5 years later

Avni heaved a sigh of relief when the seminar was over, even though she gained a lot of information yet it was a bit laggy and she was already feeling frustrated as her weekend was ruined due to this event, she didn't want to attend the seminar yet her husband forced her to attend and she was left with no choice. She collected her belongings and made her way out of the university's auditorium. She has already completed her degree in Visual arts and photography and is now trying to gain some experience in the field. Neil has been a supportive partner and helped her in becoming a better person. When she was on her recovery path, he used to perform different sorts of activities with her, she was confused initially as every week Neil came up with some new hobby for them, he even made her work as his secretary for a few months in the pretext of overburdening routine and lack of good candidate, after a few months she finally discovered that he was trying to find her field of interest and when they both concluded that Avni was interested in photography, he asked her to fulfill her desire, she was hesitant of college's life so he took baby steps with her and helped her in conquering her fears. She finally found the confidence of joining college for exploring a new phase of life while Neil always stood beside her like a rock motivating her whenever she felt low. Her respect towards the person whom she terms as her husband has increased with time and she can openly claim her love towards him. 

Avni sat in the car and the driver started driving her towards her destination, a small smile was playing on her face as she remembers the way she confessed her love to Neil four years back and how overwhelmed he was at that time. 

(Flashback)

Neil came back after a hectic day at the office and a little amount of sadness was visible on his face as his wife didn't wish him on his birthday, he did try to hint her about the same in the morning but she didn't catch the clue. He was sad but at the same time, he understood that she is still recovering and maybe that's the reason why she doesn't remember his birthday. He plastered a small smile on his face and made his way inside the house as he always greets his Avni with a smile whenever he comes back and they both sit together and discuss each other's day. When he walked into the living room, he didn't find her, he searched the garden and their bedroom but she was nowhere, he was worried so he ran towards the terrace only to become shocked after looking at the arrangements. 

The entire terrace was decorated with fairy lights and balloons while a chocolate cake was placed on the table covered with rose petals. Neil turned back after listening to certain footsteps and found Avni standing there with a red rose in her hands. She walked towards him and passed a sweet smile before kneeling down and forwarding the rose in his direction. Neil was surprised and tried to lift her up but she stopped him. 

Avni - Let me do this or else I will keep my feelings bottled inside my heart which is not healthy for our relationship. (softly)

Neil nodded his head in approval while Avni took a deep breath. 

Avni - Neil, I don't know how to explain the importance you hold in my life. You held me when I stopped holding my own self, you loved me when my biological family cursed my existence, you stayed with me throughout my journey, never forced me into doing something I wasn't comfortable with, I always take slow steps when it comes to our relationship but you always wait for me and understand me. No word or sentence can explain how lucky I am to have a life partner like you, I want to thank you for being there and want to confess what's been buried within my heart for a long time. I love you, Neil, I really do and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, the path is still difficult but I am sure that my feelings aren't influenced by circumstances, I loved you when we were just friends, I loved you when I was forced into marrying someone else and maybe that love I had for you always kept your existence alive within my mind when I was lost in an alternative universe. 

Both Avni and Neil were having teary eyes with huge smiles playing on their lips. Neil kneeled down and took the rose from her hand, he held her hand in a soft grip and looked at her with love shining within his glossy orbs. 

Neil - Thanks for making me the happiest man Avni, I love you too and I promise that I will never let you down. 

Saying this he spread his arms and looked at her with hopeful eyes. 

Neil - Only if you feel comfortable. (softly)

Avni smiles and throws herself within his warm embrace, Neil smiles while feeling her presence while Avni wraps his arms around her waist as she knows very well how much careful he is when it comes to touch, he doesn't want to make her feel uneasy so he restrains himself around her but she wants to convey him that he has full right on her and she doesn't feel awkward within his presence.

Avni - Happy birthday. (while hugging him)

Neil - Why did you pretend to be clueless in the morning when I was trying to hint at you regarding my birthday? (tightening his hold on her)

Avni - I wanted to make your birthday memorable, was it worth it? 

Neil - I got my entire world today, what's more, can I ask for? (smiles)

(Flashback ends)

Avni came out of her world of beautiful memories when the driver applied the brakes and found that she has reached her home. She immediately runs towards her house and a huge smile appears on her face when she opens the main door. She found Neil lying on the couch while their ten-month-old daughter, Aahana was sleeping on her father's chest peacefully while he was admiring their little bundle of joy who was wrapped up within his protective embrace. He looked up when he felt Avni's presence and smiled at his lovely wife. Avni walked towards them and caressed her baby's face who immediately wakes up after feeling her mother's presence. Avni took Aahana in her motherly embrace while the little one buries her face within her mother's chest. Neil smiles while looking at his lifelines and wraps his arms around them in a soft grip. Avni pats Aahana's back gently and the little one drifted into a peaceful slumber. 

