Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 34

34. Amar's Proposal

Amar waited in the café, his eyes anxiously glancing around. He wiped the sweat forming on his forehead, tapping the wooden table constantly with his fingers. He clenched and eased his jaw, attempting to relieve the tension in his mind with his eyes closed.

He heard the footsteps first, his ears awakening at the sound pounding of heels. He opened his eyes, staring at Haseena walking towards him. Time stopped for Amar, his breath hitching in his throat. He stared, his mouth agape.

"Amar..." she called out drawing him to the present. He looked around, clearly embarrassed, smiling at her.

They ordered coffee, the tension eating at their hearts. Haseena glanced at Amar, his behavior oddly unsettling her. The steamy spirals of coffee spread through the air, the slight clanging of mugs disturbing their tension.

Amar, what's going on? You look... different today."

Taking a deep breath, Amar sat beside her, clasping his hands together as if bracing himself for what was to come. "Haseena, I've been meaning to say something for a while now. I just... I didn't know how or when. But I can't keep it inside any longer."

Haseena's heart skipped a beat. She could feel the weight of his words even before they were spoken, and a part of her already knew what was coming.

Amar continued, his voice laced with vulnerability. "Haseena, ever since I worked together with you- I've always admired your personality. I've come to see you from your kindness, your compassion and your loyalty to those around you Haseena. It truly makes you, you. I've seen a fierce loyalty hiding underneath you beneath the overflowing love that you show to everyone. Truly, you've won my heart Haseena."

He paused, his eyes searching for hers. "I keep falling for you-everyday. It's not just an attraction but a feeling inexplicable. I know that this sudden but I needed to let you know. I couldn't keep quiet anymore."

Haseena stared at him, her hands curling around the mug. Her expression remained blank. She opened her mouth to answer yet she couldn't find the right words. She felt as if the universe had swallowed her whole.

Amar continued. "I'm not asking for an answer right away Haseena. All I ask is that you think-truly think about what I said and if you can, give me one chance. That is all I ask."

His words hung in the air, the weight of his words sinking deep into Haseena's heart. Haseena stayed silent, his words digging up old memories; ghosts that she had tried hard to bury.

"Amar...." she said at last, her voice barely audible. "I...I don't know what to say."

She trailed off, her gaze distant, her voice breaking down. Memories of Anubhav raced down her mind, her heart blaring off alarms. Amar looked at Haseena, noticing for the first time, a crack in her demeanor. She wasn't the fierce and strong DSP anymore. She was simply Haseena.

"Amar....thank you for being honest but.....I need time Amar. To figure out where my heart is."

Amar smiled, ignoring the hollow ache in his heart. He leaned forward, catching Haseena's eyes in his.

"I understand Haseena" he said, steadying his voice. "I'll wait for you. I just want you to know that no matter how long you take- I'll be here."

His tender voice flared Haseena's heart, deeply melting into her core. She tried to smile yet it bounced right off her. She breathed silently, the ghosts of the past appearing right in front of her.

They stared at each other for a while as Haseena stood up to leave with a final nod. Amar glanced at her, his eyes brightly shining. Haseena saw a deep vulnerability peeking through his armor.