Avni walked into Metha Mansion in full speed. She waa about to climb up the stairs when she bumped into Ashish.

Ashish: Avni beta walk slowly this is our house not a railway station that you're walking in full speed to catch your train he said jokingly.

Avni closed her eyes for a sec and calmed her emotions down which she knew wouldn't work.

Avni: Sorry papa. I was actually in a rush to freshen up so didn't see you.

Ashish: it's ok meri jaan. Why are you taking my words seriously? You're okay na? he said with a confused smile

Avni: Haan all good. What would happen to me she said forcing a smile.

Ashish: Phir theek hai always stay happy. Chal go and frehshen up before my beautiful wife scolds you for not being on time for dinner. He said ruffling her hair and walked away humming a tune.

Avni took a deep breath and headed straight to her room. Once reaching inside she locked the door and pushed her hair back as the incident flashed right infront of her eyes.

She was shaking from head to toe. Her eyes welling up slighlty as to what could have happened and was hell mad with Neil behaviour.

Avni: Things got out of hand today. What was wrong with Neil? I'm starting to become tired of him being so deviant lately. His mood swings were something I was gradually getting used to, but he went too far today. He likes Tina. He always liked her right? Then why is he behaving like... like he likes me?
What nonsense? Even thinking of it makes no sense. This is so confusing. What if he knows our secret? Oh no no no he can't. He just can't. Recently His behavior pissed me off, messing with my head. He is a bipolar. That's it.
No matter how awkward it can be sometimes I think I should face him, talk to him but then I have this huge tenacity not to confront whatever it is.
How could he lose that much control? Even though he was sober enough to understand that I'm not Tina, I'm Avni, and he still went over the line. Though no one was home, what if someone happened to see us? What if Bebe arrived and saw us in that manner? Forget about bebe, Tina could have found us in that position if she had arrived a few minutes earlier. Oh god the thought itself is so terrifying.
I just want him to stay far away me. I just want them to leave as soon as possible.

She rubbed her face and pushed her hair backwards. She needed to freshen up as that could calm her down a little.

Meanwhile at Tina's place

Tina came back with a huge smile on her face which Shekar had noticed.

Shekar: Someone seems to be in a good mood. He said with a bright smile.

Tina was surprised as she hadn't expected Shekar to be home at this time.

Tina: Papa. When did you come? She asked as she walked over to him and sat down next to me.

Shekar: Just a while ago beta. Now tell me what's the reason for this happiness as I very well know you never return this happy from your rehearsals. He said raising his eyebrows.

Tina: Actually the thing is Neil wants to take me out for dinner. She said playing with her fingers as a smile spread on her lips.

Shekar: ohhh so the reason for your smile is Nail haan. He said teasingly.

Tina: Papa stop it. Tina said trying to be serious but the smile just didn't leave her lips.

Shekar: I'm so happy you found a partner like Neil. He will keep you very happy.

Tina: I know papa. Neil is just different. Shekar chuckled

Shekar: You know Tina I never knew that a time will come where I will be getting you married this early and look now, your engagement with Neil will also happen soon. It feels like a dream.

Tina: It surely does feel like a dream papa. I never knew i would actually start falling for Neil. But look where we are now. We will get engaged pretty soon and the more I think about it the more my heart beats faster that I will be called as his fiancee. She said with a shy smile.

Shekar: Well I hope you don't forget me in that process.

Tina looked at Shekar, moving closer to him she hugged him as she put her hands around his arm.

Tina: Tina can never forget her papa no matter what.

Shekar gave a loving smile to his daughter and pecked her forhead.

Shekar: Ok now come on go ans freshen up. I'll heat up the food that Neela bhabhi sent.

Tina nodded and headed to her room. As she was about to go to the washroom she smacked her forhead.

Tina: Oh my Tina You can't be so forgetful. In the moment when Neil asked you out, you failed to realise how important rehearsal is tomorrow. I could try to get him to postpone. That won't be a problem, I'm sure. She stated.

Tina grabbed her phone which she had placed on the bed when she arrived in her bedroom. She sat down for a sec as she got busy typing away.

Hey Mr America.

There is a small issue. Is it ok if we go for dinner after few days? As i completely forgot about my rehearsals which will go on till late night tomorrow. I know I should have informed then only but it completely slipped out of my head.

Tina reread her message before sending it. She decided to wait for a minute to see if Neil responds otherwise she would ca him directly.

