Neil scratched his head and sighed. Maybe it was unfair for him to not wake up Avni. She obviously would have wanted to be downstairs. After all, it was his birthday. As Neil headed to their room, he received a phone-call from the police station, so it took him a few minutes on the call.
Neil took a quick shower afterwards, Avni came in after a while. She has already changed to her pajamas and got back after filling up a bottle of water. Neil was putting back his work files in the cabinet, when Avni came from behind and hugged him lovingly. "Haha, what do you want?" Neil turned his head to look at Avni. This is a sweet gesture of her whenever she really wants something from Neil. "Your apology?" She mumbled softly. Neil turned around and cupped her face. "I'm equally sorry. Should have woken you up.." Neil interrupted. Ani pursed her lips and dropped her gaze from Neil. "Well, it's still my birthday!" Neil said in a cheerful tone. Avni rolled her eyes. "Only an hour left.." "Doesn't matter. An hour of pampering would do." Neil winked and Avni laughed out loud.
He picked Avni into his arms and was going to walk them to bed when Evie cried out loud. "Ugh. This kid.." Neil hung down his head as Avni laughed and slipped down from his arms. She strode down to the nursery but Neil dropped into bed. He was all exhausted with the celebrations of the day. It didnt take long for sleep to get him down.
Neil groaned and opened his eyes. His feet was all numb and he was shaking cuz of the temperature of the room. Neil rolled on to the other side and saw Avni tucked into the comforter all herself. The reason why Neil wasnt warm enough. He scoffed but smiled in the next instant. He slowly moved closer and captured her lips. Avni slowly opened her eyes. Her heartiest smile made his morning!
"Sorry I fell asleep while waiting for you.." Neil said softly. It was 7 in the morning, and their room was lit with the early sunshine. "Nah.. I came back to room around 4 in the morning. Fell asleep in the nursery with Evie." Avni smiled, running her fingers through Neil's hair. He closed his eyes and fell back into his pillow. Avni laughed and moved to sit on top of him, leaning towards his lips. "Haha! Stop teasing!" Neil complained, not liking her way of lingering things. Avni grinned and kissed on the bridge of his nose. Her hair fell onto a side of her shoulder, and brushed against Neil's skin. He dragged the comforter and threw it above their heads. "What are you doing haha!" Avni tried to move but Neil tightened his arms around her waist. "I have taken a leave from work." Avni looked at him, confused. "So soon? You just joined back." "I know. But I still have a lot pending leaves, so thought I'd take them before it cancels out. And I can help you with Evie.." Neil spoke, as he nuzzled on Avni's face. "But—." Avni's sentence broke as Neil captured her lips for a passionate kiss.
Later in the evening Avni got ready to attend a function with Neil. It was the first formal reception she was going to attend as Mrs.Neil Khanna. Although the both of them are well known for their career individually, they are equally famous among the young crowd for their looks and as a couple goal.
Avni checked on Evie for one last time before heading downstairs. "You'll get me real late one day." Neil complained as soon as she emerged. "You have made me a real mother, remember?" Her glare was of death, Neil quickly looked away, escaping from the shot. Avni pursed her lips to prevent a laugh.
It was a remembrance ceremony of the young martyrs who passed away on the service of the Country. Mumbai Police had taken charge of this year's event, and Neil was the head of the event.
Avni tried to shake off her nervousness as their car pulled into the driveway. She looked at Neil, who was in full official attire for the function, unlike the normal field uniform. The service color codes and the silver little medals represented his love for the Country. A little smile spread on Avni's lips as Neil got out of the car and hurried to open the door for her. "What's so funny, Mrs.Khanna?" Neil mumbled, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. The crowd cheered and flashes from several cameras showered on them. "I just thought you looked like Hitler, in that attire." Avni teased, and both her and Neil broke into fits of laughs! The crowd went all 'awwwwn!' of the moment. Neil offered his arm to Avni, who gratefully accepted and together they climbed up the stairs to the venue hall. Perfect they were together. Avni had worn a plain rose gold knee length gown, with a simple necklace and matching earrings, along with her watch and wedding ring. Her hair was neatly brushed into a loose bun.
The ceremony went on and even Neil gave a speech as the acting chief ACP of Mumbai Police. It lasted for about two hours, when finally the guests were escorted to the dining area.
"I'm scared to let go off you for even split seconds.." Neil whispered to Avni, as they walked in, Neil's hand tightly wrapped around her waist. Avni crooked an eyebrow, not able to comprehend his sentence. "You're too damn sexy.. so many eyes on you, woman." Neil chuckled as he spoke. "Insecure, are you ACP?" Avni laughed and Neil made a face at her.
It was an official banquet and so many people approached AvNeil. Especially Avni. Her hearty laugh, kind gestures attracted many people. She discussed on many topics like the field of investigation, prosecution and so on. Neil stood afar, and witnessed everything with a wide grin. He was so happy to have Avni, who was an addition to his fame. Such grace and generosity was praised by everyone. And Neil was ever so proud! He made a mental note to get her involved in such events, as it might lighten up her mood and help her relax in a world, away from motherhood.
