in thoughts.  Bhanu turned his face away.  Disha looked at her husband.  She thought, he was unable to understand her fears. 

“I am worried about her, Bhanu...!” she tried to explain.  Bhanu looked at her.  Encouraged by that, she went ahead blurting her chain of thoughts.

“I mean... she is still so young... not even graduated... “ Bhanu shook his head hopelessly. 

“And Ravi won’t understand Indian mentality...His casual gestures may send wrong signals ....” she said closing her eyes.

“Ravi is a grownup man, Disha..!” Bhanu said firmly with pride.  Disha nodded in acceptance. 

“Stop worrying about Ravi and Dhaa... Concentrate on your new high level responsibility at NASA, Disha!” he said sarcastically.  Disha nodded again, lost in thoughts.  She was deeply hurt by Dhaa’s behaviour.  “Dhaa should have understood my intentions... I am not her enemy... It was all for her good...” Disha kept thinking, consoling herself that she was right.... she was always right!

Suddenly, the same insecurity... same feeling surfaced, when her success in board examinations was overshadowed by Dhatri’s kidnapping....! Dhaa was all over the media... and Disha’s success was forgotten with the sensation of Maoist attack on a peaceful and quiet town of Vidisha...! Disha shuddered with the possibility...!

“Thank God! She went back ....!” Disha felt better.  The chapter was closed for her.  “But what if... Ravi...and Dhaa...?” she couldn’t ponder over that thought.  “No... Not possible...” she brushed away the thought and holding Bhanu’s hand closed her eyes peacefully. 

******   ********  ******

“Humm... I am indebted to him for my life...!” Dr. Salil said gravely, clutching the medical file of Dhatri.  The schedule of all her repeat tests, for the longer window period infections was given, along with the medication.  Indroneel nodded.  He had given a vivid description of the events in US and the way Sayajirao and Ravi helped them all. 

“I should thank him...! I should pay the hospital charges....!” Dr. Salil came back on earth.  “Naa... No need.... there is more to it...!” Indroneel’s mood suddenly changed.  Holding Salil’s hand he blurted... “Ooii Baba... Ravi and Dhaa.... They are the best... sweet as Roshogulla..” Salil gaped with blank face.  Indroneel had joined his hands for prayer!

“What?” Salil asked thoroughly confused.   “Baba.... Ravi is such a nice boy... Very sweet... very sweet...! Soaked in love like Roshogulla...” Indroneel added to his confusion...

“Pull out of that sticky sweetness, Indroneel... Tell me what is it!” Salil was irked.  Indroneel winked grinning at Salil...! “Our Dhaa and Ravi..!” He winked again thumping on Salil’s shoulder sending him off balance!

“Come to the point, Indro... !” Salil said threateningly. Indroneel animatedly described how Disha threw disgust and how Ravi stood by Dhaa and proposed her....!

“Ooii Baba... Salil... Our Dhaa and Ravi...!” he said clutching an aghast Salil’s hand.

“What? But... How? I mean.. What?” He forgot words. 

“Dhaa,,, I mean... how is it possible?” he knew his Dhaa well.  She avoided boys like plague..! She would never....

“Though... Dhaa pushed him away... but we should try... we must help...!” Indroneel said looking at Salil’s grave face.  Salil was speechless.  Indroneel understood.

“Salil... don’t worry... Everything will be alright...!” Indroneel patted on his back understanding his worries.  “Why didn’t Rini tell me about this?” Salil wondered glaring at Indroneel’s overenthusiastic expressions...! He was not to be taken so seriously...!

“Humm...Indro...” he sighed calming down.  Indroneel grinned. 

“Ravi is a nice boy....! Very good boy...!” Indroneel went on.  “Just like my boy... Maitro.... “ He kept his hand on his chest.  His son... An IT engineer had settled in Bangalore with his wife...! Indorneel had been his mother and father both, when his mother, Indroneel’s wife died in an accident.  Maitro was only Five and Indroneel became his mother....! He had felt Ravi’s craving for a family life... and his love towards his father...! Indroneel saw Maitro in Ravi...! He decided to help Ravi get Dhatri, at any cost...! With or without Salil...!

