The Weeping Stars

Taking Stock

Indra got back to his room in a run. The rain was coming down heavily now. He entered the room to find Ishaan sitting on a chair. 

'Hi', was all Indra could offer. He was not himself today. But even in his preoccupation, he did not miss the accusing look his younger brother was hurling at him.

'Whose tail have I stepped on now?' Indra joked as he proceeded to get rid of his wet clothes. 

Ishaan was not amused. He had seen her brother go in Isha's room. He came straight to the point.

'What were you doing in Isha's room. If you need to talk to her you can always meet in the library. Do you know how inappropriate this is? You are playing with a girl's reputation. A girl soon to be married to another guy.'

Indra took his time to get into a t-shirt and calmly lit a cigarette.

'She will not marry Nitin, as she is already married to me.'

Ishaan couldn't believe his ears. For a moment he thought Indra has lost his mind. He looked closely at his brother. He looked serious, and very determined. 

'When' Ishaan asked when he found his voice. 

Indra slowly narrated what had happened five years ago. He did not spare himself, shouldering the whole blame. He also did not attempt his true feelings for Isha.

'I want to make it official', said Indra, almost to himself.

Ishaan was overjoyed. His brother has finally found love. He never thought he would. He always expected him to get married as part of a business deal and be miserable all his life. He actually thought he would marry that horrible Usha.

'Thank God it's not Usha!' 

Ishaan hearfelt relief brought a smile on Indra's lips. It feels good to have a brother. 

'Then why is Isha encouraging Nitin?'

'She is hurt and angry. She also feels that it was not a true marriage. She thinks no one will be able to prove it now, after all these years.' Indra could not hide his frustration.

Ishaan replied carefully, 'she is right you know.'

'I know, but she is still very conventional. Deep down I know she believes me to be her husband. She just has to realise that.'

'And what if she is really in love with Nitin?'

Indra's mood changed in a blink. He used to like Nitin, before that fellow decided to like Isha. Now he can cheerfully wring his neck. He glared back at Ishaan. 

'I will not allow that to happen. I will make her fall in love with me. And you will help me.'

'Of course, tell me what I have to do', Ishaan said quickly.

'You will have to keep Isha busy when I am not around. You will also try to join them when ever they are together.'

'Bro, I have a job, a very busy job.' Ishaan said desperately. He seriously regretted coming to his room now.

'Ah, you are a doctor. How fortunate! Now that brings me to plan A. From this evening I will get a serious temperature. You will need to tell everyone I have got something serious and it's infectious. Don't overdo it though. I don't want mother to worry. However, someone needs to take good care of me.'

'Count me out', Ishaan was not amused. 

'I will return the favour, when you need to woo Runa.' Indra chuckled at Ishaan's stunned expression. 'You are not the only one with good observation powers'.

'There is something else I need to discuss with you. that is why I came to your room in the first place,' Ishaan paused to collect his thoughts. 'The tribals tell me that many unknown people are camping in the forests, with dubious intentions it seems. Do you know anything about it?'

Indra nodded thoughtfully. 

'There have been some parallel developments in the business. There has been some underhand dealings, aimed at undermining our credibility in the market. I suspect Usha's father had a hand in it. In fact, I believe the forest camping parties are also sponsored by Usha's family.'

'This is serious. Virat uncle has been with Dad for such a long time. Dad would be devastated.'

Indra has shared his thoughts with his father, and he did not seem very upset. 

'Dad will be O.K. I feel the grand scheme is to put me in a position that will compel me to marry Usha, and concede some major grounds in the business as well. We need to beat  them at their game. So, it's important that we keep my interest in Isha under wraps. Also, we need to keep her safe. Arrange for a car which would take her to school and back.

The concern in Indra's voice drove in the severity of the situation. But deep down he knew of the thrill that comes with impending danger. Things are getting interesting.