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With bowed head, she started, "During mission Behrupiya and even when I shot you without informing you about my plan, I had not shared anything with you because I want to protect my beloved junior without whom I am sure I can't survive however, I forget that...that you are my best friend. There shouldn't be any mysteries between best friends but belief in friendship that no matter what it can lead them both to victory, passing through all darks. I am sorry for failing our friendship," a heavy sob escaped her lips along with endless tears streaming from her eyes.

Karishma was also crying. She so desperately wanted to hug her best friend but something inside her was stopping her from trusting her again.
Haseena at once wiped her tears and desperately took two to three deep breaths to be able to speak ahead.
"Everytime something wrong happened, I had never thought twice before admonishing you, like any senior would, right in front of your juniors and family and it certainly caused much humiliation and damage to your self respect and integrity. I have always ignored our friendship whenever duty is concerned when instead I should have known that both duty and friendship are equally important. If as a senior I disagree with your mode of action then I should have understood you and handled you in a more mature way. It was my duty to check that my method of doing so should not hurt you. I am sorry for failing to transform myself from just your senior to your best friend and Senior both. I am sorry I couldn't stop your madam sir from hurting her best friend.”

She paused for a while to gather courage for the most difficult step. By taking a few deep breaths and giving a good prep talk to herself she resumed, "When I got to know that some of my deeds had hurted you, instead of pondering over them I just focussed on the pain that I caused you. More than your pain, it was my disappointment in myself that angered me. As a result I boarded a completely wrong train. Once again I forget that you don't hide your emotions from your best friend. I should have shared my heart with you. I should have come straight to you and apologized to you. You...you asked me what I would have done.... You are right, I would not have tolerated the step of self-abuse." By the end of this she was crying heavily.
Karishma's eyes were filled with tears. She looked at Haseena for a moment who had her head bowed. Without saying anything, she went out of the room towards the balcony.
Karishma was standing on the balcony, her hands were at the fence and her eyes were glued to the sky above her. Couple of minutes later, Haseena entered with two cups of coffee and forwarded one to Karishma. “Madam sir! there is no need for that.” Karishma responded with a professional smile.

“Please…” Haseena’s request was not more than a whisper before she had once again bowed her head. At the very next instant, Karishma took the cup from Haseena’s hand and added, “Madam sir, I… I cannot see your head bowed in front of anyone, not even me.” Karishma’s voice was dripping with respect, just respect and it caused a fresh set of tears in Haseena’s eyes.

Haseena closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I know…” she paused, wiped her tears, held Karishma’s hand and settled her on the bean bag placed there. She sat in front of her on her knees and held her both hands, “Karishma I am well aware of the amount of respect you hold for me and trust me as much as I admire it, I have taken it for granted. I am well aware of your love for me so I have always assumed that you will be by my side. I trust you more than I trust myself and that is why I am never afraid of jumping in front of any kind of danger as I know you will save me. I have never bothered to confide in you about my plan when I knew that it would be painful for you… but I never bothered about it. Karishma I am not a saint… I am a human being and liable to make mistakes.”

Karishma can no longer see her madam sir on her knees, “I know madam sir and that’s why I never said anything to you… I am not upset… please stand up, you will hurt your knees.” She tried to stand her up by holding her shoulders. Haseena did not resist, she stood up and sat on the bean bag beside her.

“You haven’t understood my point Karishma. I did not mean that all my mistakes are justified and I shouldn't be held accountable for them. I am saying that my respect in your eyes is a separate thing and my accountability in our friendship is a separate thing. What you have done today, should have done before. Why you do not share your heart with me? Why don't you share your anger with me when it’s because of me?” However Karishma was silent on her question.

Haseena rolled her eyes and chuckled sadly, “You won’t… I know that… because I have never made you comfortable enough with me… where you can exercise your every due right on me as a friend. That’s why you had never confronted me. Instead, you kept everything in your heart and spent countless nights in pain and agony. Now also, instead of expressing your anger… you have not even let me be on my knees for more than a minute. You know what Karishma, that's the biggest mistake I have made in our friendship. A mistake that was sufficient enough to cost me my precious friend Karishma but you… you consumed everything and did not let it happen.” She allowed her tears to flow to her cheeks, held her hands once again and added, “Karishma I… I don’t know if I am worthy of you or not but I know one thing for sure that I will make myself worthy. I will change myself so that you can express your emotions in front of me freely without any inhibitions, and so that you can punish me for my mistakes.” Karishma nodded, wiped Haseena’s tears and added softly, “I will wait for that day madam sir… That day I will call you by your name and will show you the consequences of all these hurtful actions of yours, especially self-abuse.” She smiled and a shine appeared in her eyes. It wasn’t a ray of hope but surety, she knew that the day would come soon because her best friend never say meaning less things.

