The Story of us

Chapter 18:- Jaan-e-gazal

Haseena's POV conti

She sat in the passenger seat. I was about to hit the pedal.
Ks: wait
" Kya Huya?"
KS: App Kuch Bhool Rahi hain.
" Kya? "

She leaned on me. Our faces were a few inches apart. It was hard to anticipate her next move. I don't know what she was up to, but was definitely making things difficult. She leaned in more, lifted her hand and brought it near my face. Just when I thought she is going to grab me, her hand travelled to the seat belt behind me. Her position made the tip of my nose touch the surface of her neck. Her British Rose scent ignited a flame in me. So I held my breath. The proximity was making me weak. Her breaths were imprinting on my skin. She pulled the seat belt from the corner and moved away a bit only to torcher me with her touches. she lightly brushed her hand against my body while making her way to the buckle. She moved the belt as slowly as one could or perhaps it was all happening in slow-mo. I had goosebumps all over my body. The click sound of the belt helped me get out of her spell and I sighed as she moved away.

KS: yeh bhul gyi thi aap.

I started driving.
"I know what you are doing. You could have just reminded me but I guess someone is feeling a bit too touchy today. "
KS: I couldn't keep my hands off you? Madam, let me remind you that you were the one who froze after watching me in this dress. Should I remind you of your words?

"Stop doing it. "

KS: hum kya kr rahe hain?

"You know what you are doing."

KS: Haan toh koi ghar pe jam ke humare maze le raha tha. bahut Maza a rha tha na apko jab Pushpa ji humhe suna rahi thi? aab hum mazze le rahe hain.

"Toh aap Uss baat ka badla le rahi hain? Sorry KS, Wo appki aur Pushpa ji ki ladayi bahut cute hoti hain. Reminds me of my bants with Ammi"

Karishma's POV

I was trying to get even. I saw how she was taking rejoice in my annoyance. But I never thought that it could be something more. Her last sentence left her voice dejected.

"You miss Ammi? Aap Milne chali jayiye na. Ya unhe bula lijiye apne paas. Yahan hi to rehti hain."

HM: I don't know if she likes the idea of spending time with her daughter.

"Aisa kyu? Ammi hain wo Apki. App ek dfa baat toh kijiye."

HM: We share a complicated relationship. There was a time when we were close but everything went south when I told her about Saira. At first, she thought that I am pulling some sort of prank. Then for months, she thought that I am just saying this because I don't want to get married. She started saying that she won't pressurize me but please stop this nonsense, it's getting frustrating now. 

Humne Bahut dfa unhe samjhaya ke I  am very serious and this is a no joke but she was in denial. Then I think she came to realise that this is my reality. There wasn't a huge showdown of her disappointment or anger but I sensed it. She started giving me cold treatment and every now and then would throw some words that would hurt me. I know that this is not an easy thing to accept and especially when we are surrounded by people who see this as a taboo and something unnatural. Actually, I clearly remember her using these words to describe me. 

Don't get me wrong. I know She loves me and will be fine with my sexuality. She only needs some time. She wants me to be happy and l know when she will see me and my partner madly in love, she will come around. Until then, she chooses to reflect her affection by sending me my favourite meals. It's not the worst place to be in. But I do miss the relationship we had before all this.

"Do you regret telling her? It could have saved you from all this chaos.",  I asked. 

Hm: And pretend to be someone I am not? I wasted many years doing that. My act was so convincing that even I lost track of my reality. I thought maybe that's what my life will always look like. Perhaps, this is the way I was supposed to live, in shadows, always afraid of being spotted or outcasted. Then Saira gave me a whole new perspective. She showed me what it is like to live on your own terms, to not let society or life dictate you. She taught me to embrace myself, to laugh, and to love beyond barriers. She gave me my wings. And I want to spread them and fly high. I belong to the sky.  I cannot live a lie. I owe this to me and my loved ones.