Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 30

***Recreation of the aftermath of Masterji's Case***

Fractured, Not Broken- The Pain Beyond the Badge

Haseena slumped down in the seat leaning her head against the edge as she massaged her temples. She closed her eyes, heaving a sigh of relief, her heart feeling heavier than usual.

She had just closed the Masterjis case and the department had taken back all accusations against Haseena and the MPT. Ks, her best friend cum junior was also reappointed to the MPT. Haseena should be happy, shouldn't she? Everything had been solved yet why was she feeling slumped, as if she had no life in her anymore?

She opened her eyes, the soft glimmer of the morning sun rattling in her lids. She trailed to the past, to the enquiry held against her led by her best friend KS.

Haseena had always prioritized her duty. She was always bound by her duty as an officer and Masterjis case made Haseena question her own capabilities. Her attempts to uphold justice had bounced back negatively both on her and the mpt. The department had questioned Haseena's uniform, doubting her self-capability. She sighed, her fingers tightly woving around her baton. More than anything, Haseena was disturbed by the actions of KS.

How could KS do that, she wondered. Haseena thought that Ks was her friend and that she would stand beside her no matter the consequences. Haseena laughed, a hollow ache lingering in her heart. Ks had staged a fake drama of her own death just to prove that Haseena had acted in haste, spurring her own emotions above the law. Haseena gritted her teeth as they clashed painfully against her jaw, Ks's actions carving a knife in her heart. Wouldn't you do the same KS? Haseena asked, if you were in my place.

The jeep skidded to a halt jolting Haseena awake from her thoughts. She sat still, her eyes resting on the towering building in front of her. The Mpt had been her home for more than 2 years. Haseena had poured her blood and soul into the station, proving beyond an inexcusable doubt that the Mpt was a family at heart.

But now, a deep question lingered in Haseena's heart battling with unspoken emotions as she stepped inside, flashing her usual smile and confidence.

As the members rose to their feet to salute Haseena, she simply nodded. Her eyes settled on Ks as her emotions swirled battling for dominance.

Haseena stared at her, her piercing gaze neither warm nor cold. The baton lay curled in her hand, her fingers tightening around it. She smiled, despite the ache in her heart.

"Welcome back Ks." She said as she nodded her head before retiring to her cabin, holding her masked composure for as long as she could.

As Haseena left, the trio turned to their usual banter, yet Ks stood near the doorway, her heart thumping. She sensed an air of indifference, an air of hostility around Haseena. Ks stared into her cabin as Haseena unknowingly turned around. Their eyes locked, an intense stare in both, neither withdrawing their gaze. Finally, KS unclenched her balled fist and lowered her gaze, smiling faintly at Haseena.

Madam sir had changed, Ks thought as she paced around, cracking her knuckles.

Her mind traced back to the past, to the depths of Masterjis case and the inquiry against her. Ks knew that Haseena was upset with her for what she did. Yet didn't Haseena forgive her at the press conference? She lifted her head slightly, peering at the aghast sight of Haseena, her emotions rising to the surface. She punched the desk, her balled fist reverberating hard on the wood as she walked away.

Inside the cabin, Haseena felt no better. She had always been adapt at controlling her emotions. She was always the first to forgive. She was always the strongest one. But not this time. She exhaled, her head in her hands as she slumped down again.