Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 32

Wordlessly, KS removed her own jacket and wrapped it around Haseena as they walked along the deserted streets. KS stole glances at Haseena, wondering of words to comfort her yet she failed. She walked alongside her, their fingers lightly grazing each other.

Along the way, KS bought a lime juice for Haseena laughing for the umpteenth time as Haseena scrunched her face at the sour taste. As the juice made its work, Haseena felt better, her head ringing a constant blow. KS took her to the beach, settling down next to a bench, the cool air flapping across their sleeves.

"Madam Sir.....I used to come here always with Veyom back when we were dating...." KS said, glancing at the rolling waves. "This was our place-away from the world, a place where we could be just ourselves. We would stay here, seated all through the night, counting stars and eating ice-creams- away from everything..."

Haseena silently listened to her, a melancholic pang reverberating in her heart. She had always adored the bond between KS and her husband. Haseena felt a bitter ache as she faced her own relationship with Anubhav, laughing out as she realized that she'd never get a happy ending. Maybe she didn't deserve happiness, she thought. After all, when did she ever get something good in her life?

After a moment's silence, KS turned to look at Haseena, staring deeply into her eyes.

"Madam Sir, I know that we have our differences and that we clash almost every day but I respect you as a senior...that is why I'm telling you this. I can see your love for Anu Bhaiya in your eyes madam sir but....don't depend your life's happiness on him. It's your life and only you get to decide who stays and who goes...." She paused, glancing at her eyes again. "Madam Sir, you've shouldered every responsibility from your childhood to now- be it your ammi or the station. Don't you think it's time you let go? Live for yourself without being defined by the society."

KS stood up and rushed towards the beach, rolling her trousers as she stepped into the water, leaving a surprised Haseena behind. She jumped about, the water foaming at her ankles as she waded deeper. She turned around, hurriedly calling Haseena to join her.

Haseena too joined her, hesitatingly at first. She tiptoed to the shore, dipping her leg slowly into the water.

"The SHO Haseena Malik is afraid of water?" KS shouted from a distance.

Haseena pouted, clearly annoyed as she stepped further, the water rushing to meet her. A huge wave engulfed her almost toppling her down when KS's hands caught her from behind.

"As long as I'm there, nothing will happen to you madam sir..."

Haseena nodded, gratitude flickering in her eyes as they enjoyed the water, pulling and pushing each other around the rolling waves.

The next morning, Haseena awoke with a groggy vision and a burning headache. She slowly stood up, massaging her eyes to clear her vision. It took her a few minutes for her brain to start working to swim through her foggy head. Haseena gulped, the events of last night staring at her. She got out of bed, hoping that it was all a dream when her leg brushed against the nightstand.

She glanced towards it and saw a cup of coffee along with some pills. There was a note tucked under it.

"Last night was not a dream. It was real. Drink the coffee and have the medicine, it will make you feel better- KS."

Haseena crumpled the note in her hand sitting back down on the bed. She held her head in her hands, groaning inwardly. Wordlessly, she drank the coffee and the medicines as she strolled to the MPT, her heart hammering in her chest.

Haseena stood in her cabin, wondering how to talk with KS. She was embarrassed by her actions and to make it better, she didn't exactly recall her actions of last night. She sighed, massaging her temples as KS entered. She greeted Haseena and stood to a side, her face filled with concern.

"Madam Sir, the medicines didn't work?" she asked.

"N...no KS they did...I'm just stressed." She stammered as she stood up and faced KS. "KS...about last night...."

KS smiled interrupting Haseena. "Madam Sir, there's no need to talk about it...This will remain between us..."

Haseena glanced at her, smiling as she was lost for words. "Thank you KS..."

"Madam Sir...just promise me one thing- that you will not be defined by someone else. Live life on your own terms. It's time to step out of the cycle of pain, Madam Sir..."

As KS left, Haseena sank back into her chair, heaving a sigh of relief. Despite their differences, Haseena knew that she was lucky to have a friend like KS. She mulled over her words, smiling as the meaning sank in. Haseena glanced outside, a weight lifted off her heart. She smiled genuinely, a positivity adorning her face.

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