The Weeping Stars

Watched

The two woke up oblivious to the world. Isha opened her eyes to see Indra watching her lazily. Indra leaned in to put a small kiss on her lips. 

'Good morning!'

Isha smiled and then suddenly she realised where she was. She tried to entangle from the covers and his hold, but all her struggles brought him closer.

'What's the rush? Shh...calm down! Take pity on an ill man.'

'You are as strong as a lion. Let go off me. What if someone comes? I need to get back to my room.'

For a moment Indra's grip tightened ominously, making Isha tense. But it was gone next moment. Instead, he smiled mischievously. 

'I will let you go if you say good morning properly.'

'What do you mean?', Isha was suspicious of this new Indra. 

'Kiss me'

Isha blushed a pure Scarlett. She did not know where to hide her face. This will not be their first kiss, but to initiate one is beyond her courage. 

Indra put a finger on her chin and made her look up. 

'Just a little, chaste kiss, on the lips. Don't tell me you have learned nothing in the last few days.'

This made her angry. How could he laugh at her confusion. I will show him...just wait.

'I will give you one, only if you promise not to touch me and close your eyes'

Indra reluctantly closed his eyes. Isha quickly kissed his forehead and tried to dash out of the bed. But her captor was too fast. She was now trapped beneath him. 

'Let me show you how it's done. Open your mouth and let me taste you.'

Isha was caught in a web. She could not look away from those green eyes. She obeyed silently and within seconds she was drowning. The excitement was too intense. She started shivering. 

Indra released her immediately and moved away from her. 

Isha felt bereft. She looked at Indra with a hurt confusion. Indra smiled kindly. 'You are going to be late.'

Isha scrambled out of the bed to get a look at the clock. It was nearly 6:00 and the whole household was alive with activities. She should get back to her room before she is discovered. The realisation made her feel like a thief.

Isha hasty departure brought a frown on Indra's forehead. He had to do something to make Isha feel more secure. She deserves it. Indra has never felt the need to hide his works, but for the first time he has to hide his true feelings. He needs to visit their numerous offices to root out defectors and to prepare for a counter attack. But right now all his attention is centred around her. He has chosen a very inconvenient time to fall in love.

ISHA'S P.O.V.

It was incredible how happy she was feeling. For the first time in years she felt free; free of a secret guilt that she had carried for these five years. Unconsciously she put a bit more effort in her make up, hoping to meet him just before she left. 

But before she could go to Indra's room, Raghuda informed her that Anubha wanted to see her in her room. Anubha had never before summoned her to her room. They had always met and chatted in the dinning room or the kitchen. 

It took Isha some time to locate Anubha's room. Anubha was alone in her room. The sheer opulence of the room took her breath away. Isha had never witnessed such luxuries so carelessly      Blended in someone's daily routine. Isha had never been to any other bedroom other than Indra's. The sparse practicality of his room bore no resemblance to this room. Isha suddenly felt out of place. 

Anubha carefully watched the play of emotions on Isha's  face. Sheer wonder quickly dissolved into doubt and a bit of self-consciousness. Anubha can understand how so many precious and beautiful things can cause astonishment, but she cannot deny the fact Isha's beauty and quiet integrity outshines get most expensive possessions. She found it very hard to dislike the girl.

'Come Isha. I want you to select a sari to wear on Diwali. We are having a big party and everybody in this house wears sari that day. So, tell me, which one of those would you prefer to wear?'

Isha was lost. She could see a tiny mountain of expensive saree laid out on the table beside the dresser. She did not know what to say.

Anubha smiled slightly and indicated a beautiful red saree.

'This will look great on you. You will look like a princess in it.'

Isha opened her mouth to argue but Anubha silenced her with a look.

'Come dear, don't be shy. Don't you wear your mothers saree? So why are you hesitating?'

Anubha stared taking out many saree for Isha to inspect. Each one was as beautiful as another.

'Why don't you select for me. That's what my mum does'

Anubha's fingers stilled for a moment. She realised it will not be difficult to accept Isha as a daughter, if only she had not sneaked and led her son on. 

'All right', Anubha replied in a much cooler tone,'I will choose for you and you will accept my choice'.

The look in her eyes suggested Anubha was not talking about saree. It sounded like a veiled warning. Isha suddenly felt uncomfortable, like she was caught.

'Come to my room after lunch on Diwali day', Anubha continued in a much nicer tone, 'Now get going or you'll be late'.

Anubha sat in her room long after Isha left. She was so confused. If only she could confront her son. Unlike the rest of the household, she was not scared of him, but she did have a lot of respect for him. She also believed he could do no wrong. It is this faith that is making her hesitate. She should wait and watch, at least for the time being.