Neil was still holding Avni. It had been a good two minutes after his mother had left.
Suddenly Avni moved in his arms and Neil came to his senses. He realized Avni was unwell and slowly both of them walked in guided by Neil. He closed the door behind him and led her to the bed.

After avni lied down Neil went to the shower and opened the cold shower. He stood under it for a minute or so. It was to wake him up from his stupor. He could not afford to break down like he had just did! He then closed the faucet and shook the water out of his head.

Neil walked back to the bed newly determined to save Avni and help her recover from this crude talk fueled trauma that was just forced upon her in her fragile state.

He sat by her side and checked her condition. Avni looked better now, she was just trembling a bit.

Neil - "Avni.. all is ok now. I am with you. Mom has left and will not come here again", he had a determined glint in his eyes as he spoke this, "Now I am going to change your bandages and apply some medicine on the cuts. It might hurt a bit. Par bas thodi der ki baat hai." (It's about only a little time)

Then Neil did her first aid and again treated the re-opened cuts. He then went to get out her painkiller and other medicine dosage and helped her take it by supporting her sit. He then went and collected the fallen food packets, luckily the contents were fine inside. It was khichdi and some fruits. He reheated the same and fed the same to Avni.

Avni could not eat very well. Her wounds were paining and area around her eyes had swollen more post crying. But Neil was patient and he took his time with her in helping her out.

Neil - "Avni.. are you feeling better now? Thoda sa aur kha lo bas. You need to regain some strength"( eat some more)

Avni nodded and did the best she could. Post that, Neil thought they should call it a day. He made Avni comfortable and wrapped up the stuff.

Avni was already sleepy post exhaustion.

As she was lying down, Neil was sitting beside her on the bed only. Just to make her feel safe psychologically.

Avni held out her hand and Neil looked around to check if she was asking for something. And then, he pleasantly realised that she just wanted to hold his hand. Neil contentedly gave his hand in hers to hold. He then also kept his other hand over her hand as he spoke emotionally - "Avni.. People are of many kinds. They think differently and not always kindly. Par main hoon tumhare saath. It will always be Us versus Them. But we will keep united, hum hamesha saath rahenge baby.."( But im with you..... We will always stay together)

Neil stayed up till she had not slept, and then he too went to sleep, sitting on a couch in the corner of the room.