The Story of us

Chapter 35:- Courageous but is it too late?

Chapter 34 is up. I accidentally published it before so had to take it down. but now you should be able to open it.

The engagement Night

Haseena was sitting on the lawn. She couldn't see the love of her life with someone else. She wanted to avoid the ceremony. So she was sitting alone outside trying hard to hold back her tears.

"Madam sir aap yahan hai? Wahan pe ceremony start bhi ho gyi hai. Pushpa ji bula rahi thi aapko. " Said santosh emerging from the hall.

"Wo call a gyeya tha toh wahi attended krne aye the. Aap chaliye, hum aate hain." She didn't want to go but Pushpa Ji could be very adamant and she knew that no excuse would justify her missing the ring exchange. She had to go. She composed herself and went towards the hall.

"Kahan thi Aap Madam Sir. I don't want you to miss it. After all, you are the one that has partially made this day come true. You came into her life as a blessing. " Haseena gave a made-up smile followed by an impromptu chuckle. The irony that her life played gave her a 2 secs laughter.

"You have made her a better person. She never have been happier. And it all happened when you came into her life. Thank you Madam Sir. Thank you so much."

Haseena hugged Pushpa ji in return wishing all the happiness to Karishma. She straightened her posture and got ready to face what could be the most devastating night of her life.

It is time for exchanging rings. Karishma's hands are trembling. When Farhan grabs her hand, Karishma feels a repulsion. She wants to run away and get out of this nightmare. She is having second thoughts. When she looks up and finds Farhanbeing the bearer of her hand, she knows that he is not the person she wants there. Perhaps, it was all a big mistake. She cannot do this. She looks around to find Haseena. All she wants is Haseena's one look and she will end it right there. 

Karishma's eyes are searching for Haseena. And then their gaze met. Haseena didn't want Karishma to be affected by her inner turmoil. She doesn't want to ruin this special day. So she fakes a smile. A big one. For a few seconds, Haseena bypassed her present, she just smiled, engraving Karishma's every feature in her heart. Each moment they spent together is still fresh, Each touch is still lingering on her body. This is the first time in a while she properly laid her eyes on her and might be the last. Her smile is fixed. 

Karishma just when she was looking for her an answer saw the curve on Haseena's lips. Just when she gathered some courage to do something, Haseena's smile crushed her heart. She looked for any sign of hope but maybe it was her own oblivious timidness that didn't let her see beyond the smile. If only she read Haseena's eyes instead of lips, she would have known the pain they were holding. How traumatising they were because of this separation. She choose to focus on Haseena's smile instead, and her heart broke into pieces. She submitted herself to the ceremony and they were engaged. The joy spread across the hall. The cheerful music that was supposed to celebrate this lovely moment brought extreme misery to the souls who were dying to be one.

The function has almost come to an end. Whole night Karishma's eyes were following Haseena like a hawk. Haseena dodged any trembling thoughts by avoiding Karishma. She needs to accept that Karishma and she were never meant to be. That it was all one-sided. Haseena faked her laugh and happiness throughout the night. Whereas, Karishma tracked Haseena's every cracked smile, the little chuckles and some pleasant greetings. 

It was an end to the night. Haseena thought of slipping away without being noticed but to her unluck, Pushpa ji dragged her to Karishma.

"Ye Dekho...Tumhari Madam sir jane wali thi. Inhe bolo ki humare sath chalein.Aab Shadi tak Humare ghar hi rahegi ye." Pushpa Ji asked her daughter to convince Haseena.

"Ruk jayiye. Please" It may seem that Karishma said it in context to her mother's conversation but what she really meant was, to stay with her and never leave for eternity.

Haseena avoided looking at Karishma. She wasn't sure if she has any energy left to control her emotions. Instead, she embraced Karishma in a hug, she closed her eyes, her face dug deep into Karishma's shoulder. She whispered "I guess I was never meant to stay. " She left Karishma and cleared her throat. "I will have to go to the Station. There is this high-profile case DSP sir wants me to handle. It's better if I stay at my place. And congratulations Karishma Singh" she didn't dare to make any eye contact and left.

Karishma felt some piece of her was going away. Like Someone was snatching her skin off.

" I am supposed to start this new life of a lie but all I can think about is you. You leaving. You going away and lurking off in the shadows where I cannot follow you. You know what.......I can't take this. I am not letting you go. "

Karishma followed Haseena to the parking. She was about to stop Haseena when her phone beeped. She glanced at the notification and her feet stuck to the ground. It felt like another big storm has captured her.

Haseena unlocked her car. To her surprise, she saw Karishma standing a few meters away with her head fixated on the phone. She planned to leave in hurry but Karishma's posture caught her attention. She decided to ask Karishma if everything is alright.

Karishma got aware of Haseena's presence by the sound of her footsteps. Before Haseena could say anything, Karishma asked "Are you leaving this city?". She forwarded her phone to Haseena, it had an email opened from DSP. The email stated that as per Haseena's request she is no longer the SHO and until they find the right candidate, Karishma is supposed to take the charge.

"When were you going to tell?"

Haseena didn't know how to answer. She was quiet. Karishma studied Haseena carefully. "Were you ever going to tell me?" Dejected Karishma asked on the verge of crying.

"How can you be this selfish Haseena? "

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Penny for your thoughts? Also, this one is unedited. Was just feeling restless so I posted it today. Even I can not bear their separation anymore.