Journey

A new guest

Avni's life was double hectic after Neil left. She doesn't want to assign any of the works of Marshall to Shweta or Bebe, as it might cause a difficulty for them. It's difficult for Bebe to even lift up the chubby little Marshall, as her bones have become really weak. So Avni tries to work from home, as much as possible. She was currently working on a gang rape-murder case, so majority of her day is dedicated to work.

Avni took Marshal to her office for for the first time today. She was wearing a navy blue, floral embroidered top, with black pants. Her watch and the ring was the only jewelry used. Marshall was dressed in a dungaree with a white t-shirt. The tiny cap and shoe was matching to the dungaree. Avni adjusted the baby carrier before walking in to the elevator. Marshall first met her partner, Mr. Ahluwalia, who greeted them at the entrance of the office area. "Wow! Look at the big boy who joined us at work today!" Marshall jumped up and down, in excitement. Attracting everyone to his adorable moves and friendly nature. Everyone pointed out Marshall's resemblance to Neil. He fell asleep within few hours, due to exhaustion caused by all the squeezings. Avni took out the time and finished up her work, and left home early in the afternoon.

"Hey.." Avni answered her phone at 10pm in the night. She tried Neil's phone so many times, but he didn't answer. "Sleeping?" Neil asked. "It's 10 here. I did wait for you to call. Mom wanted to put on a video call but you didn't answer." "I know. Sorry I was at a party of this friend. My phone was on silent," With that Avni heard a giggle of a lady from the background. "Haha, I knew that would look good on you" Neil Exclaimed to that person. Avni called his name a few times but didn't receive any response. She then hung up the call, and waited for an hour for Neil to call back. She was so excited to share the first day of Marshall at work with Neil.. but.

Days passed with Neil getting more 'Busy'. Avni did not complain about it since she made herself convinced that Neil is actually busy with work. On the day of his return, avni shifted to their apartment with cleaners. She tidied up the whole place and prepared a meal with the help of Shweta and Neela. Everyone was ready to welcome Neil on his return. Avni picked up a very cranky Marshall to her lap, just then the doorbell rang. Prakash answered the door. He hugged Neil with delightful embrace but Avni noticed him lose the cheer in a few seconds. He showed up the way, and Neil came in with his luggage and a lady followed her in. "Meet Naina, a police constable. She'll be staying here for a few days. She've come with an official work." Neil introduced her to everyone and then rushed to Marshall. "Marshi! My baby!" He squeezed Marshall into a tight hug and kissed him all over. "So heavy now!" Neil teased him, looking at Avni who was still feeling uneasy unnoticed by Neil . Avni smiled.
Dinner went by in a happy environment, except for Avni. She had to rush through her food and attend Marshall who was very cranky and sleepy. Avni gave him a shower and laid him on the big bed with all his stories, waiting for Neil. After few minutes, Neil came into the nursery with Naina. Showing her around and telling her about all the likes and dislikes of Marshall. In between talks, he carried Marshall out with him, and later sat at the living room, watching a documentary with Naina and Prakash. Avni did not know what she shall do. She slowly walked in there and sat on a beanbag kept at a corner. The documentary was about a murder case, which she dealt recently. "The prosecutor of this case was so bad, I tell you." Naina's statement startled Avni. "She could have won it with the first instance! But failed to emphasize on important points. It's predictable though. I heard she was a British lawyer who also had jurisdiction to enter Indian courts. How can someone like her is to be expected to know the Indian common law system? I mean it's similar but she won't have that much confidence to win a case like this yeah." Avni could not believe her ears. She was shocked to hear Naina's criticisms and was more surprised that Neil didn't utter a word in her defense. "How many witnesses did the defense submit? 7?" Naina carried on. "Seventeen. And all of their statements were nullified by the prosecution!" Avni replied to her. She got up and took Marshall from Neil. She could hear Naina continue with the topic , Neil agreeing to some of her statements. After Marshall was asleep, Avni entered her study room. She started to create a mind map for her ongoing case, but her mind was all blank.. not blank actually. It was filled with so much complaints.
"Is Marshall asleep?" Neil spoke to her, closing the door behind him. Avni nodded and got back to her work. Her phone then buzzed. "Hi Amanda, hehe no.. just preparing for tomorrow's hearing.. oh yeah, I need your signature on them please.. check whether six sets of the documents are ready. And a seventh copy shall be kept for our reference... yeah, I'll see you tomorrow.. haha no, I won't be bringing Marshall... yes he had a lovely time too,thanks! Hehe yeah bye!" Neil was standing right behind Avni. "Marshall went to your firm? When?" Neil asked. "A few days ago." Avni replied, typing in a mail. "And you didn't tell me..." she heard Neil mumble. "I tried, but you were very busy in a friend's party that you even forgot that you were on a phone call with me." Neil did recall the night but he was more surprised with the tone of Avni. "Why are you so mad? Wait.. you do know that Naina had no idea who the prosecutor was, right?" Avni gathered her stuff and got up from the desk. "I do. And I also see her defense lawyer right in front of me." With that she left the study. Leaving a very startled Neil behind.