May 21 2022

Charlie was seen cooking dinner for himself, As much as he wanted to stay in the police department a little longer, He felt he wanted to be alone for a little bit, He needed some space.

For two days, What Charlie thought the event would bring him memories of New Delhi. But he didn't know that moment, He would find "His Past" in front of him. He didn't know how to react, didn't know how to approach, To this day, He was still shocked seeing Anne again after all these years.

And he felt so many emotions. . . Too many words to express.

So many memories running through his head.

Charlie: *Mutters* Kya yeh sach hai? Ya sirf ek khwab tha? (Is this real? Or was it only a dream?)

His chest tightened as he continued stirring the pot while speaking to himself, He sighed heavily, eyes softening.

Charlie: Anne. . . Tum ab bhi waisi hi ho. (Anne. . . You're still the same.)

The way she smiled at her friends, The sound of her laugh, It all came flooding back like he was eighteen again. The lentils were finally cooked as Charlie opened the lid of a pot of rice, putting rice in the plate and poured some lentils which he calls "Dal"

Charlie walked to the dining table, sitting down and placed the plate. But he didn't start eating yet, He began holding his head, frowning.

Charlie: Mujhe tumse milna chahiye tha. . . Par kaise? (I should have spoken to you. . . But how?)

(Not after the day you said you-)

He didn't want to complete that sentence in his head, That's when he heard the doorbell and raised an eyebrow, Singh knew who it was.

He got up, walking to the front door and unlocked the door to see Alex. Charlie's eyes lit up while Ambrose stared at him in silence.

Charlie: Alex? Thought I told you to stay at the department.

Alex: I know, But I just came to check up on you

Charlie: *Shaking his head* Alex, You could've saved that for later.

Alex: Yeah, well. . . I figured later you'd just brush me off again. So here I am.

Charlie gave him a look, half amused, half annoyed. He sighed and had a small smile on his face, patting his shoulder.

Charlie: You're stubborn, you know that?

Alex: *Chuckles* I can be.

Singh decided to allow Alex in as he walked in, The door was shut as Charlie walked back to the dining room, taking his seat while Alex followed him, sitting and facing him.

Alex: *Smiles* Rice and Lentils again?

Charlie: *Chuckles quietly* It's simple filling. Dal is always the best.

Alex: Sure. . .

Charlie smiled a little and took the first bite, Ambrose quietly stared at him, Noticing that his friend wasn't speaking too much. That was the reason why Ambrose came over, Since the event. He was really quiet but managed to hide with his wit, jokes and laughter.

Alex: Are you okay, Charlie?

Charlie: Of course. . . I just feel hungry.

Alex: You seem off, I can tell. Is something bothering you?

Charlie: Not at all. . . Don't worry.

He gave a reassuring smile and took another bite, Alex wasn't fully convinced and frowned.

Alex: Sure? I feel bad that you didn't seem to enjoy the event two days ago, Manu has been worried too.

Charlie looked at his plate, silently. Trying to think of a response.

Charlie: Manu worries too much. You both do. It was just. . . crowded. That's all.

Alex: Maybe. But still. . . You seemed somewhere else.

Charlie gave a small laugh, trying to keep it light, but his eyes showed a different story.

Charlie: I'm fine, Alex. Really. Don't lose sleep over me.

Alex decided not to push the conversation further, Ambrose nodded as his tone became gentler.

Alex: You don't always have to say you're fine, you know. Even when you don't feel like talking, I'll be here.

Charlie stared at him in silence before a small smile grew on his face, A genuine one. The silence didn't feel so heavy now.

Charlie: *Smiles* Shukriya Dost. (Thank you, my Friend)

Alex: *Smiles* Anytime.

Charlie: Now come here, I'll feed you a bite.

Alex: *Groans* Not again

They both shared a laugh as Charlie forced Alex to lean in for a bite, Ambrose kept refusing but in the end, He decided to play along and leaned close as Charlie fed him a bite of Rice and Dal. He began laughing while Alex was eating with a smile on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The time was nine twenty five p.m. Anne and Benjamin were seen making flower bouquets for three customers, Janhvi was in the storage room, checking on the supplies.

