The Weeping Stars

Facing the Family

The trip back was uneventful, almost boring. But nobody complained. Indra was exhausted, but he stayed awake to change the cloth on Isha's forehead. She still felt hot. Indra had managed to wrap the numerous cuts on her body with antiseptic bandages. But he couldn't do much about the bruises or the hand prints, or the tiny trickle of blood that had dried in her panties. 

She had been raped. That's what she said. 

'Which one?', he wondered. 'Does it even matter?' He laughed silently. What matters is that He couldn't prevent it. He couldn't protect just one girl, the only one that mattered. He had put his business, his family and his pride before her. And now he is paying the price, while he watched Isha shiver and moan in her sleep. While a tiny drop of water escaped her eyes. 

The boats docked at one of the non-description jetty's along the river and he swiftly carried her inside one of the waiting cars. In no time they reached the Banerjee mansion. 

Indra carried her to his room. Ishaan entered without any knock and went straight to the bed.  He looked at Isha for a long time before rounding on Indra.  His hands were itching to hit. But he was never a violent person. And he worshipped Indra. But today his God has come down from the pedestal.

Indra gave him a twisted smile.

'Kill me tomorrow. Save her now.' He said without any emotion. 'She was raped. Clean her up before she gets an infection. She is burning up.'

Without another look at Isha he rushed out. Ishaan stayed frozen in his spot. He knew he had had his role in Isha's condition. They had used her like a pawn.

He shook the feeling off. He had plenty of time to feel sorry for himself. Right now he needs to fix Isha. He set about to work. 

Anubha's P.O.V.

AnubhA had spent the whole morning in the puja room. The feeling of impending doom had loomed on her all night. She knew her eldest son was not in his room. He has also not been himself lately. She wondered if Isha had something to do with it, or if it was business. 

She took the prasad and went straight to Indra's room. She walked in and stopped in her tracks. Isha was lying on the bed, sleeping. The midday sun reavealed a very swollen face, with a well defined hand print on her cheek. Not much else was visible, as her body was covered in a very light sheet. Some tubes, however, could be seen going from various instrument around her into her body. 

Ishaan sat at her side, with ruffled hair and a determined expression. He had not seen his mother come in.

'What is going on here?' Anubha asked softly.

Ishaan slowly looked up. Anubha's soft tone did very little to hide the rage she is feeling.

'Isha is injured'. Ishaan said simply. 

'Who is responsible?'

'I am' said Indra.