It was the time of the morning when the birds were chirping on the trees in the garden of the Mehta house. Avni showed her home to Neil. Avni and Neil walked into the home and then they went to Avni’s room. Neil was shocked to see it. One single-size bed was kept there and a cupboard was also there. One table was kept at the side and it was all cleaned and some books were kept on it. Avni’s rewards like trophies and certificates were kept on the shelf. It was a simple small room.

Neil: ab, it is your room?

Avni nodded. Neil was shocked.

Neil looked at the room

Neil in mind: Itna chota room.

Avni: Come.

Neil looked at Avni and then he looked at the room. Avni followed Neil's gaze and then she looked at Neil. Avni looked down and turned. Neil looked at Avni and they moved out from there.

Avni and Neil went to the terrace and Neil was looking at it. They went to the wall and looked down at the garden. Neil really liked the garden area. Avni kept her hair behind her ear.

Neil: Nice garden.

Avni smiled to see the garden. Neil looked at Avni and thought what does he say now? Neil again looked at Avni and then he looked away. Neil thought and looked at Avni.

Neil: ab, why you are not coming to college?

Avni was surprised. Avni lowered his gaze.

Avni: I was unwell.

Neil looked at Avni and he very well knew that Avni was lying. Neil looked at the garden.

Neil: tumhe humare rishte se koi problem nahi hai?

Avni: jo mere parents ka decision hoga wahi mera bhi hoga.

Neil looked at Avni.

Neil: ok. Did you expect me here?

Avni shook her head. Neil nodded and he looked down at the garden. Neil again looked at Avni.

Neil: what do you think, what will be my answer?

Avni looked at Neil for some time.

Avni: you will say yes.

Neil was shocked.

Neil: why do you think so?

Avni looked down.

Avni: Because, I know, you hate me.

Neil felt a pinch in his heart. He gulped.

Avni: you want to torture me.

Neil was shocked. Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: I know, you and your friends were involved in the plan of locking me in the laboratory.

Neil was shocked. Avni smiled and she turned her face.

Neil: You know that?

Avni nodded while looking down.

Neil: then why you did not complain about us?

Avni: who would listen to me? You all belong to a rich family. Your father is the trustee of the college and Vidyut’s mother is a board member. Agar main jati bhi to koi meri complain upar tak jane hi nahi deta aur phir mere support main aata hi kon jab meri family hi mere samne deewar ban kar khari ho jati.

Avni realized what she said. She looked at Neil who was looking at her. Avni looked away and she kept her hair behind her ear.

Avni: ab, I think, we should go back now. Do you want to ask anything more?

Neil shook his head.

Neil: no.

Avni nodded and she turned to go.

Neil: but, I want to say something.

Avni stopped and she looked at Neil.

Neil: Avni, I know maine aur mere friends ne jo kuch bhi kiya woh bohat ghalat tha. I am sorry for that but galti tumhari bhi thi. Agar tum paper dene nahi jati to koi nahi jata aur papers postpone ho jate aur humain preparation ke liye time mil jata. But you ruined everything.

Avni remained silent.

Neil: so, accept your fault too.

Neil looked at her and he went. Avni was looking at him. She thought and turned her face.

Avni: Matlab, ab main apni studies kabhi complete nahi kar paungi? Neil to mujhse waise hi nafrat karta hai. Usay lagta hai ke main us ke raste main aai woh kabhi mujhe meri studies complete karne nahi dega.

Avni got worried and nervous. Neil came back to the terrace.

Neil: ab tum (Avni flinched) aogi bhi ya yahi khare rehne ka irada hai.

Avni turned and she saw Neil. Avni looked down and moved while making the hair strand behind her ear. Avni came to Neil who shook his head. Neil turned and then they went.

Avni and Neil came downstairs. They were coming to the family.

Prakash: here, they are. Come, sit.

Avni and Neil sat on the couch. Neil went to sit with her mother and Avni sat with her mother. Neil looked at Avni who was looking down.

Dayawanti Mehta: ab, to kya socha, beta?

Neil looked at her.

Neil: kis bare main, Dadi Ji?

Prakash: about your alliance with Avni.

Avni looked at Prakash.

Neil: oh. Dad, you already know my decision.

Prakash nodded and he looked at his family. Neil also looked at them. They nodded. Prakash smiled. Neil looked down.

Prakash: Ji, humari taraf se haan hai.

The Mehta family smiled except Avni who squeezed her eyes. Neil was looking at her.

Ashish: congratulations.

Prakash: pehle, Avni ki marzi bhi to jaan len.

Ashish and Dayawanti Mehta didn’t like that and it was clearly written on their face but they smiled forcefully.

