Avni entered home, in slow steps. Her heart was thumping against her chest. She was really upset with Neil and Shweta's reactions from morning. She was all new to rhe family and it had already started. Avni wondered if her fate really hated her. There was no one seen in the living room. "Bebe had left to Kullu." Prakash's voice startled Avni. He was coming from the kitchen, with a bottle of water. "Her friend's daughter's wedding, so she had to attend. And.. please Avni. Do not mind anything Shweta said this morning. I'm so sorry.." he added. Avnj just smiled, which convinced Prakash and he headed upstairs. Avni took slow steps, she was really hesitant to face Neil, after seeing his anger in morning.
Neil was on the couch, sitting in front of his laptop. Their eyes met for a split second, Avni looked away, scared that he might start up again, and if he does, she was sure she'll burst into tears. Anger was something Avni never wanted to face from anyone. She took a shower and slipped on a sweatshirt and pajama pants. Avni took out a case file from the shelf, on the process she accidentally dropped a metal tin kept on it. Neil shuddered to the sound of it hitting the floor, and Avni held her hands on her ears. She slowly drifted her glance to Neil, who shook his head and went back to work, traces of frustration visible on his face. It upset Avni so much. Her heart dropped, she kept the file back and slowly went and set on the bed. She was damn hungry, but was too scared to go downstairs alone. Avni checked on Neil, but he didnt even bother to look at her. Avni's phone rang then, Ansh on the other end. "Hey.." she mumbled. "Nope, how did you find out?.... uh-huh... it was complete raid, saying they didnt pay the tax... been at her residence since morning, didnt even get time for food.. how's grandpa? I didnt event get time to call him. Pass my regards please.. yeah. Bye." Avni let out a sigh and ran her fingers on her forehead. Neil heard the conversation and he heard the no food part. "I'm going downstairs," he gestured, indirectly asking Avni to go with him and have dinner. Avni just stared at him, wondering why he has failed to understand her. She shook her head, "I'm not hungry." "Fine.." Neil mumbled and headed to the washroom. Avni lied down in bed and turned to the opposite side, draping the blanket on her. She didnt move from her posture but knew that Neil came back after a few minutes and lied down on the other side.
"Sir, here's the report of the first quarter of last year. We have other quarters left though, but the audit is on going and we'll finish it up soon!" The accountant briefed to Neil as he dropped in, before going to the police station. "How did..who made the report?" Neil was surprised. "Our auditor. You havent met yet?" Neil shook his head. "Oh so please go and meet." He grinned widely and showed the cabin to Neil, who knocked on the door softly and entered. His steps froze as he saw Avni inside, mountains of files piled up around her. "Avni..?" Avni smiled and got up from her seat. "You came.. finally! But why didnt you tell me?!" Neil moved closer still in his surprised state. Avni jut gave a shrug. Neil hugged her tightly, "I knew you'd do it. Thank you!.." He grinned and kissed the side of her face. On the other end however, Avni's smile faded away. But she hugged him back, because it was unexplainable how it felt to be in his embrace after a while.
Shweta was the most happiest to hear the news! Her all complaints against Avni dropped immediately.
Days passed, everything went smoothly. Avni and Neil was busy at work put Neil didnt fail to give her enough time. They sometimes go on dinner dates, hang out with other friends. It was one of the afternoons, Neil rang the bell to Noya's apartment. Avni pushed him aside. "I'll meet her first!" Neil laughed at how anxious Avni was. He grabbed on her waist and pulled her closer, burying his lips deep on a chubby cheek! At then Noya opened her door. "Sheesh! Your bedroom wasnt enough, that you started making out on my doorstep?" Avni quickly pushed Neil away and straightened herself. Her face was red, Neil could not take his eyes off her! Noya pulled Avni into a tight hug and then hugged Neil. "Come on in!" They spent the afternoon enjoying a good lunch and wine. Chatting the hours away, sharing the laughs they have stored for the past few months. Neil however noticed Noya's observations on Avni. He noticed her lost into Avni, as if she was studying her closely. He could not hold up himself anymore, and shoot out questions as Avni went out into the balcony, answering a call. "Whats up?" Noya looked at Neil and sighed. "I was just checking if she was okay.. but She's really good at it huh?" She mumbled. "I thought the decision would make her weak and take time for her to move on.. a change of field would be difficult. as advocacy was such a passion for her." Neil was really confused now. "What are you saying?.. change of field?" "Yeah? I mean auditing isn't advocating right? But I really hope to see her in courtroom again.." Neil was more confused, "what do you mean to see her again? Thats what she's doing everyday.." Noya shifted in her seat. "Neil.." she tried saying and looked at Aarav again. "Neil, Avni isnt practicing anymore. Dont tell me you dont know about the Bar Council's decision.." Aarav's statement shocked Neil to the core. "W..what decision?" Neil asked firmly. Noya and Aarav shared glances as if seeking each other's opinion. "Neil.. Avni working as an auditor at your company and representing it in Court cases, would cause a conflict of interest, and it is totally prohibited in the regulations! The Bar found out about it, and.. canceled Avni's license... She can't practice in Courts of India anymore.." Noya tried to put it our carefully, but the expression on Neil's face broke her heart. His eyes were wide, his body straight on his seat. "Avni..? They suspended her?" Neil's voice trailed off. Noya nodded her head, and Neil's face moved down into his hands,covering it with his both hands. What have I done? For my own benefit, I compelled Avni to go according to my wish. She sacrificed the career she had built up with such a hard work and made her own identity. She tried so much to tell me and make me understand, but I never listened. Never even attempted to know what she was going to tell. How did I make such a mistake.. He suddenly got up from his seat. "Please dont tell her I know about it. And tell that I had to go to office with an important work. Aarav, please drive her home?.." Aarav nodded his head in agreement. "Will you be okay?" Noya was really worried. She hugged him tightly. "Please do support her, Avi doesnt deserve this Neil. Please.." She whispered to Neil's ears. He nodded his head and hurried to his car. His whole soul was shaken up!
