UNLIKELY ALLIES || KarEena

✨Khatra✨

Karishma stood at the edge of the bridge, gazing at the smooth flow of water. The way it cascaded down the rocks, oblivious to the sheer drop ahead, filled her with a sense of melancholy. It reminded her of her own life — she was living in the moment, smiling, but deep down, she could feel something ominous approaching. Despite the inner turmoil, she didn't let a hint of tension show on her face. She needed to stay strong, not just for herself but for Haseena, Ammi, Anvi, and Meera, who were playing below by the waterfall, their laughter echoing through the air.

"Everything feels perfect," Karishma thought, but her heart whispered otherwise. The world around her felt fragile, like it could crumble at any moment. Yet, she kept smiling, her expression as natural as ever, not wanting anyone to guess the storm brewing inside her. She knew how much she meant to Haseena, but perhaps, more than even JWA70? She caught herself thinking that and quickly dismissed the thought. "No, because if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have met Haseena," she reminded herself. She laughed softly at her own thoughts, but her amusement was short-lived. The next moment, something shocking unfolded before her.

Time seemed to freeze. The water that had been flowing so effortlessly stopped mid-air. Everything halted—Ammi, Anvi, Meera—all stood motionless, as if frozen in time. But where was Haseena? Karishma's heart raced for a second before she felt a familiar warmth and pressure. A hug from behind.

It didn't take her a moment to recognize who it was. A wide smile spread across her face even before she turned around. When she did, she found Haseena holding her ears in a playful gesture. "I'm sorry, Kax19," Haseena said with a pout. "Mujhe pata hai, mujhe apni shaktiyon ka upyog iss duniya mein nahi karna chahiye tha, par kya karoon, jab se hamare beech sab sort out hua hai, hum dono ko koi time hi nahi mila! Aur tumhara sir bhi dukh raha hai na..."

Karishma smiled at Haseena's innocent charm. She couldn't help but nod. Haseena added, "Acha, ab maafi maang li hai maine, to ab maaf bhi kar do na!"

Karishma, still smiling, shook her head and said softly, "Acha baba, kar diya maaf."

With that, Haseena, satisfied, led Karishma to a bench on the bridge. "Chalo, tum yahaan baitho. Main tumhara sir dabaati hoon," she said as she gently massaged Karishma's head. The tenderness in her touch and the peace of the moment made Karishma close her eyes and savor it. This was where she wanted to be — not thinking about curses, separations, or even JWA70. In this moment, nothing mattered more than her Hasu.

As she sat there, Haseena mumbled, "Sorry, maine tumhe 'karu' bulane se mana kiya."

Karishma opened her eyes slightly and replied, "Acha kiya, ki mana kar diya. Tum sab jaisi nahi ho mere liye. Main tumhari Karishma hi hoon."

Haseena, pausing for a moment, smiled and said, "Karishma to tum duniya walo ke liye ho, par main tumhe ek naya naam dungi... sirf tumhare liye."

Karishma's heart swelled with happiness. This was one of the unspoken guilt she carried — the feeling that her name, her very identity, had become a formality between them. But now, hearing Haseena offering to give her a new name, a special one, felt like a weight being lifted off her chest.

"Kyoon nahi," Karishma whispered, encouraging her.

Haseena thought for a moment, tapping her chin, then said, "Hmm... Kashu! Aaj se tum meri Kashu ho. Aur haan, warning de rahi hoon, koi aur tumhe iss naam se nahi bula sakta! Warna tumne ab tak jo Haseena Malik ka bhaukaal nahi dekha, vo dekh loge!"

Karishma burst into laughter. "Hasu and bhaukaal? Nice joke, but please never try it again!" She teased. "Aur waise bhi, tumhara gussa toh imptar par bhi dekha tha. Uske baad bheegi billi banke ghoom rahi thi tum."