Journey

Shattered

Avni's hand trembled when she held the sheet of paper. How did this happen? Why did this happen? Why now? Questions swimming inside her head, tears streaming down on her cheeks. She have been in hospital since morning. Its almost dawn now. "Neil.." it hit her then. How would he react? How do she tell him? He'll break down.. Avni then checked her phone. More than 20missed calls were there. She dialed Neil, who answered in a single ring. "Avni where are you!? Do you know for how long I've been trying to reach you! Where are you..?" Neil's voice was almost like a shout, filled with concern and fear. "I'm..I'm sorry Neil. There's some problem with my phone.." "where are you? I'm coming to pick you up." Avni was startled. If she tells him she's in hospital, he'll panic. "I'm in hospital, visited an admitted friend." She made it up. "Okay I'm coming." Avni let out a sigh. "Ma'am, Doctor Rita will be back tonight. I've fixed an urgent appointment for you. We'll call you in, once Doctor reaches here." An assistant showed up and explained. "Sure, thank you." With that she left. Neil was waiting for her outside. Avni quickly put the reports in her bag and got into the car. "Where you crying?" Neil questioned. Avni quickly dropped her face and shook her head. "Hey it's okay. I'm sorry for your friend. We'll visit her together some time, yeah?" Neil tried to console her, for an unknown reason. He has no idea about the storm that's eating her alive.

"I'm sorry, but this just happened. We'll have to go for a caesarean this month, so that it does not affect the baby and you can start the chemo." Avni nodded to dr.Rita's statement. Such a strong girl. Thought Rita, hugging Avni. She've been her doctor for a long time. "But listen to me Avni. You have to tell this to Neil. He's the father of the baby and your husband." Avni again nodded. She dialed to Neela Ma, asking to meet her. That's the strength she need right now.

*ding-dong* "Avni, whats wrong my child?!" Neela knew something was very wrong when she saw Avni on the porch. Avni explained everything, breaking down in her arms. It took so much time for Neela to settle her. Convince her. Avni asked for her help to convey the message to her own parents and Neil's. Neela drove Avni to Khanna House, encouraging her the best she could.

"Here comes Avni! I made your favorite Italian dishes today. I want the baby to love Italian just like his Mommy!" Shweta Exclaimed. Neela gestured her to calm down, everyone then sensed that something was wrong. Avni slowly walked to climb up the stairs. She knows Neil will be home at this hour. She opened the door to their room, Neil was right out of shower. "Oh wow! Missed me so much today that you had to come home early? Avni, you really need to take some rest and get more sleep." Neil talked to her while searching in the closet. "That won't be necessary anymore.." mumbled Avni. "What?" Neil peeked out to check on her. Avni thumped onto the bed. "Avni? What's wrong?" Neil asked. It was then Avni couldn't hold it anymore. She broke down, crying out loud. Neil's heart raced. He walked to her and kneeled down. "Avni, you are worrying me.. tell me!" He held her shoulders and shook her. Avni took out the reports and handed it over. Neil went through it quickly. The paper fell out of his hands, he sat on the floor. How was this possible? Avni was positive to leukemia! Avni set beside him and hugged him tightly. Sobbing into his chest. "How long have you known?" The harshness in Neil's voice startled Avni. She quickly moved away, looking into her face. "You've known this for long enough. And did not tell me." Avni shook her head and got up with the support of the bed frame. Neil got up in rage! "Why didn't you tell me? Answer me!" He held her tightly and shook her. "Answer me Avni. This isn't just your baby!" "I got to know yesterday only.." she replied but was cut off by Neil. "Lying! You're lying!" "Neil.. why would I-?" Avni was in a shock because Neil wasn't believing in her. "I don't know! You tell me! Why didn't you let me know?! If anything happens to the baby, then.." Avni's eyes were widened. She was all blank on what was going on. The rage on Neil's face was interpreted as fire to her. She took steps away from him, and then ran out of the room. "Avni.." Neil followed her out. But with a six month tummy she literally ran down the stairs, slipping from one step on her way. "Avni!!" Everyone, including Neil's voice echoed in the Hall. Avni got up on her own and again ran downstairs, followed to the main door an outside the house. She got on to a rickshaw and drove away, before anyone could reach.
"Neil! What happened?!" Neela hurried to clarify. "She intentionally kept everything from me! She knew about this!" Neil raged out, with sorrow and anger. "Neil come into your senses! Avni got to know about it yesterday only! She waited to tell everyone until she get consulted to her doctor! Dr. Rita herself called me a while ago and clarified everything." Neela explained. "What..?" "Yes Neil. Did you even listen to her? Or like always cut her in, prioritizing your own emotions?" She was mad now. "This is not the first time Neil and this time, I wont forgive you. It wasn't only her baby, so she came to you a while ago, to explain everything. Doctor advised to go for a caesarean to check on the baby and save him! And then only they could start chemotherapy on Avni, she's on stage two! But again.. again you failed to understand her. Support her in the gravest situation in her life. Yes, Avni isn't my blood, but at least I have more concern towards her than you, who failed your own baby in her womb!!" Neela was really angry, while the others could not say anything. "But remember Neil. This time, if Avni wishes to stay with me, there's no way anyone could take her away! Not even you!" With that she stormed away.
"What did I just do.." Neil lowered down on the ground, holding on her forehead. "Neil! Neil control yourself.. let's go inside and talk." Prakash took him inside.