May 19 2022

Charlie was reading through old case files while sipping a cup of tea, The criminals he had caught over the years while some were still active. But as he checked every one of them, every time the year was moving backwards, He began having memories from the past.

He leaned back from his chair, his eyes softening for a moment and opened his phone, clicking on the gallery and looked at an old picture of him and his parents. He sighed, staring at the picture.

He missed them

He missed everything

He wished things went differently

But in order to fulfil his dream, Some things were meant to be that way.

He didn't realise how long he was lost in his thoughts, Alex's voice echoed outside the office, his voice inching closer before the door opened, Charlie looked at him, forcing a smile on his face and set his cup aside, Ambrose had a huge smile on his face while speaking on the phone.

Alex: *Smiles* Yeah, Manu, I'll let you know soon. . . Bye, Love you too.

He chuckled before disconnecting the call as Charlie looked at him with intrigue while smiling.

Charlie: Romancing on the job, Alex?

Alex: *Chuckles* No, More like she's inviting us somewhere.

He sat on the table again, Charlie moved the old files away and looked at him, raising an eyebrow.

Charlie: *Smiles* Who's wedding is it?

Alex: *Smiles* Not a wedding, Her best friend who lives in Hyderabad moved to Washington two days ago.

Charlie: Really? Congrats, She's going to miss Indian food.

Alex: *Chuckles* Yeah and they're hosting an Indian cultural event at the community center, They got the food and probably a few dance performances, All Indian.

Singh's eyes lit up and just stared at Alex with intrigue. It's been so long since he ever been to an indian event or party.

Charlie: So Manu is going to the party?

Alex: Yup, and she's inviting me, She asked if you could come along as well.

He chuckled, expecting Alex to invite him to the event. But he wasn't sure, As a commissioner, He couldn't leave the police department like this. Any crime could happen when he's gone.

Charlie: No thanks, I appreciate it. But I'm a bit busy right now. You can go on and enjoy the party, Just send me pictures.

Alex: Really Charlie? I actually thought you would be up to it. You always talk about India.

Charlie: *Sighs and smiles a little* As much as I love too, I'll rather stay here and work.

Ambrose looked at him and shook his head, He wasn't exactly convinced yet. When Manushi first told him about the event, He really wanted to bring Charlie along, Even he needed some fun in his life, He was always buried into work.

Alex: Charlie. . . Come on, man. You're not just the commissioner. You're still you, I get it. Duty first. You're wired that way. . . . But it's one evening. One night where you're not chasing criminals, Just music, food, people laughing. . . . Wouldn't it feel like Home?

Charlie's smile faltered a little as the word "home" lingered in his chest.

Alex: You've given this city everything. Don't you think you've earned a few hours to take something back? To remind yourself where you came from?

Charlie leaned back, staring at him while thinking about his words, It's true. He deserved a break, For once, He wanted to feel some peace.

Alex: *Chuckles* Besides, Manu's going to kill me if I don't drag you there. She already told me to make sure you show up. At least do it for my survival.

Charlie couldn't help but laugh a little as Alex grinned, He was honest but also wanted to bring the mood back up.

Charlie: Okay, That actually convinced me more then anything else.

Alex: *Narrows his eyes* Oh wow, I was trying to be nice for once.

Both of them shared a laugh as Singh patted his shoulder, deep down, He appreciates his partner's kindness and support, Their friendship was stronger then anyone could imagine. They hide their benevolent selfs with sarcasm and jokes.

Charlie: *Smiles* I know. . . I know. Thank you.

Alex: *Smiles* Always, I got your back.

Charlie: So when is the party gonna happen?

Alex: Ehh, It starts at seven-thirty. But make sure you're ready by six, alright? You take longer than Manushi does.

Charlie: And yet, somehow, I still look better than you when I'm done.

Alex: *Stares* Confidence or delusion? Can't tell.

Charlie: *Smirks* Results speak for themselves.

Ambrose groaned and threw a paper at him as both of them shared a laugh together, Soon, they changed the subject and were talking to each other while officers were roaming around the department, chattering about work.

But Charlie was anticipated for this event. . . And he felt excited.

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The morning light streamed through the windows of Blossom & Bliss, Buckets of roses, tulips, and lilies lined the walls, Anne was seen at the counter, her sleeves were rolled up while working on a bouquet.

She moved with quiet precision, snipping a stem at an angle, sliding it into the bouquet, adjusting the leaves until it looked just right. She smiled a little as petals gathered around her workspace, but Anne didn't mind. The mess made everything feel better.

She reached for a spool of silk ribbon, pulling it through her fingers before tying it into a neat bow around the bouquet. Anne smiled at how beautiful it looked before she heard a bell and looked up and saw Benjamin waving through the door, holding a box while his camera was hanged around his neck.

