The Weeping Stars

The Treasure

One hundred years ago the house was raided by dacoits. They were looking for something specific. They barely looked at the jewels worn by the ladies. The rummaged the whole house for a small wooden box which contained a bejewelled krishna idol. Although very expensive, it did not equal the collective worth of the jewels worn by the ladies that day. But they left with just that. Indra great grandfather had an heart attack that very day. He died two days later, and the only thing he said during this period was, 'get the idol back, it holds the key to our fortunes'.

All this and much more is documented in the book. Most of it is discarded as fanciful renderings. Many theories of conspiracies and treasure run in the family. But none has convinced the future generations to explore further. But Avik had done much research on the history of the Krishna Idol. The idol has been part of the family for many generations. Its unique feature is a pointed umbrella that covers the head of the idol. Another unique feature is that although the idol was kept in the puja room, it was almost never taken out of the box for regular puja. Instead the puja was offered to the box.

Indra has always been fascinated by the stories of hidden treasure. As a young boy, he used to roam around the surrounding forest in search of hidden treasure. Often he would return home, with shiny bits and pieces, completely convinced he has found the hidden family treasure. Even now, the temple by the lake and the small islands in the lake fascinate him.

Tonight he was too restless. Something was bothering him. The news that Isha might settle so close to home has rattled him. His initial hostility is giving way to much deeper feelings which he did not wish to acknowledge. Making her leave the village has become a priority for him. He knew he can easily use his power and influence to get her out of the school, but his sense of honor would not allow it. Furthermore, if he was honest, it is his own behavior that is bothering him more. The girl is clearly not interested in him. Then why did he sought her out this morning. He surely had better things to do. With that thought, Indra delved into the book.

After an hour of reading, Indra still felt restless. He ventured out into the veranda. He lit a cigarette and took in the view. The lake was shining like a silver plate in the horizon. All around him, the calm of village night stretched out like a visible shield. The clear sky transported him back to that night when he met Isha. Always fascinated with forests, Indra was out exploring the thick patch of woods that adjoined the hotel he was staying in. He was spending two days exploring the nearby property market for a plot for his new factory. After spending a whole day in scorching sun, a stroll in the forest before tea seemed like a good idea. These forests were pretty harmless, with nothing bigger than a jungle fowl prowling the grounds. Half-an-hour later, he came across a small clearing. He was not prepared for the sight that greeted him. A young girl with unimaginable beauty sat in front of him. In the soft light of the departing day, her innocence cast a special glow to perfect features. The picture she presented rooted him to the spot. Indra will never be able to recall how much time has passed while he stood there soaking in the sight.

It was the thunder that broke the spell. Only if the girl had run in the opposite direction. But she came right at him. Holding her in his arms, Indra went a little crazy. His famed self-control slipped and he literally hauled her in his arms. Looking back, Indra realized he was more at fault than the girl. He should have known better. Years of being chased by predatory mums and scheming daughters has made him wary of any young girl. Instead of pushing her away, he wrapped her in his arms in a vain attempt of protecting her rain crashing down all around them. The kiss that followed seemed as natural as the rain coming down from the clouds. Both responded to a need as elemental as thirst and hunger, something man and woman had experienced from the beginning of time itself. Indra cannot deny that it was irresponsible and dangerous. But none of the rational thoughts kept him from soaking in her heart-beat and slight trembles.

Looking back Indra cannot put the entire blame on Isha. The situation had escalated into something beyond their control. Isha's lie most probably saved his life. His initial fear that she would chase him to demand her rightful position in his life proved baseless. She had made no attempt to find him. Even now, she behaves as if he does not exist. So, maybe its time, Indra does the same. There are more important things that need his attention. Stubbing out his cigarette in one impatient move, he walked back to his room. Never before he had spend so much time thinking about a girl. With utmost discipline, he locked Isha into the back of his mind and jumped into his bed. But he had no control over the dreams that came unbidden.