June 10 2022

The time was nine thirty five p.m, It was a weekend and Anne decided to cook something special for her kids, Which fried rice and chicken, Anya and Maya's favourite dish. As Winters was cutting the vegetables, She heard her faint sounds from Maya's room where both of them were playing video games together as their laughter echoed downstairs, Winters had a small smile on her face, hearing their laughter.

As she continued cutting the vegetables, She thought about the school event that happened two days ago. . . Maya's presentation. Her words about the commissioner.

Despite the anger that she could never let go of. . . For the first time, She never seemed too upset hearing his name or looking at him. The anger was still present but after what Charlie said to her on their last meeting. . .

Charlie: I'm not asking for forgiveness. . . But don't act like this. . . Like I don't care, like I never cared.

Those words hit her, Because she had a feeling he cared. . . But her anger was unable to accept it. She still blames Charlie for walking away from her life.

Anne sighed and continued thinking about him, murmuring to herself.

Anne: You said you cared. . . But why did you still leave?. . . . And why can't I stop thinking about you?

She turned on the stove, staring at the flickering flame, Her mind drifted back to the look on his face at the school event, How proud he seemed watching Maya speak. . . Then she remembered how worried he was when Anya was assaulted by a mugger. . . Even before he knew, There was a father and daughter connection between them.

And, He looked the same as always, just older. Softer, Not shy like he used to be. But he was still witty and humourous in his way. It made her smile a little. . .

( You cared, didn't you? Maybe you still do. . . )

Anne realised she was distracting herself as she placed the pan on the stove, shaking her head. The memories still aches her heart.

Anne: No, Anne. Don't do this to yourself again. . . . Not after all these years. . . .

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Sometimes, those people are misunderstood. But they still wake up every day and try again, Because protecting others doesn't always mean being perfect. It just means caring enough to keep going.

A group of armed men came out of the van, carrying multiple bags while running to their hideout.

Thug: *Laughs* Easy as always!

Thug 2: *Laughs* We're gonna rich!

Thug 3: It's amazing that the stupid police hasn't got us yet, Shows how smart we are.

They laughed and ran into the hideout as the other thugs spreaded around the place. Once four thugs entered the main hall which was dark since the lights were shut, One of the thugs walked to turn on the switch.

Thug 2: Alright, After this, We need to count the remaining cash-

Once the lights were turned on, The armed thugs froze as their hearts began racing in fear. . .

( And I have another example of the ones who protect us, Our beloved commissioner Charlie Singh )

The armed thugs were horrified as Charlie had a cocky smirk, flipping his pistol as the thugs stepped back, dropping their bags.

Charlie: You boys really need to pick better hiding spots, Did you bring some gold for me?

Thug 1: H-How did you find us?!

Charlie: *Chuckles* We'll save that for another story but none of you are geniuses, Just saying.

He stood up, placing the gun on his holster, Charlie fixed his hair before raising both of his hands, smirking at them.

Thug: *Nervously aims his gun* Don't move!

Charlie: *Grins* Relax, yaar. If I wanted you on the floor, you'd already there.

The thugs exchanged uneasy looks, something about the commissioner's confidence worried them. Charlie stepped forward slowly as they trembled.

Thug: Hey! Do you think you can all of us down by yourself?

Charlie: No, I know I can.

Before they could respond, Charlie quickly pulled out his gun and fired a warning shot near the door, The echo of the bullet ricocheted through the warehouse and the thugs panicked.

Thug 2: Take him down!

Suddenly the door was kicked open, revealing Alex and a team of officers as they shot multiple bullets on the ground.

Alex: Police! Drop your weapons, now!

The thugs didn't listen. Bullets were shot, Officers dove behind cover, returning fire in controlled bursts. One thug tried to rush a side exit, but Alex ran, disarming before shoving him face-first to the ground.

Another thug opened fire wildly toward Charlie. The commissioner moved fast, rolling on the ground and laid for a moment, smirking.

Charlie: Learn how to use a gun, pal.