Anne carefully arranged white lilies and carnations into a neat bouquet, her fingers moving with practiced grace. Beside her, Benjamin was working on his own bundle, tying a ribbon with ocus.

Benjamin: Why does mine always end up looking like a shoelace in the first try?

Anne: *Laughs* Because you tie it like one. Here, *Fixes the ribbon* Gentle hands, Flowers don't like to be rushed.

Benjamin: *Cheeky smiles* Guess I need more practice.

Anne: Don't worry. By the time you're done here, you'll be making bouquets in your sleep.

From the back, the muffled sound of Janhvi could be heard as she shuffled the boxes. When Anne and Benjamin were done with their flower bouquets and gave it to their customers, They collected the money until they heard Janhvi yelling.

Janhvi: We're running low on ribbon rolls! And- *Groans* Someone left the roses in the wrong bucket again.

Benjamin laughed, facepalming to himself as Anne had a smile on her face.

Anne: That was definitely you, Janhvi!

Janhvi: No! Urgh, Maybe actually.

Benjamin: Okay, okay, I admit it. I may have mixed up a few roses

Janhvi: Benji!! First you tie ribbons like noodles and now you're mixing up roses?

Benjamin' Come on, Janhvi, You know you secretly like my "creative" style.

Janhvi was quiet before she giggled as Anne rolled her eyes, smiling, Soon Janhvi walked out of the storage room and pinched Benjamin's cheek as he pretended to wince in pain before she kissed him on the cheek.

Anne watched them, smiling to herself before Janhvi asked her a question.

Janhvi: So Anne, Did you really enjoy the event two days ago?

Anne: *Smiles* Definitely, I would have regretted it if I didn't go

Benjamin: See? I told you it'd be fun. You just needed a little convincing.

Anne: *Laughs* Nope, Nope. I was forced to go.

Janhvi: *Grins* Admit, Anne, you're secretly glad we convinced you.

Anne: *Smiles* Fine, I am actually. . . It brought back memories of India. Some good ones.

The couple looked at each other, having a soft smile on their faces. Anne rested her hand on the counter, and another hand on her hip as she was thinking about something.

Soon, They heard someone opening the door as the trio thought it was a customer but instead, It was Anne's good friend, holding a baby.

Her name is Christina, She's been friends with Anne for a long time and works part time at the Flower shop, She mostly comes when Anne isn't working or if she was busy with the kids.

Christina: *Smiles* Hi everyone.

Benjamin: Hey Christina! Good to see you!

Anne: *Smiles* What brings you here?

Christina chuckled and began walking towards them, bouncing her baby boy up and down.

Christina: Oh nothing, I just wanted to check in. Plus, You guys have never seen my boy.

Anne's eyes lit up when she saw Christina's baby son who was holding her mom's shoulder, letting our quiet coos. Anne found him extremely adorable and asked if she could carry him and Christina agreed.

Winters was holding her son, He looked at Anne with his baby eyes, not recognising her. But he didn't seem too scared. Janhvi was squealing at how adorable he looked while Benjamin had a huge smile on his face.

Soon, She handed the baby to Janhvi as the couple was speaking and playing with him, Christina and Anne chuckled as they walked to the side, talking to each other.

Anne: It's been a while since I held a baby.

Christina: *Chuckles* Oh yeah, Since Anya and Maya.

Anne: *Smiles* He's so cute, What's his name anyway?

Christina: Charles, But I love calling him Charlie.

Anne was smiling until she heard the name. . . Charlie.

Her heart skipped a beat and froze for a second, Suddenly memories ran through her head, Glimpses of New Delhi. . . She hasn't heard that name for so long.

Christina: Um, Did you hear me?

Anne: Y-Yeah. *Smiles* Charlie. . . Sounds sweet.

