Growing Pains

-Chaos at Station-

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The morning bustle at the police headquarters was in full swing, with officers preparing for their day's assignments. Amid the serious discussions and the clatter of equipment, a sudden burst of laughter echoed through the hall, drawing curious glances. A young girl had just made her grand entrance, completely uninvited. 

At just nine years old, Amrita was a whirlwind of energy. With her big, expressive eyes sparkling with mischief and dark curls bouncing around her shoulders, she was the epitome of youthful exuberance. Dressed in a bright pink dress adorned with cartoon characters, she looked every bit the animated princess she believed herself to be. Her small frame was filled with an infectious enthusiasm that could light up even the dullest of days.

"Bhaiya! Look what I brought!" she shouted, holding up a colorful paper bag filled with homemade cookies, her latest culinary adventure. The sugary aroma wafted through the air, momentarily distracting the officers from their tasks.

As Amrita dashed through the precinct, her laughter rang out like music. She stopped to greet familiar faces, offering cookies and charming smiles. However, her presence quickly turned chaotic. She accidentally bumped into a stack of files on Officer Rao's desk, sending them tumbling to the floor. 

"Oops! Sorry!" she giggled, unfazed by the mess she had created. The officers exchanged exasperated glances as papers fluttered around them like confetti.

"Amrita!" Arjun's voice cut through the noise like a knife. He had just stepped out of his office, his expression shifting from surprise to annoyance as he surveyed the scene. 

"What are you doing here? You can't just barge in like this!"

His authoritative tone made her pause, but only for a moment. She looked up at him with her wide eyes, feigning innocence. 

"But I wanted to see my big brother! And I brought cookies!"

Arjun sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He knew how much she adored him and how her heart was always in the right place, but this was not how things were done at the station.  

"You need to go home right now," he said firmly. "You're causing chaos." This was no safe place for a child to roam around without supervision.

He ran a hand through his jet black hair, frustration flickering across his face.

"Timeout!" he declared, pointing toward a quiet corner of the station where officers often took breaks. 

Amrita's face fell slightly, but she quickly masked it with a pout that melted hearts.

"Bhaiya! Please! I promise I'll be good!" she pleaded, her voice rising in pitch as she took a step closer to him.

"Amrita," he replied sternly yet gently, "this isn't a playground. You can't just come here and disrupt everything." His tone softened slightly as he saw her lower lip quiver.

Reluctantly, she trudged over to the designated timeout spot, crossing her arms defiantly and stomping her little sandal across the cemented floor.

After a few moments of silence filled with tension and the occasional giggle from nearby officers who couldn't help but find amusement in Amrita's antics, Arjun approached her again.

 He knelt down to meet her gaze. "Listen," he said softly, "I know you wanted to surprise me with cookies and see me at work. But you need to understand that this is serious business. I have set Shinde uncle to walk you home, do not give him trouble."

Their house was only a few blocks away from the station. Around 15 minutes on foot.

Amrita's expression shifted from defiance to understanding as she nodded slowly. "I'm sorry for making a mess," she said quietly, "I'll be a good girl."

"Good. And while you're home, write me an essay on why you must not roam around without any supervision. Clear?"

"Okayyy." she said in a sing-song manner.

Arjun couldn't hold back his smile any longer, his stern demeanor melted away as he pulled her into a warm embrace. "Princess," he whispered affectionately.  "Just remember that there's a time and place for everything."

Amrita hugged him tightly, burying her face in his torso. 

"Can I come back tomorrow? I'll ask guard uncle to walk me here." she asked hopefully.

"Only if you promise to behave," Arjun chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately.

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