Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 5

Haseena exhaled. She knew of SS's dilemma. She knew what she was here to talk about. Her transfer. She got up, stood in front of SS and stared at her, her eyes mellow and sparkling.

"SS...." She looked up and met Haseena's eyes. Haseena's heart gave way in pain seeing the helplessness of SS. "I know."

SS was surprised for a fraction of a second. "Madam Sir....." she started then suddenly stopped and rushed forward to hug her.

Haseena let SS cool off while she cradled her hair. Haseena herself was biting back tears but she had to be strong.

How could she let go of SS, Haseena wondered. She was their innocent queen. SS made their station alive with her innocence and impracticality. She became a little sister to Haseena, one who always made her laugh. Haseena couldn't even think of the MPT without her presence.

It took a while for her to calm down. Haseena held her by the shoulders, her touch shivering the heart of SS.

"SS.....the end is just the beginning of something new", Haseena said, her eyes full of warmth. "Think of this as a new beginning, a transformation."

SS blinked back tears and nodded her head. She wanted to tell how much Haseena meant to her, how much she looked up to her and how she considered her as her own sister. But she couldn't find the words. She was helpless.

"SS.....I'm really proud of you. I know that you'll do your best, wherever you are."

They hugged again, embracing the other so tightly as if it echoed of their finality.

********************************

SS's revelation hung around the MPT as a damp cloth inflicting everybody. Nobody wanted to work. Nobody smiled. Nobody laughed. Nobody talked. They were all wondering the same. How could the MPT exist without their innocent queen?

Haseena noted the grim difference in her team. She knew that they were all heartbroken, pining over SS. She couldn't let her team be dwindled in spirits. She had to do something. She sent SS out on an errand and headed out of her cabin to talk to her team.

"Everyone....I know this isn't easy but...."

KS interrupted her. "Madam Sir, what are you even talking about", she yelled, her voice flared in anger. "Easy....there's nothing easy about this. It's our Santuuuu....she...she's leaving...." She balled her fist and punched the table in anger not wanting to let her tears out.

"KS..." Haseena started yet stopped. What could she even say to them when she herself was distraught with the news? She breathed and composed herself.

"Listen....SS is starting a new beginning and I know it hurts to see her leaving....but this is the time we should support her the most....we are her family, aren't we Pushpa Ji?"

Puspha Ji looked up tears clouding her eyes. She found it difficult to talk. "Y...yes...madam sir. You are absolutely correct." She wiped her eyes and went near KS, laying a hand on her shoulder. "I know you are sad....we all are but our Santuuuu needs us."

The words sank down KS. She was not accustomed to change. She had grown used to SS's playful and immature antics. She needed her here but she knew that she had to let her go. SS deserved this transfer and she as an elder sister was not about to stop it.

"Madam Sir...." Cheetah began. "I have an idea. What if we got together and had a small party...for her?"

Everyone's eyes piqued at the idea.

"It's an excellent idea", Haseena and the others agreed. "Come on, let's show our innocent queen what it means to be a member of the MPT."

Haseena called for a group hug, each member embracing the other, unable to let go, their minds churning over the memories of their Santu.