Journey

A caution

Avni came out of the shower. She could hear the kids from their room. Neil wasnt home when Avni woke up even. She quickly dressed up and went to check on Marshall and Sophia. Marshall was lying down on the couch, a book on his hand. He've grown so fond of books, just like Avni wanted. Sophia sat at a corner, digging a box.
"What are you searching for?" Avni asked walking to Sophia. "Mommy! I cant find the candles!" She exclaimed. Avni crooked an eyebrow. "Which candles?" She asked, and Marshall jumped up instantly. "Sophie!" He muttered, gesturing her to keep mum. Avni knew they were planning something, as Sophia quickly nodded her head and got up to her feet. Avni didnt want to burst their bubble, so she gave them a warm smile. "Lets get your homework done, Marshi." Marshall nodded his head and headed to his study table. Neil walked in just then. "Daddy! I lost the candles! We need them for day after tomorrow!" Sophia could not hold herself back. Avni pursed her lips, trying to hold her laughter. She saw Neil getting tensed up, from the corner of her eyes. Sophia quickly covered her mouth with her hands. "Whoops!" Neil rolled his eyes. He took Sophia into his arms and tickled her sides, breaking the little one into fits of laughs.
Avni's phone buzzed just then. "Hi Nisha... what?!" She exclaimed. Neil's eyes shot to her. "I'm on my way." She ended the call. "Whats up?" Neil asked. Avni looked at him and was speechless for a minute. "They f..found a baby.. at the backyard of our office.." Avni moved close to Neil and told him. She didnt want Marshall to hear. Neil's eyes widened. "Whatt?!" Neil was in equal shock. "I'll come with you!" "No! Wait here with Marsh and Sophie. Call up the unit and send in the forensic, okay?" Avni stopped Neil. He gave a nod, and Avni left to get ready. "Sophie, sit here. Daddy will be right back."

Neil walked into their room right behind Avni. "Close the door?" Avni said and hurried to the closet. Neil quickly closed the door and locked it. "How old is the baby?" He inquired while Avni changed. "About two years, as per Nisha." Avni's voice trembled. Neil quickly called the forensic and juvenile unit and arranged a team. "You take care, alright?" He hugged Avni and kissed on her forehead. Avni nodded and gave a smile, before leaving.

Neil helped Marshall with his math and inquired about the situation. Someone had raped and killed just a two year old girl. They have arrested the suspects and the investigation was still ongoing. Neil felt so suffocated. How could someone be so cruel. But then, it was nothing new in the indian society. The news of rape and domestic violence was so frequent on the news.
Neil took the kids out for lunch and stopped by a playhouse afterwards. He wanted to get out of the house to clear his mind.
Avni came home late in the evening. Bebe and Shweta was seated in the living room. "Avni! We were so worried about you." Bebe exclaimed. Avni smiled and sat beside her. "Hehe I'm fine Bebe. Just very tired." "My mind is in chaos ever since the news broke. Feels so uneasy to think there are such disgusting people in our society." Shweta poured out her concern. Avni sat with them for a while and headed upstairs. Bebe offered her food, but Avni was in no mood to eat.

Avni stopped at the entrance of the kid's room. Marshall was sleeping on his bed. Neil was  asleep beside Sophia. Avni walked to her bed, Neil felt her presence and opened his eyes. "Avni.." he muttered. Avni did not respond, her eyes were glued on to Sophia. Neil lifted up his head as Avni sat beside Sophia and took the little one in her arms. She hugged her tightly, and kissed on her forehead. "Avni!" Neil hurried to her side. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, she was weeping out loud. Neil knew what exactly had happened. "Sophie will wake up, Avni." Neil caressed on her hair. Avni moved Sophia away from her and Neil tucked the little one to her bed. "Come with me.." he held Avni's hand and took her to their room.

Neil seated her on the couch, and Avni hugged him tightly! "Shhh.." Neil tried to console her. "Remember when Sophie was two years old?.." Avni started saying. "She was so little, Neil. Barely able to balance her steps. Mumbling just a few words.. not able to eat or drink by herself. She was.. she was so helpless..! And that baby.." Avni straightened herself. "She was just the same. So healthy and beautiful. But.. the wounds on her body, the strangle marks on her neck.. imagine how much she would have suffered!" Neil cupped her face, he was crying too. "The tiny little body.. went through so much pain! She wouldnt.. she wouldnt even know what was hap-pening, Neil!" Neil shook his head and pursed his lips, trying control himself. But Avni was weeping out loud, holding to Neil's shirt tightly. "Please find out who it was.. please.." Neil nodded and Avni rested her head on Neil's chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around Avni. "I promise! I promise I will.." Neil kissed on her hair and hugged her more. Avni stayed in his embrace for a long while. "I dont want to send Sophie anywhere hereafter." She moved a bit away and faced Neil. "She'll only go either with us, or any of the members of this house. Nor anyone else, okay? Please tell your cousins. Tell them you or I can bring her over or they can visit if they wants to see her.." Avni set her mind. "I will. I wouldnt want to have it any other way." Neil agreed. "But listen to me, Avni. We have a boy and a girl. Marshall is seven and Sophie is also growing up. We have to extra careful when we creat boundaries among them. They are siblings. We have to make sure the bond still remains, it strengthens with their age, okay?" Neil thought it was the best time to hit the topic. Avni nodded her head. "I know, Neil. We'll just be extra careful hereafter." "Sure. Lets go have dinner? I am famished." Neil held on to his stomach. "You didnt have dinner?" Avni's eyes widened a bit. "Yeap. Ms.Sophia the first was too choosy about her food, so my meal time had to be dedicated to her." Avni laughed. "I'll take her to a Pediatrician tomorrow. This way she'll fall ill again." Avni said and got up from the couch.