Few seconds later her phone beeped flashing Neil's name.

Opening the message she read out

It's completely fine. No need to be sorry. We will go after few days. Good night.

A huge smile appepared on Tina face, satisfied with Neil's response. Placing her phone down she quickly went to freshen up.

Back at the metha mansion

Neela: Avni. Bacha dinner is about to be served come down soon.

Avni came back to present. She didn't realise for how long she sat all curled up on the couch. Taking a long deep breath she got up and looked at herself in the mirror one last time and headed down

Next day

Avni got up as her alarm went off. Sitting up on the bed she let out a big yawn and looked at the time to see it was 6.35am.

Avni: Today is a new day and one of the most important days of my life since it's my first day of my job. I don't want to think about anything negative. I hope my day will go well plus today I'll be attending my first meeting with the boss and few of the staff members. God please make each and every day go well for me where I finish my work with full dedication. To a start to a positive morning and new journey.

She grinned broadly and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. She came out thirty minutes later wearing a bathrobe and a towel to dry her damp hair. After using the blow dryer to dry her hair, she went to her closet and picked out an office outfit for her first day.

At approximately 7:40 a.m., Avni gathered her belongings, making sure she had everything. Satisfied with her appearance, she glanced in the mirror before going downstairs.

Avni knew her family would be at the mandir area, so she put her belongings on the couch and went in that direction. Taking her heels off outside she entered inside and stood next to Ashish and Dayawanti as Neela performed the morning aarti song, all of them with their hands folded and their eyes closed.

Once the aarti was done Neela gave everyone some prasad as all bowed their head taking blessings.

Neela: Avni. Bacha good luck for your first day. I hope that your hard work pays off and you climb the stairs to sucess with your talent and hard work. Neela said as she cupped her cheek.

Avni: Thank you mumma means a lot. She said smiling.

Ashish moved to Avni and placed his hand around her shoulder.

Ashish: look beta. Since you are my child you will be smart and intelligent as you got it from me. But if you feel that you don't like your work environment or your boss is giving you too nuch work then remember Metha company will always welcome you.

Dayawanti: Ashish stop it. Avni beta don't pay heeds to your dad.

Ashish : Come on maa. What wrong did I say?

Dayawanti: Avni needs to learn from you how to take on challenges head-on, work hard, and avoid taking the simple route. You should help her overcome it rather than expecting her to quit her job since we own our own company and work for you instead.

Ashley: Do you really believe that I won't do that? Maa aap bhi na. My daughter knows her dad is always there to support her, so I only made a lighthearted comment because I know she can handle any challenges. Right, Avni?

Avni: Right. Now can we pleaae go to the dining table to have breakfast.

Neela: Haan. You all go I'll make sure that breakfast is ready. All nodded and headed out of the mandir area when they saw Shekar and Tina walk in.

Shekar: All ready for your first day of work Avni.

Avni: Yes and no uncle. She said moving over to him as he gave her a side hug and then moved towards Tina who gave Avni a tight hug.

Tina: Bestie, good luck on your first day. Do everything precisely, which is what you're always excellent at. You won't allow anyone to tell you their complaints, I know that.

Avni: Thank you Tina. I seriously need it.

Tina:By the way I must say you're looking quiet hot in this office wear. She said and blew a whistle.

Avni: Tinaaaaa. Chup she said while Tina giggled

The elders headed towards the dining table leaving the girls alone.

Tina: You'll be surprised, Aviii. Neil is taking me out for dinner in few days time. Oh my goodness, I'm both anxious and excited. Neil and I are going on our first date and I want it to be one of the best. She said.

A anxious smile escaped Avni. She suddenly remembered the incident from yesterday in the kitchen. Neil's approach of holding her tight. A sharp chill ran down her spine as she remembered that moment and her breathing unsteady. She smiled widely, but only she knew it wasn't genuine, ignoring those thoughts.

Avni: I'm so happy for you Tina. I hope you and Neil have a lovely time on that night and this becomes one of your bestest time with him.

Tina: I hope so too Avni. I hope so too.

Prakash: oh what's this my two friends are chit chatting without me he said.

Shekar and Ashish turned to see Prakash and his family walking towards them. Neela who came with a jug of orange juice smiled at the Khanna family.

Everyone was happy to see them and so waa Avni but she wasn't happy to see Neil as she wanted to avoid all sort of interactions with Neil after Yesterday.

