Abhijeet stands frozen, his mind struggling to process what he just heard. His lips tremble, and his eyes fill with unshed tears.
Abhijeet (broken tone): Sir… yeh sab (his voice was barely a whisper, choked with pain) a..aa..ap bhi a..is..a So..c..ht..te h..ai
ACP Pradyuman averted his gaze, his heart shattering into pieces, but he didn't respond.
The room was suffocatingly silent, except for the faint sound of Abhijeet's shallow breaths. ACP Pradyuman's words echoed in his ears like a thunderstorm,
"Apne maa baap par bhi ye bojh hi hoga...unke liye bhi unwanted hi hoga tabhi to apni family se alag yahan akele rahata hai hai"
He stared blankly at ACP Pradyuman, the man he had always respected, admired, and secretly longed to call family. His body sways slightly, his legs threatening to give way. He grips the table for support and lets out a bitter smile, tears streaming down his face.
Abhijeet (with a bitter smile): Shayad… aap sahi keh rahe hain sir Main unwanted hi hoon. Tabhi toh mere maa-baap mujhe akela chod kar chale gye (lost tone) es duniya se
The room fell deathly quiet as the weight of Abhijeet's words sank in. ACP eyes widened in shock. Daya takes a step forward, concern written on his face, but Abhijeet raises a trembling hand to stop him. His voice cracks, but he forces himself to continue.
Abhijeet (choked voice): Aapko pata hai, sir...sab kahte hai jab mai chota tha ek car accident mai mere mumma papa ki death ho gye...
Abhijeet pauses, his voice cracking as he forces himself to continue. ACP stares at him, stunned, the words piercing through his heart like daggers.
Abhijeet (tears streaming down): Kash us din mai bhi unke sath hi mar gaya hota to aaj mujhe aap sab ke tanne nahi sunne padhte
ACP's hands tremble. His guilt begins to suffocate him as he watches Abhijeet's pain unfold. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. He feels powerless. He looks away, his guilt and pain evident. He remains silent, unable to meet Abhijeet's gaze but his silence only deepened the wound in Abhijeet's soul. Abhijeet's breaths grow shallow, and his chest rises and falls heavily.
Abhijeet (with a trembling voice): Bachpan se lekar aaj tak mai ek pariwar or mata pita ke pyar ke liye tadpta aaya hun sir. Aaj ager vo zinda hote or mere sath hote tab to aap sab aisa nahi bolte naa.
ACP's face twists in pain. His silence feels heavier than words. Abhijeet lets out a broken laugh, tears flowing freely down his face. His hands tremble as he clutches his chest.
Abhijeet (broken tone): Sir, mujhe nahi pata… maa ka pyar kya hota hai. Mujhe nahi pata… ek pita ka sahara kaisa hota hai. Jab doosre bacchon ke maa-baap unhe gale lagate the pyar karte the, toh main ek kone mein baith kar sochta tha… ager Mere mumma papa jinda hote to vo bhi kya mujhse Etna hi pyar karte.
He pauses, gasping for air, his chest heaving with the weight of his suppressed emotions. His knees threaten to buckle, but he steadies himself on the table.
Abhijeet (hurt/teary tone): Jab meri mulakat Nandini ma'am se hui. Mujhe laga… ki ma'am ke roop mein mujhe meri maa mil gayi...Par aaj… aapne vo rishta bhi chin liya mujhse sir...
ACP's heart feels heavy as he watches Abhijeet break down in front of him. Abhijeet suddenly clutches his chest, gasping for breath, his body trembling.
Abhijeet (weakly, on the verge of collapse): Sab khatam kar diya, sir… sab. Aap bahut bure hain… I ha...
Before he can finish, he clutches his head and collapses to the ground. Daya rushes forward, catching him before he hits the floor.
Daya (panic tone): Abhijeet! (To acp) Sir, Abhijeet ki tabiyat bahut kharab ho rahi hai. Hume ise hospital le jaana hoga
ACP kneels beside Abhijeet, trembling as he places a hand on his face. His voice cracks, and tears roll down his cheeks.
ACP Pradyuman (moist tone): Abhijeet aankhe kholo plss... his head resting on Daya's shoulder. His breathing is shallow, almost inaudible.
Daya (urgently): Sir, jaldi hospital chaliye plss
ACP nods quickly, wiping his tears and composing himself.
