Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

A Day of Joy

*** This chapter is about celebrating Haseena's birthday as it should have been celebrated instead of the MPT mourning her death. ***

The clock chimed midnight, the sliver of the moon shining in the darkness of the night. Haseena stood awake, her eyes glazing at the ceiling in the darkness, her mind hovering over the past when she heard a knock on her door. She pulled off the bedsheets, got down and opened the door to see her Ammi standing in the doorway with a cake.

"Happy birthday, Hasi..." she wished her as she entered the room.

They placed the cake between them on the bed as the room was filled with the aroma of chocolate. Together they enjoyed the cake, indulging the nostalgic taste of chocolate overpowering their senses.

Haseena sat on the bed her knees pulled together when her mind floated back to the past. A lone teardrop escaped her eyes as she recalled her father. Haseena's mother noted this and edged closer to her, cupping her face in her hands. She lowered Haseena's head placing a kiss on her forehead, the love and warmth lingering through her.

"Your abbu would have been proud Hasi....with everything you've achieved. You brought his legacy forward. We both are proud of you."

Tears clouded Haseena's face. "I miss him ammi" she said as he wrapped herself around her mother.

As the midnight floated away, they sat on the bed sharing stories and anecdotes, laughing over the memories.

***

Back at MPT, the members hurried here and there, each lost in their own world. The station sparkled with lights decorated by garlands of flower. On the top bannister hung a banner that spelled "Happy Birthday Madam Sir" surrounded by a collection of balloons. A low stool stood at the front with a chocolate cake filled with icing.

KS looked at the decorations, her heart glowing with love. She looked around the station, her pride building up at what Madam Sir had achieved with her team.

"Madam..." SS called her. "Madam Sir is not here yet" she pouted.

"She'll be here Santu....is everything ready?"

"Haan madam, Cheetah went to bring the flower bouquet."

As cheetah came back with the bouquet, KS gathered her team.

"Listen everyone, this should be a surprise."

SS placed a screen in front attached with an overhead projector, a video already cued on a countdown.

KS strained her ears as she heard the unmistakable sound of madam sir's jeep.

"Everyone she's here. Get ready."

Everyone scrambled to their hiding places as they switched off the lights leaving their station as dark as the night. Everyone stood silent holding their breaths silently counting down the time.

Haseena strolled up the steps, her heart wondering at the increased silence. She exclaimed in surprise as she saw the darkness that now enveloped the station. Where is everyone? She thought.

"KS...Puspha Ji..." she called out.

She placed her cap on the table almost brushing into CC's hand who was peeping to catch a glimpse. Haseena looked around yet saw nothing. She walked forward when a faint light popped from the screen, her eyes glazed with curiosity. She waited till the screen loaded the video, her patience running out.

Puspha Ji's image flicked on the screen. "Happy birthday madam sir...."

Haseena laughed as she realized that the team must be hiding somewhere. She looked at the screen as Puspha Ji's voice continued. "Madam Sir from the first day you came here...I've seen you as my daughter and I couldn't be more proud of you. Happy birthday madam sir..."