Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 32

32. A day out with Ammi

Haseena and her mother walked through the bazaar streets, dodging and snaking around the crowds. Haseena's fingers ached with the plastic wrapped around her fingers, yet her mother showed no signs of stopping. She stopped at yet another vegetable stall, bargaining with the vendor for the prices while Haseena stood a little further away, her eyes catching a faint smile at her mother, her mind carrying on memories of the past.

Haseena's mind crawled to the past, a day that was lodged in her mind, when she and Naina had gone out for shopping. Haseena closed her eyes recalling how Naina used to argue with the shopkeeper to reduce the prices until she flashed the police badge at him, threatening him into submission. Haseena laughed, a low gentle tug pulling her towards Naina and their friendship.

"Hasuu...." Her mother called her, her hands touching Haseena's arm.

Haseena blinked back tears, smiling faintly at her mother.

"Ammi let's go back home now. I'm tired now" she complained, walking besides her mother like a toddler.

"Aarey Hasu, I'm not done yet" she said, winking and smiling at Haseena.

They walked all around with ammi stopping at random shops, roping Haseena to showcase different items. As the afternoon sun scorched their skin, Haseena felt lighter with each step, her memories with Naina travelling back down. She smiled wrapping her hand around ammi, her warmth drawing Haseena in closer. Finally, she stopped and tapped Haseena on her arm, her eyes gesturing at her to look around.

Haseena let go of her mother's hand, her face shining brightly, a big smile on her face. She was standing at the middle of the bazar, in front of her two favorite shops, ice-cream and chaat.

Ammi held her hand and dragged her to the chaat shop, sitting down on the worn down wooden tables. The spice and tangy smell of chaat filled the air, the mouthwatering dishes sizzling in the pan. They ordered two plates of chaat, biting into the crispy wafers as the tangy coriander and the spicy mint melted in their mouths. The taste remained, deep rooted in their mouths, arousing a sensual taste in each bud.

They ordered another plate, digging into their flavorful snacks, their eyes resting on each other.

"Hasu, do you remember how often we used to come here?" she asked.

"Haan ammi, this place was my favorite back then" she answered, her mouth filled with the spicy coriander filling.

"I could never keep you away from here. You always wanted chaat even it if made you sick."

Haseena smiled, the memories of her childhood rising in her, providing solace to her tormented mind.

Ammi looked at Haseena, her eyes squirting tears as she saw Haseena's round face filled with delight.

Hasu, always be happy beta. That is the only thing I want for you. I know how much Naina meant to you and how much her betrayal weighs you down but you mustn't let it affect your own life. I will never let anything happen to you, Hasu. You are my whole life, meri jaan.

They headed back after a day out in the blazing heat, their stomachs grinning in happiness as their minds swayed with the nostalgic breeze, bringing out a warmth wrapping around them like a blanket; a warmth that had Haseena had missed, that Haseena had yearned for.

Back at home, Haseena retired to her room while ammi started preparing lunch. Her hands worked swiftly, her mind echoing of one goal; to make her daughter happy.

She arranged the dining table, loaded with all of Haseena's favorite dishes as she called out to her. Haseena came down, her eyes staring in surprise at the table.