SYLLABUS OF LOVE

IMPERFECTLY PERFECT

Haseena and Karishma sat across each other in a popular cafe, sipping their cold coffee, with pasta and starters spread before them. True to her word, she had managed to coax Karishma into splurging a bit. They laughed and chatted, telling each other lighthearted stories from college and life, warming up to each other amidst the chaotic ambiance of the cafe.

"Ab hume batao... So you have anyone special in your life?", Karishma popped the question suddenly.

Haseena who was sipping her cold coffee through a straw, suddenly eyes widening at her question, getting choked on the coffee, coughing badly. Karishma immediately rushed to her side, patting her back with worry etched across her face. The concern in her eyes was unmistakable as she fussed over Haseena, completely focused on making sure she was okay.

"Tum theek ho?", Karishma asked putting away the glass from Haseena. "What was the hurry Hasu? Hum kounsa train pakadna hai? Aaram se nai pee sakti thi?" Her voice was firm but her worry was palpable.

Taking a sip of water, Haseena nodded,"Ji... Hum theek hai."

Karishma scolded her,"Are you mad? Itni kya jaldi thi tumhe? Pata nai kahan-"

Haseena placed her finger on Karishma's lips, looking into eyes. She could feel the soft and warm lips against her skin. "Shh...! I'm fine. Calm down." She said softly.

Karishma's gaze was fixed with Haseena's, lost in the moment. She gently removes Haseena's fingers over her lips, all while without breaking the eye contact.

"Humari life mein koi nai hai... I'm single.", Haseena said in a straight tone and broke the eye contact and grabbing the starters.

Coming out of the trance, Karishma was unknowingly delighted knowing Haseena is single. "Kyu? Tum cheetah aur Santu ko couple bana sakti ho which was nearly impossible. Then why not yourself?"

Not making any eye contact, Haseena idly twirling her fork in her pasta. "Because I'm planning to stay single for the rest of my life. Hume humari mein koi nai chahiye. Hume yeh pyaar mohabbat samajh nai aata... Sab chonchle hai. I'm much happier being single."

Karishma's heart sank at Haseena statement. "But why? There is something? Tum hume bata sakti ho. I promise won't share with anyone. You can trust me."

Haseena slightly smirks sarcastically, still playing with the fork. "It's all about trust and fake promises. Koi ek bharosa todta hai aur baki sab ko bhugatna padta hai."

Karishma held Haseena's hand placed on the table, squeezing a little. "I agree with this. Par tumhe pata hai we are more than teacher and student." Haseena looked at her with slight confusion. "I mean we are more like friends from the first day itself. Toh tum hum se share kar sakti ho. Kuch serious hua hai?"

Haseena sighs and nodded,"Haan kind of. I dated someone. We were in a relationship during my graduation college. We were together for almost 3 years. I was serious and wanted to get married."

With curiosity, Karishma inquires,"Aur phir? Tum ne shaadi kyu nai ki? 3 saal bahut hote hai kisi ko janne ke liye, unhe samhjne ke liye aur pyaar karne ke liye."

For it was like her wounds were fresh once again. "She had a best friend who-"

But before she could finish, Karishma interrupted in surprise, "Ek minute! She? Ladki?

Haseena looked at her and with a subtle nod, she answered, "Yes... I'm into girls."

Not wanting Haseena to be embarrassed and awkward, Karishma shrugged, her tone light and nonchalant. "Anyways all idiots are the same. Tum aage batao kya hua?"

Haseena relaxed a bit, relieved by Karishma's easy acceptance. She took a deep breath before continuing, her voice softer, touched with a hint of sadness. "Well... It didn't turn out as I expected. I thought she was serious too. Hum dono ne saath mein future ke plans banaye the. Shaadi, family, sab kuch. But turns out it wasn't true."