Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 8

 A New Responsibility

Three weeks had passed since Haseena closed rani's case. She felt her injuries close up and heal even though the scars remained, as persistent as ever. She sank in her chair eyeing the folder the commissioner had sent her. She read through the pages, her eyes scanning the mission scope. The pages felt heavy as if they were held down by held. This was the weight of her new responsibility.

Haseena closed the file and forced herself to take a deep breath. She nestled down on her chair and rested her head on the cushion, feeling the wrath of a migraine. She massaged her temples, rubbing small circles with her hand, slowly focusing on releasing the tension within her.

Haseena thought back to her days as the SHO, the days of simplicity where she had an entire team with her. But now, she had to bear everything alone. She was lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear KS come in until her voice dragged her to the present.

"Jai Hind madam sir."

Haseena was startled. She immediately straightened herself. "Jai Hind KS", she said as she shook her shoulders to relax the tension, cracking her knuckles.

"Kya aap theek hain, Madam Sir?" Karishma asked, noting Haseena's clenched jaw and the tension in her shoulders.

Haseena looked at KS taking a minute longer than necessary to reply.

"Haan KS, main theek hoon." She said. Her voice was distant and hollow, as if void of all emotions.

KS gritted her teeth in anger, frustration leaping out of her eyes.

"Madam Sir," Karishma started, her voice strained, "Aapne ek baar mujhse wada kiya tha ki aap mujhse sab kuch share karengi. To phir ye kyun chhupa rahi hain? Kya ab aap mujh par bharosa nahi karti?"

Haseena sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead, feeling the weight of her new role more than ever. She wanted to share, but the mission details were confidential. "Ye bharose ki baat nahi hai, KS," she said, her voice faltering. "Kuch baatein hain... jo main is waqt nahi bata sakti. Ye protocol ki wajah se hai."

KS looked away hurt by Haseena's words. She knew that she couldn't force Haseena to give away confidential details especially with her DSP post but she thought that their bond would allow Haseena to share anything she wanted. It took her a minute to compose herself.

If there was anyone who understood Haseena, it was KS. She looked at her, her gaze softening at Haseena's increased nervousness.

"Madam Sir", she said. "Bas, yaad rakhiye main hamesha aapke liye hoon."

Haseena smiled, reached over the desk and touched KS's hand. "Mujhe pata hai KS." Haseena took a deep breath, a smile curving on her lips as an idea came to her. "KS, kya tum aaj shaam free ho? Mujhe tumse ek zaroori baat karni hai."

Just then Ajay interrupted them.

"Jai Hind madam. Bulbul Paandey yahaan hai."

"Oh" Haseena murmured. "Usse bahar intezaar karne ko kaho. Main use bulati hoon."

Both KS and Haseena sat down again. "Madam Sir Bulbul?"

"Haan KS. Ye commissioner ka order hai. Mujhe usse baat karni hai."

Haseena seemed more worried. She rubbed her eyes continuously. She let out a sigh.

KS grabbed the handle of the chair tightly. She hated seeing Haseena like this but she was helpless. There was nothing KS could do.

They remained silent for some time. Haseena finally took a deep breath, composed herself and talked to KS. It was time for her to wear the mask again. She handed her a file.