ACP Pradyuman (Heavy tone): hnn chalo
In Hospital
ACP Pradyuman sat on a cold, hard bench in the dimly lit hospital waiting area, his head buried in his hands. The usually unshakable leader of the CID team now seemed broken, drowning in the guilt of his harsh words. His mind replayed the image of Abhijeet collapsing, the pain in his eyes haunting him like a never-ending nightmare.
Daya paced back and forth in front of him, his frustration bubbling to the surface. His face was flushed with anger and concern, his voice sharp yet trembling with emotion.
Daya (angrily): Sir, Abhijeet ke es halat ke jimmedar aap hai. Aapke karan vo aaj yahan hospital mai pada hai . Mujhse hi galti ho gye jo maine aapko apne sath chalne ke liye kaha.
ACP flinched at Daya's words but didn't look up. His guilt was suffocating him, and he struggled to form a response. After a moment, his trembling voice broke the silence.
ACP Pradyuman (whispering, voice laden with guilt): Mujhe nahi pata tha Abhijeet ke past ke bare mai ... (Lost tone) maine jaankar nahi kiya ye sab.
He looked up at Daya, his eyes red and filled with tears threatening to spill.
ACP Pradyuman (choking on his words): Mujhe nahi pata tumhe kese yakeen dilaun lekin mera dil janta hai maine kabhi uska bura nahi chaha...Tear rolling down fro his eyes...Maine kabhi usse nafrat nahi ki ...kabhi nahi
Daya's anger softened slightly as he saw the torment on ACP's face. He stopped pacing and knelt in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Daya (firm but softer): Aap fikr mat kijiye kuch nahi hoga use...(Worried tone)Aap ek kaam kijiye aap ghar chale jayea yahan mai sab sambhal lunga.
ACP clenched his fists, his head hanging low as tears slipped down his cheeks. The weight of his guilt pressed down on him like a boulder.
ACP Pradyuman (voice breaking): Mai kahin nahi jaa raha daya... Tumse jyada haq mera hai us par vo sirf mera officer hi nahi balki (after a pause) nandini ka beta bhi h
Before Daya could respond, the doctor approached them, holding a clipboard. His face was calm but serious as he addressed ACP.
Doctor: Patients abhi stable hai, Unka blood pressure stress ki wajah se kaafi low ho gaya tha. Aapko unka dhyan dena hoga
ACP stood up immediately, his posture straightening, though his face remained etched with worry.
ACP Pradyuman (urgently): Kya hum usse mil sakte hain?
The doctor nodded but held up a hand in caution.
Doctor: Aap mil sakte hain, lekin dhyan rakhiye, unhe kisi bhi tarah ka stress nahi hona chahiye.
ACP nodded, his jaw tightening. As the doctor walked away, ACP turned to Daya, his voice filled with determination.
ACP Pradyuman: Daya tum jao Abhijeet ke liye mai hun Before Daya could say anything, ACP leaves from there...Daya also wanted to meet Abhijeet so he silently follows ACP.
They walked down the hospital corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing. ACP's heart pounded as they reached the door to Abhijeet's room. The sight inside made his breath catch.
Abhijeet lay motionless on the hospital bed, pale and hooked up to monitors that beeped rhythmically. The sight of his loyal officer, who had always been strong and unyielding, now lying so vulnerable, broke ACP's heart.
ACP does not know that Daya is also following him. ACP hesitated at the door, his hands trembling. Seeing the condition of ACP, Daya does not come in front of him.
He silently stepping back to give him space.
ACP slowly entered the room and sat on the chair beside Abhijeet's bed. For a moment, he just stared at Abhijeet's face, the guilt washing over him anew. He reached out, his trembling hand gently brushing Abhijeet's hair.
ACP Pradyuman (voice trembling, softly): Ho sake to mujhe maaf kar dena abhijeet anjane mai maine tumhe bahut dard diya hai...He paused, his tears falling freely now, his voice breaking with emotion.
ACP Pradyuman (broken tone): mai tumhe es hospital mai nahi dekh sakta bachhe plss jaldi se thik ho jao...chaho to mujhse naraj ho jao mujhse gussa ho jao lekin aise hospital bed par nahi beta ... (While crying) mai tumhe aise nahi dekh sakta
He leaned forward, gripping Abhijeet's hand tightly, his voice desperate.
