Part-15

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Karishma reached out, wrapping her arms around Haseena in a heartfelt embrace. The silence between them spoke volumes of forgiveness, pain, and an unbreakable bond.

They both felt the warmth and sukoon in that moment, the weight of unspoken words lifting as they held onto each other, finding solace in the shared strength and resilience that had always defined them.

Haseena felt Karishma’s arms around her, a warmth she hadn’t felt in what seemed like ages. The burden of guilt and the loneliness that had clung to her since that fateful day began to lift, replaced by a sense of belonging and solace. She closed her eyes, letting herself be enveloped by the moment, allowing the unspoken forgiveness to soothe her soul.

Karishma, holding Haseena close, whispered, “Aapne jo bhi kiya, apni jaan daav par laga kar kiya. Aur hum samajhte hain... lekin aage se, akele nahi, thik hai?” Her voice wavered, a blend of relief and determination.

Haseena nodded, her face still pressed against Karishma’s shoulder. “Wada hai,” she replied, her voice barely audible but carrying the weight of sincerity.

The room fell silent, it was as if time had stopped, giving them a moment to reconnect, to mend the trust that had been tested and broken, yet ultimately proven unbreakable.

As the embrace slowly loosened, Haseena pulled back slightly to meet Karishma’s eyes. There was a spark of determination in them, one that mirrored her own. It was a reminder of why they had endured so much not just for themselves, but for each other and the mission that bound them.

They sat together in the quiet of the room. There was no need for more words; the silence was filled with an unspoken understanding and the promise of standing by each other, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As the night deepened, exhaustion settled over them, but it was no longer burdened by pain. For the first time in what felt like forever, they both found a peaceful slumber, knowing that they were no longer alone in their battles.They have eachother for strengthening them.

Next Morning :

The next morning, the soft rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, painting the room with hues of gold and warmth. Karishma stirred, blinking as she took in the early morning light. The memories of the night before brought a calmness to her heart. She glanced over to see Haseena already awake, sitting by the window, lost in thought but with a serene expression.

“Good morning, madamsir ,” Karishma said, her voice gentle but steady.

Haseena turned, the morning light catching her eyes. “Good morning, Karishma singh” she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

A sense of tranquility filled the room, the sunlight casting a warm glow that felt like a quiet promise of new beginnings. Karishma stretched slightly, feeling the weariness of the past days ebb away. She took a deep breath and met Haseena's gaze, noticing a renewed sense of peace there.

Haseena's eyes softened as she looked at Karishma, the shadows of doubt and guilt that once lingered now replaced by unbreakable trust and determination. “Thank you,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “For believing in me, even when I made it difficult.”

Karishma's expression turned tender, a playful glint in her eyes.“Aasaan toh kabhi nahi hota par phir jo cheez keemat rakhti hai woh kabhi aasaan hoti bhi nahi.”

They shared a brief laugh, the sound carrying an unspoken promise that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together stronger and unbreakable

After freshening up, they sat down for breakfast, enjoying the quiet moments and light conversation as they prepared for the day ahead. The tension from the previous day seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of calm readiness in the room.

Once they finished, Karishma and Haseena set out toward the station. As they arrived, they spotted Pushpa ji, Santu, and Cheetah engaged in their usual banter. However, today was different. Normally, Karishma who would step in with her sharp reprimands, but today, there was no scolding.

The trio paused, exchanging confused glances, searching for answers. They all turned their gaze toward Urmila, who, noticing the confusion on their faces, simply shrugged with a dimpled smile. The trio was left puzzled, but they couldn’t help but notice the calmness that had settled over their senior.

As their duty was about to end, Pushpa ji, the warm and motherly figure of the station, invited everyone to her home for dinner. “Aaj raat mere ghar dinner par aayiye aur wahan rahiye” she requested, her voice kind and welcoming.

Seeing no reason to decline, everyone accepted her invitation. That evening, Haseena, Karishma, Santu and Cheetah, all gathered at Pushpa ji's house. The atmosphere was relaxed, with the usual laughter and light-hearted banter filling the air.In their line of duty, such moments were rare.

After a delicious dinner, Santu, never one to pass up an opportunity for fun, suggested, “Chalo, ab antakshari khelte hain!”

The suggestion was met with a chorus of enthusiastic approval. Everyone smiled and accepted the idea.
Pushpa ji watching the group with affectionate amusement. Soon, everyone was settled, ready to play the familiar game, with each person eager to outdo the other with their songs and antics. The sound of laughter and playful teasing echoed through Pushpa ji's home, adding to the warmth of the night.

It was a night of joy, camaraderie, and togetherness a reminder of the family they had become, bound not by blood, but by trust and the unspoken bond of shared experiences.

As the night wore on, Pushpa ji finally announced, "Acha, chalo, sone ka time aa gaya, khel sab band!"

Santu, in her usual masumiyat turned to Pushpa ji who was her partner in gossiping, and said, “Pushpee main aapke saath soongi aur kitni saari gossip karenge!”

Pushpa ji shook her head in disbelief but smiled, watching the duo head toward her room. Cheetah made himself comfortable on the sofa, ready to sleep. Karishma and Haseena quietly made their way to Karishma's room, ready to rest for the night.

As Haseena looked around Karishma's room, her eyes landed on the photos on the walls. She was lost in thought, admiring the moments frozen in time. When Karishma stepped out of the bathroom, she noticed Haseena absorbed in the photos. A small smile tugged at her lips unknowingly, seeing her madamsir so thoughtfully examining her personal space.

"Yeh sab photo mein aap bohot khubsurat lag rahi hain, yeh sab aapke memories hain na?" Haseena asked softly, her eyes moving from one picture to another.

Karishma, a bit surprised but touched, nodded. "Haan... kuch purani yaadein, kuch naye moments." She walked over, glancing at the photos too. "Har ek picture ka apna ek kahani hoti hai," she said, her voice thoughtful.

She began to share the stories behind each photo, her eyes lighting up as she described the moments frozen in time. "Yeh wali meri first stage performance hai... aur yeh, yeh photo hamare purane ghar ke," Karishma explained with a gentle smile, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.

Haseena watched in fascination, seeing a different side of Karishma one that was open, nostalgic, and sharing a part of her past she had never seen before.

Haseena smiled softly, listening intently to each story, feeling the bond between them growing stronger with every word. As Karishma spoke of her past, Haseena found herself drawn in, not just to the memories, but to the person Karishma had come through those experiences. The laughter, the moments of joy, and even the silent pauses where Karishma seemed lost in thought each of them added depth to the woman in front of her.

And unknowingly, as they shared those intimate glimpses into each other’s lives, the line between them began to blur. What had once been a clear divide, a professional relationship built on duty and respect, now felt like something more. A quiet shift had taken place, one that neither of them could put into words just yet, but both felt it the closeness, the understanding, the connection that transcended the roles they had played until now.

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Continue....
By:-ZJ

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