Haseena stood up, forwarded her hand towards her, “Come, let’s sleep.” Karishma nodded, gave her hand in hers and both of them went inside. In the room, Karishma silently lay down on the left side and closed her eyes. Haseena sighed sadly and lay down too. Due to exhaustion, sleep took over both of them. Next day, Haseena took back her resignation and everyone resumed their work in Woman Police Station.

In the afternoon, Haseena was returning from headquarters. Sun was at its peak and people were more frustrated and impatient resulting in loud horns and traffic jams. On the other end of the road, she saw Karishma with a team of male constables trying to diffuse the jam. Karishma’s anger was at its peak, “Very good! Why don’t you pick your bike on your head and cross the jam by flying,” She roared angrily at a bike rider who had just landed in the minor space between two cars jamming the traffic further. Haseena parked her jeep at a distance and walked to Karishma. Without saying anything, she helped her in diffusing the jam.

“Thank you madam sir!” Karishma expressed her gratitude formally. Haseena rolled her eyes, held her wrist and added, “Your traffic duty has ended right? Come with me.”
“But, madam sir… I have my bike… I will go by myself.” She politely took out her hand from her grip, turned around and was about to go away.
“Karishma, Wait!” she immediately went in front of her. Joined her hands and with a pleading face and puppy eyes, “Please, Please, Please…”
“Madam sir, what are you doing? You are my senior.” Karishma at once removed Haseena’s hands. “Perhaps, you haven’t noticed… I have called you Karishma instead of Karishma Singh. I am just requesting you as a friend to come with me.” Haseena’s voice was soft and filled with hope.
“If it is a request then I have the right to refuse, right?” She asked by folding her arms to her chest. Haseena nodded sadly.

“You must have many important files to handle. I will report you at the station, Madam sir.” With that Karishma started the ignition of her bike and went away. Haseena exhaled a deep sigh and added to herself, “So now I am going to chase you in the whole city. No worries I will do it only then we will be equal in our relationship."

…

At night, Haseena went to Karishma’s home. “Hi Pushpa ji, How are you?” As soon as Pushpa ji opened the door, she found Haseena dressed in her casual blue jeans and pink shirt with a wide smile.

“Madam sir? At this hour.” She was pleasantly surprised seeing her unusually at her doorstep.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course, you can. Come” Pushpa ji embraced her in a side hug and brought her in.

Haseena rotated her head all around  the living room. “Pushpa ji…a… Karishma, where is she?” she fumbled and looked down. Pushpa ji smiled in response, “She is in her room and Lalla is out for work.” Pushpa ji locked her eyes with Haseena and gave her an understanding nod. Haseena turned to go to Karishma’s room but stopped by Pushpa ji’s voice, “I am liking your efforts and I am proud of you.”

Listening to her praise, something struck her. “Pushpa ji, if you don’t mind, can I ask you something?” Pushpa ji nodded, sensing a seriousness in her voice and seeing her eyes getting moist.

“You knew everything… Karishma’s pain… and my... crimes…” she choked. Pushpa ji rubbed her shoulder to support her. However she removed that hand from her shoulder and held it in her both hands. “Then why did you never stop me? Am I not your daughter? You could have made me understand my mistakes by that right.”

Pushpa ji smiled, dragged her to the sofa nearby, held her hand in her and responded softly and lovingly. “I could, I know, but I did not. It’s because I know both my daughters. I know you both will truly start valuing your friendship at your own time. My interruption might have solved the problem for the time being but Karishma would have never accepted you as her best friend and secret keeper by her heart… and you would have never tried to be the one by your heart as you are doing now. Sometimes, the fear of losing is all you need to get closer with each other.” Haseena nodded, wiped her tears and went to Karishma’s room.

“Hi Karishma, How are you?” Haseena knocked on the door of the room and asked cheerfully when Karishma turned to look at the door.
Karishma locked her eyes with her for a brief moment then climbed down from the window sill and saluted her, “Greetings madam sir.” An involuntary sigh escaped her lips but she composed herself and asked hesitantly while fidgeting with her fingers and looking down, “Will you… I mean… Can we… I mean if you don’t have any problem…” Finding herself fumbling so badly, she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

Karishma was observing her struggle to cross that invisible barrier and her mind went down the memory lane when she was trying to talk to her madam sir to do friendship with her. An involuntary smile erupted on her face. "I have never imagined that we would ever be on each other's places, madam sir..." She thought to herself while maintaining her serious look.
“Karishma, i want to take you on a bike ride. Please Can I?” Haseena overcame her hesitation, looked directly in Karishma’s eyes and requested softly.

