A Starry Affair

He wasn't sure if it was because of the stars. In fact, the night had a strange effect on both of them. 

..Antares, Betelgeuse, Pollux, Castor...

"which one fascinates you! These stars, you know all have stories. In fact, myths. They have myths to their names. Which one do you like?”

Her voice trailed off and hit pebbles in a distance. It died somewhere in the middle of a road that they were standing on. The road led nowhere particular except out of their town.

It was her idea to go star-gazing as their first night-out activity.

Growing up she had never seen any. Only heard. The city lights were so numerous and with the pollution rising, even he knew how difficult it was to see stars. He too was only told about them.

She liked his company. She did not quite know if he did too. She waited for an answer someday.

He was happy to just be there. His life was about silence, a mono-tone shade.  Today however he felt different with her around. He wasn't sure if it was because of the stars. In fact, the night had a strange effect on both of them.  He finally spoke, "None. My favorite is Polaris" She smiled. He did not notice.  "Aha, that's the pole star"  She waited for him to elaborate. He didn’t.  Why, pole-star? she continued,

"Oh, that's simple.." She noted a rare energy shift in his voice, something she did not encounter much in their class.  "See, other stars seem to change their positions throughout the night because they appear to rotate around the poles. The celestial poles. But polestar is different. It remains fixed virtually" “Hmm”  She knew he liked to speak of stars and read about them. His favorite subject was astronomy.  He was liking the conversation, “Pole-star is especially useful in celestial navigation. It does not move you see” Intrigued now, she asked, So…?  He was expecting the comment.  Smilingly,  "Darling, don't you think it is awesome for us. For you and me.” He could sense a gap opening in her mind.  

“The very idea of something fixed, something unchanging, that provides accurate direction is a God sent reality. For us. No?”

She understood what he was saying. The question didn’t need an answer. Some questions never do.  She felt the December nip hit serene on her face. Pulling her scarf tighter, she brushed his arm. It was warm, like his presence.  She could not explain why she felt happy for the moment.  Years earlier her mother had instructed: Grab happiness without any question. Suspect sadness with a question. The drill had worked fine for her till now.  Silently she came closer. Her arm touched his and that’s where it stayed for a full minute. She boldly traced his fingers and grabbed them. His palms reciprocated.  The stars twinkled above. Light-years beneath so did two lonely hearts.  Closer by, a voice called out. It broke the night’s silence  "Hurry. The bus leaves in five"  He pulled her closer to his chest.  Murmured, “Wasn't that a brilliant night?”  She whispered, "yes, it sparkled more than any"

The bus driver put the vehicle in gear; reversed and set course for home.  He didn't need the Polaris for navigation. He could see the night road ahead. The bright green lettering on the side of the yellow bus read:  Provided by the BRA (Blind Relief Association)