The elders of Khanna family wished Avni and touched hers and Tina's head lovingly before moving to where the elders were.

Neil who was standing a little further away all this time walked over to where the girls were.

Neil: Hope your first day goes well Avni. He said as he watched her.

Avni didn't look at Neil and nodded her head slightly.

Suddenly Tina got a call.

Tina: Sorry guys just give me a minute need to attend this call. She said excusing herself leaving both avneil alone.

Neil: Avni. Im sorry about yes... Neil couldn't finish of his sentence as Avni walked away without hearing him. He sighed as he saw her sit down with the elders. He joined the rest followed by Tina.

Breakfast was as usual fun with Ashish, Prakash and Shekar's bante.

Avni took the last sip of her coffee and checked the time.

Avni: Ok it's time for me to leave now. She said getting up.

All wished her good luck again while she flashed her bright smile and headed to the couch to collect her belongings and left.

Few minutes later Neil excused himself and headed out to try and speak to Avni. As he reached outside he saw her placing her things in the car.

When Avni had arranged her things correctly and was ready to get in the car, she noticed Neil approaching her and closed the back door. As soon as she noticed he had fastened his pace, she hurriedly got inside the car and started it. Avni's car drove off before Neil could stop her.

Neil: Shit! Hear my out Avni. He said pushing his hair back frustratingly.

A staff member was there to greet Avni when she arrived at work after a half hour. Avni nodded, giving her the widest, warmest grin. She helped her to her desk, gave her some duties, explained that everyone would be attending the meeting, and asked if Avni needed any help of any kind.

First day went well for Avni. She gelled up well with all the employee who were very warm and welcoming and some even cracked jokes.

Avni didn't realise how time went really fast and also attended her first ever meeting. Her boss was a down to earth person and didn't show any sort of attitude which she was greatful for but she knew for sure he took work very seriously.

Reaching home she got out of the car to see Prakash, Ashish and Neil standing outside talking. All 3 looked towards her as she walked towards them. She however avoided any sort of communication with Neil.

Ashish: Here comes my cutie pie he said as he gave her a hug.

Prakash: How was your day beta?

Avni:Amazing uncle. Everyone is so welcoming over there. No pretence at all. Everyone does their work but also makes it a friendly environment where anyone can be stressfree

She said with a huge smile as she looked at Prakash and Ashish not glancing at Neil for once.

Ashish: That's my daughter's charm. Anyone can be comfortable with after all you're Ashish Metha daughter he said raising his shirt collar.

Avni: Papaaaa.

Prakash: Lo ji here his self praising starts.

Avni: Anyways I'm going to freshen up bye. She said walking away while Neil watched her go. He closed his eyes with a sigh.

Avni took a deep breath. Only she knew how she had avoided Neil just now. She knew it wasn't going to be easy but after whatever happened yesterday she knew distance has to be maintained.

Few days later

Avni was working very hard at the office and making everyone proud. Her boss and employee were impressed with her quick learning skills and the ideas she would present now and then.

Hearing a beep she looked at her phone seeing Tina message. Giving it a quick check she saw Tina send her pic of an outfit for her date tonight with Neil. Shaking her head with a smile she sent a quick 'suits you" message and got back to working as this was the 10th time since Tina had sent her a text since morning.

Around 19:10pm, Avni and a few other staff members met with the boss for another meeting. Avni noticed her phone vibrating while the boss was talking about a few strategies. After taking a brief glance to confirm it was Tina, she declined the call, but a few seconds later, she heard the vibrations once more. She picked up her phone quickly, put it on her lap, ended the call, and set it to flight mode.

By 19:25, the meeting was over. Avni bid farewell to a couple of her staff members as she made her way back to her desk to gather her belongings. She noticed that Tina had called a numerous amount of times as shs switched off the flight.mode. She found it annoying that Tina continued to call even after she had declined her calls when she was in the metting.

She called Tina who answered on the first ring.

Tina: Hey Aviii.

Avni: What hey Tina. I was in a meeting with my Boss. Why are you making my phone buzz repeatedly you stupid? Avni's annoyed voice came through the speaker and the other side Tina frowned at her irked tone.

Tina: Listen there is an emergency. Came out Tina's voice was quite serious, rendered Avni turn attentive.

Avni: What ? What happened? Is everyone okay at home? Mom didn't call me. She got concerned, panicked.