ACP Pradyuman (wiped his tear) : ek baar tum thik ho jao abhijeet mai wada karta hun tumhe kabhi akela mehsus nahi hone dunga...he kissed his forehead and cheeks tum unwanted nahi ho ...mere liye to kabhi nahi the...(Closed his eyes) Kabhi nahi
As he sat there, speaking to an unconscious Abhijeet, the room was heavy with silence and ACP's raw emotions. Daya watched from the doorway, his own eyes misting as he witnessed ACP's breakdown. He wiped his tear and leave form there.
ACP continued to sit there, his guilt and love pouring out, determined to stay by Abhijeet's side until he woke up.
One Hour Later
Abhijeet's eyelids fluttered as he slowly regained consciousness. His body still felt weak, every muscle aching as if it had been through an exhausting battle. He blinked a few times, his blurred vision finally focusing on ACP sitting beside him. His voice, though barely audible, trembled with uncertainty as he whispered.
Abhijeet (weakly): Sir… aap yahan?? Kya ab bhi kuch kehna baaki hai?
ACP's heart ached at the sight of Abhijeet's vulnerability. His face was etched with pain, his words carrying the weight of unspoken anguish. He leaned closer, his voice trembling as he gently spoke.
ACP Pradyuman (softly, almost pleading): Nahi, beta… main (he closed his eyes control his emotions and tear) Bhool jao un baaton ko Abhijeet..
Abhijeet tried to push himself up, but ACP immediately pressed him back down with a firm yet gentle hand.
ACP Pradyuman (with concern): Abhijeet tumhe aaram ki jarurat hai utho mat beta ...tabiyat kharab ho jayege
Abhijeet's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed up at ACP, his voice barely audible but full of pain.
Abhijeet (with a trembling voice): Sir… Mere mom dad nahi hai esme mere kya galti hai jo aap sab mujhe Etna kuch kahte hai.
ACP's heart clenched as he grasped Abhijeet's hand tightly, his voice firm yet filled with an undeniable tenderness.
ACP Pradyuman (heavy tone): Mai wada karta hun aab se tumhe koi kuch nahi bolega ... Koi bhi nahi He pulled Abhijeet into a warm embrace, holding him tightly as if trying to shield him from the pain he had been carrying alone
Abhijeet didn't protest. He just allowed himself to lean into ACP's embrace, the tears flowing freely now, as if years of emotional turmoil were finally being released. The weight of ACP's unconditional care was like a balm to his wounded soul.
After some time, doctor came to discharge Abhijeet, ACP's resolve only grew stronger. He stood up, determination clear in his eyes.
ACP Pradyuman (firmly): Tum mere saath chaloge, Abhijeet, jab tak tum thik nahi ho jate Mere sath rahoge mere ghar.
Abhijeet weakly shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper, his face full of hesitation.
Abhijeet (softly): Sir, mai thik hun
ACP's voice cracked with emotion, rising in intensity. His eyes were filled with a mixture of concern and fierce love, as if he couldn't bear to see Abhijeet suffer any longer.
ACP Pradyuman (with authority, filled with love): Abhijeet, bas Ab or nahi Tum mere ghar chaloge, aur yeh baat yahin khatam hoti hai.
Abhijeet looked at ACP, his defenses crumbling, the walls he had built around his heart slowly starting to break under the weight of ACP's unwavering care. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to trust, to believe in someone's love for him.
Slowly, he nodded, his heart breaking yet healing all at once. ACP gently held his hand, offering him the comfort and love he had been missing for so long.
Abhijeet (whispering, with tears in his eyes): Sir… main… main aapke saath chalunga.
With that, ACP smiled, a soft but powerful expression of relief and love. He held Abhijeet's hand, guiding him towards the door, ready to take him to the home he had always deserved, where he would never feel unwanted again.
ACP's Home
The car pulled up in front of ACP Pradyuman's modest home, the warm glow of the lights from within contrasting the chill of the night. Abhijeet, still weak and drained from the incident, hesitated for a moment as ACP gently helped him out of the car. His legs felt like jelly, but ACP's steady hand on his back gave him the strength to stand.
Abhijeet (softly, almost in a whisper): Sir, aapko mere liye pareshan hone ki jarurt nahi hai mai thik hun pahele se
ACP Pradyuman (interrupting with a firm yet caring tone): Abhijeet tum mere sath rahoge or ab Is baare mein aur baat nahi hogi...(Loving tone) Chalo beta
Abhijeet's heart clenched at ACP's words. He had wanted to argue, wanted to resist, but something in ACP's unwavering presence made him feel safe, made him feel like maybe, just maybe, it was okay to not have all the answers right now.
