HIDDEN LOVE (Part 2 of SECRET LOVE)

CHP 6

Haseena returned from the washroom, her hand clutching her stomach as pain etched itself across her delicate features. Her steps were slow, and her face bore a pale expression. She made her way to Karishma’s cabin, hoping to find some solace, but the cabin was empty. Exhausted, she sank into her chair, her hand still pressed against her stomach. Her eyes squeezed shut from the sharp pain radiating through her body, and unshed tears gathered at the corners of her eyes before trickling down silently.

Moments later, Karishma entered the cabin, only to halt in her tracks at the sight before her. Haseena, her Haseena, was hunched over the desk, her head resting on its cold surface, completely unaware of Karishma’s presence. The sight pierced through Karishma's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless with worry. Her heart clenched painfully at seeing the woman she admired in such agony. Without wasting a moment, Karishma scanned the room for something that might help and then quickly left.

She returned minutes later with a peon, both of them carrying a couch into the cabin. Karishma instructed the peon to place it near Haseena, her urgency palpable. Once the couch was set, she dismissed the peon and turned back to Haseena.

Gently, Karishma called out, her voice soft and full of concern. “Haseena…”

Haseena’s head slowly lifted, her tear-filled eyes meeting Karishma’s. The sight shattered Karishma even more. She knelt beside Haseena and spoke tenderly, “Haseena, aaram se utho aur is sofe par let jaao.”

Haseena hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on Karishma, before slowly rising from the chair. Each movement seemed to intensify her discomfort, and she held her stomach as she shuffled toward the couch.

Once Haseena lay down, Karishma hurriedly retrieved a hot water bag she had purchased from the medical store. She placed it carefully near Haseena and said, her voice brimming with tenderness, “Haseena, ise rakh lo… tumhara dard kam hoga.”

Haseena looked at Karishma for a moment, her heart swelling with a deep sense of gratitude. How quickly and genuinely her Karishma Ma’am had understood her condition and was now taking care of her with such tenderness. Haseena could see the concern etched in Karishma’s eyes, mirrored by the same pain Karishma must be feeling for her. Taking the hot water bag from Karishma’s hands, Haseena carefully placed it above her saree's pallu on her stomach.

“Haseena... accha hoga yadi tum... vo saree ka pallu hata do... Matlab jaldi dard se aaram milega,” Karishma suggested, her voice tinged with hesitation. Her usual confidence wavered, replaced by a nervousness that made her glance everywhere except directly at Haseena.

Haseena hesitated too, her fingers fumbling as she tried to unpin her pallu. But the pin seemed stubborn, refusing to cooperate with her trembling hands. Karishma noticed her struggle. Without thinking much, she extended her hand toward Haseena but hesitated halfway, unsure if she should.

Haseena glanced up, her expression a mixture of surprise and hesitation, before softly saying, “Aap madad kar dijiye ise kholne mein.” her voice carrying a mix of hesitation and trust.

Karishma froze for a moment, searching Haseena’s eyes for confirmation. When Haseena gave a slight nod, Karishma leaned closer.

Her hands reached for the pin on Haseena’s shoulder, her movements careful yet deliberate. Karishma’s fingers brushed against her skin ever so slightly, sending a shiver up Haseena's spine, she closed her eyes, nervousness coursing through her veins. Her heartbeat quickened, pounding in her chest as Karishma moved even closer, her warm breath grazing Haseena’s face.

Karishma focused on the pin, her finger working carefully to untangle it. But her concentration faltered as her proximity to Haseena made her notice details she hadn't allowed herself to before. The gentle curve of Haseena's shoulder was now fully visible, the warmth of her skin just beneath Karishma's fingertips. Her collarbone stood out delicately, catching the soft light and making Karishma's breath hitch.