Tina: Avni relax it's not that kind of emergency. Tina lightly chided in reaction of her friend's frantic state.

Avnj: Wait it was your date night right? Is that Neil? Is he okay? Avni bombarded.

Tina: Avni I said relax okay? Nothing happened to him. He is absolutely fine. I just. It just....
I don't know how to say this to you. I mean...Please Avni for one last time. please save me.

Avni: Now I am seriously getting panic attack Tina.

Tina: Don't freak out okay. Let me elaborate you the situation then. After complete 5 seconds of silence she continued.
Can you join Neil for Dinner? She broke the news with a jittery heart holding so much of hope in her voice.

Avni: What? Avni let out a shriek.

Tina: You heard me.

Avni: Well Tina let me tell you, you chose the wrong hour for your fun chat because I am not in the mood. I am hanging up.

Tina can actually imagine her exasperated face, and the more she is picturing Avni the more her prayer to God is stretching.

Tina: Wait. Avi.
Masterji got a very upset with the team that couldn't do well in the last competition. You know how he is when things don't move in accordance with his will. The state he is in right now, he is definitely going to make us practice more. I can't ask him for leave not atleast before 8pm. If I do so he will drop me in an instant. He is in that bad of a mood right now.

Avni: You have got to be kidding me Tina. It's your date night not any random dinner meet up. So if you can't attain then Call him and cancel it or delay the time. By the way What's so important to you other than him at this moment?

Tina: Wait Avni. I can't cancel it now or delay the time. Not when he is already on the way reaching the meet up spot. She whinnied in a very requesting tone. If Tina was infront of Avni right now she would have folded her hands before her. She is that desperate at this point.

Avni: I don't know. I don't care. do whatever you want. Do not call me again. I am in the office. Avni was about to hang up the call but she couldn't. And we all know why so.

Tina: Avni please do not cut the call.

Avni: shut up. Avni softened.

Tina: It's Neil Avni. I can't make him stood up. We can't do it to him right?

Avni
No way I am doing this. Never.
I am avoiding him like a plague, since that incident happened in his house. Every time he wanted to talk to me I made an excuse and flew out of that spot, or whenever I saw him coming my way I averted my route. That's how I am dodging off of every chance we can be alone.
Even looking at him makes my heart beat rapidly. Thinking Avni let out a huge sigh. She can't do it.

Tina: please say something. It's already 7:30pm.

Avni flinched out of her paced out mode but her lips hard at the thought of meeting Neil. Alone. Date?
What the hell?

Avni: Please Tina not this time. She requested.

Tina: You promised me you will be there for me anytime and anything I ask for.

In response to her words Avni shut her eyes tight sucking a deep breath. She is the biggest fool for making such promises to Tina. What if he initiates talking about that day. Anxiety slithered in her veins at the thought of facing him let alone spoiling their date.
This is going to be a hell of an idea ever.

Avni: I don't know if this a good idea. it's a dinner date whatsoever. It would be so weird Tina and ridiculously awkward. Try understand for once. She blurted out to put some sense in Tina's head.

Tina: I am saying to you to go and.have dinner with my boyfriend. I am not requesting you to sleep with him for God sake Avni why are you making such a big deal out of it? She let out an exasperated shriek.

Avni: You are not getting it Tina? Things are not that easy.

Tina : Okay I understood. I really do. At the same time I promise this is the last time. I beg you Avi. please.

Avni: Why me?

Tina: Because Neil likes you. You people are best friends . He won't get mad at me much I guess if he sees you. That's why I am asking you for this particular favour.

Avni: God Tina. Why do you always put me in such a situation? She almost cried and then continued.
I swear to God Tina this the last time.

Tina: Oh Avni thank you thank you so much. I don't know how to thank you enough. I love you so so much. I owe you big time Avni. Tina chimed finally heaving a big sigh of relief.

Avni I hate you.
And she cuts the call immediately.
It's harder than what I had imagined. She rubbed her forehead, exhaled harshly. Only she knows what an unpleasant situation Tina put her into.

Avni looked at her phone when she saw Tina send the restaurant address. She knew she didn't have time to go home and change. Taking her belongings she headed out.

here is the next chapter.

Thanks to those who commented and voted for the previous chap.
Sorry that I couldn't respond to all the comments but I read all of them

Silent readers a vote can do

Peace ✌️