The Weeping Stars

Searching for Her

Indra did not miss much. He avoided looking at Isha, but the moment she disappeared with Nitin, he became alert. He noticed his much time they spent inside, he noticed when Nitin left. The fireworks started soon after and Isha did not rejoin the party.

He noticed all this, all the while paying careful attention to Usha and her dad. A slip now would be fatal to his businesses. 

'Do you like the fireworks. Some were bought from the US. I bought the flower designs especially for you!'

Usha practically gushed. He knew how vain this girl is. Any mention of expensive goods would keep her happily satisfied.

'Oh its beautiful Indra! Thank you!' Usha replied coyly, feigning an innocence Indra knew she never possessed. Usha let her fingers roam suggestively on his arm. Indra laughed softly and leaned in to wishper;

'Naughty'

Usha giggled nervously. This was a new side of a Indra. She could hardly believe it. She has finally got the most handsome, rich guy she wanted. She has won! 

The evening seemed never ending to Indra. Only thoughts of retribution kept him going.

He returned to his room around 3:00 am in the night. Isha's room was shrouded in darkness. He was tempted to go there, to check on her, but he restrained himself. 

He slumped morosely on his bed. Sometime he wished he did not have a business to run. 

His phone buzzed. It was Javed, his trusted business head.

'Mr. Chakraborty has halted the take over-bid. Postponed it more like the looks of it. He has contacted our rouge shareholders and wishes to delay the share transfer.' Javed said.

'Good. Now before he contacts them again, I want you to buy back all our shares from theses shareholders. follow my plan, but none of these should reach the market. I don't want any uncertainty hitting the market.'

Indra switched off the phone with rare satisfaction. They has managed to restrain Usha's dad for the moment. But it is crucial for the share transfer to happen seamlessly  for his plan to succeed. He is ruthless when it comes to disloyalty. 

After one look at Isha's room, Indra slipped into sleep. 

Isha spent a restless night sitting on her window. She kept scanning the sky for the sun. She was packed and ready to go. She recalled her conversation with Anubha last night.

Anubha came to her room while she was packing. Isha was surprised to see her. She expected her to be downstairs, celebrating with the rest. She quickly wiped her tears.

Anubha did not miss much. She did not even seem surprised to see her packing. She put down the tray she was holding on the table and moved near Isha. She gently touched her hair.

'Are you going back to your parents?'

Isha struggled to speak.

'No! I am shifting to Nitin's house for a while. Maybeafyer that I will go to my parents.'

Anubha signed.'If you need your leave approved let me know. I will arrange it. But now eat. It's Prasad so don't waste any of it'

Isha nodded her thanks and handed her back her the saree and jewellery she had worn that evening.

Anubha shook her head.

'Please wear them. These are advanced wedding gift from me. When you wear them, please remember me'

Anubha left quickly before her emotions overwhelmed her. 

Thinking back Isha realised that Anubha had known all along how she had felt. Her kindness was the only good part of her Diwali.