The Weeping Stars

The New Beginning

Isha looked beautiful. She was decked in gold. She was wearing a bright red saree. She could barely believe the mirror. Anubha herself had made her ready for the ceremony. It was a simple ceremony, to be held in the village temple. The whole village had been decked up with flowers and lights. The temple had got a new lease of life for this ceremony. 

Runa could not come. Isha wondered if she had lost her best friend. Nitin's family too, did not make an appearance. Isha was so ashamed for the misunderstanding. But some things were just beyond her control. 

The ceremony had already began. Soon her cousin brother's picked her up for the traditional rounds around the groom. She looked at her groom and realised, for the first time, how lucky she was. Indra loved her, only her, and would go to great lengths to keep her safe. They were two exceptionally lucky people, who had found each other.

The wedding was a simple affair. After three hours, it was over. The family around looked very happy. Only a few select photographers and journalists were invited to cover the wedding. The whole business world were awed by the simplicity of the affair. But that is how Isha wanted it, and that is how she was going to get it. 

The next two days passed in a whirl. Isha could not help feel overwhelmed and tired by it all. In reality she just wanted to spend some time with Indra. After that night, Indra barely spent anytime with her. It was either business or family for him. 

Tonight she waited eagerly in the cot decorated with flowers. Indra came in and closed the door. He had a box in his hands. Isha was dressed in a simple cotton saree. But she did smell of flowers.

Indra smiled at how beautiful she looked. He took out the necklace from the box and asked her to come closer. Isha looked at the beautiful necklace in his hands. It looked old, very very old.

Indra put it around her neck.

'Did you know where I got it from?'

'Where'

'I got it from the dungeons. There is a temple underneath. Do you remember?'

The mention of the night made Isha move back. She retreated in her shell, but Indra was too quick for her. He pulled her back in his arms.

'Tonight we will not shy away from the truth. You will tell me everything, and I will tell you my side of the story.'

Isha looked away from him.

'O.K. I will go first. When I left you that morning, it was a trap, and I fell for it. I am so sorry I left you alone. I will never forgive myself for that, but I need your forgiveness. Please forgive me for not reaching you on time'

Isha's breathed in a deep breath. All that happened that night flashed in front of her eyes. She stayed silent in his arms are Indra narrated how he had come into the tunnels to get her. When he finished, she sat stunned at the implications of it all. HE COULD HAVE DIED!

They were now sitting on the bed. The lights were switched off, but there was plenty coming in from outside. Indra observed Isha's nails closely.

'You don't have to forgive me today, or tomorrow, or maybe next year. But someday, I promise, I will make you forgive me'

Isha moved in to embrace him. She started crying.

'I have forgiven you. I just can't forgive myself. I got raped. I was supposed to be just yours, but Rudra..he..he..'

'Shhh... you did not get raped. He did it. It was his choice. You have no control over other's behaviour. And the body never gets dirty, its the soul that gets damaged. As long as your soul is safe with me, nothing can touch your body.'

'You don't care that I got raped.'

'I am sorry that you got hurt. I wish I could share your pain, but I would rather if we both forget the rape.'

Isha shivered and leaned closer. 

'What if Rudra comes back?'

'We are taking good care of him. By the time I let go of him, he will not wish to come near us. But if he does, or anyone else does, we just have to fight them off. You cannot live in fear, I simply won't allow that'

'What other things you won't allow?'

'No modest clothes in the morning. No showering alone. No sleeping alone...the list will go on'

'And what if I refuse'

'Punishments'

Isha smiled coyly. 

'Can you show me?'

'With Pleasure'

In the half-light they made love. Isha still required encouragement, but Indra had loads of patience in stock. This time it was Isha who helped him out of his clothes. She then proceeded to take off her clothes.