Hi guys.. Think we need a bit more of Neil's POV ;)

Enjoy!

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Neil saw a shop on the way and parked his jeep. As he walked towards the small shop, seeing a police jeep the old shopkeeper himself came running towards him. It was a flower shop!

Neil waved the guy off and himself chose some flowers for avni. He thought whether he should put roses or something else and then finally he asked the shopkeeper to add a little of everything! Neil remembered how happy avni was in the valley of flowers, where they first became intimate and he wanted to gift her more flowers to see the smile on her face.

As the shopkeeper assembled the flowers Neil went to another shop where some breakfast was being made. He was hungry as he had skipped his breakfast! Luckily it was poha. Neil had some and it was fabulous! It almost rivaled Ali's poha. So Neil got some more packed for his wifey! He knew however angry she would be, she would never say no to Poha, her favorite dish!

Neil took a deep breath and recalled what it was like to see his avni happy. He remembered the tough times they had been through and again was thankful to God that Avni was with him and was fine. He realised it was good she came along with him. Even though he couldn't give her time, at least he would get to see her.

He resolved he will set everything right very soon!

Soon Neil collected the flowers and packet of food and continued to drive. He tried Avni's phone once more but again she didn't pick up. A thought crossed across his mind and he called the landline. No servant picked it up as well. This was weird, Neil thought. There was always someone on duty to pick up the phone at least! Neil wondered if he should call the security guard post outside his house but decided against it. Anyways he would reach in another fifteen minutes or so!

Suddenly Neil got a call from his bungalow's security post landline. He grabbed the phone. Neil was easily becoming angry nowadays. In his short temper he shouted on the phone - "Guard? tum logon se ek kaam bhi thik se nahi hota kya? You all are good for nothing. You had a simple job of attending all calls. What if some person in need had tried reaching my residence and you would not have picked up the call!" (.. can you guys not do even one thing properly?..)

The guard stammered - "Sir.. sorry sir.. Actually. Sir my head was spinning somewhat"

Neil got really irritated this time - "What!! If you are not well then why come to work? Send another guard who does the job well.."

Guard, whimpering in fear now - "Sorry sir.. I was alright in the morning. After coming on duty here I started feeling unwell some half an hour ago. But ab thik hoon sir" (I am ok now)

Neil - "Whatever.. kaise hui tabiyat kharab" (how did you become unwell)

Guard - "Sir not sure, I had some tea given by the servant and then I possibly blacked out for sometime. I started having a headache and then lost consciousness. Not sure sir. I have had very little sleep lately as I am mostly on duty, hence it maybe causing this.. But now i am ok sir.."

Neil shook his head. He knew his staff was overworked at times as well just like him. All of them were stretched to their limits! 

Neil - "You know what guard. Take the day off! I am anyways reaching the bungalow in sometime. I will ensure security is proper once I am there. So you can leave now.."

Guard thanked Neil and went off the line. 

One thing that the guard said affected Neil. How come he got unconscious after drinking tea! Is tea not supposed to be awakening and refreshing instead! Neil shook his head.. clearly he was overthinking! It was a one odd incident of an overworked police guard fainting. Nothing suspicious there! But just for his own comfort, he called DD.

DD picked up the phone in first ring - "Sir.. yes sir"

Neil - "DD I am reallocating your duties.. Instead of working in office. Come to my bungalow."

DD - "Sir all well? I will leave for there right now"

Neil - "All is well DD. It is just that the security guard is unwell. I will be inside with Avni but i need you to take care of security while guard is not there!"

DD said excited to serve Neil - "Sir yes sir. Don't you worry sir. I will guard you guys like Lakshman guarded Lord Ram and Sita in their exile!"

Neil's eyebrows rose at this reference! Clearly DD took his job too seriously! But it made him smile.. He kept the phone and tried Avni once more. She did not pick up this time as well..

Neil had almost reached the bungalow. As his jeep went inside the gate, he saw no security at the post. It was expected! Neil got down soon and picked up the flowers and food happily for his Avni. He was merrily going inside and thought he will shout out Avni's name for surprising her by coming in early.

Neil - "Avni!! AVNI! Sweetheart kahan ho tum!" (where are you)

Neil's happy voice was met with pin drop silence.....

After checking a couple of rooms and bathrooms, Neil stopped shouting. His feet gained an urgency. For the first time Neil noticed no servant was there in the house. 

Neil - "Servant??! Koi hai kya? Kahan chale gaye sab"(anybody there? where has everybody gone!)

Again he was met with silence. Neil stopped and listened. There was no sound inside the house. He could hear the birds chirping outside, but he could not hear anything inside the house..

He walked towards the living room.. and he smelt something before he reached there. His trained police senses tingled with an ominous foreboding..

Neil put flowers and food in one hand and took out his revolver in the other hand. He barged into living room and saw there was nothing except for a bloodied, bare and lifeless limb jutting out from behind the sofa.

Flowers fell from Neil's hand.. he rushed and flowers were crushed beneath his feet as he tread ahead a little giddy, a little unsure. It could not be... He did not realize when his cheek became wet with tears that he did  not feel coming down.

Neil walked feeling dread from inside as he walked towards the sofa. His speed had suddenly decreased. He could not face it. 

He smelled DEATH on the other side of sofa.