Ashish: Ji, bilkul.

Prakash: Avni, you say, my child.

Avni looked at him emotionally and then she looked down. Neil was looking at Avni.

Avni: jo mere parents ka decision hoga wahi mera bhi hoga.

Both families smiled.

Prakash: chalen, bhai, ab rishta paka samjhen.

Ashish: ji, bilkul.

They smiled and congratulated each other and the ladies hugged each other and Ashish and Prakash hugged each other. Ashish went to Neil who got up and met him with a forceful smile. Shweta sat with Avni and she side-hugged Avni and kissed her cheek. They fed the sweets to Avni and Neil and then to each other.

Everyone sat.

Prakash: to kal sagai kar len?

The Mehta family was shocked and Avni was in deep shock.

Nm: kal? Itni jaldi?

Ashish glared at her and Neil looked at Ashish. Neil didn’t like that. Prakash also did not like that. Prakash never treated Shweta like that. Neela Maa looked down.

Ashish: itni jaldi sari tiyariyan…

Prakash: tiyariyan kaisi. Hum to simple engagement karna chahte hain. Actually, Neil nahi chahta ke college main yeh baat kisi ko abhi pata chale.

The Mehta family was confused. Avni frowned looking down.

Avni in mind: Neil asa kyun chahta hai?

Prakash: ab ghabhrane wali baat nahi hai. Aap to jante hain ke yeh aaj kal ke bache kaise hain. College main agar sab ko pata chalega to woh sab log Avni ko pareshan karenge aur Neil yeh nahi chahta.

Avni was confused.

Prakash: isi liye, humari aap se bhi yahi request hai ke kuch time ke liye isay raaz hi rakhen.

Ashish: theek hai jaisi aap ki marzi.

Bebe: to theek hai, Kal subha Avni aur Neil ring select karne chale jaenge aur hum baki ki tiyariyan dekh lenge.

Shweta: humain to pehle hi tiyariyan kar li thi, humain pata tha humare bete ko koi na kar hi nahi sakta.

Everyone smiled except Prakash and Avni.

Bebe: aur kal Sunday bhi hai to kal ka din hi best rahega.

Ashish: ji, woh sab to theek hai lekin agar humain thora time mil jata to… ab humare pass itne paise to hain nahi ke ek din main sab tiyariyan kar len agar thora waqt mil jata to.

Ashish tricked them to get some money. Avni and Neil understood even Prakash and Bebe understood that. Neil shook his head.

Prakash: us ki fikar aap mat kijiye. Avni humari beti hai hum sab manage kar lenge.

Ashish and Dayawanti Mehta were happy but they suppressed their joy and managed to act innocent but the Khannas were not less. They understood their trick but they remained silent for Avni.

Neil: to, ab, Avni college ayegi na?

Ashish and his mother were shocked. Avni and Neela maa looked at them. Ashish smiled.

Ashish: bilkul, ab to yeh bilkul theek hai.

Avni’s happiness was on cloud nine. Avni’s eyes were teary and she was smiling. Neil and the Khanna family smiled to see her happy.

Avni in mind: Means main, main ab phir se apni studies resume kar sakti hun.

Neil, Neela Maa and Prakash saw Avni smiling with moist eyes and they smiled to see her.

Avni was very happy.

Bebe: ab, humain ijazat dijiye.

They got up and met each other and to Avni and Neil. Neil looked at Avni who turned her face to him and then she looked down. Neil also looked down then the Khanna family went. Ashish and Dayawanti Mehta went to the room because they were really happy. Avni and Neela Maa were also happy. Avni held the arms of her mother and was smiling with teary eyes.

Avni: Maa, aap ne suna main ab phir se college jaungi. Mujhe to yakeen hi nahi ho raha.

They were smiling and Avni hugged her mother.

Nm: main bohat khush hun tere liye, bacha. Maine kaha tha na mujhe lagta hai ke yeh rishta tere liye khushiyan laega.

Avni smiled. They broke the hug and Neela maa cupped Avni’s face and kissed her forehead. They smiled.

The next day, Avni was getting ready in a simple kurti and she heard the sound of the car horn. Avni looked at the window and she went there. Avni saw a car standing outside the main gate and Neil got down from the car and looked at the Mehta house. Avni turned and went back.

Neil was standing in front of the car. Neil looked at the Mehta house.

Neil: don’t know, when this madam will come out. I don’t have her number also. Tch, I just have to wait.

Neil saw the door open and Avni came out. She was carrying a bag on her shoulder and Neil got in the car and opened the door for Avni. Avni kept her hair behind her ear and she got in the car. Neil looked at her.

Neil: wear the seatbelt.

