Aa Bi Jaa - Kareena

27

Haseena tossed and turned, unable to find peace in sleep. She had become so habitual of Karishma presence that the empty bed beside her felt like a gaping void. She sat up, "Hum ek baar ja kar dekh kar aate hain unhein, theek tou hain,"she thought, unable to shake the worry gnawing at her.

Quietly, she got up and headed towards Karishma's room. She didn't knock, fearing it might disturb her sleep. Slowly, she opened the door, surprised to find the light still on but Karishma was not there. But what shocked her more was the bed, covered with pictures of herself. "Yeh sab yahan kaise? Hum toh bas jaldi ma Karishma Singh ko hospital le gaye the, jaldi ma yeh sab whin reh gaya ta," she was lost in thoughts when a voice came.

The washroom door creaked open, and Karishma came out, holding her hand her left hand with another hand. She spotted Haseena, she nododed, her eyes questioned her presence. But before any words could be exchanged, Haseena's eyes fell on Karishma's hand, which was bleeding. Panic surged through her, and she rushed forward. "Yeh kaise hua? Kaise lagi aapko?" she asked with concern.

"Kuch nahin," Karishma pulled her hand back, dismissing the injury.

"Kuch kasy nae ha, dikhayay humen." She said again holding back her hand.

"Kuch nae ha, bas tora sa lga ha." she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Haseena looked at her in disbelief at her carelessness. "Aayiye, bandage kar dete hain,"

"Hum kar lenge," Karishma moved towards the bed, determined to handle it herself.

But Haseena followed, sitting beside her. "Hum kar daty han." she commanded gently but firmly.

"Humne kaha na hum...." Karishma began to protest.

"Humne kaha, baithiye." Haseena interjected, leaving no room for argument.

"Bas ab humen order dayn gi." Karishma, thought and sensing the seriousness in Haseena's voice, sat down in defeat. She knew there was no way out of this.

Haseena opened the drawer and took out the first aid box. She sat down in front of Karishma, holding her hand gently. she gently cleaned the wound, blowing cool air on it to ease the sting. her face was a mask of worry and pain, her eyes reflecting the deep concern she felt.

"Dard ho raha hai?" Haseena asked softly, her voice full of concern.

Karishma glanced at her, "Nae tou humen dard tori hi hta ha," she said with a sarcasm.

Haseena paused, "tana marna nae choren gi." her eyes locking onto Karishma's. The sarcasm cut deep, but she chose to ignore it, focusing instead on finishing the bandage.

"Kaise lagi aapko? Kahin aapne gusse mein khud ko......." she trailed off, afraid to finish the thought.

Karishma shook her head, "Nahi, aisa kuch nahi hai."

"Toh kaise hai?" Haseena pressed, glancing at the scattered pictures. "Aur yeh sab, yeh yahan kaise aaye hain?"

"Hum le kar aaye hain." Karishma's gaze followed Haseena's pointed finger.

Haseena's eyes widened in surprise. "Aap is waqt ghar gayi thi?"

"Haan," Karishma replied simply.

"Itna bi kya zaroori tha, abi Jana.?" Haseena asked, with confusion.

"Yeh sab lana zaroori tha, Humne socha yeh aage jaakar aapke kaam aa sakta hai kahin pe."

Haseena looked at her, a blend of admiration and sadness in her eyes. She knew Karishma was right; these things could indeed be helpful in proving her points in this mission. How will she ever be able to thank her for everything. She couldn't help but wonder at her resilience. Despite the pain, Karishma is still thinking about her well-being, and the mission.