She smiled as he walked in, Benjamin placed a box of pastries as he looked around the shop before looking at the bouquet she just made.

Benjamin: Now that looks like art.

Anne: You came quite early, And you didn't have to buy pastries for us.

Benjamin: *Shrugs* I figured you and Janhvi were hungry, Plus I had some free time so I wanted to work.

Winters chuckled and opened the pastry box, She suddenly felt her stomach growling, Anne didn't realise that she was feeling hungry the whole time.

Anne: Speaking of hunger. . . Thanks, Benji. And here's your gift.

She gave him the bouquet that she just finished preparing, Benjamin's eyes lit up before he laughed and took the bouquet as she laughed.

Benjamin: Hahaha thanks, But isn't that supposed to be for someone?

Anne: No, I just made it cause I wanted to test something out, You can have it. . . *Smirks* Or give it to your girlfriend and say that you made it.

He blushed as they shared a laugh, Benjamin walked to the counter, admiring the flower before looking at the displays, He began taking pictures as Winters was watching him while eating.

Later on, Customers were walking in as Anne and Benjamin continued working together, making different bouquets for the customers' wishes. They were also talking to each other, cracking jokes before Benjamin had a phone call from Janhvi, He answered the call, walking away as Winters decided to prepare something.

Eventually, Benjamin returned with a smile on his face as Anne raised an eyebrow.

Anne: Did she propose to you?

Benjamin: What? No!

Anne: *Laughs* You walked in with a smile, I thought Janhvi was getting all lovey duvey with you.

Benjamin: *Laughs* She just reminded me to reorder supplies for the shop.

Anne: Ah, I see. . . The subtle language of love, Inventory management, Love sure can be told in unique ways.

He facepalmed and continued laughing as Winters was smiling at him before he cleared his throat, It looks like he wanted to say something important to her.

Benjamin: Well actually, It's kinda important, Janhvi overheard someone talking about a Indian cultural event at a community centre.

Anne: Hmmm, Interesting.

Benjamin: And she heard a lot of people are going there, You don't even have to be invited in order to go-

Anne: Boom, Once you enter, They're gonna tell you to back off with a knife.

She joked as Benjamin rolled his eyes and shaked his head while smiling.

Benjamin: I don't think that's how it works, But Janhvi said she asked the people where it was happening, And looks like she wants to go there tonight.

Anne looked at him with intrigue before nodding.

Anne: Okay, I'll take care of the shop then. You both can go and have fun.

Benjamin: *Raises an eyebrow* Wait, hold on. You're really just going to sit here and let us go have all the fun without you?

Anne: *Shrugs* I've got the shop to run. Someone has to make sure these flowers survive the day.

The look on her face seemed like she wasn't interested, But deep down. . . She found it fun, Anne wanted to go there, reminiscing about the old days. But she chose not to. But Benjamin could already tell her feelings.

Benjamin; Come on, Anne. Your friend Christina can handle the shop for today. I feel bad that you don't have any fun, Just working, going home and looking after your kids. The party might be fun for you.

Anne: *Sighs* I don't know, Benji. . . Maybe next time.

Benjamin: But, This is a good opportunity, You always talk about India like it's this magical place. Here's a chance to step back into it, just for a few hours, Please? Janhvi really wants you to join us.

Anne wanted to refuse again, But with his genuine convincing, It would make her feel bad. Winters was quiet for a moment, Unsure if this would bring back the good old times. . . Or the pain.

But deep down in her heart, She still loved the culture and country.

Finally she sighed, nodding her head.

Anne: Fine, I'll come. And I'm bringing Anya and Maya along.

Benjamin: Yes! That's perfect! Trust me, you won't regret it. . . . I was worried if me and Janhvi had to bribe you with biryani.

They both shared a laugh together before they continued working on the bouquet, Anne was thinking about the cultural event, She might actually enjoy it. . . That's when her thoughts were interrupted when Benjamin snapped a photo of the bouquet as she stared at him while he awkwardly looked.

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Charlie, Alex and Manushi were at the party as there was loud Indian music playing, People were dressed in traditional Indian clothing, kids were laughing, playing, singing along the song, Charlie couldn't help but smile, enjoying the vibe while remembering India.

Alex: Look at you, already smiling like you're back in New Delhi

Charlie: *Chuckles* Can you blame me? It smells like cardamom and nostalgia here.

Manushi: We knew you would enjoy it here, Charlie. India forever lives in our hearts

Alex: I feel left out.

Charlie: *Laughs* Don't worry, I'll adopt you.