He aimed his gun at the ground and shot near his foot, The thug jumped, screaming and trembling in fear. He didn't get shot but Charlie did It to startle him, Alex grabbed the thug, punching him in the face before taking him down as Charlie chuckled and noticed all the thugs were apprehended.

Charlie: See? My plan worked out well.

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Alex along with the officers were seen looking into the rooms, collecting evidence and the stolen valuables from their robberies, Charlie was flipping his gun again. Ambrose was looking through the shelves, collecting gold jewellery as Singh leaned his back on the wall, smiling a little.

Charlie: Yaar, these guys really had taste. Look at all this gold, Almost makes me wanna start a gang myself. Think I'd look good as a crime boss?

Alex: *Not looking at him* You already act like one.

Charlie: Yeah, but I'd run mine with style. These clowns probably argued over who gets the goods instead of planning the job.

Alex: *Groans* Charlie, can you not insult the suspects while we're trying to process the scene?

Charlie: *Chuckles* Silence is boring, Bahi (Brother) Besides, you should be thanking me for keeping the mood. You would've turned into a statue if I didn't speak.

Ambrose just glared at him as Charlie was holding his laughter, smiling to himself. Even during police work, He still loved to trouble his protege.

Charlie: Oh and another thing, You should have made a. . . Stylish entrance. The one you did is too bland.

Alex: *Rolls his eyes* I'm here to get the job done, not audition for a movie.

Charlie: Still, You need some charm in these situations, How did you even date Manushi anyway?

Alex groaned as Charlie was holding his laughter and patted his shoulder and walked to check on the other officers, looking for evidence until they heard police sirens and knew backup arrived.

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Some time had passed, and Charlie had finished interrogating the suspects. He returned to where Alex was still sorting through the evidence as he had a satisfied smile on his face, Deep down, He felt satisfied and happy that the gang that were behind every robbery were finally caught. He whistled and paced around the office, Alex was focused on his task until they heard the telephone ringing.

Charlie picked up the call, speaking in a serious tone.

Charlie: APD, Aberdeen Police Department, What's your emergency?

Anya: *Giggles* The emergency is meeting us right now, Charlie!

Charlie felt his heart drop, stunned by Anya's voice as he lowered the phone, silent for a moment before pulling it to his ear again.

Charlie: Anya?

Anya: Hi Charlie! Hope you're not busy, But we wanted to invite you for dinner right now.

Charlie: Dinner? *Chuckles* Honey, You know I'm at work.

Anya: Oh I completely understand, But can you spare some time? Mom said she made your favorite dinner too... she wants you to come over.

Charlie froze for a moment and felt his heart skip a beat. . . Anne was inviting him?. . .

Charlie: Your. . . mom invited me?

Anya: *Laughs* Yes! She knows how much you mean to us. So will you please come over for a little bit?

Charlie stood in silence, processing the unexpected invitation. His heart was beating faster and had a mixture of different emotions running through him, He was worried about this.

Anya: Hello?

Charlie: Uh yes. . . I'll be there in ten minutes.

Anya: Awesome!!! Can't wait to see you!

She cheered as Charlie had a small smile on his face before disconnecting the call, He stood there for a moment, thinking about Anne and the unexpected invitation.

( Kya ab tum mujhse baat karne ke liye tayyar ho, Anne? (Are you ready to speak to me finally, Anne?. . . )

Charlie: Alex. . . I need to attend something, Can you handle the work?

Alex: Uh of course, See you soon.

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The door opened, revealing Anya and Maya as both of them had huge smiles on their faces, welcoming Charlie to their home. He smiled at them, greeting them. At first, He hesitated, taking the first step to their house. . . But he did.

Maya: So glad you're here, Charlie!

Charlie: *Smiles* Happy to visit, How are you two doing?

Anya: *Smiles* I'm doing better.

Maya: *Smiles* I'm doing good as well, But homework is so tiring.

Charlie: Ahhh, Thank god I didn't study too much. *Chuckles* Glad you two are doing good.

