Work Text:
It had been a hard week for everyone at the Criminal Investigation Department in Mumbai but for none more so than Dr. Tarika, the team's forensic expert. After several tragic cases that hurt to recount, she was emotionally drained and weary and her usually keen eyes were in need of a rest and her beautiful curly hair even looked a bit tired and frazzled.
A soft melody played through the air and Tarika sighed gently and turned her dark eyes to Abhijeet with a gentle uninhibited gaze that never failed to soften her colleague's heart by several degrees. He was very much the senior inspector on the job--but when it came to Tarika, the big tough detective couldn't help but feel a swell of affection and pride.
The moment their eyes met Tarika felt a sense of safety and trust wash over her and she knew Abhijeet felt the same way she did and a bright smile lit up her eyes. The music was louder now and her enthusiasm was infectious, a truly beautiful thing to behold, and Abhijeet smiled back.
Laughter tumbled out of her mouth and her eyes sparkled with happiness. "Race you!" she cried, but she reached for his hand with a softness that made his heart skip with joy and he took it gladly, and they ran together to catch the Ice Cream Buggy.