Ambrose nudged his arm as Manushi laughed at his joke while Charlie grinned, Soon, they continued walking and were greeted by a couple of Indians, welcoming them to the event.

The next few minutes, The trio found a stall that was selling Samosas. They brought the pastries as they were eating, loving the delicious taste.

Alex: Wow, These are actually great.

Charlie: Our samosas are the best, Beta.

Alex: *Rolls his eyes* Oh here we go again.

Charlie: *Laughs* What? I'm just saying, you have to experience samosa the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

Manushi: *Laughs* Everyone is gonna think you're his father, especially over here.

Charlie: Well, at least he'll finally have someone to tell him to eat his vegetables."

Alex: Oh, fantastic, Just what I needed, Another parent.

Manushi giggled as Charlie laughed, wrapping his arm around Alex. Ambrose secretly had a smile on his face and took another bite of the samosa as the music changed into a different song, They decided to check out other food stalls along the tea stall.

Later on, As time passed by. The trio were having fun, checking out different cultural parts of the event, Charlie felt nostalgic, A part of him felt so happy to feel this again, But another part of him wishes that life was like this again, As much as he loved his life today. . . There was some things he missed so deeply.

Alex and Manushi were seen holding hands, watching a performance, Charlie watched before he walked away, wanting to explore again, But as he was walking, He was lost in his thoughts again.

That's when someone bumped into him, He immediately turned around and saw who it was.

Anya: *Holding her head* Oh my god *Looks at Charlie* Ummm, I'm sorry.

Charlie looked at her, tilting his head as he was about to say something until he heard another woman's voice.

???: Sis! Are you alright?

She immediately ran to her older sister as Charlie looked at both of them before smiling.

Charlie: Looks like you two are having fun, Make sure you don't bump into the chai wala (The guy that sells tea)

Maya: *Giggles* Chai Wala, huh?

Anya: That's. . . Interesting, Haha.

Charlie chuckled again as Anya apologised, He nodded and told her to be careful, Both girls walked away but Singh couldn't help but stare at them.

He began walking and heard Anya and Maya laughing about something, Charlie looked in their direction, staring at them before someone walked towards the girls.

Janhvi: There you are! I was about to eat all of these by myself.

She was holding a plate stacked with Pani Puri as Anya and Maya smiled at her before grabbing a piece.

Anya: *Grins* We wouldn't survive. These things are lethal.

Janhvi: Yaar, Only if you don't know how to eat them. You sip, not bite.

Maya ate the whole piece, her mouth full of Pani Puri as Janhvi and Anya laughed at her face while Maya narrowed her eyes.

Maya: Not funny, Can't believe I have to eat the whole thing.

Anya: Hey, The last time I took a bite. It spilled all over my dress.

Janhvi:*Laughs* Arrey, tum toh bilkul bacchon ki tarah kha rahi ho.

Anya and Maya stared at each other, clearly didn't understand what she just said.

Anya: Okay. . . Translation, please?

Maya: She definitely said I eat like a baby, didn't she?

Benjamin: *Grins* Correct. She just roasted you, Literally.

Maya: *Groans* Great. Now the photographer is joining the comedy show!

The four of them laughed, playful bickering spilling between bites. Charlie, watching from a short distance, shook his head with a small smile. Their mix of languages, English tangled with Hindi words reminded him of his own teenage years at Indian gatherings.

When Charlie was about to turn away, He heard someone else's voice.

???: *Smiles* You guys can't stop acting like kids right now.

He froze for a moment, closing his eyes. . . That voice.

It was familiar.

He slowly turned around, looking at the four and that's when he saw someone walking towards them. . . And his eyes lit up with shock.

.
.
.

Maya: Janhvi said I eat like a baby!

Anya: She's roasting us and thought we wouldn't notice. Thank god, Benjamin came to the rescue.

Benjamin: *Laughs* She does it all the time.

Anya and Maya gasped as Anne couldn't help but laugh, But from a distance, Charlie was staring at her with shock. . .

Charlie: . . . . . Anne?

It's been so long since that name slipped from his mouth.

His heart was racing, Anne was talking to everyone, smiling, laughing at their hilarious banter. Charlie just stood there, almost like he was frozen. He kept staring at Anne. . . She never changed.

But he couldn't just go up to her and speak.

It was hard. . . After all these years.

Alex: Uh, Charlie?

He flinched and turned around as Ambrose looked at him with confusion.

Alex: What are you doing here? I thought we were watching the performance?

Charlie wanted to speak, But he couldn't find the right words right now. His mind wasn't in the right place, He opened his mouth twice, trying to say something. But he kept looking at the other way, Where Anne was with her daughters, talking to her friends.

He couldn't believe it. . .

His first love. . .

And suddenly. . .The past was standing right in front of him.

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