******  ********

“Vinit...” Rini blurted and he held her hand.  “ I should have told about Ravi to Mamma – Papa...!” she said gravely.  “But thought it was too early! And, I am not sure about Dhaa...!” she said turning her face.

“Don’t worry..! She has taken a small step towards it!” he said chuckling.  Rini looked at him exhasperated...!

“What? How do you know?” she asked turning to him.  He smiled smugly. 

“I know...!” he said closing his eyes.  Rini folded her arms on her chest angrily.  He gave up.

“She didn’t like, her gift was given to you...!” he said with a mischief.  Rini gaped...! “And they share their Jungle secret, where even you, Rini, you too are not allowed!” He said putting his arm around her sympathetically...! Rini pushed him away....

“There is nothing, I don’t know about Dhaa...!” she said angrily.

“Oh Yeah? Did you know she kept the cristelized stalactile in her vanity bag?” he asked her sitting up straight. 

“Yeah, I know! Its her find...in that expedition...” she said smugly.  Vinit chuckled. 

“That was a gift from Ravi...It was his find....” he grinned and Rini gaped in disbelief. 

“And... I saw a paper weight size peacock blue calcite in his room... her find....” he winked repeating her words.

“How do you know?” she asked.

“Simple.. I checked her vanity bag for some clue .... and asked Ravi about that bright blue paper weight....!”  Rini gaped with dropped jaw with a small pain surging in her heart.  “Her Dhaa kept secrets from her...!” She couldn’t digest..! She tried to get up.  Vinit pulled her down. 

“Rini... Dhaa is growing up...!” he said cupping her face.  She looked into his eyes in realization.  Indeed Dhaa was growing up.  She smiled snuggling in his arms...!

******  ********  ********

“Dhaa... only one semester...! You got to study hard..!” Nilima said stroking Dhaa’s head fondly. 

“I know, Mamma.... I will pass....You don’t worry...” Dhatri looked up confidently.  She already had lost a month and she had to make up the back log for the studies.  Nilima pulled her back on her lap. 

“Dhaa... “ She pulled her up in her embrace.  “Mamma... stop being emotional... I will go to the hostel tomorrow, study, finish off this half gone semester ... and come back for good!” she said patting her mother’s back.

“And then... I will go for that great Himalayan trek... Uncle has promised me...!” she said dreamily.  She had blackmailed and coaxed Indroneel into taking her on the expedition....!

“For God sake, Dhaa... No more treks... please!” Nilima pushed her a bit shuddering.  Dhatri grinned and hugging her mother tightly, said... “Mamma... I am hungry... Kheer do naa!” 

111

“What? Where is Dhatri...?” Sayajirao asked astonished, looking at the trio.

“See? I told you! She is quarantined...!” Disha said proving her point, looking at Bhanu.  Ravi clenched his fists in disgust.  Vinit sat up at once. 

“What? And you left her alone, there?” asked Indroneel looking at Rini angrily. 

“She is isolated, quarantined....!” Disha looked at Indroneel’s stupidity.  “No one is allowed there...” She said in simpler terms... Indroneel stood up.  “Oui..Baba... Dhaa is alone there...!” He looked at Rini accusingly... “And you left her all alone ...!” he raised his index finger at her reprimanding her... Rini looked away guiltily hiding her tears...!

“Poor Dhaa... she is all alone there...!” Indroneel turned to Ravi.  “I will go there... Where is the hospital?” he asked.  Ravi looked away, his throat hurting, choking him ...!

“Uncle...! I told you, no one is allowed... And she is alright...!” Disha said sitting on a sofa with a thud. 

..........  .............

“Hey... !” Dr. Maria greeted pleasantly.  Dr. Koite and Jim walked in with her.  All the team members were there except the girls...!

“Where is Dhatri? Our brave girl?” Maria asked and everyone looked at each other.  Disha spoke ... “She is in the hospital, for her tests...!” Maria looked at Dr. Koite.