His heart continued racing as Anne forced a smile, not wanting to put the mood down or anything. Christina began talking to her but Winters wasn't focusing well. . . Instead, She was remembering the past.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days after the gathering, Chandramohan and Anne kept seeing each other, They never spoke. They only greeted each other and left, But today, Winters decided to go out for a walk, Her parents warned her to be careful and call if something happens.

The cold breeze of air blew as Anne was fixing her dupatta, Her parents recently bought some Indian clothes for her and she decided to wear them, embracing the culture. The outfit was comfy. She loved it.

Anne continued walking by the street, She fixed her hair and looked at the food stalls, Winters walked past it and saw a nearby park and decided to go there.

She noticed the flowers by the side, She has a huge smile on her face. Anne always loved flowers, She crouched down, admiring the flowers until she heard footsteps and saw someone behind her.

Chandramohan: *Smiles* And we meet again.

Anne's *Eyes lit up* Oh. . . hello.

Chandramohan: Hi, Anne. You. . . enjoying the walk?

Anne: *Chuckles* Yes, it's lovely. The flowers. . They're beautiful.

Chandramohan: *Chuckles* You really love flowers.

She smiled and stood up as Chandramohan took off his glasses and stared at her, He took a moment to admire her outfit.

Anne: There's something peaceful about being surrounded by them, Don't you think?

Chandramohan: Peace. . . yes. I like peace.

He struggled on his words a little bit, But Anne was patient enough to try and understand him, She gave him a warm smile which immediately made him smile.

Chandramohan: You. . . like New Delhi?

Anne: I do, It's vibrant, alive. . . I really love Indian culture, You know?

Chandramohan: Yes, Culture is great, Food is. . . S-Spect. . .

Anne: Spectacular?

Chandramohan: *Laughs* Yes! Exactly.

Winters couldn't help but laugh as Chandramohan began holding his neck, smiling. He was glad he didn't exactly embarrass himself.

Anne: So umm. . . Chandramohan. . . Can you maybe show me around the area?

Chandramohan: Uh. . . Yes. I can show you. There are many places. . . nice to see.

Anne: That would be great! I'd love to see more of the city and maybe learn some local things along the way.

Chandramohan: Great, I know some. . . good places. Markets, parks, food stalls.

Anne: Sounds perfect! Lead the way, then.

She looked excited which made him smile, He gestured toward the nearby street, a quiet excitement in his chest. He was glad she wanted to spend time with him. The duo began walking as he was showing her around the places, Anne was listening to him, He spoke a little bit in Hindi but Anne managed to understand him.

The next twenty minutes, Anne saw a lot of different places and she loved it. He even taught her a few words to say, As they were walking back home, Anne spoke to him.

Anne: Thank you for showing me around, Chandramohan. I really appreciate it.

Chandramohan: No problem, Anne.

Anne: *Mutters* Chandra. . mohan. . .

He raised an eyebrow, looking confused by why she repeated his name like that. Both of them were near the house as Winters cleared her throat, smiling.

Anne: Chandramohan. . . Can I call you, Charlie?

Chandramohan: Charlie?. . . Sounds American.

He looked intrigued before laughing a little as Winters laughed with him.

Anne: I mean it sounds nice. Is it okay if I can call you that?

Chandramohan: *Smiles* It's okay. Charlie sounds good.

Anne: Great! I'll see you soon, Bye Charlie!

He had a smile on his face, That nickname sounded really nice. Anne shot a smile before walking away as he continued staring at her from a distance.

And for the first time in a while, walking through New Delhi felt a little more special.

~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback End~~~~~~~~~~~

Christina: Anne?

Anne: *Shakes her head* Yeah, Sorry. Zoned out for a moment. I heard you.

Christina: *Frowns* You must be tired, You should go home.

Anne looked around, For a second. She didn't even know what was real, Benjamin and Janhvi continued playing with Charles as Anne was looking at the baby, feeling her heart race.

Anne: Yeah. . . Anya and Maya could be waiting.

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