Journey

Love, Life

Avni's reports came normal. "She's the strongest fighter I've ever came across. Just make sure she rest well, and take care of the sterility of her surrounding. I would advise to keep her in open air. The sooner she gets stable, we could do the radiations and get over with the procedure." Explained the doctor. Neil assured him to take care of Avni.

It was late in the afternoon when they reached home. Neil had rented a penthouse apartment for a short stay. Avni complained for the unnecessary purchase. "Why did you do this... this ain't needed you know. I would be fine at home too." "No Avni. It was my idea to rent out this place. There are so many family and friends visiting, so a spacious place would reduce your stress on the most crowded days as well." Prakash answered and refused to hear anymore complains, thus Avni had to give up. Neil however was a bit upset. There were so many people visiting throughout the day. It was the first day of discharge and first day of Avni with baby Marshal. In his opinion it was too much of stress for the mother and son. Neil could not gather the courage to express his view however. Ayesha comprehended his thinking easily. She patted on Neil's shoulder and smiled. "I understand your concern. But they are so close a family, so we can't always express our thoughts.. In a way, it would lighten up the mood of Avni. The hospital environment was of too much negative vibes, she'll feel bit better now. And you should also rest well, from this day forth. Are you going back to office in morning?" "No. Thinking of taking 2-3 days more. When will you be leaving, Mama?" Ayesha shrugged. "As soon as we get the tickets. Avni's grandpa is very ill. So Dad wants to go back to London soon. Neela and Mrs.Khanna is Here. So I'm not worried about Avni." Neil smiled and nodded. "I've never thought my daughter will be blessed with the best husband.. thank you!" Ayesha was teary eyed now, she caressed at the back of Neil's head. "No, thank you. For trusting in me. I know I've taken some drastic steps at times, but it's amazing how Avni manages to understand me. Till date there were never a misconception created by her. She never complains, on anything.. and that scares me sometimes. I feel like she's not being open enough.." Ayesha let out a hearty laugh. "Avni has been like that. From childhood even, she would never do anything that hurts the other person. Always thinks about others before she thinks about her beneficial. It's just her nature. And trust me, she would share everything with you. Avni now considers you the closest person to her. So never overthink or leave a space for misunderstandings." Neil nodded and Ayesha hugged him. Shweta, Neela And Babe came just then. "Wow Neil, so much love from Mother-in-Law?" Neela teased. "Haha, how can I help? I am the best son-in-Law" Neil replied, cracking up everyone to his joke. "Mrs.Mehta, you should stay here with Neil and Avni. One of us would shift once you leave to London." Shweta offered and Ayesha agreed.

Avni was in the washroom when Neil entered. Marshal was lying on the Middle of the bed, wrapped in a burrito. Neil got on to the bed, right next to him. "Hi! Hello!" He nuzzled on Marshal's tiny little nose. "Marshi, is this Daddy's lil Marshi?" Neil shook his head, cooing to the baby. Just then Avni came out. "Tired?" Neil asked. "Exhausted!" Avni replied with a smile. She sat beside Neil and lowered herself towards Marshal, half hugging Neil. "Hey! Baby!" She cooed to the little one, who stirred and gave a little smile, as if he can feel the presence of his mother. Avni caressed along his cheeks and kissed on his hands. Neil took Marshal into his arms and laid down on his chest, wrapping his other arm around Avni's waist. Marshal bursted into tears, making Avni laugh. "He doesn't seem to like you.." she teased. "What?—noo! He loves me more than you, cuz I'm a boy." Neil didn't want to give up. Avni rolled her eyes and got up. "Lets feed him and get ready for bed." Neil handed Marshal to Avni and helped her to put him to bed.

Dinner went with an interesting discussion, Mr.Mehta discussing about the upcoming projects of his company over UK. "Oh and I just remembered Avni, I met Christie last month. You didn't tell me you hold share at the firm in London?" Asked Mr. Mehta. "Oh yeah, I do. But I'm not much involved in the UK business. So I might sell them away. Plus, I wont be taking the EU cases anymore. Can't travel now." Avni told about her decision. Neil was surprised because she never shared anything with him about her plans. But then shook off the thoughts. "Are you sure? I mean.. you are on rank 2 in France right now, you really want to give up on that?" Ayesha asked. "Yes, Mama. Marshal is my priority now. Can't trade him for the fame." Avni replied.

Neil was pacing up and down with Marsal when Avni came into the room. "Woke up already?" Avni checked on him. "Yeah.. you fed him well?" Neil asked and Avni nodded. "Lets not swing him much and leave him in the crib. Might fall asleep on his own." Neil smiled and put Marshal in his bed. He straightened himself and saw the look on Avni's face. He sighed. "Ahh.. okay I'll move the crib near our bed. Happy?" Avni nodded. "Ugh Avni, I made so much effort in making that nursery you know. We'll hear him over this, and this is called technology, my love." Neil teased her, showing the baby monitor. Avni playfully slapped him on the arm. "Ouch! That hurts you know." Neil made a baby face. Avni laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Neil's expression softened, now filling up with passion and love. "You're so beautiful, you know. I'm badly addicted to you." Neil's husky voice gave goosebumps on Avni's skin. He lowered himself to her and kissed on the side of her neck. Avni felt weak on her knees, Neil noticed this and laid her down on the bed. He wrapped himself around her. "Becoming an obsessive husband?" Avni laughed. "Yeap! A very few husbands are lucky to have a British wife." Neil replied. "Hahaha! There's about a million of women over in Britain, you think they ain't lucky?" "They don't have a sexy wife like you. So technically, I am the luckiest." Avni didn't get a chance to reply as Neil crashed his lips on hers. She responded in equal urgency, as if they both have a lot to discover, after a decade.

Avni ran her hand on the other side of the bed. She opened her eyes when she realized Neil was no longer in bed. She lifted her head to check over, Marshal wasn't in his crib either. Avni slowly got up from bed, balancing her still drowsy self. She could now hear Neil from the balcony, in their room. Avni walked over slowly. Neil was lying down on the sun bed, Marshal was cuddled on his chest. He was reading to Marshal, who were on lying on his stomach, very comfortably. "The little rat helped out the lion to escape from the net, and they became best friends forever." Neil closed the book and kept it aside. Hugged the little one on his chest and kissed on his tiny little cheek. Marshal was now asleep, Making Neil to relax on the chair and close his eyes. Avni watched them for a while and then brought a blanket from inside and draped around them. She then kissed on each of their forehead. She was so blessed right now ♥️

(A/N: should this be the end?)