Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 21

Haseena's eyes widened, her fingers digging into her thigh. She struggled swaying with each word of Anubhav. The faint twitch of his lips, the husky roar of his voice and the scent of his perfume dragged Haseena down a past, a past that Haseena never wanted to visit.

She left Anubhav's office, his words churning in her mind. She slowed down, each step echoing of the last words she heard. She left, a tumult in her heart, fluctuating between forgiveness and anger.

KS stalled her racing heart, her eyes fixed in a steely determination. She vowed to herself that she would earn Haseena's forgiveness, no matter the cost.

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Haseena slowly opened the door of her room, staring in surprise at the complete darkness. She fumbled for the switch and flicked it on, her eyes meeting with a tray of food on the table. The smell of kheer invaded her nostrils and Haseena found herself smiling despite the circumstances. Her eyes travelled further, resting on the words "sorry" that had been arranged on the bed.

Her heart mellowed at the grand gesture of KS yet she forced herself to be neutral. She looked around the room and saw KS kneeling down in a corner. She immediately rushed near her and helped her to stand yet KS refused, adamantly nodding her head. She held her ears, looking at Haseena.

"Madam Sir, please forgive me. I'm really ashamed of what I did. I promise I'll never do such a thing ever again."

Haseena looked at her, torn between her anger and love.

"KS, first stand up. There's no need for this."

She refused again. "Madam Sir, I will not get up until you forgive me."

Haseena crossed her arms, the anger overpowering her. "As you wish then" she roared, sitting on the bed, huffing her breath at KS.

KS was taken aback by the sudden lashing of Haseena. She sniffled and composed herself making her way towards Haseena. She knelt near the edge of the bed, her eyes laced with regret and guilt.

"Madam Sir, I never had any intention of betraying you. Please believe me. I only wanted to see our MPT win the competition. I agree that my actions were wrong and that they can never be justified madam sir." She said in one breath, her voice quivering with each syllable.

"Madam Sir, you can punish me however you want. I'll accept any punishment but don't stay without talking to me" she pleaded.

Haseena gently lifted KS off the ground and helped her to the bed. Haseena sighed, KS apology warming in her heart.

"KS I am not angry with you..." she said, her voice trailing off. "KS I understand the reason behind what you did but you broke my trust KS."

"Madam Sir......give me one chance. One last chance."

Haseena stared at her, weighing the decision in her mind.

"KS, I will agree but only on one condition" she said.

A bright light flashed across KS's eyes. She turned towards Haseena, a triumphant expression in her gaze.

"Anything madam sir."

"I want you to write a letter- one for yourself and to me about how you will not let your anger control you in the future. Whenever you feel like lashing out in anger, read the letter that you wrote. It will help you to stay grounded."

"I will madam sir. Does this mean that you've forgiven me?" she asked, her voice a little hesitant.

Haseena looked at her avoiding her gaze whilst picking up the bowl of kheer. She took the spoon forwarding it to KS who stared at her dumbfounded. Haseena arched her eyebrows, a simple gesture as KS let Haseena feed her, the sugar coating her throat. Haseena smiled as KS took the bowl from her feeding Haseena a spoonful of kheer, the tension gradually releasing as they found their rhythm.

"KS....I know that you'll grow into a capable and mature officer. But you need to let go of your anger" she cupped her cheek and smiled. "I believe in you KS."

KS smiled, an unwavering gaze directed at Haseena. She nodded, her lips trembling "I won't let you down madam sir."

KS smiled, a rare action of hers, her breath exhaling in one swoop. She felt relaxed, a comfortability returning to herself. She edged closer to Haseena wrapping her arm around her shoulder. She closed her eyes, reminding herself of the promise she made, eternally binding herself to her word, anchored by Haseena.

Haseena looked at KS, a flicker of pride in her eyes. She knew that KS would ultimately be a capable officer, much better than Haseena herself. She felt proud to have been a little piece of KS's journey.

The pair fell into a comfortable silence, seated side by side. The storm that had threatened their relationship had passed leaving behind a renewed foundation for a stronger partnership. They knew that this wasn't just about forgiveness; it was a promise. A promise of growth, of unwavering loyalty, and of a bond that no storm could break.

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