Journey

Memories

Neil could hear Marshall's loud babbling when he entered home after work. It was late in the afternoon, so he expected him to be down for a nap. "Eeh, whats going on?" Neil asked walking towards the kitchen, where Avni sat with Marshall on the floor. "We're up to this!" Avni Exclaimed. "Painting? Woaah he's eating that!!" Neil totally freaked out, seeing Marshall licking his finger. "Haha Relax! It's edible colors. I made them at home, with yoghurt." Neil sighed heavily, relaxing himself. "Why the idea of this suddenly?" He asked, still curious. Avni got up from the white mat she was sitting with Marshall and the paints. She walked to the microwave and opened its door. "Ooh did you bake something!?" Neil screeched in excitement. "I did, but not for you to eat." She said, now walking back to Neil. She showed the little token on her hand to Neil, who took it on his, having a closer look. It was a circular shaped plate, Marshall's hand print was curved on the middle. "What's this?" Neil asked again, trying to figure out. Avni held a hand, gesturing him to wait. She came back with wooden box. "What is that?" Neil was more confused. Avni opened the box, inside which was divided into many compartments. She nine similar plates from it and handed over to Neil. Each had got Marshall's handprint, with labels like first month, second month. "I'm making a plate for each month of his first year. Would be a great token for him when he grows up." Avni smiled widely.

"Wow.." Neil mumbled as he figured out. "And what else is in there?" He asked. "Take a look!" Avni smiled. Neil saw the compartments named as my first dress, my first toy etc. Avni had safely kept every new thing Marshall could be reminded of, even the hospital tag on his and her hands, while they were admitted in hospital. Avni looked at Neil and saw his eyes dampen. "Neil.." Avni hurried to his side and took his face in her hands. "You're the best mother, you know." Avni was speechless for a second. She only wanted to be approved as the best by Neil, which he have mentioned openly. Avni smiled, she too was teary eyed now. Avni brought Neil close and buried his face in her chest, resting her head on his. "I love you so much!" Avni mumbled. "I love you so much more.." Neil said, moving to kiss the side of her neck. "Mama!" Marshall's screech made them jump out of the moment. Avni laughed as she learned what happened.

Avni drove to Neela Ma's place after work the following day. She had to go to office as she had a hearing in the morning, Neil was busy so Marshall had to be left with Neela Ma. Avni is reluctant to leave him with Juhi at any cost.
Neela opened the door. "Avni!" She exclaimed and hugged her tightly. "I haven't seen you for so long! Come on in." Avni walked in with Neela. "Where's Marshall?" Just then she saw Neil and Marshall at a corner of the room. Both were lying down on their stomach on the floor. A tor train set was set up in front of them, and the trains were running on the rails. "Look at that blue one!" Neil was showing and teaching Marshall. Avni smiled, happiest with the strong father-son bonding. They had dinner together, Neela took the opportunity to feed Marshall all by herself. "Please stay here for tonight? It's weekend tomorrow!" Neela requested, when Avni was preparing to leave. Avni was about to respond, when Neela has to attend a phone call. Avni turned to Neil, to seek his permission. "I know you would love to stay over, and I am totally fine with that." Neil smiled and caressed on her cheek. "Thank you. So you can go and pack a bag with everything?" "Um.. I think I'll stay at home.." Avni was confused. "Wh.." just then it hit her. Juhi would be home. "Oh.. okay. I'll manage here then.. I can manage." Avni mumbled and picked Marshall from the chair. "Avni!" Neil grabbed her hand. "Why can't you stay here?" She Exclaimed back. Neil was surprised with her rage. "Juhi will be alone there.." Neil tried to say. "So what? It've got the tightest security." Avni protested. "Still I cant leave her there alone, especially when we are yet not convinced that Dev isn't totally on our side." "Is it? And why didn't you get concerned when Marshall and I stay at home alone, while you go away on trips?" Avni shot back. Neil was speechless. This is the first time that they have been really arguing with each other cuz Avni would always remain silent before. "I do care for you and Marshall, that is why I fixed up all the securities.." Neil started but what cut in by Avni. "If you want to go, you can. Marshall and I am staying here." Avni stormed inside. Neela witnessed all these from afar. "What has happened to her?" She mumbled to Neil, as she herself was in a shock. Neil let out a sigh. "I have no idea.. I thought she got along with Juhi really well, but..." Neil ran his fingers through his hair, not sure of what he have to do now.