𝙏𝙪𝙢𝙝𝙖𝙖𝙧𝙞𝘾𝙝𝙪𝙥𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙇𝙚𝙝𝙟𝙖

《 the city was fading into orange and deep violet as the sun sank behind the buildings. shadows stretched across the streets, and the hum of Daya's car engine filled the space between him and Abhijeet. the world outside looked calm, but they both knew better. 》

"another day survived,"

Abhijeet said, leaning back, one arm resting on the door, eyes tracing the fading skyline.

He sounded tired, but a soft smile lingered.

Daya glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. "another day? more like another year. you'd think after all the chaos, we'd be used to it by now but here we are."

Abhijeet let out a low laugh. "it's not the danger that matters. it's forgetting why you do it, who you fight for. that's the real risk."

Daya smirked. "you mean me?"

Abhijeet shot him a mock glare. "don't flatter yourself. I've kept you alive too many times to get sentimental now."

"mm," Daya said, voice low, teasing."and yet, you still can't notice Tarika without acting like you've seen a ghost."

Abhijeet groaned. “stop it. I'm not the one tripping over words in front of her.”

Daya chuckled softly. "oh, I'm just saying, it's entertaining watching you sweat. she'll survive. you... maybe not."

Abhijeet rolled his eyes, hiding the faint curve of a smile.

years of chasing criminals, stepping into danger side by side, had built something unspoken between them - trust, loyalty, understanding. even in the worst moments, they had each other.

then Daya's phone buzzed, screen lighting up: ACP Pradyuman calling. "yes, sir?"

"Daya... Abhijeet... new case. report back immediately."

Abhijeet groaned loudly.

“ahh, the serenity is officially canceled. like it ever lasted more than a second -_-”

Daya laughed, shifting gears as the car cut through the darkening streets. “some things never change.”

.

.

《 and as the last streaks of sun disappeared behind the skyline, painting the clouds in fire and shadow, Daya felt it again - even in chaos, even in danger, some bonds make the world feel steady. some people make it worth facing the storm. and he makes him more human.》