Neil and Avni have returned home, and Avni has taken the responsibility of Juhi’s rehab. Neil’s suspension hearing doesn’t go well, when DIG learns he took part in a covert operation. DD walks into Neil’s studio…
DD: Sir, how was it?
NEIL: DD. [shakes his head] My suspension has not been withdrawn. Things are getting harder. Our case against Ragini Pandit is weak in their eyes. In fact our operation may put us all in trouble if we cannot get a formal complaint or witness statements.
DD: But sir, we have audio and visuals from Rang Mahal.
NEIL: The audio evidence captured is not sufficient to establish the human trafficking crimes at Rang Mahal. Not if the victims or witnesses don’t testify.
DD: We can ask the girls again if they can come forward and give a formal complaint.
NEIL: They are all afraid to speak up, in case it brings disgrace to their families. One of them came forward but her family objected. We can request again, but can’t force them. Juhi can’t be a witness either, because she was dead according to official records, and her testimony will be challenged. Besides, I don’t want to put her through that now, she has already been through so much.
DD: So, what can we do now?
NEIL: We will have to find evidence from Rang Mahal on the activities that were going on there. Find witnesses and get them to speak out the truth in the court. It is not going to be easy. Not easy at all. [Neil’s phone buzzes. HE looks at his phone. Message from Avni. “kaise rahi meeting”] Avni…
DD: [sensing it is a message from Avni] Bhabhi will be heartbroken to hear this. She must be waiting in anticipation of your suspension being revoked.
NEIL: She shouldn’t know. I don’t want to upset her.
Avni is pacing up and down in the room, talking to herself.
AVNI: Come on Neil. Why aren’t you responding to my messages. Should I call him? No. He might be busy with work. I hope everything is alright. It must be alright. I am worrying unnecessarily. We have evidence. We have saved all the girls, we have solved all the connecting links to the mystery. My Neil has done the right things. Truth is on his side. And he will win. Avni, stop worrying – make something special for him today. Kheer… Yes, kheer – his favorite.
Avni heads to the kitchen…
TO BE CONTINUED