ACP Pradyuman (Heavy tone): Abhijeet Mere liye naa sahi Nandini ke liye hi chal lo vo tumhe dekh kar bahut khush hogi.
The mention of Nandini brought a flicker of warmth to Abhijeet's heart. For all the strength and resilience he prided himself on, Nandini Pradyuman was the one person who made him feel like he belonged. She wasn't just Nandini ma'am to him—she was Maa, the woman who always took care of him.
As ACP guided him up the stairs to the front door, Abhijeet felt his breath catch in his throat. ACP's support, both physical and emotional, was unwavering. There was a bond between them, one that went beyond professional duties. Abhijeet had always respected ACP—his leadership, his wisdom, his quiet strength. But tonight, as ACP carefully steadied him, Abhijeet realized how much he truly relied on him.
The door opened, and there stood Nandini, her face lighting up at the sight of them. But the warmth of her smile quickly faded as she noticed Abhijeet's pale face and the exhaustion weighing down on him.
Nandini (concerned, hurrying toward them): Abhijeet ye Sab...
Her words were laced with worry, but it was ACP who spoke next, his voice laden with guilt.
ACP Pradyuman (softly, avoiding her gaze): Nandini, pahele andar chalte hain...Main tumhe sab batata hun.
Nandini looked at him, then at Abhijeet, her brow furrowing with concern. But she didn't question ACP further. She stepped forward and gently cupped Abhijeet's face, her touch warm and tender.
Nandini (softly): Beta, tum thik to ho naa
Abhijeet's heart tightened at her words. The love in her voice, the care in her eyes—it was too much for him. His defenses crumbled just a little more, and he found himself struggling to hold back tears.
Abhijeet (weakly): Maa… mai bilkul thik hun
Hearing him call her Maa caused a lump to form in Nandini's throat, but she smiled through it, pulling him gently toward the warmth of the house. As she guided him inside, ACP remained by his side, his hand never leaving Abhijeet's back.
Inside, Nandini quickly ushered them to the living room. The moment they crossed the threshold, Abhijeet felt a strange sense of safety. It wasn't just the warmth of the room; it was the silent comfort that ACP offered simply by being there.
...
...
...
As Nandini busied herself preparing food for Abhijeet , ACP stood quietly by, his eyes never leaving the younger officer. There was a heavy silence between them, one that spoke volumes. ACP had always been the strong leader, the one who held everyone together. But tonight, as he looked at Abhijeet, the weight of the words he had said earlier, the guilt of his actions, pressed down on him.
ACP Pradyuman (softly, his voice thick with emotion): Abhijeet mujhe maaf kar dena mujhe vo sab nahi kahna chahiye tha.
Abhijeet glanced at him, his expression unreadable, but in his eyes, ACP saw the flicker of the man he had always known—the one who had never asked for sympathy, who had always kept his pain hidden behind his stoic exterior. And yet, tonight, Abhijeet was vulnerable, and ACP was there, right beside him, despite his mistakes.
Abhijeet (with a faint, painful smile): sir… koi baat nahi ye sab sunne ki mujhe ab aadat ho chuki hai. ACP looked at him...He stepped closer, his gaze softening.
ACP Pradyuman (firmly, but with warmth): Ab se koi tumse kuch nahi kahega or ye wada hai mera tumse... Jab tak mai zinda hun tumhare aankho mai kabhi aansu nahi aane dunga.
Abhijeet blinked, his heart swelling with emotions. It was the first time ACP had said something like that—something so vulnerable, something that made Abhijeet feel like he wasn't just a colleague to him. In that moment, Abhijeet realized how much ACP had always cared for him.
Abhijeet (his voice breaking): Sachii he nodded silently
ACP reached out and placed a hand on Abhijeet's shoulder, his grip firm but filled with affection. There was no need for words now. The bond between them spoke volumes. ACP had always been there for him, even when he hadn't realized it. And now, as Abhijeet sat there in his home, with his head resting on ACP's chest, he felt that bond stronger than ever.
Nandini walked over to them, a plate of food in hand, but paused as she watched the two men share a moment of quiet understanding.
Nandini (with a small smile): Arre wahhh Etna pyar... aaj suraj kahan se uga hai...pahele baar aap dono ladai nahi kar rahe.
ACP Pradyuman (chuckling softly, his hand still resting on Abhijeet's head): Tum koi mouka nahi chodti naa.
