The Weeping Stars

Diwali

Isha is tired of waiting. He is coming back today!

After school each day has been a drag. She did everything mechanically. The former Isha, who was happy effortlessly, now seems a distant memory. She craved Indra like an addict craves a drug. As promised, he has been in touch.he would call at wee hours, and they would chat until the sun came out. Isha did not realise she had so much to tell him. They talked about their childhood, their school, their dreams. The only topic they carefully avoided was the future. 

Isha could see Indra was holding himself back. Every time Isha refers to her future, Indra draws back. So she has carefully avoided the topic, but for how long?

Indra sat brooding in his room. He had returned an hour back, but did not seek out Isha. He had to be strong. Right now he has to tell his parents about his decision.

Indra had a long talk with his parents. His father remained expressionless, and gave him a piercing look instead. His father knows about his plan, so his reaction was predictable. What surprised him was his mothers expression. She was speechless with fury. She only cast a withering glance at Indra and stormed out of the room. The men were astounded. None could remember when they had seen Anubha like this. 

'What do you think just happened?', his father asked him.

'It seems I am destined to fall from the graces of more than one woman tonight!', Indra observed sadly.

'I appreciate what you are doing, for the company we have created and preserved over the generations. But make sure the other party does not win at any cost.'

'They won't '.

Anubha's P.O.V

Isha was looking exceptionally beautiful tonight. Anubha had chosen her best jewels and saree for her. She was practically sparkling. But Anubha knew part of this glow is because she is in love, with her ungrateful son.

Her heart could not bear to think how much Isha will feel humiliated today. She looked at the girl smiling and enjoying with the other girls, and pitied her for the tears that would surely come later.

'How could he do it?'

Onek the past few days Anubha had grown fond of the girl. At first she had thought she is stringing along two men, but as time went on, Isha seemed to be doing her best to avoid Nitin. Anubha wanted to wait and see what these youngsters were going to do, but she could not imagine Indra could play such a game. For the first time she felt she did not know her son at all.

Isha's P.O.V.

Isha was not as comfortable as she looked. Nitin had decided to join them and has hardly left her side this evening. It seemed he was trying very hard to pretend everything was fine. But his every touch, even smile seemed unwanted. Isha mentally scholded berself. She should not be so unkind.

Soon she noticed Avik, Jitendra, Indra and Usha on the elevated platform in the courtyard. A feeling of foreboding coursed through her. She desperately tried to catch Indra's eyes.

'Thank you everybody for joining us to celebrate Diwali! On this auspicious day, I have a very good news to share with you all. I would like to announce the engagement between Usha Chakraborty, daughter of my friend and business partner Jitendra Chakraborty, and my eldest son, Indrajeet Banerjee. Please give them your blessings.'

A roar of applause hit Isha's ears, drowning her thoughts and filling her with confusion. She could hardly believe her ears. But the scene in front of her needed no confirmation. Everyone was busy congratulating the couple. Usha was resplendent, and Indra..oh..he was all smiles. It was unbelievable how happy he looked. Isha felt faint. She felt Nitin grab her from behind and turned her quickly into one the rooms leading off the courtyard. Isha was finding it difficult to breathe. Nitin handed her a glass.

Aftersome time, Nitin asked in a flat voice.

'You are in love with Indra?'

Isha could only nod. She never knew how much. It's cruel how betrayal give you a correct measure of love.

'I am sorry!', Nitin added in a quiet voice. 

Isha finally regained her composure. 

'There must have been a misunderstanding! I think something is amiss!' Even to her own ears, she sounded unconvinced.

Nitin regarded her with pity.

'I don't think so! It seemed to be planned and well executed.'

Isha could not find words to support her argument.

Nitin suddenly returned to her side. 

'Marry me' he uttered desperately. 

'I cannot promise you the sun and moon, but I will cherish you, like you deserve. I will love you with honesty and dignity.' He paused and continued heavily,

'I know you don't love me, but I will settle for trust and respect. Maybe with time, I will heal your heart and then, say ten years down the line, you will get fond of me'

Isha couldn't think. She could barely breathe it hurt so much. She  looked at Nitin gratefully. His proposal did nothing for her heart, but it did soothe her ego. And it was her ego that answered,

'Yes!'

Nitin knew this was not true acceptance, but right now he would do anything to get her. If he gates her on the rebound, no problem. He would make her fall in love with him. But first he needed to secure her.

'Can ai go back to my room?'

Isha was feeling so tired, she just wanted to sleep, or maybe cry.

Nitin touched her hand to gain her attention. 'Tomorrow you will be shifting to my home. Tonight you pack your bags'

Isha welcomed the order. It was a relief someone was taking her decisions. She felt like a puppet, but she would give anything to leave this house, with its memories and pain.