“I am not in a mood to drive…” She paused and looked at Haseena’s eyes who had lost all the confidence she had managed to gather with great difficulty and a layer of sadness emerged in her eyes.

“But I can ride with you if you will drive.” Karishma added plainly. “I will…” An instant response came from Haseena and suddenly her eyes twinkled with hope. “And I have a few rules which you need to abide by.”
“Anything you say.” There was an urgency in her voice.

“First listen then agree. You will drive at the speed of my wish and I don't want to hear a word from you. Route will be of my choice and duration of ride too.”

“As you say. Shall we.” Haseena nodded though there was a tinge of sadness in her eyes. She gave Karishma a path to move out of the room first. As Karishma went out, Haseena dialed a number. “Aa… Hi… Haseena Malik here… Actually, I want to cancel all the arrangements. I am sorry. I know… I will compensate for your loss.” She hung up and followed Karishma.

…

Haseena was riding and Karishma was at the back. She was holding the bike from the back, “increase your speed.” Karishma ordered and closed her eyes to feel the silence and serenity of the cool breeze. Haseena was observing her through the mirror; she saw the crease of her forehead disappear, a smile lingered on her face, and there was a peace on her face. “I just wanted you to enjoy yourself comfortably and i am happy that i am able to do that. I wish I can go back in time... I wish we can have a fresh start..."

After that day, it became their daily routine. Every night they used to ride the bike together silently without any exchange of words.

A MONTH LATER

As per her routine, Haseena came to Karishma’s house but instead of ringing the bell she typed a message. Please come down.

As soon as Karishma came out, her eyes opened wide and instantly a wide smile appeared on her face seeing the beauty in front of her, “Oh my God!”

“How’s it? I bought it today only.” Haseena asked seeing Karishma feeling the brand new sports bike with her hands.

“Fabulous! It’s my favorite.” Karishma squealed excitedly, “I want to drive.” She demanded authoritatively and Haseena jumped with happiness at her little success.

In an instant she handed over the keys to her who rode it, “Come on sit at the back.” Karishma ordered with a right.  It was the reaction Haseena had planned and the moment for which she had been striving for a month. She nodded happily and rode at the back.

Karishma was shouting in excitement and driving at a crazy speed, “Oh God Madam sir!! It was my dream to ride this bike. Thank you” Haseena felt a little bad hearing madam sir from her instead of Haseena, "I was hoping that this would help me win back your friendship... but I am happy that at least I succeeded in getting a genuine laughter from you."

After enjoying the ride to the fullest, Karishma returned to her home, "Thank you madam sir for this wonderful experience." Her smile was genuine and she was grateful but to a senior. Haseena nodded with a slight smile, "See you tomorrow. Good night." With that she rode the bike and went to her home.

"I know madam sir, you are trying hard but what do I do... All those painful memories were still fresh in my mind when you decieved me by being Urmilla, when you shot me, when you give more importance to Mira than me, your harsh words... Everything. That do not let me trust you again with friendship. I am happy with this relationship of respect because I can't bear more pain." Tears rolled down from Karishma's eyes but she wiped them the very next instant not allowing them to be seen by anyone. "I was living without friendship before too and I will live without it again also." She mumbled to herself with red eyes and determined face, and moved inside the house.

It was neither her stubbornness nor her ungratefulness but it was the depth of her pain from a wound, that was perhaps irreparable at least in Karishma's sight.

...

Later that night, Haseena had covered her head in an oversized dupatta and was sitting on a prayer mat. Cascades of tears were streaming from her eyes and falling on her hands, raised in front of Allah Almighty.

"Ya Allah, I have committed one of the biggest and unforgivable crimes. I have hurt an innocent soul. My actions and words have become the cause of Karishma's pain. I didn't realize her true worth until I lost her. I know you will not forgive me until I seek her forgiveness. Please help me in winning her apology. Please erase all the pain which my deeds have caused from her heart." The next instant she had placed her head on the mat and cried heavily in repentance.

...

Next day, Karishma opened the gate of her house to go to the police station when a delivery boy caught her sight. He was two feets away from her house, holding the bouquet which stole Karishma's heart. The delivery boy approached her, "Madam this is for you." With creased forehead she took the bouquet, plucked a card from it while asking, "who has sent it?" However, the delivery boy didn't responded to her and went away when he saw her smiling reading the note.

