The Weeping Stars

Meeting Him

Picture of Ishaan.

Isha woke up well before dawn. This was the time when she usually jogs. But today she decided to explore the village on foot. Runa was still sleeping, with her mouth hanging open. She truley was adorable.

The main door was open. The house was slowly waking up. On the road, Isha decided to go further towards the lake. After walking for an hour, Isha came upon a narrow path leading into a garden. She could see the mast of an old temple rising over the trees.

"This must be the old temple Runa told me about. The one that has treasure in it." mused Isha.

"A little exploration should not hurt".

Her natural curiosity got better of her, and what harm can come to her in broad daylight. The presence of a path suggests that this is regularly used by the villagers. As Isha progressed the going became more difficult. Big rocks and small thorn bushes were blocking the way every few metres. Soon she reached a high wall that seemed to circle the temple. The path ended at a small opening in the wall, where the bricks have fallen off to create a small opening. Isha climbed on top of it. Just as Isha jumped into the courtyard, a voice rang out.

'STOP'.

The sudden call caught Isha offguard. She missed her footing and landed on a rock. Her ankle twisted under her and she cried out in pain.

Approaching footsteps made her look up. Her eyes clashed with the most kind eyes she had even seen. It belonged to an incredibly handsome man decked in smart sports oufit. He looked to be in his eary twenties, had a physique that suggested regular excersize and general good health.

"Are you hurt. Let me help you". The man put one hand under her elbow and the other on her arm and effortlessly haulded her up. Isha looked up to thank him with a smile, but words died on her lips as she looked over his head.

Standing motionless against one of the temple pillar was him, her husband. He was wearing a hoodie, over faded jeans, but somehow managed to look like a model. This hair was the only thing moving in the light breeze that was blowing through the leaves. The eyes that she remembered so vividly were now boring into her like twin lazer blades.

But Isha is not the simple girl she used to be. With utmost indifference, Isha removed her eyes from him.

"Thank you very much for your help. I am fine".

The youth released her immediately. But as Isha took one tentative step forward, her ankle gave away suddenly. Strong hands caught her before she touched the ground.

"I don't thing you will be able to manage on your own. Let's sit on the pavement and check your ankle."

Isha smiled gratefully as the youth led her to the pavement outside the temple. It was just a few yards, but for Isha it looked like a mile. Each step was sheer agony. However, her mind was in too much turmoil to notice the pain.

"I am Ishaan."

"I am Isha. Nice to meet you Ishaan. Thank you for your help". I sound like a robot, Isha thought.

"No problem. Now let's look at the ankle. I am a doctor, so maybe I can help". Ishaan carefully undid her shoe laces and took her beautiful feet in his hands.

"His hands are so soft", thought Isha, "His touch and smile would cure half of his patients."

"This is my elder brother Indra", Ishaan gestured towards he unmoving figure near the pillar.

Isha gave a brief nod, and fixed her gaze pointedly on Ishaan's head.

"He does not exist. He does not exist", chanting Isha silently.

"I am sorry for yelling at you earlier. I wanted to stop you as just a while ago, we had seen a snake coiled under a stone near the opening. It looked poisonous. But it had moved awat it seems". Ishaan smiles apologetically. He let's go of her feet and stands up.

"You need to take it easy today. A whole day of rest should be enought to get you back on your feet. Where do you live? Is it far from here?" Ishaan asks as his eyes roam over her face with unabashed curiosity and admiration.

'She is so beautiful. How come I never saw her before. Must be a newcomer', Ishaan thought as Isha subconsciously adjusted her shawl around her.

"I am new here. I am staying at the Mullicks, on the banks of the lake". Isha explained.

"Oh, the Mullicks. We know them very well. How long are you staying here". Ishaan asked enthusiastically as he glanced at his brother.

His enthusiasm dries a bit as he takes in his brothers cold eyes and stony countenance. Indra makes a special effort to keep away from all girls. His dark brooding look, with a reputation of ruthlessness, make him a prime target for all unmarried girls. So, to some extent his aversion for girls is understandable. But the sheer animosity radiating from him, towards a complete stranger, takes Ishaan by surprise.

Ishaan clears his throat awkwardly, "Lets get your home."

As Ishaan makes a move to pick her up, Indra stirs from his quiet vigil. He puts his arm on Ishaan's shoulder and comes to stand between him and Isha.

"I will carry her to the road. Why don't you bring the car around so that we can give her a lift. We will meet you under the Banyan tree." said Indra.

"O.K." Ishaan left after throwing a curious look at his brother.

Isha's heart stopped beating. What does the devil want?

Isha shrinks back as Indra moved closer to pick her up. Isha's  'I can walk, thank you' fell on deaf ears as Indra effortlessly picker her up.An almost forgotten burning sensation assailed Isha. The uneven path complelled Isha to wind her arms around his neck. Pressed closed to his chest, Isha could feel every time his breathed in and out. Once again, she was enveloped in a feeling of well-being. But this time Isha did not fall for it. She knew she was once again in grave danger. This stranger cannot be trusted.

"So, how did you find me?", his voice was smooth as silk, but had an underlying edge to it.

"I was not looking for you. As far as I am concerned, you don't exist." Isha replied in equally chilled tone.

"What a relief. However, I will make you aware of my existence if you attempt to sink your claws into my innocent brother. Save your pretty smile and soft glances for someone else."

The unfairness of it all took her breath away. Before she could come back with a smart reply, he dumped her unceremoniously under the Banyan tree and turned away from her to light a cigarette. Isha glared at his back with as much hatred her kind heart could provide. If looks could kill, he would be dead by now. Indra caught her look and gave her a crooked smile. Isha's heart stopped for a moment. It's unfair how the most heartless man had all the weapons required to capture and break endless hearts. But Isha refused to be on that list.

'To hell with him', thought Isha, as she tried to bring her thoughts under control. She took in her surrondings calmly, although she could his heated glance travelling slowly along her body.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by the sounds of an approaching car. A station wagon stopped in the clearning ahead and Ishaan jumped out. However, before he could reach her, she was back in Indra's arm, who deftly deposited her in the front seat and took the wheels himself. Ishaan followed close behind.

The journey back was quick.