Maddam Sir Spin-off

#16.2 - Broken Karishma

PS : Sorry guys for such late update. Life in been little busy. I have to shift the city i am in right now ans this calls for lots or packing and changes in living arrangements. I hope you guys understand. Happy reading and please ignore the typos. Didn't get time to proofread it. Happy reading. Do leave behind the feedback.

And it Continues........
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Karishma meticulously parked the bike on the front porch of the house, inhaling deeply as she prepared to confront Pushpa Ji. Shattered by Haseena's betrayal, she grappled with the realization that it wasn't solely Haseena's fault; to some extent, everyone was involved.

Resolute not to be harsh with anyone, Karishma, in her shattered state, questioned her ability to maintain civility with them so soon.

Enduring every conceivable gloomy feeling, she drew another deep breath and unlocked the door with her spare keys.

Upon entering, she observed Pushpa Ji sleeping on the couch, awaiting her return. The expression on her drowsy face revealed her mother's tension and worry. Deciding not to disturb her mother's sleep out of concern for her health and her own exhaustion, Karishma chose to let her be. The other reason was her desire to avoid any confrontation or falsehoods at this late hour.

Placing the keys on the side table, she proceeded towards her room, only to discover the dining table meticulously set with untouched food. Two plates and all the delicacies lay there, fresh, narrating the tale of a hungry mother sleeping uncomfortably. Shaking her head, Karishma, once again, surrendered to the grasp of her respect and love for her mother. She returned to her mother and gently shook her.

"Amma, chaliye, khana kha lijiye. Uthiye. Aapko dawai bhi leni hoti hai, kahe karti hain itni laparwahi aap," Karishma called out.

Pushpa Ji was momentarily disoriented, but upon seeing her daughter, not daughter-in-law, she recalled everything that had transpired in the morning. "Kahan thi aap subha se? Pata hai, hum kitna pareshan ho gaye the aapke liye. upar se phone bhi switch off kar rakha hai aapne. Waise bhi pata nahi aapna bhuakal kab dikha de aap aur humein haspatal se phone aa jaye."

Karishma shook her head in disbelief at her mother-in-law. She understood that it was her way of expressing deep love for her. She wouldn't articulate it in words, but her taunting was her unique way of showing affection.

"Karishma beta, hum..." Pushpa Ji intended to convey her apology; however, Karishma interjected. "Amma, hum bahut thak gaye hain. Aap khana khaiye, phir araam ki jiye. Hum abhi koi baat nahi karna chahte hain." Pushpa Ji had no choice but to nod in agreement. Karishma appeared visibly worn out.

Resolving to address everything the next day, little did she know that she wouldn't find Karishma around when she woke up. Setting aside the tension, the two of them sat down to dinner in awkward silence.

"Shubh Ratri..." Karishma whispered after tidying up a bit and retiring to her room.

"Shubh Ratri," Pushpa Ji whispered in return.

Karishma retired to her room, sleep miles away from her grasp. Her mind replayed all the happy moments she had shared with her Mahila police thana team, especially her Madam Sir. She still couldn't believe everything that had transpired. Betrayal from her favourite person was the last thing she expected.

In the wee hours of the morning, Karishma rose and performed her morning chores. Donning her uniform, she left for her duty a bit earlier than usual.
Upon reaching the thana where she was stationed temporarily, the Jankipuram Thana, she observed Bulbul Pandey sitting in the SHO chair, legs casually propped on the table.