The Weeping Stars

Digging up Dirt

Ishaan did not like his position right now. He liked clean clothes, warm bed and comfortable lodgings. But right now he was crouching down in knee deep mud, surrounded by mosquitoes and occasional toads. All for his blasted brother. 

They had started after midnight. They had entered the jungle and reached the lake without much trouble. Then they rowed up to The bank closest to Nitin's house. Right now they were crouching down in the grass and mud waiting for something to happen. Indra had warned him not to make any sound, or move an inch. And this is how they have been waiting for the past couple of hours.

Earlier this evening they got information that for the past one week, Nitin had started building a new house near the banks. But what had seemed unusual was that the builders were not local. Why bother to hire strangers if plenty of local builders are available? So Indra wanted to check it out. 

A sudden splash brought Ishaan out of his thoughts. A dark shape, much bigger than a fish, has appeared near the banks. A few more shadows are also standing near the bank. It was difficult to see what's going on in the dark, but surely it's not building work. Sudddenly a light appears from the island; a small flash. It stops as soon as it starts. It seemed to be a signal the group had been waiting for. Two men boarded a tiny boat and started rowing silently across. 

It took the boat around 20 mins to reach the island. It was too dark to know what happened after that. Ishaan and Indra waited another hour to look out more activities, but all seemed quite. Indra signalled Ishaan to follow him quietly. As quiet as mouse, the duo made their way back to where the6 had hidden their boat. The ride back was silent. 

'What do you think is going on?', asked Ishaan. They were back in Ishaan's room, after changing into dry clothes. 

'Check Nitin's bank balance and see if their has been any sudden increase in funds. I think he is getting involved.'

Ishaan felt disappointment. He had known Nitin since childhood. He did not think he would end up like this.

'But Isha is with him. Is it wise to leave her with him?'

'When is the wedding going to be?'

Ishaan was amazed at how cool Indra was looking. 

'Four weeks from now.'

Indra's jaws tensed visibly. For the past one month he has noticed how Nitin had been trailing Isha everywhere she went. Isha might not realise this, but she has become a prisoner. After marriage, she will become a slave.

'How can you let Isha be near that guy. You know how he looks at her. And how he touches her at every opportunity. My blood boils to think that. How can you be so cool about it?' Ishaan burst out.

Indra completely ignored the question. If possible, he grew more relaxed. 

'Tell me Ishaan, have you ever kidnapped a woman?'