Abhijeet, though weak, smiled genuinely, his heart full. For the first time in a long time, he felt truly at home. And he knew, no matter what, ACP would always be there for him—his mentor, his father, his family.
...
...
...
After dinner, Nandini helped him into bed, fluffing the pillows and making sure he was comfortable, Abhijeet's weary body sank into the soft sheets. There was a sense of peace here, something he hadn't felt in a long time. Nandini, ever the motherly figure, pulled the blanket over him and sat by his side for a moment. Her eyes held a mix of affection and concern, as if trying to ease all the pain he had been carrying.
Nandini (softly, with a warm smile): Abhi beta ab kesa feel ho raha hai...dard to nahi ho raha naa mere bachhe
Abhijeet's throat tightened. He wanted to say something, to tell her how much her words meant to him, but the lump in his throat made it hard to speak. He simply nodded and looked up at her, his eyes filled with unshed tears.
Abhijeet (voice breaking): Maa...mai ek dam thik hun
Nandini's smile softened as she brushed his hair back gently from his forehead, her touch like a balm to his wounded heart.
Nandini (with a tender smile): Thik hai beta ab tum aram karo...mai chalte hun
As Nandini stood to leave, Abhijeet's voice, barely a whisper, stopped her.
Abhijeet (his voice filled with uncertainty): Maa...Thank you for being with me.
Nandini paused, turning back to face him. Her eyes softened, a warmth and understanding radiating from her.
Nandini (with a gentle smile): Gud night beta
As she left the room, Abhijeet closed his eyes, letting her words settle in his heart. For the first time, he felt a genuine sense of belonging. A mother's unconditional love—it was a feeling he never thought he'd experience. But now, in this moment, he had found it.
...
...
...
Later that night, ACP sat in their bedroom, staring out of the window. The weight of the day's events hung heavily on him. His shoulders slumped in exhaustion, and his thoughts kept returning to the words he had said to Abhijeet earlier.
ACP Pradyuman (softly, with a sigh): Mai kitna galat tha Nandini...mai abhijeet ko kabhi samjh hi nahi paya.
Nandini, ever the understanding partner, placed a gentle hand on his arm. She had always known that ACP's heart was as firm as steel, but it was moments like these that showed his vulnerability—his deep care for those around him.
Nandini (calmly, trying to ease his guilt): Ab to aap jaan gaye hai naa use...ab to nahi kahenge naa ki vo kabil nahi ...
ACP closed his eyes, the weight of her words sinking in. He had failed Abhijeet in many ways, but this was his chance to make it right.
ACP Pradyuman (quietly, with resolve): Vo kabil hai nandini...(With a smile) bahut kabil hai tumhara beta
Nandini smiled, a tender, knowing smile, as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
Nandini (whispering): Humara beta Acp closed his eyes Hearing this great relief to his heart.
As ACP sat there in the quiet of the night, his heart heavy with the promise he had made to himself, he knew one thing for certain—he would never allow Abhijeet to feel unwanted again. No matter the cost, he would be there for him.
Meanwhile, in the Abhijeet room, Abhijeet lay staring at the ceiling. His body ached, but his heart felt lighter than it had in years. The incident of the day had brought him here, to a place he could finally call home. It wasn't just the walls of the room, the warm bed, or even the comfort of a home-cooked meal—it was the feeling of being cared for, of being seen and loved by people who had once been strangers but now felt like family.
He thought of Nandini, of her soft words, her unspoken promise to always be there for him. He thought of ACP—his mentor, his leader, the man who had unknowingly carried his burdens for so long. The man who, despite his own walls, was now learning to show his care.
As Abhijeet lay there, a single tear slipped down his cheek, but this time, it wasn't from sadness—it was from a sense of peace he had never known before. For the first time, he wasn't alone.
He wasn't alone in his pain. He wasn't alone in his journey. And somehow, he felt the strength to keep moving forward.
That night, as Abhijeet slept peacefully in the guest room, ACP stood by the window, gazing at the dark sky above. The moonlight cast a gentle glow on his face as he whispered to the night, his heart full of guilt and hope.
ACP Pradyuman (whispering, his voice full of regret): Mai tumhe duniya ki har khushi dunga abhijeet...kabhi tum tak dard ki parchai bhi nahi pahunchne dunga...tear form his eyes ...kabhi nahi
His words were a vow, one he had made to himself in the silence of the night. He would make things right. He would never let Abhijeet feel the way he had before. He would be the father Abhijeet needed—steadfast, loving, and strong.