Avni looked here and there and Neil was about to start the car but he saw Avni was finding the seatbelt. Neil looked away in irritation then he moved to her and Avni felt uncomfortable so she slid back. Neil looked at Avni who was looking down. Avni looked at Neil and again she looked down. Her lips were parted because of awkwardness. Neil looked at her lips and then he looked at Avni.

Neil: mujhe koi shoq nahi hai tumhare pass aane ka. Main bus seatbelt bandh raha tha.

Avni was hurt but she remained silent. Neil moved back and he started the car.

On the way, Avni was silently looking out from the window and Neil was driving the car. Neil looked at Avni and then he looked at the road.

Neil in mind: I think, main kuch zyada hi rude ho gaya. After what I have done with her how can she trust me?  And things are awkward between us so she will get uncomfortable. Idiot, kham kha main us per gussa kar diya.

Neil cursed himself and he looked at Avni. Neil tried to concentrate on the road.

Neil: ab, give me your phone number (Avni looked at Neil) so that I can contact you.

Avni looked down.

Avni: I don’t have a phone.

Neil was shocked. Neil applied the break in shock and Avni flinched. Neil looked at Avni shockingly who looked at him confusingly.

Neil: what?

Avni was surprised by his reaction.

Neil: what did you say? You don’t have a phone.

Avni shook her head.     

Neil: you must be joking. right? You don’t want to give me your number.

Avni shook her head and she was looking at Neil.

Avni: seriously, I don’t have a phone.

Neil: Are you human? In this era, when a child of four, five years old has its own phone but you don’t have a phone.

Avni was looking at Neil.

Neil: like seriously. In which century, you are living?

Avni just smiled at Neil’s statement.

Avni: centuries, trends, modernism, these all things are for you rich people, not for the middle and lower class people.

Neil was surprised by her reply.

Avni: you have your own car, bike even bikes, branded shoes, expensive helmet, and whatnot but a middle-class struggler even think twice and thrice before traveling in the bus. You will never understand.

Neil: but you are not that much poor. You belong to a good family.

Avni: hmm, but, kuch logon ke yahan beti hona ek paap hai.

Neil was stunned by Avni’s reply and Avni looked out from the window. Neil was looking at her then he thought. Neil started the car without saying anything and the journey was silent after that.

A car was moving to its destination. Avni and Neil were in it. Avni saw a mall and she was shocked to see it. Avni got nervous and worried. Neil parked the car and Avni’s eyes were on the mall. Neil looked at Avni and he faced her back.

Neil: what happened?

Avni looked at Neil and then she shook her by looking down.

Neil: let’s go.

Avni nodded and they got down from the car. Avni looked at the mall and opened the seatbelt. Avni and Neil got out of the car.  Avni was looking worried. Neil came to her. Avni clenched the strips of her bag. Neil looked at Avni and found her worried.

Neil: any problem?

Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: ab, can’t we go somewhere else?

Neil frowned.

Neil: why?

Neil looked at the mall: what is the problem in going there?

Avni: no, there is no problem but…

Neil: but?

Avni looked down. Neil thought.

Neil: don’t worry about money. Dad asked me to buy you what you like.

Avni looked at Neil.

Neil: come.

Avni nodded and they moved to the mall. Avni was lost in her thoughts. They went to the ladies' section where Neil was clueless about what to buy.

Neil: ab, you select your dress.

Avni nodded hesitantly. Avni liked at dress and smiled. Avni hesitated and she looked at Neil who was looking around. Neil looked at Avni and signed her what happened. Avni shook her head and looked away. Neil made a face and looked at the other side. Avni looked at Neil and then she looked around and then she checked the tag of the dress. Avni was shocked.

Avni in mind: 5 lacs.

Avni left it and moved to the second dress. Avni saw the dresses by checking the tag. Avni was shocked to see the prices. Neil was looking here and there. Avni came to him.

Neil: what happened?

Avni: I didn’t like any dress.

Neil was surprised.

Neil: you didn’t like a single dress.

Avni shook her head while looking down. Neil was shocked. Neil rubbed his face and sighed.

Neil: ok, then come.

They went to the second shop and Avni also decided to not buy anything from there and she did the same in other shops. Neil got frustrated.

Neil: you are not liking a single dress.

Avni looked down.

Neil: Come.

They went to the last shop.

Neil: now, it is the last shop. You have to buy a dress from here

Avni nodded by lowering her head. Avni saw the dresses and this time, Neil was looking at her. Avni saw the tag and Neil understood why she is not liking the dresses.

Neil in mind: now, I understand why she is not liking any dress. The problem is not with the dresses, the problem is with the price.

Neil shook his head.

Neil: this girl.

