The Story of us

Chapter 23:- The connection

Karishma was at a chai stall near some chowk where she was assigned for duty. It was 10 minutes since she held the cup close to her mouth but didn't drink. She was in deep thought.

"Kyu hum aise apna aapa kho dete hain? What ticks me? I was doing so well. Aur pta nahi MS kya kya soch rahi hongi humare bare mein. "

"But you were always like this Karishma. Why suddenly you started contradicting your views?" A voice came from within.

"Perhaps, I have started to realise how wrong I must have been. I cannot oppose a word MS said. I had no right to beat up a man like this. Moreover, it was for a selfish reason. I so wanted to get my mind off something that I choose this way. How will I ever face Madam sir? And will she ever look at me the same? I saw a disappointment that pierced my heart. I don't know how will I ever ask for forgiveness."

In Evening

"Santosh Sharma, Karishma Singh abhi tak nahi ayi?" Haseena asked while pacing out of her cabin.

"Nahi MS, Lunch per bhi nahi ayi wo."

"Okay Thank you!"

PS: MS, Humhe abhi Karishma ji ka message ayeya hai ke wo sidha ghar jayengi. 

HM: Okay Pushpa Ji, Aap please humhe inform kar dena jab wo ghar paunch jaye.

At Karishma's residence

PS: Hum jante hain app vapis kyu nahi  ayi Thanne.
" Bahut badiya. Fir aap yeh bhi jan-ti hongi ki humhe is bare mein koi baat nahi krni" she went to her room without giving a second glance to her mother.

PS: I really don't know how to get through you.

Karishma tries to sleep after changing into sweatpants. It was a long day. She wanted to rest her eyes but she couldn't sleep. The chain of events that transpired today was keeping her awake. She was lying in bed trying to get some rest when she heard her phone beep.
MESSAGE FROM HASEENA: Come outside.

Karishma was baffled after reading the message. This was unexpected. She went outside and she found Haseena's car. She went near the vehicle and said "Aap is waqt yahan? Sab theek hai MS? "

HM: Don't ask any questions and get in the car.

Karishma made herself seated in the passenger seat and Haseena started driving to the outskirts of the city. Karishma couldn't make sense of the situation. She had a lot of questions which Haseena refused to answer. The journey was quiet. Karishma was remorseful but didn't know how to reflect that. Whereas Haseena was still mad because of the incident and moreover She was furious at Karishma for not sharing anything.

After almost an hour's drive, Haseena parked the car in a deserted place.
KS: Ye hum kahan aye hain MS?
Haseena turned her face towards Karishma and said in a stern voice "I am Haseena to you. We are not on duty."
KS: Acha Sorry Haseena, But Will you please tell me why are we here?
Haseena shifted her body in Karishma's direction " And will you please tell me what's bothering you?  you had another episode? Karishma you promised me that you would open up and unpack what's been troubling you. But again you choose to run away from it. And this time that man was caught up in all this. You know I really didn't think you were the kind of person who would inflict pain on others to run away from theirs. And then again, instead of facing me, you decided to stay on field duty all day and then ran to your home. What will take you to un....

Haseena couldn't complete her sentence as Karishma wrapped her arms around and went in for an untimely, spontaneous hug. Haseena wasn't expecting this but she tightly embraced her. The silence prevails the moment and when it became unbearable, Haseena asked: "Do you want to share something? You can talk Karishma. " She snuggled her nose in Haseena's neck and said "Just....Stay like this na...For a few more minutes."

Haseena held her more tightly and waited for her to break the next stillness. Both were submerged in the moment. It was just a hug for the world but for them, it was the unseen connection that their heart use to converse. After some time when Karishma felt at ease, she broke the hug and said "Thank you again. And I am really very sorry. I know that I am at fault and I am very much ashamed of my actions. I didn't know how to face you after that. " They both came out of the car and rested themselves on the bonnet. Karishma glanced at Haseena and continued "I cannot bear the look you gave me earlier today. I couldn't gather the courage to face your disappointment. "

Haseena intertwined their hands "What disappointment? The way I acted this morning was as an SHO and yes  I was stumped at your actions but in no way you can ever disappoint me. " She moved her gaze to the sky "And I also got to know that there is no point in waiting for you to open up. You need a nudge. "

"I never pour my heart out to someone. I  always felt the need of wearing a mask and not let anyone know what's going on beneath. " Karishma said while diverting her gaze downwards.

"I know.....I sensed that. That's why it's hard for you to express your feelings. " Haseena pulled the intertwined hand and wrapped it with another one. This made Karishma shift her gaze towards Haseena. "I don't know why it's hard for me to open up. I guess somehow in between masking up and hiding, I lost my true self. Now I need some time to decode myself. But how do you make it look so easy? I don't feel the need to conceal myself around you. You have that effect on me. But it's difficult to express myself. Perhaps, even I don't know what to say or share."

"Then figure it out instead of running away from it. "

Karishma placed her head on Haseena's shoulder "Trust me! I am trying to." She looked at their hands all wrapped up with one another, a smile crept on her face. Then she thought of something and a question popped up. "Have you never considered settling down with someone after Saira?"

"What a way to divert attention from you Karishma Singh. "
"I am not swinging you away. Chatting with you always gives some insight. And I always end up seeing things differently. Perhaps, this will help me figure out my stuff."

"Nice Save! " Haseena chuckled and rubbed her face more into Karishma's head.
"I never really met someone. "

KS: And let's say you meet someone. Would you want to?
HM: Yup! If we are on the same page then definitely yes.
KS: Will you not be afraid of another heartbreak? A lot of things could go wrong.
HM: I know but one cannot let fear dictate their life.

After spending some silence in each other's grace HM spoke

"Well! I hope this fresh air helped you cool down. "
KS: I am definitely much relaxed but that's because of you.

Haseena smiled as she opened the door for Karishma. Both settled in the car.
KS while scratching her head: I was thinking...why don't I spend the night at your place. It's already too late. And your home is much closer than mine.
Haseena changed the gear  and smiled at Karishma " Spending the night  at my place? " she drove the car "hmmmm....I don't know. " then she gave a mischievous smile and said "Erade theek nahi lag rahe appke. "

Karishma nudged haseena's elbow in playful manner.
HM while sharing a little laugh: You can just say na...that you want to come with me. Ye guma fira ke kya baat kar rahi thi aap. In fact, You can come  whenever you want, ye permission lene ki zarrorat nahi hai aapko.

Both reached in front of Haseena's residence. They saw that a man was trying to get into her house. His face was covered with a monkey cap. The Man got alerted by the headlights and ran. Karishma immediately got out and chased him to the streets. Haseena yelled at Karishma to stop because she was in casuals without any weapon. What if she ran into a trap?Haseena parked the car, grabbed a gun from her glove compartment and ran behind Karishma.