Date with One Zero Zero

"Stand Down ....Stand Down.... ." a sharp tone swept across across all walkie talkies held by the cops.

It was near 2 AM on the Christmas eve.The cops had been on duty throught the day.Huge forces were deployed.The "Stand Down" order brought some relief.Everyone started to disperse.

"Avik what about dinner?Come lets enjoy the Christmas eve with few rounds of Scotch.Game young man?" the Additional SP said these light heartedly to Avik.

"Oh thank you sir ; please carry on."
"As you wish young man,Merry Christmas"

Avik was an Inspector with the Police force.In his late twenties,dedicated to his work,soft spoken and has  lately started putting on weight at wrong places.However he always longed a physique of a Spartan !As the jeep of Additional SP sped past,Avik courted a salute and proceeded to his chamber inside the police station.He had just lit a cigarette that a commotion broke outside followed by a girl who dashed inside his chamber.He was taken by surprise.Avik struggled to find his ashtray.After getting sight of it he rose up from his seat stubbing the newly lit cigarette and asked " Whats the matter?What happened?"

The girl was still trying to catch her breath.Avik asked her to take a seat and sat down himself.He was observing her carefully.Her hair was neatly done,curled and tied with a hair band.She wore a short kurta and  jeans.The colours werent vibrant either.Her eyes were very expressive and massively highlited with black shades.She had a sophistication which is diffcult to express.

"Someone get her some water.You dont seem to be one of those party going girls.Its very evident from your appearance.Now tell me what is the matter."

"I am a journalist,was covering the celebrations for the Christmas eve.In one of the pubs while doing coverage overheard a conversation for a drug deal.I followed the people but they somehow became suspicious and chased me.I somehow managed to run and raeched here.They will kill me!"

"Relax,you are in safe custody."
"Ravi,register lana inka statement lena hai aur FIR likhna padega."
Ravi gave him the register and he started penning down the details.So what is your name?
Piu....Piu Banerjee.
Other details like where do you stay,your family etc?
I stay in Salt Lake.I share my apartment with a friend of mine.My family is in Bhilai.I work for Kolkata TV.
Independent girl huh.Itna bada risk lene ka zaroorat kya tha.
"Had the police done its duty with dilligence we would not have to take such risks,"she replied sharply.
So you think we are useless?
Not exactly but incompetent is a better word!
Had it been any other person he would have surely got it from Avik but strangely he did not react just smirked.

Piu let me tell you,in this police station there are 15 men who are on duty at any instant of time.The population of our jurisdiction is 7-8 lakhs.A crime is reported every 6 mins.4-5 convoys of minsiters pass through our area every day.A procession or gathering of atleast 500 people is held fortnightly.And we generally have our dinner everyday at 3 AM.

Piu although did not buy everything Avik said in his argument but she was quite impressed by his clarity of thought and eloquence.

You should be reporting for our channel officer.You speak pretty well.She replied light heartedly.

Avik rasied his eyes from the register,excahnged a quick glance and said "O really...thanx....naukri chali gayee toh aapke channel mein hi kaam karunga !"

Can you describe the people whom you had noticed.The one who chased you.
I did not see them very clearly but I can provide some details.She provided details of whatever she could recall.
Did you have your dinner?
No I havnt,was too busy covering the Christmas eve.
Would you mind having dinner with a cop three hours past midnight ?
I would rather get chased by those same people ! Just kidding but then at this time there wont be anything open.
Oh you leave that to me.Just make yourself comfortable I will change and come.
They both went towards Avik's jeep.Avik took out the pistol and kept it on the dashboard.
Why did you take this along?
You must have seen in the movies.Tumhara encounter karna hai !
Very funny !

They found a restaurant on the highway.A quiet place.They spoke at length.Various incidents.Both had loads to share.Both had loads to fight over.Time just flew.They have been continuously working since last night.Somehow they found more strength to talk.

Do you want anything else.Shall we get the bill?
No thanks I am done.
When they came out it was around 4:30 AM.Dawn would break in an hours time.
Should I drop you home?
"Hmmm theres a problem.The place where I stay they dont allow anyone after 11 PM and the gates open only after 6 AM."
When was the last time you saw a sunrise over the river.
Cannot recall.Infact never.
Come let me take you somewhere.They drove to a bridge.It was completely empty except for some heavy vehicles.
Do you have a boyfriend.He looked into her eyes while saying this.
I generally do not carry excess baggage!
Oops ,not even once in a while?
Depends if it is worth the pain.
Nice sentences and well pronounced.You have a camera in your mobile?
Ofcourse I do.The sun is expected to rise anytime.

The water was calm and serene.A sharp wind was blowing which brought a spine chilling sensation.Dawn had broken.In the distance Avik noticed an old man carrying a basket in his head.On approaching near he noticed it contained flowers which he was probably carrying to trade.

He asked Piu to start take pictures and signalled the old man to the other side of the road.He bought some flowers.Red roses and lilies.
Congratulations! You have just made history.You are the first person in the world to dine with a cop at three hours past twelve and receive flowers from him at sunrise !
A bright smile flushed across her face.The sunrays falling on Aviks face.It lighted a part of it.
Hold it there.Piu took out the revolver she had quitely sneaked from the dashboard.
Are you crazy its loaded !
Do I look like a fool to show you an empty revolver.Kneel....now !
Avik went down on his knees.This girl is crazy.
Congratulations.You have just made history.You are the first person in this world who will propose a journalist on gunpoint at sunrise!

Avik looked up.His heart was beating fast.This girl was smart for sure.He remained on his knees and proposed.The sun had now risen completely and shimmering brightly in the distant.He dropped her home.She returned his revolver and said -

"Anyone can fool you.You dont deserve to be a cop."Saying this she smiled and got down the vehicle.

Avik started his vehicle and replied "Once a cop.Always a cop"

Cheers
Avique