(A/ N: Here's Dr Malik's painting drew by Karishma Singh.)
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As the days slipped by, the grip of winter tightened its hold, casting a colder, more somber mood over the landscape outside.
Inside Malik Mansion, however, there was a warmth and liveliness, as the household bustled with excitement, wrapped up in the presence of two new, yet already cherished, members of the family.
Everyone was busy fulfilling the dreams they had once harbored for these two young women, making sure every wish, big or small, was granted. Karishma and Haseena basked in the affection showered upon them, though Karishma, nursing a strained ankle, found herself the recipient of an even more indulgent, almost princess-like, attention.
But beneath the surface of Haseena's quiet smiles, there lingered a deep sadness. She was haunted by the loss of something precious, something she couldn't let go of. Together with her father and uncle, she had scoured the town, searching for any clue, any sign of the person who might hold the key to reclaiming her treasured book.
It was a morning like any other. Haseena moved through her routine, her body going through the motions while her mind was miles away, consumed by thoughts of where to search next. As she descended the staircase, her steps were slow, almost hesitant, each one weighed down by the uncertainty of the road ahead.
"Lekin aapko lagi kaise? Naam bataiye, hame bas phir ham dekh lenge!" Mrs. Malik's voice rang out, sharp with concern and rising anger as she removed the bandage around Karishma's ankle. It infuriated her to find her best friend's daughter in such a state when she should have been out enjoying the town. She and Karishma had settled on the couch, where she was changing the dressing on the injury.
"Haseena," Karishma murmured quietly. Mrs. Malik's gaze shifted instantly to her daughter, her anger flaring even hotter. Haseena, who had been walking by, froze in her tracks as she felt the searing glare turn toward her, silently cursing Karishma for drawing attention her way.
Karishma pressed her lips together, fighting back a smile, savoring the rising tension. The thought that Haseena, who could intimidate even the fiercest of demons with just a look, might be scared of her mother's eyes amused her. She continued, "Shukriya Haseena ji ka karna chahiye hame, Noor aunty... Inhone hi waqt rehte ilaaj kar diya tha hamara. Nahi toh pata nahin kya ho jata!".
Mrs. Malik's anger deflated the moment she heard the full sentence. "Bachha? Aapne kiya hai sab?" she asked, her tone softening as she turned to Haseena, who nodded gently, a small, relieved smile on her lips as she made her way toward the dining area.
"Lekin, Karu beta, yeh sab hua kaise?" Mrs. Malik pressed once more, her worry not fully eased. "Haseena ji..." Karishma called out again, her voice laced with mischief as if deliberately prolonging the suspense. Haseena, who had her back to them, felt a renewed sense of unease creeping up.
