Neil pondered over what Rahul told him some time ago. Does Ragini Pandit really deserve a second chance? Why did Rahul say so? Neil finished off his work and rushed back home. He went to his room and saw Rahul on the bed with his head in Avni's lap. Avni gently stroked his hair  while he was lost in thoughts. Neil slowly entered and sat beside him. He smiled at Avni and slowly kept his head on her lap to face Rahul. Avni started caressing both of them with so much love.

Neil: Bolo Rahul. I am hearing. In fact, we are hearing.

Rahul: Bhaiyya. I don't know if Iam saying right. But I never had any idea what work my parents did until you told me. I had been the witness of their multiple arguments regarding their work. My mom never wanted to be involved in what dad was doing. She tried her best to stop him too. But, she was always beaten up by him. Atlast, she gave into him and thus became what she is today. I understand they have done severe crimes. But somewhere deep in her heart, she did everything out of fear. I want to let her know that her fear exists no more and that dad is dead. I think she can still change. So, I want to talk to her once.

Neil: If this is true, then may be your hopes are right. Hai na Avni?

Avni: Yes. Absolutely. You should talk to her. If this is the case, her motherly affection would urge her to change. She will see the positivity around her if she meets Rahul.

Neil: So. Thats done then! We will go and meet her tomorrow in the jail.

Rahul: Not just that Bhaiyya. I want to return to Bengal. I want to be close to my roots and prosper there. I want me and my mom to start afresh from there.

Neil: How is that possible Rahul? She has still 7 years left in prison.

Rahul: I don't mind staying alone.

Avni: NO! We do mind.

Neil: That's definitely not happening Rahul. I am sorry.

Rahul(thought for a minute): Can I stay in hostel and study then? I promise I will be very serious about my education. I want to be on my own.

Neil: I can consider that Rahul. But, its just because you prefer that. And you are not going to Bengal then. You will stay in Mumbai so that I can be your local guardian. We'll go to Kolkata in your vacations and renovate every single thing there. You can move out when your mom would be released after 7 years. Till then, you have to stay in Mumbai.

Avni: We are not strangers Rahul. I understand your state of mind. You must be thinking that you are a burden on us. We are doing favours on you. Even if thats not true, its normal to think this way. I am happy that you want to be independent. But, for that you have to complete your studies. There is nothing wrong in taking help as far as you value it. Tumhe yahan nahi rehna? Teek hai. But whenever you want, feel free to come over. Promise?

Rahul(smiled): What do you mean? Main tho har chhutti pe aavonga! I thought to try to take care of myself. Here, everybody pampers me. I want to grow mature and responsible. Aur kuch nahi hai di. Aap donon ye kaise soch liya ki main aapse door jaa raha hun??

Neil(let out a big sigh): Uff! Tumne dara diya yaar! You are a part of our family now. I realise now that someday you will leave from here.

Rahul: Fir bhi dil mein rahunga na..

AvNeil: Hamesha!

Avni: Acha. Now, you go and sleep.

Rahul jumped out from the bed and turned to them.

Rahul: I know why you want me to go to room.

Avni: Why?

Rahul: So that you two can..

Neil shot up from Avni's lap with a bolt and looked at him.

Neil: We two can..??

Rahul: Kiss...

Avni: Whaat??

Rahul laughed and ran out of the room shouting a "good night" to both of them. AvNeil shockingly looked at each other and burst out laughing. Avni went and bolted the door still laughing aloud.

Neil: What was that!

Avni: 😂😂😂 Mujhe kya patha!?

Neil: See! Even Rahul knows what I want. You are such an unromantic wifey!

Avni pulled Neil towards her and sealed his lips with a tight kiss. He stumbled forward and crashed against their cupboard with Avni safely engulfed in his arms. Their lips moulded in union and they slowly slided down to the floor not breaking the lip contact. Slowly, they moved their lips apart from each other. Neil carried her in his arms to the bed and laid besider her. Avni kept her head close to Neil's chest and hugged him tight. Neil hugged her back to keep her close and slowly patted her.

Avni: Shall I sleep like this?

Neil: Kyun?

Avni: Bas tumhara dhadkan sun ne ka man kar raha hai.

Neil(smiled): So jao.

Avni: Good night.

Neil: Good night. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Sleep tight wifey.