It was the next day after doctor's verdict. 

Last night had been different. Neil had not slept outside Avni's room. He had insisted he wants to sleep in the couch in the same room.. To feel what it felt like just a last time. Avni saw his condition and allowed him.

Neither of them slept. Avni had walked over to Neil in the night and had seen he was awake as well. She took his hand and then sat on the couch. Neil also sat and both of them sat like that , hand in hand. Avni got restless and she had said.

"Neil.. Main galat kar rahi hoon na" (I am making a mistake right?)

Neil had held her chin and asked - "By sitting here with me on the couch?"

Avni had shaken her head and said - "No.. by deciding to take a divorce..."

Neil had smiled even in that condition - "Avni.. you are my sweetheart.. and you will always be my only love. What makes you happy, makes me happy."

Avni had put her head on Neil's shoulder. It was complex, and nobody outside would have understood but Neil did, maybe that is what made him special.

Avni - "I want to forget everything for this night and talk to you. Will we get together again?"

Neil - "Why not? When I am dashing and old with white hair and when you have no teeth left in your mouth then.."

Avni had edged him there with her elbow. And then hugged him. Neil had gently but firmly held her as she hugged him and then he had felt something wet fall on his shoulder. He knew she was crying but he did not want to check. He knew why. He knew she was going through a tough choice and a difficult phase mentally and emotionally. He had taken an extreme decision and now she was oscillating. 

Neil had continued holding her and said - "Do not cry baby. You know I dont like seeing you cry.."

Avni had sniffed in his neck causing him to tickle and let out a small laugh. And then they had both walked over to the bed. This time Neil was holding Avni in his arms as they half sat and half lied down by the bed post. He was just smoothing her hair and caressing her head. Avni closed her eyes and let her head remain on his chest.

Neil - "Ek baat poochun Avni?" (can i ask something?)

Avni said yes silently and nodded her head. Neil held her tighter and said - "What will you do after you go away from me?"

Avni - "I dont know Neil. I have to deal with Dayawanti. See what had happened to Aman, I mean Amol that made him behave like this. I do not know if he can be salvaged but if there is some humanity left in him.. then maybe , just maybe.."

Neil held her slightly away from him and she saw him looking at her with worried eyes.

Avni - "Kya hua neil?" (what happened)

Neil - "Agar tum kuch aisa plan karogi that will involve interacting with your long lost bro then do not do it alone Avni! He has kidnapped you once love, and this time I will not be with you as well.. Please take care of yourself love, for my sake" (If you plan something that ..)

Avni - " Neil.. I will not be alone. Ali will be there.. and Nanno. Also you.. I will keep on meeting you .. ", and then she added, "As a friend.."

Neil sighed and held her again. He was reminded of how this night was the last night that he might be holding her like this! He did not want to let her go but her rest was important. 

Neil - "Avni. You should sleep now. Doctor said you still need proper rest and exercise.."

Avni started lying down on the bed and Neil started leaving but Avni held his hand.

Neil looked at her surprised but Avni just said - "I do not want to think tonight NEil. Tum aaj mere saath so jao.." (you sleep with me tonight)

Neil looked at her with a confused face and then his confusion cleared up. He wanted to sleep with her as well this last night. So he lied down by her side and she turned over and slept with her head resting on his chest. Neil held Avni in his arms and this is how they slept that night.