Next day Akshara again video calls Abhi at 10:30 pm but sees he is still in scrubs.
Sorry I thought you would be home and Avni might be waiting for my call. Wait you look really tired.
Yes I had a very long surgery. I am drained. I will leave just now and call you once I am home.
Abhi don't drive like this. You look too tired. Book a cab or ask someone to drop you or rest for a while. I will call Neil and then talk to Avni.
No Akshu you won't do that. Nobody knows about your and avni's relation. So you wait. I will book a cab.
Ok.
BTW Akshu I was thinking about appointing a driver for Avni to pick and drop her from school. Sometimes I am busy, sometimes Neil is busy so it becomes difficult. What do you say?
Thanks for asking. Don't they have buses?
Yes they do have but not upto Class 1. So Avni can go in bus from next year only.
Ok. Then driver is a good idea but make sure you know him and is trustworthy.
Yes obviously. The cab is here.
Ok. Also Abhi actually the house key is with me. I don't know how I forgot to give it back to you. I will courier it to you tomorrow morning.
It's ok. I have another key. Relax. I will call you once I am home.
Abhi reaches home and freshens up and takes Avni for dinner.
Papa first we will talk to jaan.
No Avni, we will first have dinner because if we call jaan first then she will ask you about dinner, what will you say.
Ok then let's go fast fast.
They come back after having dinner and video call Akshara. Avni tells her about her day what she did and all. Just then Manjari enters the room and Abhi takes the phone from Avni and signals Akshara to be quite so she mutes herself. Abhi puts the phone in his pocket.
Abhi I will come straight to the point. It's been 6 years since that Akshara has left. She might have happily moved on in her life and you are still stuck on her.
Maa how many times I have told you that I don't want to have this conversation (cursing himself for not disconnecting the call).
I know but I can't see you like this. First it was Akshara and now you have lost the past 6 years behind this girl (eyeing Avni). Please for my happiness get married please.
Neil, Neil, Neil..
Yes bro
Take Avni with you. Avni go chachu will show you his new video game.
Ok papa.
Maa I don't understand why do you want me to get married. I am happy in my life with my daughter. I don't want anything else. Why don't you understand this? If you want to get someone married, you have another son and he too is of the age of marriage.
Ofcourse Neil will get married too but who will give him his daughter when they will see that his elder brother is unmarried and lives with an orphan.
Enough Maa you have said too much. I will not hear a word against my daughter. Just let her grow up a bit I promise I will leave this house and you guys won't see me ever again. Now please leave its already way past my daughter's bedtime.
Manjari leaves and Abhi sighs in frustration. He remembers the phone call and takes out his phone. He sees Akshu is crying.
Akshu what happened why are you crying?
Abhi nothing just give me a minute. I will be back.
In the meantime he goes to bring back Avni. Avni asks for Akshara and he hands her the phone telling her that she will be back. Akshara comes back and Avni starts crying. Abhi makes her sit in his lap and holds the phone
Avni relax. See I am here, Papa is with you. Why are you crying sweetheart?
Didn't you hear what Dadi said? She will get papa married then Avni will be alone. She will have no one.
No baby said Abhi and Akshu together.
I know I have read in Cindrella how her evil stepmother was. She will treat Avni the same way.
Princess you know Papa won't let anybody touch you. Now please stop crying you know I don't like your tears and see now she is also crying(pointing towards the screen)
Jaan why are you crying?
What else can I do when my Avni is crying?
Ok see I am not crying (Wiping her tears)
Very good that's like my girl. Now I have a surprise for you.
What?
Abhi do you remember I had put some bags in the car before leaving?
Yes they are still in the car.
Please get them.
Ok.
Abhi brings back the bags and Akshara asks him to take out pink box from it and give it to Avni. Avni takes the box and it's a pink colored teddy bear and she smiles seeing it.
Avni you like it.
Yes jaan.
Ok now see it has a button at the bottom. Ask Papa to turn it on.
Abhi turns on the button and Akshu’s soothing voice is heard singing a lullaby. Avni gets very happy and so does Abhi hearing the voice that gives him peace.
Wow jaan you sing so well. Now I will sleep hearing this every night. Thankyou jaan. Also jaan you do remember your promise?
Ofcourse how can I forget it. Ok now you sleep. You will get late for school.
Ok bye, kisses the screen and hands the phone to Abhi.
Akshu are you ok?
Yes I am fine. Are you ok?
Yes. I am used to all this. BTW tell me what's this promise that Avni keeps reminding you of.
Nothing it's her and mine secret.
Fine good night. Take care.
He goes and lies down on the bed closing his eyes listening to Akshu’s voice and sleeps peacefully after 6 long years.
Next morning Abhi is getting Avni ready for school.
Avni tell me what's this promise you were telling Jaan about.
That's mine and mamma's secret.
Oh so now you will keep secret from your papa. I see. BTW why don't you call her mama always.
Don't be upset papa (kissing his cheek). I like calling her jaan. Let's leave. I will be late.