“Then we should go there and meet her first...!” he reflected Maria’s thoughts and Jim turned to move out.

“No, Dr. Nixon, she is quarantined...” Disha said stressing on the word, emphasizing its seriousness...

“Ok.. But... We can wear the protective mask and meet her...!” Dr. Maria said and Ravi looked up with hope.  Rini shook her head slightly.  She knew her Dhaa won’t meet anyone. 

“Dr. Maria, she will be back soon...!” Rini said glancing at Vinit. 

********   *********  *****

“Dhatri... you are a very strong girl... You cleared all your tests...!” Dr. Said smiling and Dhatri gaped. 

“This.. skin itching and rashes will go away in a couple of days... Don’t worry...!” Dr. Said placing her hand on Dhatri’s shoulder.

“You may feel breathless... sometimes....A bit of lung infection is still there... but you will get over that soon...Take the medicines properly...” She went on further.  Dhadri nodded. 

“Umm.. When can I go back to India?” Dhatri, for the first time in her 72 hours in the Hospital, opened her mouth to ask something on her own.

“Oh! In a couple of days...!” the Doctor said smiling broadly. 
"Take the medicines, repeat the tests on time....!" Dhatri thought for a while....

“Umm.... Can I stay here for these two days and directly go to the airport from here?” she needed the clarification.  The Doctor nodded, puzzled.

“Don’t you want to go home?” she asked and Dhatri shook her head.  “I want to go home.. My home!” she said looking away dejected.  Dr. Goyal placed her hand on her head sympathetically.  

“Umm... Can I talk to Dr. Ghosh on phone?” Dhatri asked and Dr. Nodded dialing Sayajirao’s number. 

“Here...!” she handed over the phone to Dhatri...

“Uncle....!” Dhatri went aside to talk to Indroneel, alone....!

The next couple of days went in jiffy.  Dhatri refused to meet anyone, talk to anyone except Indroneel.  He was her mouthpiece.

“You brought me here, to this US of A, you take me back!” she had said threateningly and Indroneel had agreed, taking up the responsibility.  He collected everything, Rini packed her bags, Vinit arranged for the tickets... Ravi and Sayajirao watched helplessly.  Dhatri refused to be discharged and requested the fumigation of Ravi’s house, for the possible germs and infections by her presence ...!

Indroneel shunted between the house and hospital.  Dhatri even refused to meet her M’am and Sir, Dr. Koite. She turned her back on Rini and Vini...! That was a big blow to both of them...! Vinit had no words to console Rini...! Disha had put up a brave face, as if nothing had happened.  She was hurt deeply by Dhatri’s attitude....!  Dhatri had behaved as if Disha was non existent...!

...............

“Dhaa.... the ordeal is over...! You are fit and fine...!” Disha hugged her tightly at the airport.  Dhatri gently pushed her, freeing herself from her hug and without a word, turned to Bhanu.

“Thank you, Bhanu Bhaiya...!” She said and Bhanu pulled her closer, patting on her head.

“Thank you, Uncle..” She turned to Sayajirao touching his feet.  He held her to his heart, overwhelmed with emotions..!

“Come back soon, my dear...!” he said with a heavy, hurting throat and moist eyes.  Ravi looked away hiding his tears, his hurt.  She had avoided him like plague...! She turned to her M’am and Sir..!

“Thank you..!” She could only say.  Maria pulled her into tight embrace, wiping her eyes... “Keep in touch... At least an email in a month...!” Dhatri smiled faintly remembering their unwritten rule to be in touch once in a month...! “Yes..!” she nodded.

“Keep in touch with me too, Dhatri..! Else I will have to keep in touch with her, to get the updates about you...!” Dr. Koite said gesturing at Maria and hugging Dhatri lightly, a goodbye, bringing a smile on Dhatri's face...!

The announcement of their flight was done.  Indroneel braced up with the luggage trolley.  Dhatri turned to Jim and before she could say anything... he hugged her tightly kissing her hard on her cheek.  Dhatri wriggled, struggling...!

