Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 20

The pair exchanged a brief eye lock sharing their unspoken emotions before parting ways.

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The members of batch 11 flocked to the room where they had organized a small impromptu celebration. They had also invited Babita madam to the party so that they could all thank her for her support.

KS and Aryan stood in a corner drinks in hand as their eyes glazed at the raging party.

"Karu..." he began. "I will miss you yaar."

"Haan bhai, me too."

They turned to look at each other, their eyes locked.

"I can't believe it's really over" he said sighing.

"Do you want to start over?" KS asked, a gleam in her eyes.

He looked shocked. "Aarey yaar no....but maybe with you" he said with a low chuckle.

KS playfully swatted his arm. She kept the drink aside and straightened herself as they saw Babita madam entering. They all saluted her.

"Congratulations batch 11. You finally achieved this." She said, her face beaming with a rare smile as she eyed each and every cadet standing in front of her.

KS went near her and led her towards the main room where a small cake was placed on a table. She handed the knife to Babita madam who started cutting. All cadets enjoyed sharing the cake as Babita madam watched in muted amusement as they played and messed up with the cake. She smiled inwardly, a flicker of pride at her students. As they finished their banter, KS and Aryan stepped forward and handed Babita madam a small gift.

She opened the packaging and saw a photo frame of her together with batch 11. Her eyes clouded in tears as she recalled the memories. She had gotten to know each cadet as her own children and Babita Ji knew that she couldn't be more proud of what they achieved.

"Madam" Needhi stepped forward. "We wanted to thank you...for everything."

"Haan madam. You were a real inspiration for us. Thank you" Aryan commented.

"Madam....when I first joined the academy I felt as if I didn't belong here but you made me believe in myself and for that I am forever grateful to you madam. Thank you."

Babita Ji stood dumbfounded for the first time in her life as her students came forward and thanked her. Lastly, KS stepped front but she stood silent, the words escaping her grasp. She looked at Babita madam wondering what she could say to her.

"Madam..." she sighed. "What can I say to you that can express my gratitude for everything you've done for me? Madam, I have no words to thank you. It was an honor to be your student and ma'am you truly became an inspiration to me. I looked up to you not only as a mentor but as my own mother. From my first day at the academy, you stood behind me, as a guide and a beacon of strength...." KS paused looking down at the ground as Aryan lightly pressed his hand against her. She continued. "It was from you that I learned the value of duty and the importance of determination. Thank you madam for believing in me when I didn't even believe in myself....." she paused again and looked at Babita madam, the tears springing outwards. "I know that we will all be leaving today but honestly madam, I'd rather be here with you than anywhere else. Madam, thank you again...for everything."

KS looked down and closed her eyes forcing herself to be composed. She looked up, her eyes blurred and asked "Madam, can I hug you?"

Babita Ji nodded as KS rushed towards her enveloping her in a tight bear hug. She rested her head on Babita Ji's chest as she stroked her head. The members of batch 11 gathered around, their eyes glassy as they watched the spectacle unfold in silence as they all knew of the special bond between KS and Babita madam.

As the embrace between them deepened, KS recalled the time she spent with Babita madam. Every word and every punishment came soaring back to her choking KS with unspoken emotions. She knew that Babita madam was not just a mentor but her own mother. KS composed herself, Babita madam's words echoing in her mind. Babita madam was the force behind KS's success, the person who made KS into who she was today.

After some time, KS broke the hug and quickly wiped her eyes. She felt embarrassed for crying specially in front of batch mates. Babita Ji smiled and cupped her cheeks, holding her near.

"Karishma.....I'm proud of you beta and I'm happy that you've achieved your dream. I know you will only rise to the top now Karishma. I believe in you." She said as she kissed KS's forehead.

"And batch 11" she said as everyone gathered around her. "Thank you for this. It means a lot to me that I was able to teach you about duty and loyalty. You all meant a lot to me too and I am proud of the officers who are standing in front of me today." She paused looking around them, offering them a brief nod. "I've witnessed your journey from your triumphs to your trials and today- this is not the end but a beginning. A new beginning for you all. Promise me that you'll always uphold your duty with integrity as I've taught you."

"Yes, madam we promise you" they all chorused in unity.

As Babita madam left, an air of melancholy drooped the room. The officers lurked in corners, the air palpable with a thick sorrow.

"Batch 11" KS shouted as she stood atop a table. "This is our last day. Come on let's let loose!" she shouted as Aryan switched on the speakers. Everyone stared in horror for a while until they joined the duo, dancing and singing shaking off their nerves of fear and excitement. As the party winded down, KS and Aryan found themselves on the bench munching an ice-cream, the same their friendship had started.

"So Aryan what do you think of the future?"

"I'm not sure Karu but it won't be easy."

"That is true but we are trained officers now Aryan."

"Haan but...Karu do you think we are ready?" he asked arching his eyebrows together.

KS looked at him and held his hand. "Aryan, the future will be challenging but we proved ourselves in the academy and I know that you can handle anything."

"Hmm...." He whispered looking at the darkening sky. "Karu, will you still be with me after we part ways?" he asked in a doubtful voice.

KS hit his arm rather hard that he winced in pain. "Do you think I'll let you leave that easily?" she asked pouting her face.

He chuckled as he put his arm around her shoulder. "Haan yaar, I know. Whatever, the future brings, we'll be together. Promise."

The stars above shimmered with a quiet promise, their light cutting through the darkness. KS tightened her grip on Aryan's shoulder, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion.

KS smiled, the rush of memories overwhelming her. "'Whatever tomorrow brings, we face it together"

The duo lapsed into a comfortable silence as the watched the darkness invaded the night, lulling the air into a stilled silence.

KS let out a long breath as her gaze fixed on the deepening darkness. Her eyes flickered all around roaming through every corner and nook, a melancholy rising in her heart with each view. Each place at the academy, no matter how small had a place in her heart. KS knew that the academy had been her second home. It was the place where she had learnt the meaning of duty. It was the place where she had cried and laughed. It was the place where she learnt not to give up and to believe in herself. Most importantly, the academy taught her the value of bonds and relationships as an unbidden smile settled on her as her eyes flicked to Aryan. Her journey from a spirited cadet to a determined officer wasn't just her own—it was a collective triumph of every bond she had formed here.

She sighed and looked back up at the sky, an uncertainty hovering in her heart. Tomorrow, she would step into a new role as a police officer. KS knew that this had always been her dream but now that it loomed mere inches away from her, she seemed hesitant to welcome the change. She wanted to embrace the comfort and the familiarity that she'd grown to be accustomed to. Her ears strained at the buzzing of insects she heard all around. KS tightened her hold on Aryan reveling in his warmth for the last time as her eyes shone of a determination that spoke of the yonder future. Her eyes fitted on the horizon speckled with starlight as she made a solemn vow to herself and to her future. It was time to take the next step.

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