Khushiyon Ka Aashiyan

The rain poured relentlessly, painting the streets in a sheen of gray. CID officer Vineet Khanna leaned against his car, his jaw set in a tight line, his eyes scanning the damp alleyways. He was known throughout the department for his unyielding stance, a man who couldn’t take nonsense, and he was as tough as they came. No criminal dared underestimate him, and no rookie could ever hope to please him without a fight.

Today’s case was one that struck close to his heart—a missing girl, barely thirteen, last seen near the docks. He clenched his fists, thinking of the girl’s family, her father’s tear-filled eyes. There were things he despised in life, and people who preyed on the weak were at the top of that list.

“Sir, we checked the entire area,” his partner, Sharma, reported, though he hesitated. He knew that if his information was even slightly off, he would get an earful from Khanna. “We haven’t found anything yet… but… there’s a lead in Sector C.”

Vineet fixed Sharma with a cold stare. “We don’t deal in ‘buts’ here, Sharma. Sector C it is. Let’s move.”

They navigated the gritty streets, tension thick in the car. Vineet could feel Sharma’s nervous energy, but he didn’t indulge in pleasantries. He was here to find the girl, and there was no room for weakness.

As they reached Sector C, something caught Vineet’s eye—a shadow slipping through the alleyway. Without a word, he exited the car, his hand steady on his gun, and followed. His movements were silent, but his eyes were sharp as a hawk’s. The shadow led him to a door on the side of an abandoned warehouse.

He gestured for Sharma to go around the back and flanked the door, pausing only briefly to listen. Inside, he could hear voices—gruff, menacing tones. A chill passed through him, but he pushed it aside, his focus razor-sharp. He kicked down the door, his gun at the ready.

“Police! Drop your weapons!”

The men froze, their surprise lasting only a moment before one lunged. Vineet sidestepped and delivered a calculated punch that sent the man sprawling. Sharma had entered through the back, securing the other suspects. The girl was tied in the corner, her eyes wide with fear, but alive.

As Vineet led her out, his face softened just slightly. For all his hard edges and strict rules, moments like these were the reason he’d joined the force. The look of relief on her face made the rain, the cold, and the tough nights all worth it.

But by the time they reached the station, his steely mask was back in place. Another day, another case. Vineet Khanna was never one to dwell. There was always work to be done, and he would never stop until the streets were clean.

---

After wrapping up the paperwork, Vineet finally climbed into his car. He let out a breath, feeling the weight of the day melt into a dull pride. Another case solved, another family spared from despair. His lips curved in a rare, fleeting smile.

But as he started the engine, another thought tugged at him. He hadn’t called Anamika, his beloved wife, in four days. Four whole days. A sinking feeling replaced his pride. She would be furious, and rightfully so. No matter how tough he was on the job, at home, he was under her rule, and he knew better than to test her patience.

The drive home felt longer than usual. Memories of their last conversation drifted through his mind. She had gently reminded him to call if he’d be late, or if he was assigned to a new case. Yet here he was, walking into the lion’s den after four days of silence.

As he opened the door, he could see the living room light on, casting a soft glow on the quiet room. His heart pounded like he was heading into an interrogation, and he steeled himself as he stepped inside.