He patted Anya's shoulder before moving to Maya's. Both of them smiled at him, curious by what he said. He looked around the house, observing the furniture, decor and flowers. It brought a smile to his face, Anne knew how to decorate the house.

Anne: Honey, Who's there-

Winters walked out of the ktichen until she saw Charlie, Anya and Maya talking and laughing, She froze, Her eyes flicked quickly between him and the girls, They noticed her and suddenly the room went quiet but the tension in the air was soft. Anne stared at the trio while Charlie stood and took a few steps forward.

Charlie: Evening, Anne.

Anne: . . . . Hello Charlie.

She looked at her daughters. . . They looked nervous.

Maya: Ummm, He's excited to taste your home-cooked fried rice, Mom!

Anya: *Giggles nervously* I'm sure he'll like it.

Charlie: Ooooh, Fried rice?

Anne continued staring at her daughters, They looked nervous and worried. Charlie was completely unaware of the tension and had a faint smile on his face, But he just couldn't stop staring at Anne. That's when Anne looked at him. . . With a faint smile on her face.

Anne: Food's already ready, Take your seat, Charlie.

She looked at him for a few seconds before walking to the kitchen, Charlie smiled again before shaking his head as Anya and Maya guided him to the dining room while joking with him.

Later on, Dinner has begun and everyone was eating, Everyone chartered except for Anne who was silent through the whole conversation, She spoke a few words. Mostly to ask Charlie if the food was good or not.

He loved it and matter of fact, He missed her cooking. Eating her home cooked meals made him remember the past again, During the conversation, He would always look at Anne, But she never looked at him. . . Maybe there was a few glances.

Anya: Hey Charlie! Try the apple juice that Mom made.

He looked at the bottle of juice and hesitated for a moment before grabbing it, pouring into the glass. Anne watched him in silence before he took a sip and looked at the girls.

Charlie: Insanely delicious, I might have to call an emergency meeting with my taste buds.

Anya and Maya laughed as Charlie took another sip, smiling at them. But what he didn't notice was. . . Anne's smile. She shaked her head and continued smiling before speaking to him.

Anne: You never change, do you?

His heart skipped a beat and looked at her for a moment, The kids were unaware of the tension and question between them as Charlie shrugged, trying to be his usual self.

Charlie: Someone has to keep the table entertaining

Anya: *Giggles* That's true, Charlie!

Maya: *Laughs* You're hilarious!

Charlie: I know, I know. . . it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Anne shakes her head and took another bite of the food, Charlie looked at her before taking a bit as well. The rest of dinner was full of joy as everyone was done with their meals and went to place the dishes back at the kitchen.

While the kids were washing the dishes, Anne walked to grab something before she noticed Charlie stood by the main door, ready to leave. Anne was silent for a moment before clearing her throat.

Anne: Charlie?

Charlie: . . . Yeah, I guess I should be going.

He stepped forward, adjusting his jacket as Winters looked at him in silence, feeling something in her heart

Charlie: Thanks. . . . for inviting me. It was. . . really good.

Anne: . . . . I'm glad you liked it. . . . Glad you came over.

She spoke calmly and didn't look at him, Charlie wanted to say something but he didn't want to ruin the mood and kept quiet, He had a small smile on his face and was about to leave until he heard Anya and Maya laughing about something, His heart warmed and so did Anne's.

Anne: Charlie. . . You can stay a little longer. The girls. . . They enjoy having you around.

He stood, looking for signs of anger in her face. But she seemed calm about it, Charlie was silent for a moment and shaked his head.

Charlie: I would. . . But I don't want to overstay my welcome-

Anne: It's okay, They're happy. . . Just stay for a little bit.

There was another moment of silence between them as Anne fixed her hair, glancing at the ground before Charlie nodded, He wanted to stay.

Charlie: Thank you.

He smiled at her. . . Anne's heart fluttered for a moment before nodding and walking away, Charlie stood in silence, staring at her and felt his heart beating faster.

They spoke like strangers. . .

But the love didn't exactly fade away.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)