The Weeping Stars

Matrimonial tangles

Isha put a bindi on her forehead and carefully observed her image. She was wearing a nice black saree with a delicate hem. A few well chosen beads was all that it took to make a simple saree look both elegant and understated. There was nothing wrong with her make up today. Lips were    hued in pretty pink, and hair well adorned, not a single strand out of place. The only problem was her expression- she did not look happy.

Isha shrugged off her black mood. Today she was invited to have dinner with the Mullick family. Nitin is coming to pick her up. She was determined to give this a chance.

She was waiting by the door when she saw the men emerge from the office quarters. Isha received a dew smiles and nods from the seniors, while Indra just walked past without a glance. Ishaan, however, spotted her and jogged down the courtyard to join her.

'Looking good. Are you going somewhere? '

'I am having dinner with the Mullicks tonight', Isha said, 'Nitin is coming to pick me up'. Isha blushed slightly and this did not escape Ishaan. However, he hid his curiosity well and asked

'How r u coming back? Shall I ask Bhibhuda to collect you?'

'I suppose Nitin will drop me back'. This time Isha could not hide her consciousness.

Ishaan was getting more and more curious.

In a distance, they could see Nitin approaching. Nitin greeted both of them cordially,but there was a special light in his eyes as he took in Isha. In a move that surprised both of them, he offered his hand to Isha. Isha recovered first and hastily took his hand. There was no mistaking the beam in Nitin's smile now. The duo bid their goodbye and left a very bemused Ishaan behind.

Ishaan P.O.V.

Something bothered Ishaan. The idea of Nitin and Isha was not bad, actually, it was good. But there has been no indication that they were getting close. Isha has never shown any special preference for Nitin, although Nitin's interest has been obvious lately.

The last few days have been very hectic. His job in the local hospital was taking more time to finish than expected. Moreover, Indra's recent discoveries and latest developments have convinced him to spend some time in the village. Every night now they are forming small patrol groups to keep an eye on the forest. So far there has been little activities to report.

Indra has been a problem lately. His business always has been ruthless, but now there is determination in him that is a bit disturbing. He was supposed to travel to Europe and then to USA, but seemed oddly reluctant to leave the village. It's almost like he is guarding something. Others might not have noticed it, but he is keeping an eye out for Isha. Everyday, when Isha comes back, he is at his window, looking out. It can't be a coincidence, if it's been happening for two weeks now. He wondered if bro knew about the latest development.

Later that night, Ishaan carefully brought about the topic. 

'Is Isha back yet?' He asked casually to one of his sisters.

 The answer came from his mother.

'The Mullicks have late dinner. They would have asked her to stay, but might not look appropriate now that they are thinking of getting her there permanently' Anubha smiled softly,

'But not to worry. Nitin will drop her. I bet he cannot let her out of his sight now!

Her answer confirmed Ishaan's suspicion. He sneaked a little peak at his brother. He was surprised to see Indra looking straight at him. His expression gave nothing away but his look promised retribution.

Ishaan gave him an innocent shrug and continued with his dinner. He can't wait to hear what his brother thinks. Things are getting interesting.

After dinner Ishaan headed for his brothers room. He knew Indra will come there shortly. He was one of the very few who could enter his brother 's room without permission. He settled himself comfortably on the bartered old chair near the mirror.

Soon enough Indra entered the room. There was no mistaking the rigid set of his shoulders. Ishaan suddenly felt sorry for Isha. No wonder she is running. Who can keep up with such bad tempers.

'When did she go? What do you know about them?'

Ishaan wasted no time in pretence. 'I don't know much, but Nitin came to collect Isha this evening'

'Why did you think there is more to it than casual social meeting?'

Ishaan shifted uncomfortably, 'here comes the crunch' he thought.

Indra lit a cigarette and surveyed Ishaan icily. 

'You usually don't bring up casual acquaintances in dinner conversations,' promoted Indra.

Ishaan debated on playing the innocent, but Indra's expression was not encouraging. 

'Isha was looking nicer than, usual...you know. A bit of makeup, nice saree and all that. She also blushed when she mentioned Nitin. Nitin offered his hand in greeting..things like that'

Indra's jaw tightened. Girls would do anything to get attention. He ignores her fir some time and she runs to another man...how predictable! Indra expected more from Isha.

In the background, Ishaan continued his monologue. 

'I think I had seen it coming. The Mullicks have known Isha for a long time, and Nitin is a good match for Isha. Nitin has been showing lot of interest in her lately. I think they will make a very good couple.'

Ishaan's optimism met a dark wall in Indra's features. 

'Let her enjoy the lull as much as she can. I have a big storm planned for her.'