Snippets of Madam Sirr (S1)

The Final Farewell

The eerie silence of the night broken by the haunting chirping of crickets fell as lead on the members standing at attention, their ears only focused on the sound of a whistle clap. The final day of their physical training had descended falling upon each MPT member as a shroud. They were relieved, their sore muscles thanking them, but each one of them sank down in despair at the hollowness that would set with the absence of Babita Ji.

She started the session as usual, her whistle strokes dividing the drills. It was a relentless and non-stop drive at the end of a two hour long session, they all dropped down to the ground, wheezing for breath. A silent groan erupted as their eyes snapped back into attention with another whistle blast that cut through the silence. They stood up carrying their limbs of lead standing in attention.

Babita Ji stood in front of them, her hands clasped behind her back. She gazed at each member, her eyes lingering on them as a note of admiration sparkled in her eyes. She had witnessed the MPT's resilience, endurance and teamwork. Babita Ji knew that as a mentor she couldn't be more proud of her students.

"Today marks the end of your physical training" she said, looking at each one of them. "I'm really proud of the spirit you've shown and the resilience you've had these past two weeks." Babita Ji looked at Haseena Malik, her eyes commending her not as her student but as the SHO of MPT. "Madam Sir, you've got a brilliant team. Take care of them."

Haseena smiled despite the aching pain in her body, feeling the invigorating rush of pride warming her.

"Oh!" SS exclaimed. "Madam.....we don't have to do exercises anymore" she said loudly, her voice overlapping the silence of the dusk.

Haseena and KS stifled laughter as Babita Ji glared at SS. "Constable SS..." she began. "Do you need one more hour?"

Every member felt the threat protruding deep in their veins. SS stepped back horror invading her eyes. "No no madam. I'm sorry" she said her voice wavering in fear of an additional hour.

Haseena smiled despite the aching pain in her body, feeling the invigorating rush of pride warming her. It was rare to be acknowledged by Babita Ji and Haseena reveled in the moment for as long as she could.

"Madam" KS began, her voice choking with tears. "Will you be leaving immediately?" she asked, her eyes not meeting Babita Ji as she pinched herself to remain grounded.

She smiled. "No Karishma madam I'll be leaving in the evening."

A look passed among the members their faces darkening, an unmistakable tension palpating through the air. They all shared a common expression, their eyes lowered and heads burned, each churning in the aftermath of Babita Ji's presence.

As they left, silence dropping around everyone, Haseena pulled KS aside.

"KS, I have an idea" she said, the brightness of her eyes gleaming in the darkness.

"What madam sir" she asked leaning forward, her eyes piqued with curiosity.

"Let's arrange a small party for Babita Ji."

"Aarey wah madam sir that's an excellent idea." She commented, her heart rising in spirits.

"KS, I have to report to the HQ with madam. Can you take care of the party?"

"Haan madam sir, don't worry at all."

Haseena smiled, a flicker of unspoken emotions lingering in the air between them. As they turned to leave, KS faltered dropping behind Haseena, her voice whispering in her ear.