And though the scars of the past would take time to heal, the bond between them had been forged stronger than ever. Abhijeet had found a family in him, and ACP had found the purpose of a lifetime: to protect, to care, and to love the boy who had become his own.
As ACP stood there, his heart at peace for the first time in a long while, he knew the future would be different. The bond they shared would only grow stronger with time. Together, they would heal. Together, they would move forward.
...
...
...
It had been nearly one weeks since Abhijeet had come to ACP Pradyuman's home. His recovery was evident—he had regained his strength, his face now carried a soft glow, and the slight limp from his injury had disappeared. But what stood out the most was the peace that radiated from him, as though the deep emptiness he'd carried for years had been filled with a sense of belonging.
One bright morning, as sunlight streamed through the windows, Nandini served freshly made parathas, the warm aroma filling the room. ACP sat at the head of the table, reading his newspaper with his usual intensity, while Abhijeet joined them, a smile playing on his lips as he greeted them both.
Abhijeet (teasingly): Maa, aap din-ba-din zyada khila rahi ho mujhe he said with a laugh, as Nandini placed another paratha on his plate.
Nandini (playfully scolding): beta khaoge nahi to kamjor ho jaoge. Ye umr ek roti khane ki nahi hain tumhare.
Abhijeet chuckled, but just as he was about to take a bite, ACP lowered his newspaper and looked at him intently.
ACP (with a hint of authority): Hnn or fir tumhe bureau bhi to join karna hai dubara...Abhijeet froze, the paratha halfway to his mouth, his heart racing with anticipation.
Abhijeet (surprised, barely believing his ears): Sir, kya aap... kya aap mujhe CID waapas join karne ki permission de rahe ho?
ACP folded the newspaper and set it aside, his gaze steady but soft, as if weighing his decision carefully.
ACP (softly but firmly): Haan, lekin ek shart hai.
Abhijeet leaned forward, his pulse quickening as hope surged through him.
Abhijeet (confused): Shart?
ACP's eyes softened, and for the briefest of moments, there was an almost fatherly warmth in his voice.
ACP (gently, with quiet resolve): Tumhe apne health ka dhyan rakhna hoga. Agar kabhi aisa lage ki tumhare liye situation zyada dangerous ho rahi hai, toh bina soche-samajh tum sabse pahele mujhe inform karoge. Samjhe?
Abhijeet nodded quickly, his voice full of gratitude.
Abhijeet (emotionally): Ji sir. Main aapko kabhi nirash nahi karunga... (Soft tone) Kya mai kal se join kar sakta hun ACP nodded with smile thank you sir Nandini smile softly
...
...
...
That evening, Nandini insisted on ironing Abhijeet's uniform herself. She took great care in smoothing out the wrinkles, folding it neatly, and placing it on his bed. When Abhijeet entered the room later, the sight of his perfectly pressed uniform brought a rush of memories.
His mind wandered back to his first day in CID—the nervous excitement he had felt, his admiration for ACP, and how he had found his second family within the team. But this time, things were different. This time, he wasn't just returning to his team—he was returning with a heart full of gratitude and the warmth of a family that had taken him in.
ACP too prepared in his own way. Late that night, he stood in his study, his gaze focused on a small, hidden box. Inside was a spare CID badge—one that had been kept for moments like these. He ran his fingers over it, recalling the many times he had witnessed Abhijeet's growth. With a steady breath, he placed the badge on his desk, his resolve firm. Tomorrow, it would be handed to the man who had earned it, not just as an officer, but as a son.
The next morning, Abhijeet stood before the mirror, adjusting his uniform. As he straightened his collar, Nandini entered, holding a bowl of kheer.
Nandini (smiling warmly): Yeh lo, beta... Aaj tumhara pahela din hai naa esliye maine tumhare liye kheer banaye hai...she said, her voice filled with a mother's love.
Abhijeet hesitated, looking at her with a soft smile.
Abhijeet (gratefully): Maa, eski kya jarurat thi aapko khamakha pareshani hui hogi
Nandini shook her head, her eyes filled with emotion.
Nandini (fake angry tone): kese baten kar rhe ho bete ho tum mere... Ab kya mera Etna bhi haq nahi ...lo or chupchap kha lo pahele
As Abhijeet took the bowl from her, ACP entered the room, holding the CID badge in his hand. He walked up to Abhijeet, his expression unreadable but his eyes soft with an unspoken pride.