“Dhatri.... !” he gave her a hard look.  “Don’t thank me..!” he said threateningly.  She smiled showing her deep dimples.... ! Jim lost himself again... ! Ravi was looking at them with blurred vision, from a distance.  No one had noticed him withdrawn.  There was nothing left for him in this emotional farewell....! She wouldn’t even look at him in the crowd.  He turned to Rini.

“This... is... for... her!” he murmured with a small packet in his hand.  Rini looked up surprised.  He glanced at Dhatri, Rini understood. Dhatri was clutching Indroneel’s arm.  Dhatri glared at Ravi.....!

“ABCD... Gori Chamadi...!” she mouthed frowning.  Indroneel grinned...!

“Rovi...” He called out brightly.  “She wants to say goodbye to you...!” He pushed Dhatri towards him and Ravi snatched the gift packet from Rini. Now, he would give it to her himself....! He gazed at her coming closer.

“Goodbye...!” she murmured looking away still puffing her cheeks. He held out the packet.  She looked up.  “For you!” he said.  She didn’t know what to do with it.  He came a step closer, pulled her hand, thrust the packet in her hand.  She looked up into his eyes.... and he lost himself, forgot the family, forgot the crowd...! Pulling her hand he wrapped her into his arms...! Indroneel did not hide his tears of happiness.  Rini inched closer to Vinit, trying to hide her emotions! Disha gaped in disbelief....! Koite had a broad smile on his face... “I suspected this long back...!” he gazed at Maria... Jim forced a smile on his face, hiding his disappointment.. and then coming back to his senses said “Oh! I lost it!” Indroneel patted on his shoulder... “You never had it, my boy...!” he said winking.

“Umm... Let go of me ...!” She struggled... He gripped tighter... “Don’t go!” he whispered in her ears...! She pushed him away...! “Gudda...” she turned to Indroneel frowning.  “I am not going to talk to him...!” Ravi had a big smile on his bright face....! His gray blue eyes had a bright tinge of happiness...!

110

“Dhaa....” Rini dashed forward.  Ravi stood at the door of the examination room and Disha took a step backwards. 

“Please...!” The doctor stopped Rini from holding Dhatri.  Ravi looked on with a horror struck pale face...!

“Wha... What happened?” Disha asked and Dhatri looked back.  “No....!” she hurriedly pulled over the sheet.  Her exposed bare back was swollen with rashes...

“Please wait outside...” The doctor requested and the three retreated hopelessly.  Disha clutched her mouth in horror.  Rini looked away dejected and Ravi closed his eyes in anguish...! “Dhaa...” he couldn’t bear her pain.  The wait was killing. 

“Come in...!” the doctor beckoned after what seemed like a year.  Rini dashed in.

“Where is she?” she looked around in the examination room.  The Doctor gestured her to take the seat. 

“We have done the tests and the results would get in a couple of days... until then, we have to quarantine her, I am afraid...!” the Doctor said gravely.  

“Can’t help, Ray! It’s for her good!” The doctor sympathized with him.  He looked away dejected, repenting for taking her to the hospital.  Rini nodded understandingly.  

“See? I told you, she needs to be quarantined..” Disha proved her point looking at Rini.  Rini completely ignored her. 

“This is only a precautionary measure... She cleared most of the tests...” The Doctor said calmly.  Rini nodded. “But then, there is a possibility of some dormant infections...We have to be sure and rule out the infections...” she said looking at the three of them.

“Ho..how is she?” asked Rini.  “Ok.  Here is a list... ! She is not sexually abused but there has been physical abuse.  She was strapped for days, tied up ruthlessly, gagged with ducting tape, pricked several times... Anesthetized several times, injecting the spine, drugged heavily, was kept unconscious for hours, subjected to

Electroencephalogram at least thrice, subjected to electroconvulsive therapy at least twice....” The Doctor went on with the list and they listened with pale faces...!

