SYLLABUS OF LOVE

LIGHTNING OF INTIMACY

Karishma unlocked the door, and both stepped inside, their clothes damp, water dripping occasionally. Haseena tossed her bag and the outfit she had worn earlier onto the bed, letting out a tired sigh. She stretched her body, feeling the exhaustion from the long day of activities and driving. Without much thought, she slumped into the bed in a half-laying position, scrolling through her phone.

Meanwhile, Karishma walked into the bathroom and returned with two towels. She began drying herself with one, then approached Haseena with the other. Without a word, she gently placed it on Haseena's head and ruffled her hair with it.

"Khud par thoda sa bhi dhyan nai rehta...!" Karishma scolded softly. "Hume cover karne ke chakkar mein khud kitna bheeg gayi ho."

Haseena looked up, surprised but smiling at Karishma's sudden scolding, her tired eyes lighting up. "Toh Kya kare? Aap ko toh bheeg ne bhi toh nai de sakte the." she teased, her voice soft.

Karishma shook her head, still gently ruffling the towel through Haseena's damp hair. "Khud ko bhi sambhala karo kabhi," she said, her tone more affectionate than reprimanding.

Haseena chuckled, leaning back into the bed, "Aap ke baare mein souchte- souchte apne baare mein sochna bhool jate hai."

Karishma stopped for a moment, looking at her with a mix of amusement and fondness. "Tum kabhi toh serious ho jao!" she sighed, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Haseena grinned lazily, "Serious hona aap pe chhod diya hai. Hum bas aap ki muskurahat ke liye kuch bhi karde..."

Karishma couldn't help but smile at that, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she continued drying Haseena's hair. "Aise hi dialogues marte rahogi... Toh kahi ek din sach mein tumhe sambhalna na pad jaye. Kuch zyada hi concern nai hai tumhara humare liye?

Haseena laughed softly, "Tabhi hum aap ko aise cover kar lenge. Aur ab toh aadat si hai."

Karishma paused for a moment, looking at her with a fondness she didn’t bother to hide. She gave one final playful ruffle to her hair. "Aadat achi hai... Bas khud ka khayal bhi rakha karo. Ab so jao. Tumara rest karna zaroori hai."

Haseena teased,"Okay, mom!"

Karishma hits her playfully with the towel and walks to the sliding door, opening it slightly to let in the fresh, cool air as she watched the rain pour and thunder crackle in the sky. The wind gently blew, rustling the trees and sending a few stray leaves swirling in the air. Karishma stood there, a soft smile on her face as she took in the stormy scene. Her hair fluttered lightly in the breeze, and the cold air painted her cheeks with a faint flush. There was something serene about the way she looked, so lost in the moment.

Haseena though tired, couldn't help but notice how peaceful Karishma seemed. She felt her heart soften at the sight, her eyes lingering on Karishma's silhouette against the stormy backdrop. She started to speak, almost on impulse.

"Karsh—" she began, but the words caught in her throat. She quickly stopped herself, unsure of what to say or if she should even say it.

After a few moments of silence, Karishma softly said,"Iss toofan mein bhi ek sukoon hai..."

Haseena lost in her thoughts, replied,"Toofan apne ghar aur dur se khoobsurat aur acha lagta hai. Yeh kitna khatarnak hai, wahi log jante hain jo iss toofan mein ho." Her voice had a certain weight to it, the words revealing more than just a passing observation.

Karishma was surprised by the depth in her reply. She continued to watch the storm."I agree… But jab tumhare saath koi aisa insaan ho, tumhe pata hai wo tumhe sambhalega iss toofan mein, tab dekhna yeh kaise khatarnak se sundar ho jata hai."