Maddam Sir: Secret Flames

Chapter 2

Santu's heart raced with excitement. "Yeh toh perfect mauka hai! Yeh breaking news suna ke dekhti hoon!" Without wasting another moment, she bolted out of the thana, her mind buzzing with thoughts of Haseena and Amer. Kya sach mein yeh mom-dad banne wale hain? she wondered, contemplating how the rest of the Thana would react. Suspense hung in the air, thick as the aroma of chai wafting through the station.

Outside, Karishma Singh, Pushpa Ji, Cheetah, and Billu were seated at Bhadnam's infamous chai shop, sipping on the so-called chai, which they affectionately referred to as zahar.

Karishma took a sip and grimaced, her face contorting in disgust. She set the cup down with a flourish, her brows furrowing.

Karishma: "Wah, Bhadnam! Kya chai banayi hai. Aaj toh sar tuje kuch dena padega!" Her tone dripped with sarcasm, and she shot him a teasing glare.

Bhadnam, ever hopeful, rushed over to her side, wiping his hands on his apron.

Bhadnam: "Sach mein, madam?" he asked, eyes wide with anticipation.

Without warning, Karishma sprang up and delivered a sharp slap across his face. The loud 'thwack' echoed through the air, leaving everyone momentarily stunned as Bhadnam spun around, clutching his cheek in shock.

Karishma, her hands on her hips, exclaimed: "Amma! Yeh chai hai ya tumhara rosh ka zahar? Koi isko peekar kab upar chala gaya, tumhein pata bhi nahi chalega!" She couldn't help but smirk at Bhadnam's bewildered expression.

Bhadnam, bewildered, stammered: "Par madam, maine toh adrak kut-kut ke dala tha..."

Cheetah, leaning back in his chair, chuckled: "Haan, dala toh tha, par tera yeh zahar aur zyada zehreela ban gaya usse." He gestured dramatically as if fanning away the nonexistent fumes.

Just as Billu was about to interject, Santu came running, breathless and animated, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Santu: "Karishma madam, Pushpa Ji, aapko pata hai kya?!" She stopped, panting, her face flushed with anticipation.

Pushpa Ji raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes: "Kya? Tere kothar ka nall phir se kharab ho gaya kya?" she teased, her tone light but curious.

Santu waved her hand dismissively, her excitement bubbling over: "Arre, Pushpa Ji, mera kothar ka nall toh theek hai, par darwaza ab tak khat-khat karta hai. Har baar koi carpenter bhi nahi milta kaam karne wala...!" She threw her hands up in exasperation, eyes rolling.

Cheetah sighed, shaking his head: "Uff, yeh masla...!" He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, feigning seriousness.

Before he could finish, Karishma shot him a glare, her expression turning fierce.

Karishma: "Santu, apne kothar ka chhodo. Batao, tu chillaa kyun rahi hai?" She leaned closer, curiosity etched on her face.

Santu, stammering in her excitement, her voice rising: "Vo... vo na... madam sir..."

Pushpa Ji frowned, her concern evident: "Kya hua madam sir ko? Tabiyat toh theek thi unki thodi der pehle..." She leaned in, brows furrowed in worry.

Santu: "Pushpa Ji, madam sir... vo naa..." She paused dramatically, letting the tension build.

Cheetah, urging her on, his eyes wide: "Santu ji, aage bhi bolo na, break kyun maar rahi ho?"

Billu chimed in, rolling his eyes: "Tu saara usko bolne de, saara nitalla!"

Cheetah: "Tu chup ho ja, narakpishach kahi ka!" He waved dismissively, then turned back to Santu, his expression earnest.