The Weeping Stars

Kidnap

Isha's kept staring at the plate with enough intensity to dissolve it. Nitin's undivided attention has begun to rile her. It is also gaining a lot of disapproval from the other family members. Nitin's parents are growing more cold towards her, while his cousins openly cold shoulder her. It's no secret that this marriage is happening only due to Nitin's insistence. And his unwavering devotion to her is earning glares from everyone aroud her.

 Tonight was no different.

'I don't need any more chapattis', said Isha with a firm and resolute voice. 

'Come on, you have lost so much weight. Please have one more'.

Isha accepted one more chapatti just to end the conversation. This has become a routine. Nitin imposing his wishes on her, and Isha accepting just to be left alone. In her current frame of mind, she just wanted to be alone. The rest of the family avoided her, but Nitin follows her around like a lost puppy. The more he senses her withdrawal  the more insistent he has become.

The end of the meal came finally. Isha rushed to her room towards the back of the house. Every night she locks her door securely. Nitin's possessiveness is making her dread her impending marriage. He touches her at every opportunity. She could hardly draw attention to those fleeting touches, which seemed innocent enough. But deep down, she could not help compare them with the moments she had spent in Indra's arms. Her skin crawls to imagine any other hands on her. But she had sealed her fate, like scores of other girls who had compromised.

Her phone brought her out of her thoughts. It was her mum.

'Hi sweetheart! How are you?'

'I am fine mum?'

'I wanted you to come back home before the winter break. Can you not arrange for some leaves? We need to do so much shopping. We want you to be a part of it all.'

Isha did not feel any interest for the shopping, but her longed for her home. She will get some respite.

'The winter break is just a week away mum. I will still try.'

Indra's P.O.V

'Sir, Isha has submitted a leave application which has been accepted. She is starting for her hometown tomorrow.'

'Is Nitin travelling with her?'

'Yes'

'Find a way so that his plan changes suddenly. I want Isha on that train alone'

Indra finished the call with satisfaction. Finally things are moving. He had waited patiently for an opportunity for so long. Finally he will get what he wants. 

Ishaan watched his brother carefully. He was not at all pleased with role he ha to play in the drama.  What if he gets caught.

Indra looked at him and smiled mischievously. 

'I would have gleefully swapped places with you, but I can't. I need too many alibis. You, on the other hand, are above any suspicion. And I will relieve you of your responsibilities very quickly, you can be assured of that.'

'I bet you can't wait to get you hands on her'

'Can't wait'.

A week later, Isha and Nitin were waiting in the station. Isha could hardly believe how her life had changed since she was last here. If she had had an inkling, she would have boarded the net train out of here.

'Do you need juice?'

Isha signed tiredly. She was already tired of Nitin's company and they had just been together for 30 mins. If only Usha was here, she could have unburdened her heart. Now she hoped the train is not late.

The train was not late. As they started to board the train, a man came to them hurriedly. He dragged Nitin to a side and started talking rapidly. Isha settled herself in a window seat and leaned out to see what was going on. Nitin looked worried. 

The train sounded it's whistle. Nitin rushed back to her window.

'Something has come up. I won't be coming with you'. Isha hid her relief with difficulty and nodded solemnly.

'I hope no one is ill'

'No every thing is fine. It's work. Are you sure you will be all right?'

'I will be all right. Don't worry. I will give you a call once I reach home.'

The train had started to move. Nitin walked with the train for sometime, but soon gave up. Soon the whole town was swallowed up by lush green vegetation. The relentless rhythm of the train had an hypnotic effect. For the first time in days, Isha felt peaceful. The train stopped at many stations, but most of it was a blur for Isha. The mundane activities around her helped to induce a feeling of reality into her. She was not the only one with problems. Everyone had some problem of their won, and every one of them triumphed over them in their own ways.

Isha did not notice a familiar face boarding the train from one of the stations. In fact, unknown to her, around five people in the compartment were there to keep an eye on her. The latest addition was Ishaan.

'Hello dreamer! A penny for your thoughts'

Isha jerked out of her day dreams. What was Ishaan doing here?

Ishaan lowered himself next to her. 

'I was visiting a patient. Where are you off to?'

'Home'

The single world held a wealth of meanings in it. Ishaan felt her misery in his bones. But he admired the way she was putting a brave face on it. 

'Good. I am also heading to Kolkata. I need to attend a conference'

Ishaan and Isha started chatting. Both carefully avoided any mention of the two impending marriages. Isha found it easy to talk to Ishaan. Ishaan bought tea and some snacks for both of them. Isha did not quiet remember what happened after that.

Ishaan picked up his own bag and Isha's suitcase from the overhead rack. Then he moved near Isha and softly wrapped his arms around her waist. She was not yet asleep, but looked dazed. He nudged Isha and hauled her up.

'That's our stop sweety'

To any onlooker, he looked like an attentive husband helping his wife. But in reality, he had to use all his strength to keep Isha upright with one hand and hold the bags with the other. Isha trudged Along obediently. 

The station was just a small stretch on concrete. The five men also got down and formed a circle around the couple. After the train left, the group divided into three groups and started descending the stairs that led them down to a beaten path. Ishaan carried Isha briskly along the path till they found a cycle van. The van took them all to a quiet river and, hidden behind trees. In a moment, Isha was transferred onto a boat. By the time the boat reached mid river, Isha was fast asleep in the strong arms of her captor.

'