The Weeping Stars

Staking Claim

The tea was brought in by Anubha, closely followed by other servants, each carrying trays full of sweets and other savories. Anubha's presence surprised everybody. She cordially greeted everyone and then signaled the girls in the group to join her for tea. She was curious about the new-comer.

For Usha, this was not a good sign. Always used to be the center of attention everywhere, she did not like it when she was made to sit with the common girls. Anubha, however, seemed unaware of this. She asked Runa about her parents and turned her attention to Isha.

'I have heard that you are joining the school here. That's great news. Where are you planning to live?' asked Anubha.

'I am very excited as this is my first job. I have never been a city girl. This village seems to be perfect for me' said Isha. She found it quiet easy to converse with this lady. She had none of the arrogance or pride of her son, although she had a quiet dignity that was hard to ignore.

'This village is charming. But it can also get lonely. Are you planning to live alone in the school quarters?'

Isha had never thought about that. She has lived alone in Kolkata, but in a village it can be a bit awkward.

'I was planning to live alone' conceded Isha, wondering where this conversation is leading.

'Oh, but she will have plenty of help. She has already made many friends. Vivek, over there, is practically eating out of her hands', piped in Usha.

The unfairness of the remark took Isha's breath away. Runa too was at loss about how to counter such apparently innocent comment, which suggested Isha was a flirt and has already formed a group of admirers.

Anubha however, was much sophisticated. For some time now, she has been observing Usha, and has realized that the girl has a mean-streak which she takes great pains to hide. But sometimes, it comes out, like now and lays her character bare. She gave a Isha a small smile.

'For someone as beautiful as Isha, it is natural that she will have a group of admirers. But as elders, we always think of your safety first. So, I would suggest, that you take up one of our guest quarters for a while. This will give you some time to get used to the villagers, and decide if you are comfortable living alone. Is that not a good idea, Indra?'

The last comment shocked everyone. Unknowing to the girls, Indra was leaning on the wall and listening intently to the conversation. He gave the girls a brief nod and pulled up a chair to sit beside his mother. He took his time before answering, clearly enjoying the discomfort his presence has caused to the girls.

'Sounds good! The three available school quarters have been lying empty for too long. Now they need some renovations before someone can move in', said Indra while Anubha poured him a cup of tea.

'I have already talked to the headmaster, and he thinks that is an excellent idea.The guest quarter on the second floor will be perfect for Isha, quiet secluded, yet perfectly protected', observed Indra with finality.

This piece of information startled Usha. Indra personally speaking to the headmaster about Isha send alarm bells ringing in her mind. She began seeing Isha in new light. 

For Anubha, this was not a surprise. She had already shared her concerns with Indra, and knew he would be quick to act upon it. A young girl away from home should not be left alone in a huge quarter designed for bigger family. Also, in this part of the country it was not uncommon for snakes and other wild animals to enter the school quarters. 

'So, that's all settled then. The school will open after the pujas. So, you better move in right after Dusherra', declared Anubha., 'We will send someone from here to get your luggage.'

Isha thought of protesting, but the authority and finality with which the mother-son duo pursued her case left her with very little arguments. It is true that she had no accommodation if the school quarter is not available. Now she knew where Indra had got his domineering nature from. Anubha, for all her soft gestures, seemed to be an iron lady.

Indra's P.O.V

Indra did not expect Isha to agree so easily. But he knew he can count on his mother. She can be notoriously persuasive when it comes to caring for young people. And this time it is a girl away from her home. 

The arrangement suited him perfectly. If Isha stayed with them, she will be safe from the advances of the village youths and other admirers and he will not have to jump to her rescue. His family will also take good care of her. 

'You will also be able to see her when you are here', said a sneaky voice in the back of his mind. Indra quickly squashed it. 

'I am just trying to minimize her nuisance value', reasoned Indra, 'and keep her out of trouble. I will not trouble myself with this matter anymore.'

Nevertheless, he found himself making a list of all the things that were needed in the guest quarters before Isha's arrival. 

Isha's P.O.V

On the way back, Isha and Runa were lost in their thoughts. This new development was not welcome in both quarters. Runa wanted to her friend to stay out of the Banerjee influence. She wanted Isha to start all-over again. 

Isha was more bothered about her heart. She was afraid that she might not escape with her heart this time. Against her better judgement, Indra was creeping in.

To keep Indra at bay will not be possible if she meets him everyday. Hopefully his business will keep him away. But, would she be able to bear it, if some years down the line Indra gets married to another girl, come home with her to spend the Puja with his family. While she remains in the school, working and waiting for the impossible to happen. The whole idea of a new job does not sound so good at all. Maybe she would have been better off in the city.

The ideas kept coming in her mind, depressing her more than ever. The dying light of the day, the future did not seem so bright.