Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 49

49. Mr. and Mrs. Singh

The dawn broke through the sky, a light drizzle of yolk slathered over a carpet of blue, glistening and glimmering in the middle. A faint breeze pushed the pillows of clouds, creasing the ever so perfect ocean of blue sleeping midst the throng of birdsong echoing throughout. A new day had broken through, bringing with it fresh hopes and lightened hearts.

Clad in an elaborately embroidered red saree, its folds glistening with silver beads, Haseena looked as an angel stepped down from heaven. Her hair graciously fell down to her shoulders loosely plaited with fresh jasmine buds. Her hands jingled with the golden bangles clashing against one another, the faint clap echoing in the silence.

Her eyebrows deeply lined with black khol and mascara stared deep into the mirror in front, speaking of a calm resilience. Her earrings shimmied slightly, reaching up to her shoulders.

Haseena exhaled a deep sigh of relief, gently running her fingers over the intricate pieces of gold jewelry adorning her body. Each piece held a story, a place woven in her heart embedded in a tale of love. Her fingers brushed against the enormous necklace hanging from her neck, its golden beads and pearls shining in the light. As Haseena touched its crescents, a warmth engulfed her. The necklace spoke to her of her mother, her sacrifices and her undying love that had made Haseena into DSP Haseena Malik. She tightened her fingers around a small golden bead, feeling the love seep into her veins; it was her Ammi's story that had brought Haseena here.

Gracious and reserved as ever, her eyes fell down to the packs of golden bangles clanging in her hand; a gift from her second family. Puspha Ji and KS, her two closest family members had gifted her the bangles. To Haseena they were tokens of unrequited love and bonds that surpassed blood.

As Haseena's mind recalled the stories that made her way, her subconscious turned to the distant horizon. She stood up walking towards the window, resting her hand upon the window sill. The sky was still dark; a faint hue of reddish pink peeking through the yellowish yolk s of afraid of being noticed. Haseena smiled, the pillows of clouds floating far overhead, springing to destinations unknown.

"Abbu..." her heart called out.

The curtains parted as the silhouette of her father waved at her through the distant horizon. Haseena smiled, curtly nodding at the figure, turning her head away to control the rush of emotions.

As Haseena ventured to the hall, flanked by KS and SS, surrounded by her loved ones, she felt an overpowering sense of calmness. She stepped forward, her steps gracious and elegant, her body poised perfectly in glistening six shards. She was ready to embark on a new journey. Haseena knew that her life would only begin from now.

Haseena entered the hall, her eyes gracing the lush elegant interior. The hall was decorated in shades of pink and white with garlands of jasmine hanging in every corner. A raised dais stood in the center, draped with a vibrant and luxurious yellow cloth with the burning scared fire. The pundit sat next to the fire, chanting mantras in his constant shrill voice.

Haseena walked slowly, her feet falling in rhythm with the carpeted floor as she took in everything. The scent of jasmine invaded her nostrils, slow at first yet it soon overpowered her senses. The mantras and the classical music invaded her ears in a cacophony of noise yet Haseena was least perturbed by the sound. She glanced around, her eyelids darting through every corner, precariously scanning the room.

KS edged closer, lightly pinching her in the arm that made Haseena almost gasp in sudden shock.

"Bhabhi...there's no use of looking around. He's not here yet..."