"I have chosen all these flowers myself from the orchard for you. I hope they have brought a smile on your face. I cannot undo my past mistakes but I promise I won't repeat them in future. Haseena Malik." She read it out loud to herself once again and smiled. Unknown to her mind, with each passing day her heart was liking Haseena's genuine efforts more than the previous day. She went inside, arranged the bouquet carefully on her bedside table and come out not before adoring it for a few more seconds.

...

Karishma was on her bike riding back to the women Police station after killing that terrorist duped as producer who attempted to use her sister and to kill her. "I am sure Madam sir will burst at me again for not following her orders. Again she will not understand my emotions but will say such things that will hurt me. Why can't I undo my feelings for her? I want to remain unaffected by her but it's not happening." Distressed about the upcoming volcanic eruption, she reached mid way to the station. She was passing by a deserted road when suddenly Haseena's car stopped right in front of her bike.
Surprised, she applied sudden brakes. Before she could understand anything, Haseena stepped out of her jeep, moved near Karishma, and hugged her. Karishma wasn't understanding what was happening when she felt tears on her shoulders, "Madam sir, why are you crying? What happened?" She tried to pull her out of her arms but Haseena didn't allowed her instead tightened her grip around her and started sobbing more heavily.

Karishma's heart clenched in her chest; no matter how much angry she was at her, she can't see her tears at any cost. She wrapped her arms around her and caressed her head to calm her down.

"Madam sir, your tears are giving me pain. Please stop crying." Hearing her Haseena instantly came out her arms and started wiping her eyes hurriedly, "No... No... I won't give you more pain... I am not crying.. I am not." She was shaking her head and wiping her wet eyes but unable to stop her tears.
Karishma had never seen this side of her madam sir before and if it was some other time she would have taken her own sweet time to admire that kid but not today. She held her wrist and made her sit inside the jeep, drank her some water, gave her tissues to wipe her tears and then asked, "Now tell me what happened?"
"I was... I was frightened... I thought I won't be able to see you again... I thought i will die without earning your apology... I thought I will lose you at the hands of that terrorist... As an S.H.O. I followed the protocols and ordered you to arrest him alive but... But from inside I was scared that what if in following my orders you get hurt by him or worst shot by him... I... I.. I got scared for your life... I thought I left with no time for winning your friendship... I can't see you loosing your life before me and I don't want to lose my life without giving you the right of having a true friend."

"So, that means you did not have trust on my abilities that I can overpower that bastard... That I can deal with him." It was more of an accusation, which Karishma asked seriously.
"No... No... Not at all!! I trust you with my mind and heart... But... But... I... I... I was scared... I.. I don't know..." She paused then looked at Karishma's serious expressions and started crying more heavily.

Holding her ears she added in between her sobings, "I was not intended to hurt you... but again... I repeated the same mistake... Sorry... I don't know why I am like this... Instead of making you happy I always end up hurting you more... Rama was right when she said that I don't deserve you... I don't deserve you... I hurted you once again... " Her eyes were closed, head was bowed in shame and she was repeating the same line extremely dissappointed at herself.

Tears welled up in Karishma's eyes seeing her state. She was witnessing just Haseena who is accepting her mistakes like a normal human. She was trying everything to rectify all the wrongs she did to her. Karishma's heart had fully acknowledged Haseena's attempts to befriend with her. She was not seeing even a bit of pride or seniority or any barrier between them and she was happy for that.

However, just then her mimd interrupted and reminded her of her pain. She was seeing fear of losing her in Haseena just the way she used to feel in all those moments when Haseena didn't informed her about her plan.

"How does it feels like when you find your dear one right in front of death and you don't know if you will be able to save her or if you will be able to see her again or not?" Karishma blurted out angrily.

Haseena locked her remorseful eyes with Karishma's painful eyes and said, "As painful as you have felt countless times." Her voice choked once again and she threw her head on Karishma's knees. " I beg you to give me any punishment you want. I have hurted you; you can punish me with belt or file an F.I.R against me for shoting you. But free me of this burden, I can't bear it anymore Karishma... I am sorry... I am sorry for all my mistakes." At that moment, Karishma's heart and mind both were won by Haseena as she had shed all her covers.

