Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 19

They immediately turned around and cheered for their team who landed besides them in a matter of seconds. They rushed through to the next challenge effortlessly jumping through the hoops. One by one they completed the obstacle course without much effort yet they knew they had to continue for two more rounds.

They started again and felt the effects of the earlier round. Their limbs felt as lead, a raw fire burning through them all. KS struggled to keep her hold steady as she gripped the bars yet she braced herself and got through the course. Halfway through the challenge, KS saw that one of her batch mates had fallen during the hurdle race. KS hurried towards her and helped her to pass the challenge.

Babita Ji smiled, pride welling in her heart as she eyed the admirable leadership of KS. Babita Ji stood with arms crossed, her expression stoic, but inside she felt a surge of pride watching Batch 11 support each other through the grueling course.

The team huddled together for the final push yet found their body unwilling to participate with their determination. They lunged forward, each step a wheezing breath as they inched closer. They felt suffocated, an unbearable pain coursing through each limb.

The whistle blew as the team completed the set within the given time. They collapsed to the ground, their limbs shaking in protest. Babita Ji smiled at them as they all clambered to their feet.

"You did well" she said, glancing at each of them before they left leaving KS alone. Aryan lingered, sympathy echoing through his eyes as he left his best friend. He had no choice. KS watched his sagging shoulders and his retreating figure before glancing at Babita Ji.

KS watched Babita Ji who silent before her, her expressions unreadable. KS groaned in surprise as her whistle blew and she yelled "headstand."

Cursing under her breath, KS stood on her head fuming in anger as her limbs betrayed her. She stood thus for some time when Babita madam asked her to stand. KS looked at her, a flicker of hurt written all over her face as her mentor stopped looking at KS. She barked another order and took KS to another part of the training ground with an under constructed wing.

"I want this whole area clean. You have one hour."

Babita Ji left without looking at her leaving KS a shattered mess. KS started her work, the wires in her mind starting to derail her sanity. As she worked, the heaviness in her heart lifted. She knew that her mentor was upset with her yet KS was resolved to win her back whatever the cost. As she finished her work, she noticed Babita madam coming back inspecting her work. She nodded at her and blew the whistle dismissing her without a second thought.

KS didn't leave. She stood there rooted to the spot glancing at her mentor. Babita Ji's defenses momentarily crumbled with KS's unwavering resolve yet she quickly composed herself.

"Karishma what is this? You can leave now."

"Madam are you angry with me?" she asked.

Babita Ji remained silent.

"Madam please forgive me" she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Babita Ji remained unfazed.

KS took a deep breath and started doing sit-ups while holding her ears.

A smile broke out of Babita Ji yet she steeled herself. "Karishma stop this!" she yelled.

KS nodded her head negatively. "I won't stop until you forgive me madam."

She continued to do sit-ups until her legs gave out under her and she collapsed to the ground. Babita Ji ran towards her and knelt next to her. She held her hand, helping her to sit straight.

"Karishma are you okay?" she asked.

KS ignored her question. "Madam, please forgive me" she asked again with pleasing eyes.

Babita Ji watched Karishma crumble, her stern exterior resolving as she recalled her bond with KS. She had been a daughter to her and KS had respected her as her own mother. Babita Ji's façade broke down as she saw her daughter bloated in pain, struggling to stand still.

Babita Ji helped her stand yet KS winced in pain. She had twisted her ankle. She leaned on Babia madam for support as she endured through the pain.

"Karishma you need medicine" she said, her stern voice dropping low to a motherly concern.

KS refused adamantly ignoring the flaring pain in her ankle.

Babita Ji stared at her a while before breaking down. She cupped her cheeks and said "Beta I forgive you."

KS hugged her mentor as the overwhelming tears overpowered her. She broke the hug. "I'm sorry madam."

Babita Ji smiled as she supported KS to her room and bandaged her leg. KS collapsed on the bed, the strain of exhaustion creeping in. Babita Ji sat next to her and softly caressed her head as KS reveled in the warmth of a mother.

Babita Ji silently stood up watching the peaceful figure of KS cuddled in her blankets. She looked at her and a sense of pride awoke in her as she recalled KS's journey. She had watched her grow into a mature and responsible officer. She had evolved into a promising leader. Babita Ji smiled as she envisioned the prospects of KS's future. She left leaving a bottle of water and a bar of chocolate on her table.

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