Chita leaves the station, the cool night air hitting his face as he steps outside. The streets are empty, quiet except for the occasional sound of a distant car. He pulls his jacket closer, lost in his thoughts as he walks, each step heavier than the last.
The night seems endless, much like the turmoil in his heart. Every corner, every shadow, reminds him of Santu, of the silent moments they've shared, and the words left unspoken. He finds himself wondering if things could ever go back to the way they were, before the distance, before the pain.
As he reaches a small park, Chita sits on a bench, staring up at the sky. The stars seem dim, as if they too are burdened by the weight of his guilt. He lets out a deep sigh, running his fingers through his hair.
Chita (thinking): "Main kab tak yeh sab chhupata rahunga? Kya Santu ji kabhi samjhengi ke maine yeh sab kyun kiya? Ya shayad unhe kabhi pata hi nahi chalega... aur yeh sab sirf ek adhoora sapna ban kar reh jayega."
The sound of footsteps interrupts his thoughts. He looks up to see a figure approaching him. For a moment, his heart skips a beat, thinking it might be Santu. But as the figure comes closer, he realizes it's just an old man taking a late-night stroll.
Chita looks away, feeling foolish for hoping. He leans back on the bench, closing his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his mind. But the image of Santu, asleep at her desk, keeps flashing in front of him. Her tired face, the faint tear marks on her cheeks - it's all too much to bear.
Chita (thinking): "Main unka dard kam karne ki koshish kar raha hoon, par shayad main hi unka sabse bada dard hoon. Agar main wapas jaaun, toh kya sab theek ho sakta hai? Ya phir door rehkar hi main unki zindagi mein thoda sukoon laa sakta hoon?"
He stands up, feeling restless. The park, the quiet night - nothing seems to give him peace. He knows he can't stay like this forever, caught between wanting to be there for Santu and fearing that his presence is only making things worse.
Chita (thinking): "Ek din toh yeh faisla lena hi hoga... par abhi nahi. Abhi mujhe unka thoda sa sukoon zaroori lagta hai. Shayad... kal subah, jab wo uthengi, toh unki muskurahat wapas aa jaaye. Aur agar aisa ho, toh main apne dard ko hamesha ke liye daba dunga."
With that thought, Chita begins walking again, this time with a bit more purpose in his step. He doesn't know what tomorrow will bring, but for tonight, he's made his decision. He'll continue to be there for Santu, silently, in the background, until she's ready to face him again - if she ever is.
As the night stretches on, Chita disappears into the quiet streets, carrying with him the weight of his unspoken love and the hope that maybe, one day, things will change.
**Police Station:**
Santu slowly wakes up, feeling a dull ache in her neck from sleeping in an awkward position. She rubs her eyes and blinks, adjusting to the dim light of the station. Her desk, usually cluttered with case files and paperwork, now looks oddly neat. As she sits up, her gaze falls on the small pile of chocolates and an ice pack neatly placed beside her.
She frowns in confusion, touching the cool ice pack and looking around. The station is still quiet, the only sounds coming from the occasional flicker of a light and the faint hum of the air conditioner. She looks at the clock on the wall-it's just past 4 AM.
Santu (thinking): "Yeh sab... kaun rakha yahan? Aur mera kaam... kisne kiya?"
She notices her unfinished paperwork has been completed and neatly stacked. The familiar handwriting catches her eye, and her heart skips a beat. There's only one person who would have done this.
Santu (thinking): "Chita..."
She quickly stands up, her mind racing. Did he stay here while she slept? How long had he been watching over her? The thought sends a strange mix of emotions through her-gratitude, confusion, and something deeper that she can't quite name.
