The Weeping Stars

Enemy has a Name

As the days went on, the actors got more comfortable. Now one can walk into the courtyard and hear Isha laughing over something Vivek had said, or Nitin chasing Runa across the courtyard over a stolen love-letter.

Ishaan was seeing Runa in entirely new light. She did not have a single flirtatious bone in her body. She believed in speaking her mind and had a very sharp tongue. But none of this detracted from her appeal. Her sense of humor kept the atmosphere cheerful all the time.

The tea-time also turned into a regular chat hour. As Isha spent more time with the Banerjee's, she became more comfortable with the members. Runa, too, has thawed towards Ishaan. Ishaan behavior did not suggest any partiality towards Isha. Without any conscious thought, they have drifted closer. It was a common sight to see Runa and Ishaan fighting over tiny details or sipping tea quietly in a corner.

'There is a romance blossoming!', though Isha, as she watched her friend and Ishaan chatting together.

'It was quiet clever of you to find a place in the Banerjee household! Although I must admit, the Banerjee's always had a soft spot for strays and the poor.'

Isha turned around to see Usha, standing beside her. She looked extremely pretty in a pink saree and diamond jewelry.

'I really don't know what you mean', said Isha casting a wary eye at this new advisory.

'You know perfectly well what I am talking about. Girls of your background has always used beauty as their main weapon. But don't try to poach in my territory. Indra is way above your league. Look at you. A single gold chain, costing less than my bath-soap,' Usha's swept a disdainful glance across her body dismissively.

'I have no interest in Indra or any male of this family. I just want to do my job and will move into the school quarters when they are ready', countered Isha in a cold voice. There was no way she was going to take such behavior lying down.

'Can hardly wait for that to happen. The Banerjee's might feel sorry for you, but I like to keep a distance from people from much...err..humbler background. They just can't fit in, you know!'

Isha felt her ears turning red. Her answer was out before she could think about it.

'I cannot live here for ever, not with me getting married soon. My husband and I would like to have more privacy. So, I am hoping that the quarter gets fixed quickly' blurted Isha.

'That's news. So, she is no competition', thought Usha, 'What was I thinking.'

'Congratulations!' said Usha before walking away.

Isha let out a breath. Now she was ashamed of herself. She should not have lied. She detested liers, but now she had spun a completely untrue story. She will be in tough-spot if the word gets around.

Isha stepped into the dimly lit corridor that connects the western part of the house to the rest of the mansion. Suddenly a pair of strong arms grabbed her and dragged her into a damp cold room. Before she could utter a scream, her voice locked in her throat as she glanced into the stormy eyes of Indra.

'So husband would want more privacy yeah!' snarled Indra into her face.

Indra was furious. First, Usha's behavior was deplorable. She had no right to misbehave with a guest. But Isha's casual dismissal, and the last comment about a husband has sent his blood boiling. He knew Isha was not interested and the thought was both welcome and annoying. But never did he think the reason for Isha's lack of interest was another man.

'Listing to somebody else's conversation is bad manners Mr. Banerjee', braved Isha as she struggled to get out of his arms.

Suddenly, Indra's hold became soft, sending waves of awareness through Isha. He weaved his fingers through her hair and came so close that she could feel his breath on her face. In a single streak of light sneaking in through a crack of the window, Indra looked mysterious and dangerous. Isha felt a slight shiver of fear and awareness, something she felt only with this man.