Spies & Spice - A Web Of Lies (Completed)

Convergent

5PM , Mini's Parents Home.

NOIDA near Delhi

Sharmila's heart sank as she watched Mini's drawn face and  puffy red eyes. Ever since she arrived at Mini's parents home an hour ago, she had been trying her best to help Mini pack all the essentials for their move to the safe house, in spite of protests from Mini's parents. Mr and Mrs Pillai.  She put aside all their protests with a warm smile, and asked them to spend time with their grand daughter Avni instead, before the inevitable departure.

Mr and Mrs Pillai had finished their packing too, as it was decided that they would no longer be safe in NOIDA. They were flying to their son's home in Dubai, away from the prying eyes of DJ and his gang.

It was Sharmila's first time in their home but  their warm reception and grateful attitude made her feel comfortable  and let go of all her inhibitions. They had met Monty once before when he came and explained their plan for moving Mini and baby Avni to the safe house.

Monty was busy transferring packed suitcases and bags to their car in the parking lot, while keeping a look out if any of DJ's men were still lurking about. But as they predicted, DJ and his men were too busy with their trauma and internal upheavals, and were not seen around apartment towers.

After depositing the last bag safely in the car, Monty came upstairs and informed everyone excitedly that Victor had just messaged him about his successful operation in Mumbai. 

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and Mini rushed inside to get home made cake. As Sharmila accepted the piece of cake Mini offered to her, she felt a twinge of disappointment. Why hadn't Victor called or messaged her about his successful mission? They had such a long and open talk just the previous night. But quickly, she shut those lingering doubts away. This was not the time for such silly misunderstandings. Victor must have been under tremendous pressure, both mentally and time wise, to even communicate with anyone. She tasted the yummy cake and smiled in content.

"I have met Victor only once but have heard so much about his successful missions from Ashwin. And now that I have come to know how brave you two were, in that Goa shoot out and afterwards, I am in awe of you too." Mini pressed Sharmila's hand softly.

"They are helping us too, even though it really isn't their responsibility.I really don't know how to thank you," said Mr Pillai.

But soon, the realisation that they have to say goodbye to each other, at least temporarily hit them hard and Mrs Pillai held on to Avni, unable to control her tears.

Mini hugged her father as he tried his best to console the grieving ladies.

" I know it is hard, but please control yourself Mini. Your safety is the most important issue for us. Monty is taking us to the airport, we will be fine. Just message us the moment you reach the safe house, okay?" He patted Mini's head clumsily, as his voice began to choke.

"Of course Mr Pillai, me and Monty will give you regular updates and Monty will stay with you in the airport till you board your flight." Sharmila assured them.

"I have prepared an entire schedule for Avni for her feeds and other needs. I am so worried Mini, as to how you will manage looking after the baby on your own, even if is for few days," said Mrs Pillai, as she wiped her tears.

" Ashwin, Me and Sharmila will try to help her as much as we can, and few other guards will be there in the safe house, so please don't worry about that all Mrs Pillai. Avni is our responsibility now! You just wait, I will teach her all my habits and lingo, and she will become a Punjabi gudiya * in no time!" Monty chuckled loudly and Mini joined him with a wet smile.