Madam Sirr 2

Chapter 53

"Beneath the Laughter, a Mother's Heart"

The scent of sandalwood lingered through the room as KS and Haseena knelt before the goddess, their eyes gazing at the flickering flame. Their hands were clasped tightly, their lips moving in silent prayer as condensed beads of sweat flew on their foreheads.

Haseena glanced at the goddess, her eyes squinting to avoid the rush of tears. Haseena wasn't one to be swayed with fear but today, she was gripped with an unknown fear. As her praying increased, she realized that she wasn't the DSP Haseena Malik but the Haseena Malik who was praying for her son, Avinash. It had been almost a year since Anubhav had left for a mission and Haseena had fulfilled both roles of mother and father. As she stared deeply, ringlets forming under her eyes, she sighed silently as if releasing the tension within her. Today marked an important day for Avinash; the day that he would wear the police uniform following the steps of his father. Haseena opened her eyes, a steely resolve gleaming. She had to be her son's strength, she whispered to herself.

Next to her, KS stiffened silently reading mantras as she prayed for Roshni. In the cast of the orange light, KS saw her daughter's face, her cheery smile and her baby blue eyes. She smiled through her tears, her strength returning to her as she finished her prayer. She stood, her heart relieved as she left with Haseena, the two women knowing that their future would be better.

In the living room, Veyom cupped KS's face, wiping the sweat on her forehead. He gently lowered her face placing a deep kiss on her forehead as he whispered "Everything will be okay Karu. Trust me."

KS glanced deep into his eyes, soaking in his reprieve of comfort and warmth. She nodded, tightening her grip on his hands as she plastered a fake smile hiding the creases of worry underneath her heart.

Next to her, Haseena unconsciously rubbed her wedding ring, her heart yearning for Anubhav's warmth. She smiled slightly, her lips drawing a small pout as the worries drew above her.

They sat down on the sofa as their gazes fixed on the door, their hearts gripped in an inexplicable tension. They were silent, the unspoken words flowing around them as if forming a barrier between them.

Outside, Avinash and Roshni hesitated before stepping in, casting mischievous glances at each other.

"Avi...I've an idea...." Roshni spoke first.

Avinash turned to her, his eyes burning brightly. "What is it?"

"Let's pretend that we didn't get selected....play a small prank..."

"Aarey yaar....they'll kill us..." Avinash groaned, his voice squealing.

Roshni glared at him, her eyes piercing him to the core. "When did you become such a coward Avi?"

Avinash stiffened, a pout forming over his lips. "I..m not a coward..." he said stammering as Roshni raised her eyebrows questioningly. "Alright, let's do this but if we get caught..." he trailed off, the threat lingering in the air.

Roshni smiled, silently squeezing his hand as the siblings gazed at each other. A flicker of understanding and respect passing between the two.

"Avi....I'm proud of you....You've finally grown up..." she said, lightly caressing his face. "I still remember how you ran around the house having all of us search for your favorite teddy..."

Avinash laughed, a note of melancholy in his eyes. "That was a gift from my dada dii...."

Roshni stepped forward keeping a hand on his shoulder. "He's proud of you Avi..."

Avinash looked up and smiled, the weight lifting off his shoulders. "I couldn't have done it without you dii....and I'm proud of you too...We've both made it, through the paths that we chose..."