ACP (with quiet pride): Ye lo abhijeet tumhare amanat...he said simply, offering the badge.
Abhijeet stared at the badge, his fingers trembling as he took it from ACP's hand.
Abhijeet (overwhelmed with emotion): Sir, thank you maine ese bahut Miss kiya
ACP placed a firm, reassuring hand on his shoulder.
ACP (low tone): Or maine bhi... He put his hand on his head...Abhijeet smile softly
At the CID Bureau
When Abhijeet walked into the CID bureau that morning, a chorus of cheers erupted from his team. Daya, his ever-faithful partner, rushed forward and pulled him into a bear hug.
Daya (with heartfelt joy): Abhijeet, kese ho mere dost... his voice thick with emotion.
The others—Dr. Salunkhe, Pankaj, freddy, and the rest of the team—surrounded him, expressing their joy in their own unique ways. The bureau, once filled with an emptiness, now buzzed with a renewed sense of energy. For the first time in weeks, it felt whole again.
ACP entered the room shortly after, his usual stoic demeanor in place. The team quieted as he looked around, his eyes meeting Abhijeet's. The flicker of satisfaction in ACP's gaze didn't go unnoticed.
ACP (with authority but warmth): Aaj Humare Cid family complete ho gye hai... Welcome back abhijeet... Abhijeet smiled, his heart swelling with a deep sense of belonging.
As the day progressed, Abhijeet slipped back into his role with ease, but now there was a quiet understanding between him and ACP. Every glance ACP gave him was a silent reminder of the care and support that lay behind the stern face. Every action Abhijeet took was a reflection of his deep gratitude and respect for the man who had given him a second chance.
...
...
...
A sudden buzz filled the bureau as the sound of polished leather shoes echoed down the corridor. A tall, commanding figure entered the office, flanked by two junior officers. He was dressed immaculately in a crisp black suit, his demeanor exuding authority.
The team immediately stood to attention, their gazes fixed on the man. The gold nameplate on his chest read "Commissioner Bhairav Nath Chauhan."
His reputation preceded him—a man known for his no-nonsense attitude and a razor-sharp tongue.
The Commissioner stopped in the middle of the room, his sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled officers. His expression was cold and unreadable.
Bhairav Nath (in a clipped, authoritative tone): Attention Team...
ACP Pradyuman stepped forward, his stance calm but firm. "Jai Hind Sir ... Acp Pradyuman Shekhawat"
The Commissioner's gaze shifted to ACP, his lips curling into a faint, almost mocking smirk.
Bhairav Nath (coldly): ACP Pradyuman... aapki reputation ke baare mein kaafi suna hai. Dekhne aaye hain ki kya aapki team waise hi kaam karti hai jaisa suna hai, ya sirf And he evil smirk ... ACP's jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady.
ACP (politely but firmly): Sir, ab aap aa hi gye hain to khud dekh lijiyega
The Commissioner's eyebrow arched slightly, unimpressed.
Bhairav Nath (sarcastically): Vo to dekh hi lunga
He turned away from ACP and began pacing the room, his sharp gaze landing on the other team members.
Bhairav Nath (critically): Daya, tumhare reports incomplete kyun hote hain? Tumhe proper follow-up karna nahi aata? Dr. Salunkhe, forensic analysis mein har baar itni delay kyun hoti hai? Aur Freddy (pausing with a faint smirk) Tumhare coordination skills pe toh mujhe doubt hota hai.
The team exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken. No one had ever spoken to them like this before. They were used to ACP's stern but respectful demeanor, not the cutting remarks of someone like Commissioner Chauhan.
As the Commissioner continued his critique, his eyes finally landed on Abhijeet. For a moment, the tension in the room shifted. Bhairav Nath's cold expression faltered, softening into something almost unrecognizable—recognition.
Bhairav Nath (in a surprised tone): Abhijeettttt
Abhijeet, who had been standing silently, froze. His usually composed expression cracked, replaced by a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Abhijeet (hesitantly): Sir... Aap
Without another word, Bhairav run toward Abhijeet. The entire team watched in stunned silence as the stern commissioner broke into a warm smile and pulled Abhijeet into a tight hug...The entire CID team looked on, a mixture of surprise and curiosity filling the air.
But there was one person who was far from happy about this exchange. ACP Pradyuman stood there, his face impassive, but inside, he was fuming.