Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

Chapter 39

Puspha Ji, CC and SS lowered their gaze unable to meet Haseena's eyes. They knew that Haseena had just returned from the DSP's office taking blame for their indiscipline. They gritted their teeth, clenching their fists as they awaited their verdict, tensions gripping their hearts.

"So...." Haseena began. "Would any of you like to explain what happened this morning?" she asked, her voice sharp and direct.

KS looked at her, a brief flicker of annoyance passing through her eyes. She glanced at Aadya, the stranger who had settled comfortably in the chair, observing the dynamics of the MPT. Who was she? KS wondered. How could madam sir blame them in front of a complete stranger?

"Madam Sir...this is a private conversation. Perhaps it would be better if....." she trailed off, her words hanging in the air as she gestured towards Aadya.

Aadya smiled, her deep gaze settling on KS. She had heard all about the kadak and bhaukhal super cop of Lucknow. KS had the same fire, the passion and the anger that she had observed in Haseena during her posting as an ASI. Before Haseena could answer, Aadya stood taking slow steps towards KS.

KS stumbled, her heart racing in nerves at Aadya's full confidence and aura.

"KS, I'm the SHO of Mumbai, Aadya Agarwal..." she spoke, her voice of a confidence that held the attention of the entire team.

KS's eyes widened in shock as she hastened to greet Aadya. Next to her, the other members too straightened and saluted Aadya in unison.

"Sorry madam...I didn't know..."

She smiled, waving off KS casually. She walked back to the chair and settled down. "And KS....consider me as a neutral observer..."

"KS...it would be better if you concentrate on yourself and not others...." Haseena spoke in a loud tone as she stood, her hands crossed. She scanned each of them, her gaze measured before she spoke.

"What happened today with the DSP is inexcusable. I know that at the MPT, we work together as a family and while that is important, we must never forget that we are officers. Discipline should be maintained strictly starting from today..."

She paused walking near KS, her penetrating gaze settling on her. KS shifted uncomfortably, the burn in Haseena's eyes rocking her core.

"KS, just before I left you said that the indiscipline is due to my over-emotional approach...." She paused, letting the words sink in. "and I believe you are right..."

She walked back to the center, folding her arms behind her back. "Starting today, there will be changes in this station. Puspha Ji, CC and SS...." She spoke as the three lifted their heads. "You will report to the station on time and engage in your duties. SS, for the next two weeks, you will hand over your phone to KS as you report....You can get it back only after you finish your duty hours.."

SS pouted as she attempted to voice her frustrations yet she stopped short sensing Haseena's anger.

"CC, you will be in-charge of night duty and every morning you will present a detailed report to KS..."

"Puspha Ji, I need all the pending cases completed within today. You will be in-charge of handling the paperwork..."

"And KS...." She said, dragging her sharp voice. "You will be in-charge of traffic duty for the next two weeks. You will also report to me every morning and night, with a complete report on the team's discipline..."

A few moments of silence passed between them as the 4 officers shifted their weight uncontrollably.

"I took the blame for your actions today but let this serve as a warning- this will not happen again. I will not tolerate indiscipline in my station...." She scanned their eyes again, pausing for effect.

"One more thing- you will all complete the work without sitting. You need to understand that your actions have consequences."

They lifted their heads immediately, a collective groan escaping their lips as Haseena inwardly chuckled. KS stepped forward, a resolve gleaming in her eyes. She straightened herself staring directly at Haseena.

"Madam Sir, I apologize on behalf of the team for what happened this morning. I promise madam sir- from today, you will hear no complaints. We won't let you down madam sir."

The rest of the team followed suit, standing a little straighter, and a newfound resolve in their eyes.

Haseena took a deep breath. This was just the beginning. Change wouldn't happen overnight, but today, a step had been taken. And that was enough for now.

Back in her cabin, Haseena glanced at Aadya, her eyes echoing of a gratitude. They settled down, a comfortable silence stretching around them.

"Haseena, your team at MPT looks just like our team at Mumbai..." she said with a smile.

Haseena laughed, the memories washing over her, recalling the moments she had spent with her team. The evening gossip sessions between her and Aadya, the fiery and snide remarks from their juniors. Everything held a place in her heart, fitting perfectly in place.

"Haan madam, I think it is the environment at the Mumbai station that made me instill the same here, at MPT."

"You've done a wonderful job Haseena. Your team is brilliant-nothing short of exceptional."

Haseena beamed, the look of pride glinting in her eyes. She was about to speak when she noticed her team members checking the oiling of the door. She smiled, a skip in her heart.

"Puspha Ji, KS, CC and SS...come in...." she called them as they stepped inside, their hearts thumping with nerves.

"What were you doing outside?" she asked, a faux stern expression on her face.

"Madam Sir...we wanted to know how you knew Aadya madam..." SS confessed in one spill as they others, glared at her.

Haseena and Aadya laughed, mentally face palming themselves at her oblivious innocence.

"SS...Aadya madam was my senior back when I was an ASI...." She spoke, glancing at Aadya. "I'm here today only because of her..."

"Madam that means you must have stories of Madam Sir..." CC chirped in, his over-enthusiasm earning a sharp glare from Haseena.

"Aarey haan- why not" Aadya said as she turned around, much to the horror of Haseena.

"Your madam sir was very much like you...compulsive, witty and irresponsible..."

"Madam...." Haseena shouted, interrupting her.

"But, she worked hard. She was one of the most dedicated officers I've seen. Haan, she made mistakes, she was punished..." she said, silently glancing at Haseena who withdrew her eyes. "But...she never made the same mistake twice. I couldn't be prouder at her for who she has become..."

Haseena and Aadya shared an exchange, their eyes locked in a flash of warmth and pride. Haseena felt tears welling in her eyes, her past and present standing before her. She felt gripped with unspoken emotions, the future shinning bright in her eyes.

As her team members joked and chatted with Aadya, Haseena glanced at each them, her heart warming. For the first time since morning, Haseena relaxed in her chair, embracing the warmth of her former senior and her family.

She knew that despite the uncertainty of the future, they would always have their relationships strengthened with the presence of each other.

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