UNLIKELY ALLIES || KarEena

✨ Haseena's Unexpected Journey ✨

Copyright © Kushmond 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

In the fading light of the day. Haseena, her hair swaying in the breeze, raced like there was no tomorrow, her footsteps tapping out a urgent beat on the pavement. The distant whistle of a departing train reminded her she was running late. Finally, panting and exhilarated, she reached home, her safe haven in the chaos of the world. But before she could open the door, it swung open, revealing her mother's silhouette, her face etched with frustration.

"Aaj fir 53 second late ho tum, Haseena," her mother chided, her voice tinged with irritation. "Ab lagta hai tujhe meri koi fikar hi nahi hai ho bhi kaise ab tu Jo itni badi ho gayi hai."

"Sorry Ammi, hame maaf kar dijiye," Haseena pleaded, her voice laced with sincerity as she opened her clenched fist to reveal a handful of green mangoes. "Vo raste me hame aam ka ped dikh gaya tha, toh aam todne me der ho gayi."

Her mother's stern expression softened as she gazed at the offering of mangoes, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Haa, haa, samajh gayi," she relented, her tone softened by maternal warmth. "Ab zyada makhan na laga, chal aam khate."

With a triumphant grin, Haseena dashed to the kitchen, swiftly slicing the mangoes and seasoning them with spicy salt and red chili. Together, mother and daughter indulged in this simple pleasure.

"Ammi asked Haseena, 'To kab jaa rahi hai tu?"

Haseena reassured her, saying, "Bas Ammi, thodi der mein nikalungi. Zyada tension mat lena. Aap kuch dino tak hamari baat nahi ho payegi... Kabhi bhi kisi bhi cheej ki zarurat ho. Pintu ko call kar dena. Vo sab aapke paas le aayega."

"Ji, hamari Ammi." Ammi replied, her words punctuated by a hint of sarcasm.

As Haseena prepared to depart, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, rushing towards her with open arms. It was Anvi, her younger sister, her eyes brimming with emotion.

"Didi, tussi jaa rahe ho?" Anvi's voice quivered with concern as she enveloped Haseena in a tight embrace.

Haseena smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection for her beloved sister. "Ab police ki training ke liye jaana to padega hi na, meri Annu," she replied, gently ruffling Anvi's hair.

Anvi clung to her sister, reluctant to let go. "Toh jao... Main ammi ke haath ke tasty tasty khane khaungi... Yummy..." she teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Anvi ki bacchi..." Haseena playfully scolded, but before she could chase after her sister, Anvi darted away, disappearing into the maze of terraces.

As Haseena dashed through the corridors in pursuit of her elusive sister, she felt the thrill of the chase coursing through her veins. But just as she neared Anvi, the mischievous sprite vanished into thin air, leaving Haseena momentarily disoriented.

Undeterred. Haseena scanned her surroundings, her eyes alighting upon a weathered door leading to the store room. With a sense of urgency, she pushed it open, the musty scent of old books and forgotten relics washing over her.

Through the dusty windowpanes, she caught a fleeting glimpse of Anvi perched atop the terrace, her laughter carried on the breeze. Determined to catch up, Haseena rushed forward, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the room.