Rainy Promises - kareena

43

"Marry me..."

Haseena’s mind was clouding with thoughts at Karishma's sudden proposal. She had expected… everything else but not this. she reached up, holding Karishma's hand, which still placed softly over her mouth. Slowly, she tried to sit up, but Karishma quickly whispered, “Don’t, please.”

“Humen baithna ha” she insisted softly.

With a reluctant sigh, Karishma carefully helped her sit up, adjusting the pillow to support her. As Karishma moved to take a seat on the nearby stool, Haseena softly interjected, “Yahan baithiyay,” patting the edge of the bed beside her.

Karishma sat down, but looking down at the floor. “Karishma, aap jo keh rahi hain wo abi mumkin....…” Haseena searching her face said.

But Karishma didn’t let her finish. “Marry me....,” she repeated, in more pleaded voice.

“Karishma…” Haseena’s voice softened, With a gentle hand, she reached out, lifting Karishma’s chin to meet her eyes.

Karishma took a breath and said, “Ap chahen toh hum ap ko sochne ka waqt de sakte hain…..."

A small chuckle escaped Haseena, “Kitna time deingi? Ek ghanta, zyada se zyada?”

“Nahi, bas… paanch minute. Is se zyada waqt nahi hai humare paas.”

“Apko pata hai, kitni cute lag rahi hain ap is waqt.” haseena carssed her cheeks.

Karishma glanced at her for a brief moment, then quickly looked away, to hide her inner emotional turmoil. Haseena could see through it, the quiet emotions Karishma was trying so hard to conceal.

"Hug.....?"  Haseena tilted her head, and asked.

“No....” Karishma replied, still not looking at her.

"Please...." She again asked.

"No....."

Haseena smiled at her words and reached over, gently pulled her closer, wrapping her arms around her in a soft embrace.

Haseena placed a hand on her hair, smoothing it gently, as she whispered, “It’s ok… sab theek ho jayega.”

Karishma tried to pull away, but Haseena only tightened her hold, refusing to let her go. "Don't...."

Karishma stopped her movements and finally surrendered, her tense form began to melt in Haseena's embrace, the warmth of Haseena’s arms slowly breaking down the walls she had tried so hard to hold up. Haseena gently rubbed her back, whispering, "It's okay, Karishma. Let it out." She could feel Karishma trembling boday as she tried to keep control, but her tears began to flow, soaking into Haseena's shoulder.

She buried her face in Haseena’s shoulder, as she whispered, "Why…?"

After a moment, she pulled back just enough to look at Haseena, her eyes desperate and filled with disbelief. "This… this isn’t true, Haseena. Please… tell me this is just a prank, a lie. How could this be possible? Of all people… why you?” Her frustration grew, voice rising as she pleaded, “No, hum nae manen gay. Yeh ap Kay Sath nae ho sakta.!”

Haseena held her hands firmly, "Karishma, it’s okay. There are many people out there facing similar things. Sirf hum nae han… it’s just destiny.”

“No!” Karishma’s voice broke with denial. “No, hum nae manen gay bilkul bi nae!” She shook her head again and again, as if denying it would make it disappear. Haseena gently squeezed her hands, pulling her back to the present.

“Karishma....agar ap asy karen gi tou....."

Karishma interrupted, “kiyun itni bari baat hum say chupai, kia souch kar humen nae bataya ? We’ve been together all this time… why didn’t you tell me?” Her eyes searched Haseena’s face, desperate for an answer.