The Weeping Stars

The Feast

The Mullicks were greeted cordially at the Banerjee mansion. Most of them had known each other all their lives. The huge courtyard had been divided into three parts. One part was full of sofas and chairs, and the third-part which was near the kitchen, had been kept of eating. The middle part was were the youngsters were standing and chatting.

Like all traditional houses, the courtyard was surrounded by room from all three directions, except one area, that was reserved for the puja. Each and every corner of the house had been decorated lovingly by the family. Isha marvelled at the size of the wholle building. The courtyard alone can accomodate around an hundred people, without feeling crowded.

Everyone was dressed at their best. The men had chosen the traditional dhoti-panjabi, the women were decked in beautiful sarees. Isha had chosen a beautiful red and white saree, with light gold earings and a simple golden chain. She felt a bit underdressed among the gorgeous women decked in expensive jewellery and exquisite sarees. But this is all she had with her.

Isha and Runa found a quiet corner for themselves, while Runa filled her in the latest gossip. A beautiful woman in a blue saree was conversing confidently with an older, dignified looking woman.

"That's is Mrs. Anubha Banerjee, Indra and Ishaan's mother and the girl with her is Usha." muttered Runa hesitantly. Runa's tone got Isha's attention. .She observed the girl more closely. The girl had a confidence around her that bordered on arrogance.

"She is rumored to be the family's choice for Indra.The, parents especially Usha's are eager for the match" Runa added after a pause.

"A match made in heavens it seems," Isha replied with a smile in her voice. She tried to change the topic. "Let's find some refreshments".

"Speaking of the devil, where do you think he is?" asked Runa, casting a glance around her.

"He is not here".

"How do you know".

"If he were here I would have been reduced into ash under his glare by now", laughed Isha.

"He needs to be present for our plan to succeed", reminded Runa.

Isha let the comment pass. She just wanted to enjoy herself and meet new people.

"Would you beautiful ladies like something to drink?" came a smooth voice. Isha turned to find Ishaan standing near them with a tray in this hands. Runa and Isha each chose a glass. Ishaan pulled up a chair beside them. The movement caused a flurry of interest in the crowd surrounding them. Ishaan, however, was oblivious.

"You are looking like a rose, Isha." Ishaan complimented easily. "Who is your friend? I don't believe we have met".

Isha introduced Runa, as the two shaked hands. It must be Isha's imagination, but it looked like Ishaan held Runa's hand a bit longer than necessary. 

"You seem to have a short memory. We have met before. In fact we used to play together as kids, before you moved to Kolkata and then to England."

Ishaan blank expression made it clear he recalled nothing. He recovered smartly.

"We are old friends then. How wonderful."

Runa was relentless. " I vividly remember an incident, when you got yourself stuck in the thorny bushes near the lake and had leave back all your clothes behind. A find sight you looked, wearing nothing but a big banyan leaf.", she smiled sweetly.

Ihaan turned pale, while Isha suppressed a groan. Runa can be lethal when she wanted to.

Ishaan however, turned out to be more resilient than they thought.