Karishma didn't want to break her madam sir like this, not even in her wildest dreams she wanted this to happen. It is true that her heart yearned for Haseena's friendship in true sense. She yearned to be understood, acknowledged, and respected by Haseena for who she is. However, she cannot see her dissappointed in herself and lose her self respect. It melted her heart. The series of events had caused both of them this fate. It may sound cliche but it's true if ther is no pain, no gain. Both of them burnt in the kiln of pain and was rewarded with their friendship stronger than ever before.
She bent down kissed Haseena's head, wrapped her arms around her tightly and cried along with her. "You are forgiven Haseena... You are forgiven. I am taking you back as my friend and this time as my best friend." As soon as she whispered these lines in her ears Haseena's sobbings turned into wailings; she hadn't thought that the day will ever come when she will be forgiven let alone be taken back as a friend. She wrapped her arms around Karishma's waist and snuggled more into her.

"I am not worthy of your friendship... I am not... What if I repeated the same mistake... I don't trust myself for you..." Her dissappointment had reached to the level of self-doubt.
"It's okay, I don't mind my S.H.O venting out her frustration on me as I know her seniors trouble her a lot. And secondly, you know she do that just with because she considers me second in command after herself. You know what is the most important thing? Now I have my best friend with me so whenever my S.H.O will trouble me I will trouble her." Karishma's soft and assuring voice gave a soothing effect to Haseena's chaotic heart.

She raised her face, looked at Karishma with puffy and wet eyes and asked, "Really?" Karishma gave a smiling nod at her cute madam sir who asked again, "You won't hide your anger and pain from me?" Karishma chuckled pinched her nose, pulled her in a tight hug and said smiling widely, "Forget about hiding... You have no idea what I will do with you." Haseena smiled relieved.
Few minutes later Haseena came out of the hug. She held her ears and said, "Sorry for hurting myself..." This changed Karishma's expression from smiling to anger. Haseena gulped seeing the switch and at once lowered her eyes.

At next minute, Karishma was driving the jeep and Haseena was sitting beside her by holding her ears. Karishma was driving extra slowly and was taking the longest possible route to Haseena's home. Haseena was looking here and there for the surprised eyes of the passers by.
Karishma was stealing glances at Haseena who was strategically trying to slip off from her seat to escape from the eyes. She chuckled inwardly at her best friends cute antics who neither want to refuse Karishma's punishment nor want to be seen by the people. "Don't act smart with me Haseena. Come on sat up straight. I don't want to see any bend in your back." Karishma ordered sternly.
"But that's unfair, you are willingly taking extra long route. And look at your driving! At any other time you would have been flying the jeep and now you are not exceeding even 30..." Haseena made a sad pout but didn't left her ears.

"So, you should have think of this before hurting yourself." Karishma retorted back and then laughed out loud, "by the way Haseena this sight is breath taking. And I am loving it. You know what is the best part in our renewed friendship? That I will get a chance to throw tantrums at you and you will do everything as I say. I am going to love this pampering." Haseena saw Karishma without any covers enjoying herself fully and she found her heart and soul at peace.

"Ice cream? What's say?" Karishma squealed excitedly seeing the stall at the other end of the road.

"Only if you will allow me to free my ears." Haseena at once replied adamantly.

"Not possible, have you forgotten? You are going to hold your ears till our bedtime." Karishma shaked her head in teasing way.

"But Karishma, kaka know me." Haseena tried with her pleading eyes and innocent face.

"Oho madam!! These tactics work on you- jazbaat queen- not me. Moreover, let the world know that Karishma Singh is Haseena Malik's best friend." She shouted loudly and hooted happily while jumping on her seat in excitement.

By then kaka brought two ice creams for them. The moment her eyes went on Haseena, he get surprised for an instant then smiled happily. He patted both Haseena and Karishma's heads and congratulated them, "so, finally you girls have overcome your differences and conquered true companionship. Many many congratulations beta."

Both galnced at each other and then responded smilingly, "Thank you kaka!" He nodded in response then looked at Haseena and added, "by the way beta, I think you should start taking care of yourself now only if you don't want to be seen doing situps outside MPT."

"Kaka, now you too!!" Haseena responded with a cute pout. He laughed at this and went away giving blessings to both of them.

All this while Haseena had dutifully complied with her best friend's orders, "Happy now?" She asked tauntingly.

"No, no, I am waiting for Ammi's reaction. I am sure she is going to love her daughter punished like this for being careless with herself." Karishma responded teasingly and shoved a spoonful of ice cream in Haseena's mouth who nodded and added, "fine beta... Just wait for my turn!!" "You can wait if you want... Until then let me enjoy this rare moment." She added then glanced at Haseena who was galring her and the next moment both of them burst into piles of laughter.

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