“Where is she?” Ravi asked impatiently.  “She is shifted to a cordoned off ward... Quarantined!” the doctor said to Ravi’s dismay. 

“Again...?” He clenched his fists... After so much of endurance, suffering, she had to be dumped into the hospital ward. 

“You may need to do the paperwork, Ms. Dharini..” the Doctor said gravely and Rini nodded getting up.  She was deep in thoughts... “About her papers, her insurance... about payment...!” She walked out and looked at waiting Disha.  She looked up questioningly.  Rini shook her head and walked to the administrative section of the hospital to complete the paperwork, thinking hard on her alternatives...! Disha ran behind her, Ravi followed them nervously. 

“Payment?” Disha asked looking up filling up the last form.  She had taken over once they reached the billing section, ready to pay the bills for her sister.  Rini allowed her to take over but Ravi was clenching his fists. 

“Its taken care of..! said the billing person and Disha looked shocked.  “Mr. Deo has has done the arrangements...” he said looking into the records.  Ravi’s heart filled with gratitude for his father.  He didn’t want to take any favours from Disha. 

“See.. She may have to stay here till the test reports come in and then we will decide the course of treatment...!” the doctor continued her information.  Rini nodded. 

“Can we meet her?” Ravi asked desperately.  “I am afraid, not! You can’t meet her.  She is isolated ...” The doctor stabbed his heart.  Disha held Rini’s hand. 

“You can go home..! We will take care of her!” The Doctor said.  “No.. I will wait here” Ravi was determined.  The Doctor shook her head.  “No one is allowed to see the patient”.  She said as a matter of fact and Rini held Ravi’s hand. 

“I will keep you informed...!” the doctor said and Rini nodded getting up. 

“Ca..Can we see her? From outside?” Rini asked hopefully.  The Doctor nodded.  They waited for a paramedic to guide them to the ward. 

.......  .....

“Dhaa...!” Rini called out on deaf ears.  The quarantine ward was soundproof.  Dhatri was on the bed at the far end of the room with glass walls.  The TV was on.  Sponge Bob Square Pants Displaying...! Ravi closed his eyes.  He couldn’t bear...! Disha waved furiously to grab Dhatri’s attention.  For a brief moment Rini felt her Dhaa looked at them.. and then she drew the sheet over her head, turning her back on them, not wanting to see anything, anyone...!  Rini looked on with trapped breath.  She knew, her Dhaa will never look at them... She turned dejected..! She really had nothing to console Dhatri. 

“she will we alright...Let us go!” Disha came back to her senses first.  Rini nodded and held Ravi’s hand.  He still was not ready to leave that place.  At least he could see her, though not talk to her and May be, sometime, she would see him waiting outside for her...! he hoped. 

*****  *****  ****

“You?” Mrs. Russel blocked the main door holding the frame with both the hands. 

“Yes..!” she said authoritatively and waited for Mrs. Russel to give her the way.  Mrs. Russel didn’t budge. 

“You can’t enter!” she said equally firmly.  “Are you telling me?” Sanyogita retorted pushing Mrs. Russel a bit. 

“I have instructions to call the cops, Madam...!” Mrs. Russel spat, taking out her phone. 

“I want to meet Saya, Umm... Sayajirao..!” Sanyogita said lowering her voice.  Mrs. Russel thought for a fraction of second and then making up her mind, she dialed 911.

Sanyogita stared at her threateningly.  Mrs. Russel looked back.. “Umm.. Intruder in the house...” she talked over the phone and Sanyogita retreated a bit. 

“Ask Saya to call me back..!” She ordered throwing her nose in the air and moved down...!” Mrs Russel waited thrusting her hands on her hips, till Sanyogita was out through the gates.  “Humm...” Sighing, she turned inside. 

“Who?” Sayajirao just raised his eyebrows questioningly, listening to the chatter of Indroneel.  Mrs. Russel just shook her head dismissing his question as trivial...! Sayajirao turned to the conversation again.  She wouldn’t let this happy moment turn into a disastrous one ....!

*****  *****   ******