Neil saw the man and he signed him come. The man came to Neil. Neil talked to the man and he nodded.

Avni was choosing the dress and the man came to her.

Man: what can I help you, Ma’am?

Avni looked at him and she was holding the dress.

Man: Ma’am, you have chosen the beautiful dress. I must say, your choice is very nice.

Avni smiled to see the dress and she left it.

Avni: it is beautiful but it is out of my budget. I can’t afford this dress.

The man was looking at her.

Avni: ab, aa, can you show me dresses under 10k?

The man smiled.

Man: Ma’am, I must say, you are very lucky. This dress is only of 8000. It is our sale week and we forgot to change its tag. You can buy this dress.

Avni was looking at the man.

Avni: no need to trick me. I know that boy (Avni pointed at Neil who was standing by leaning to the counter and keeping his arm on it) sent you here. I saw you both talking so no need to lie.

The man looked down and Neil stood properly because he understood that Avni caught them.

Neil: I think, she caught us. Is larki ki nazar to hawk se bhi taiz hai. Main to isay bhegi billi smajhta tha lekin yeh to sherni nikli.

Neil was thinking about Avni.
Avni was looking at the man.

Avni: now, can you show me the dress under 10k?

The man nodded. He took her to the side.

Man: Ma’am, these dresses are on sale and this time, I am telling you honestly.

Avni looked at the dresses.

Man: can I ask you something, Ma’am?
Avni nodded by looking at him.
Man: when sir is ready to buy you the best things then why you are not buying those things?

Avni smiled.

Avni: did you hear about the term "self-respect"?

The man was looking at Avni.

Avni: my self-respect doesn’t allow me to put the burden of my expenses on someone else.

The man smiled.

Man: maine, aaj tak aap jaisi khudar larki nahi dekhi.

Avni smiled. The man saluted her. Avni smiled because her dream had come true. She really wanted the world to salute her for her good deeds and bravery. She wants to make her own identity and that is also one of the reasons for studying hard. The man went and Avni looked at the dresses and then she liked one dress.  Avni picked up that dress and went to try it. Neil was looking at her then Avni was coming to Neil who was looking at her angrily. Avni came to Neil.

Neil whispered: woh dress lene main kya problem thi?

Avni was looking down.

Avni: that was too costly.

Neil: so what? I was paying for that then what was the problem?

Avni: I will wear that one or two times and after that, it will be decorated in my cupboard then what is the point of buying that?

Neil was looking at her. Avni opened the zip of her bag and took out the bunch of money from her bag. Neil was surprised to see that.

Neil: did your father give you this money?

Avni was counting the money and she looked at Neil and then she shook her head by looking down.

Neil: then?

Avni: I saved them from my pocket money and have earned them from different ways to buy the books.

Neil looked away by saying: keep it in your bag. I will pay for the dress.

Avni: no need for it.

Neil looked at Avni shockingly and he got angry.

Neil: what is your problem?

Avni: you and I, we both know ke tum yeh engagement ka sirf drama kar rahe ho apne guilt ko kam karne ke liye. Ek baar college khatam ho jaye ga to tum yeh engagement bhi tor doge.

Neil was shocked.

Neil: how do you know that?

Avni looked at Neil and smiled.

Avni: if you were serious then you would not have asked to hide about our engagement from the people. You don’t want to disclose it because you are not serious about it.

Neil was looking at Avni.

Avni: but, I am happy. At least, I can complete my studies so, thank you. Thank you for your favor.

Neil was shocked to hear the word "favor".

Avni: tum nahi jante tum ne kitna bara ehsan kiya hai mujh per.

Neil was shocked.

Neil in mind: Ehsaan?

Avni: So, thank you so much.

Avni smiled then she counted the money and took 6000 and kept the rest in her bag. Avni went to the counter and paid for the dress. Neil came to Avni and looked at her who was not looking at him. Neil looked down then he looked at the shopkeeper when he gave the shopping bag to Avni. Neil looked at Avni.

Avni and Neil were going and they saw the same man who smiled to see them.

Man: good day, Ma’am. Good day, Sir.

Neil nodded.

Avni to the man: Thank you.

Neil looked at Avni who stopped and turned to the man. Neil also stopped to see Avni.

Avni: and yes, sirf expensive cheezen hi best hun yeh zarori nahi hai. Hmm.

The man smiled and nodded. Neil was looking at Avni. Neil thought. Avni went from there and Neil was looking at her. Neil thought. They went to buy the outfit for Neil and Neil selected it from the first shop. They came out of the mall and moved to the car and they drove to the jeweler silently. On the way, Avni and Neil, both were silent and Neil was thinking about Avni’s words.