Pyaar Ke Rishte

Chapter 2: Banter and Bonds

It's really amazing how many people liked Chapter 1 of my story. Thank you so much. Your thoughts, feedback, and participation are very important to me. If I make any mistakes while writing, please forgive me. 🙏 This is my first time trying to write something. I promise to do my best to keep the story interesting and fun for everyone.

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The insistent buzzing of the alarm clock jolted Karishma awake. A groan escaped her lips as she fumbled for the offending device and silenced it. "Paanch minute bas," she mumbled, burrowing deeper into the warmth of her blanket.

Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open in a dramatic way. Pushpa Singh, Karishma's Amma, stood in the doorway. The woman stood with her hands on her waist, looking at Karishma with a pretend frown on her face. "SI Karishma Singh! Uth jaiye ab warna Thane jaane k liye late ho jayengi aap."

Karishma peeked over the edge of the blanket, a smile tugging at her lips. " Amma, kahe itna overcating kar rahi hai subah subah se? Abhi toh waqt hai thane jane k liye."

Pushpa Singh threw her hands up in mock exasperation. "Senior hai aap, Karishma. Ab agar aap hi late jayegi toh aapke junior kya seekhenge aapse? Utho jaldi se, aur hamare liye badhiya si chai bana dijiye, kabse apke haanth ki chai nahi pee!"

Karishma chuckled, pulling the blanket over her head. "Accha toh ye baat hai, chai chahiye mata ji ko, isliye humari neend kharab ki ja rahi hai!"

Pushpa, with a twinkle in her eye, replied, "Bana dijiye na chai, aapke haath ki chai pee k jayenge to din accha hota hai humara, warna Thane ja k Badnam ka zeher peena padega!"

Karishma chuckled again, the familiar banter warming her more than the blanket ever could. This teasing about her tardiness was a daily ritual, a source of comfort and amusement between her and Amma. "Thik hai thik hai ja rahe hai, jyada maska mat maariye subah subah se!"

Pushpa Singh got happy and left her room before saying, "Chalo utho ab, warna aapka nashta hum kha jayenge!"

The threat of a missing breakfast was all it took to finally get Karishma out of bed. A flurry of activity followed – a quick shower, a hurried change of clothes, preparing tea for both of them and a breakfast eaten at lightning speed. As she grabbed her wallet and keys, Karishma turned to her Amma, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Theek hai, Amma. Hum nikalte hain aur yaad rakhiye ga kal chai banane ka apkabari hoga to humhe mat uthayega subah subah"

Pushpa Singh shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Hana haan, kal ka kal dekheng, jaiye apna Thana sambhaliye!"

With a final wave goodbye, Karishma dashed out the door. The familiar route to the police station seemed shorter today, fueled by the memory of their playful banter.

As Karishma entered Thana, a chorus of "Jai Hind, Madam!" greeted her. She returned the greeting with a nod and a smile, a sense of authority and purpose settling in. For the last three months, Karishma had been the new SI of Jankipuram Thana. She no longer worked at MPT. Leaving MPT had broken her heart, but she believed it was better to distance herself from Haseena and the painful memories of the incident that tore them apart.

"Rajvir Ji," she called out, addressing the Constable on duty. "Koi naya case?"

Rajvir Tomar, a tall young man, stepped forward, his face devoid of the usual mischief that marked their off-duty interactions. "Nahi Madam, koi case nahi hai."