Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 22

Hmmm...." she said, the coffee washing down her throat. "So, KS what did you want to say to me?"

KS sighed, lifting her head, her glassy eyes looking at Haseena

. "Madam Sir......I.....I...." she fumbled, the words dancing further away from her. KS tried to express what she wanted, to say that she was sorry yet her throat kept swallowing her words. She slapped the table hard, groaning in frustration.

"KS...." Haseena said leaning forward. "First relax. You can tell me anything you want. Honestly. Consider me as your friend." Haseena's words pricked the wound in KS's heart. She looked up, blinking in confusion.

"Friend madam sir?" "Haan, I am your friend, aren't I KS?" she asked, a hesitation in her voice.

KS looked down, tears escaping her eyes, cursing herself thoroughly. Madam Sir considers me her friend and yet I have only betrayed her. I haven betrayed our friendship. I am not worthy of being her friend. KS exhaled, taking a long breath and composing herself.

She looked at Haseena, her confidence wavering.

"Madam Sir what I wanted to say was that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I did. I caused a terrible blunder. I misunderstood you and....I lashed out at you in my anger. Madam Sir, I am really ashamed of myself...." She broke down, her words trailing off. Haseena leaned forward, placing her hand on top of KS's palm.

"KS..." she called out. She nodded her head.

"No, madam sir, please let me continue. I have to say this."

Haseena nodded, her gaze softening.

"Madam Sir, as always I let my anger control me. I doubted you, I scolded you and threatened you. I....I gave you so much pain madam sir but you...never said a word to me. Never. You always only thought about me and I...." she trailed off again, her face puffed. "Madam Sir, I know that I'm not worthy of your friendship, nor of your trust but madam sir, I promise that I will grow to be the officer that you believe I could be. If you can please forgive me Madam Sir...I am really sorry."

KS held her ears, bowing down her head to hide her tears. Haseena tried to remove KS's hands yet she nodded negatively. Haseena sighed, leaning back, looking at KS who had her head bowed.

"KS....there's nothing to apologize for. Haan, I know that you said some things about me and honestly I was hurt..." she stopped as KS lifted her head. "But, KS, I've known you too long to get upset about such things, especially when you are controlled by your bhaukhal" she said, with a smile, leaning forward to hold KS's hand. "I forgive you KS, truly."

KS smiled, the weight lifting off her shoulders. She sighed, taking in a quick breath of relief, her hands pressing tightly on Haseena.

"So, KS you still didn't answer me" she asked, quirking her eyebrows. "Would you like to be my friend?"

KS smiled, her face blushing a deep tomato red. They both stood up, the tensions easing as they extended their hands, forming their iconic crisscross handshake.

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The pair continued talking, exchanging stories as the evening spilled into darkness, sprawling throughout the blackened sky. They left the shop, walking along the deserted roads, each wrapped in their own thoughts, enveloped by a comfortable silence.

"KS..." Haseena called out suddenly. "Honestly, tell me what happened to your hand?" she asked, her voice serious. KS smiled, gulping, averting her gaze from Haseena.

"Madam Sir...I...I..."

"You punched a wall, didn't you KS?" she asked, her eyes staring daggers at her.

KS looked down nodding, the guilt eating away at her. Haseena glared and huffed at her before awaking and seating on a wooden bench, crossing her arms across her chest.

KS knelt beside her, taking her hand in hers. "Madam Sir...I'm sorry...."

"Why do you always do this KS?" Haseena lashed out, interrupting her. "Why do you always punish yourself when you know that I cannot bear to see you hurt?"

Tears escaped Haseena's eyes, her chest heaving. KS wiped her face, her own emotions breaking out. "Madam Sir, don't cry. I won't do it again."

Haseena sniffled and turned away. KS came near, holding her ears, a puppy-dog expression in her eyes.

"Sorry madam sir." Haseena glared at her before she broke down into a stifled laughter. She helped KS and embraced her, her concern sparking through.

"KS, if you ever do this again, I will hurt you myself. Is that clear?" KS gulped, nodding her head, her eyes widening in fear.

The two friends walked along, their hands intertwined with one another, sagging against the other for warmth.

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