Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 39

As Aadya spoke, Haseena shifted to the past, to the early days of her academy. She recalled the importance of discipline and how rigorously it was maintained. She flew, her mind a bolt of lightning to her first posting. It had been a tough journey and Haseena had been reprimanded on numerous occasions. She recalled how Aadya maintained her strict yet gentle nature, always ensuring that her juniors learnt from their mistakes.

"Haseena, do you remember that day when I had to punish the entire team for misbehaving?" Aadya asked, a mischievous gleam twinkling in her eyes.

Haseena lowered her head, the memory poking its way to the surface. Haseena and the team had slackened off, putting aside their responsibilities for some time as they turned the station into a makeshift arcade. Haseena could still remember how Aadya had punished them, the memory gripping her tight as a vice.

"Do you remember what happened?" she asked, gently lifting Haseena's head.

"How could I forget madam?" Haseena asked with a cute pout. "We had to clean the entire station in just one hour and on top of that, you had assigned me with tons of paperwork. I almost lost my hand completing the charge-sheets that day madam..."

Aadya laughed, Haseena pouting face taking her back to the past. "And what did you learn from that Haseena?"

"Never to anger you madam..." Haseena answered almost absent-mindedly as Aadya's hands curled on her ears. Haseena stepped back immediately, a scowl adorning her face as she churned over her words. "That not every misdemeanor can be called as irresponsible and that discipline is vital..."

Haseena stopped, realization hitting her hard. The memory of her punishment though dreadful reminded Haseena of what she needed to do. Discipline was at the foremost of their training and it was Haseena's duty as a senior to remind her juniors of that.

She smiled, smacking her lips. "I understood madam."

As she left the park with Aadya, the weight lifted off her shoulders, Haseena glanced back to the bird's nest. It was silent, the chicks fallen asleep at their mother's feet. Haseena exhaled, a determination flashing in her eyes as she stepped, her grace and confidence back. She knew what she had to do. As a senior and the SHO of MPT.

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Haseena arrived at the MPT with Aadya as they were greeted by the usual banter of the MPT. Near the steps, Aadya froze, her mouth widening in surprise and shock at the scene unfolding in front of her. Puspha Ji and KS were arguing, their arguments echoing across as CC and SS stood in a corner, giggling and making comments.

Haseena's face reddened, a deep mix of embarrassment burning through her. She stumbled backwards, her fingers clutching the baton in her hand. She had never wanted Aadya to witness the lack of discipline in MPT. Haseena glanced at her, her eyes speaking volumes of embarrassment and guilt when Aadya simply smiled at her; a gesture of reassurance.

She composed herself and walked inside, clearing her throat to gain the attention. All 4 members immediately stood, greeting Haseena as a shrill silence fell over the station. They stood in one line, facing Haseena, their faces in silent observation of their madam sir. Wordlessly, Haseena pulled a chair for Aadya gesturing for her to sit as she settled next to her, her piercing gaze cutting through her team members.

KS lowered her gaze, the intense burning of Haseena's eyes a reminder of the chaos that had ensured a few hours back. She balled her fists behind her back recalling her direct challenge to Haseena's emotions, attacking her verbally to implement discipline at MPT. As she glanced at Haseena, KS was transported back to the academy, a mixture of fear and helplessness settling in her. She knew that she had aroused Haseena and would now have to face the wrath of her senior, which was something KS didn't look forward to.