"I'm sorry..." he mumbled, and carefully lifted up Avni's leg. Blood was oozing out beneath her feet. "Ouch!" She exclaimed in pain. "Neil- something is pricking!" She tried to pull her leg from Neil's grasp. "Hold on, let me see.. Avni!" Neil tightened his grip and didnt give a loose until Avni sat still. "Now dont move until I say.." he showed index finger to her and slowly lowered his face to have a look at the wound. He almost gasped out loudly to see a piece of glass that was pricked right under her feet. Neil looked at Avni once more, her eyes were squeezed shut and she held on to his shoulder tightly. Neil carefully placed a finger on the glass piece, and pulled it out in a jiffy, Avni winced in pain simultaneously! He quickly gathered her in his arms. "Shh.. its off now.." Avni held onto him until her breath eased. Neil moved out of the embrace, and gasped again. Avni's face was pale as a ghost. He immediately knew it was due to the blood loss. "Lets get you to hospital!" He said, standing up and hurrying over to the phone to ring Ayesha, who entered in just a few minutes, along with Zara. "Avi! Are you alright? How did this happen?!!" She ran to the couch and kneeled down next to Avni. "Its nothing.. just a cut—." "No! We are gonna take you to hospital!" Neil interrupted her. "No, Neil. Its okay, I'm fine. I'll do the dressing and it will be fine. J..Juhi needs..you. R..right now.." Avni said, gathering courage. Zara looked at her, not believing what she heard, and so did Neil. "Yea you should. We all are here with Avi.." Ayesha agreed with Avni. Neil's eyes were fixed to Avni's face for a while. He then gave a nod and got ready in split seconds and took off. Avni's face dropped immediately. Ayesha saw all the changes to her expressions, but decided not to comment on it. She trusts Avni is wise enough to take her own decisions.
It was past afternoon when Neil finished up with Juhi. He drove to their home along with Todd and others. He invited Neil over for dinner, but he excused himself and hurried to check on Avni, ignoring the expressions of Juhi. Neil dialed to Avni's number a few times but she did not answer. Hence he drove to the Hotel. Neil met Joseph on their floor who informed that Avni was alright and the others were out for some sightseeing. The two of them then sat down for a coffee.
"Todd called me, informing what the doctor had said.." Joseph said, adding some sugar to his cappuccino. Neil's heart skipped a beat, due to an unknown fear. He was so nervous because of the recent turn of events. Although Joseph is all cool about it, he sure is Avni's father. And Neil absolutely understands how a typical fatherly instincts would be in such a situation. Neil just stared at Joseph, not understanding what to say. "...and I've shared it with Avi as well." Neil's eyes widened and he almost fell out of his seat! "Relax! She deserves to know, dont you think?.. and Avni had said, she have no issues in taking back Juhi with us. If doctor had said that a change in environment might help her, we must as well consider that. And I know that your presence would improve and help her recovery. Thus its important." Joseph explained more. His talk evidenced that he really have sat and talked to Avni, about it all. And Avni had passed her messages through Joseph. Neil had no idea on how to pass a comment. He just sat there, mum. "Neil.. I know you're worried sick, son. But all I want to say is, just go with the flow. Avi will never complain, as long as she gets her share from your life.. you know what I mean right?" He said, petting on Neil's shoulder.
Neil came out of shower and gently threw the towel across to the bed. Avni came in just then. She removed her boots snd jacket, walking in slowly not resting her gaze on Neil. He looked at her carefully. Her skin was pale, a faint redness still in her eyes. Avni in slow movements kept all her accessories aside. Her hands stopped when at removing her watch, which seemed to have jammed. Neil walked to her and took her hand into his, helping to remove the watch. His eyes glued to her beautiful face. The smooth skin, strands of blushes visible at sides, the big black eyes.. it all takes away his breath. Yes, it still does. But.. he's unable to decide what his heart says about Juhi. If it's sympathy or still a feeling more than that. "Avni, I—.." Neil was unfortunately cut by a knock on the door. "Wait I'll get it." He quickly hurried to open the door. Ansh and Zara stood at the door, with Miya and Keira. "Um.. we're sorry. But Zara's best friends father passed away. They are down a few blocks. We.. will you be okay to keep it the twin here for tonight?" "Yes, of course! You dont worry, attend everything and come back at your convenience. I'm sure she'll need you." Neil replied before Avni. Zara smiled, her heart melted for the humbleness of Neil. "Thanks so much. Avi?" Although she wanted to check with Avni. "Why do you even ask.. of course I'll look after them... My condolences to Hannah and the Rees family." She hugged Zara. "Okay, we'll take our leave then. Be good to Aunty Avi, you two!" "I'll take a shower and come." Avni gave a little smile and hurried in.
Miya and Keira sat at the middle of the bed. "This is the grey elephant Papa Max gave me.." Miya told Neil, he was lying down beside them, enjoying their never ending chats. Avni came out of the shower, limping a bit. She dragged herself to the couch and sat. "Are you alright?" Neil hurried to her side. "I dont know.. its paining badly. And—." Her words trailed off as Neil lifted her feet. Blood was fading through the dressing. "Lets get this changed." Neil removed the bandage carefully, Avni still winced with pain. The twin hurried to have a look. "Aunty Avi cried in hospital too.. she got a bad awee.." Keira said, pointing out to the events at the hospital. Neil's eyes shifted to Avni. Her eyes were welled up, as if she'd burst out any minute. "Daddy goes to hospital when we get awee. So you have to go with Avi.." they kept on saying, complaining about Neil not being there. Avni let out a shaky breath. "You know, i took my bugsy to hospital when he fell from his bed." Miya started, showing up the little soft toy bunny. "No, thats my bugsy!" Keira complained. "No mine!" Miya didnt like it. "Ni its mine too.. Daddy said its for two of us.!" Keira shot back. "No Keira. One toy for one baby only. No one can have two Toys, right uncle Neil?" Both Avni and Neil froze in their posture, as it clearly resembles their situation. And it simultaneously knocked on the door of Neil's hart. Will Avni leave him?