Avni - I will take her to the room. 

Neil nods while Avni went upstairs with Aahana, after entering their room she placed Aahana in the cradle and held her little palms in a soft grip. Her pregnancy wasn't easy, she got several panic attacks and was having anxiety issues, the painful memories of the past were haunting her throughout this phase but Neil made sure to cheer her up whenever she was having a bad time. He worked from home during her pregnancy as he doesn't want her to feel dejected in her sensitive condition, she was very happy with her pregnancy but traumas are hard to deal with, we can't just remove the torturous memories from our hippocampus permanently. A tormenting past will always find different ways for haunting its victims but with some time and care one is able to develop some sort of endurance, after all the struggle when Avni held Aahana within her arms she couldn't stop admiring her little one, Neil has been taking care of both of them and showers them with an immense amount of love. 

Avni - We are very lucky to have Neil in our lives, Aahana. I wish your elder sister was also present with us. (wiping her tears). I know she would be sending her blessings and love on you from heaven. (she kisses Aahana's cheeks softly)

The door of the room opened and Neil entered inside while holding a tray. 

Neil - Let's sit on the balcony for some time. (smiles)

Avni nods and both sat on the balcony enjoying the cool breeze and each other's company. 

Avni - Lemon cake. (looking in the tray having several delicacies)

Neil - Yeah! I thought that you would be tired after the seminar so I ordered your favorites, I wanted to bake the cake myself but Aahana was quite active today so I didn't get time. Now, have it. (while forwarding the spoon full of cake in front of her)

Avni takes the bite and feels content in his presence. 

Neil - How was your seminar? 

Avni - Quite informative but a bit boring. 

Neil - See, that's why I forced you to attend it, at least you extracted some useful information that you can use in the future. 

Avni nods. 

Neil - Now, tell me why are you anxious? (raising his eyebrow)

Avni looks at him with a surprised look. 

Neil - What? I can read you like an open book wifey. (smiles) You can share anything with me, you know that, right? 

Avni - I feel worried whenever I am away from you and Aahana, I get several negative vibes, I try to do the breathing exercises you taught me but when my mind starts playing games with me I become helpless. Should we consult a doctor, Neil? I don't want to harm both of you in any way. (clenching her fist)

Neil opens her fist and places a soft peck on the back of her hand. 

Neil - First of all, Avni, you would never harm me or Aahana, kindly burn that thought within your mind. Traumas aren't easy to deal with, your past experience will try to conquer your positivity in some way or the other so just try to shrug away those thoughts like you always do and I am proud of you because of the way you try to handle yourself is not easy but you never give up in front of these tormenting memories that's what makes you strong. 

Avni - I will keep on trying Neil. 

Neil - That's like my girl. 

They both had their coffee and snacks while talking about random stuff when Neil tried to start a serious conversation with her. 

Neil - Your family wants to meet you. 

Avni remains silent. 

Neil - If you want to meet them, I will come with you, if not then also I will respect your decision. 

Avni - Should I meet them? What's your take on this situation?

Neil - Avni, you are strong enough to face them. If you want to rekindle your relationship with them then you should proceed ahead, if you don't want any sort of relationship with them then also it's fine but this chapter needs proper closure in your life. 

Avni - You will come with me, right? (hopeful eyes)

Neil - Do you really think that I will leave you alone in this situation? 

Avni - No, you will be standing beside me like you always do. 

Neil - Of course, I will, don't get scared you are my strong wifey. (smiles)

Avni nods. 

-----------------------------

Evening time

Neil stopped the car in front of the park where they will be meeting Avni's family. Aahana who was sitting in the safety seat was trying to free herself in order to enjoy the outside view. Neil chuckles after seeing her enthusiasm and freed her making her let out a goofy grin, Avni smiles and kisses her chubby cheeks. Neil wraps an arm around Avni's shoulder while his other arm holds Aahana protectively. They walked inside the park and found the Mehta family standing there with shocked faces. 

Neil - Go ahead. (to Avni)

Avni stands in front of her family while Neil stands behind her holding an enthusiastic Aahana. 

Avni - What do you guys want from me? (politely)

Ashish - Nothing Avni, we want to meet you, it's been 5 years now since Neil snatched you away. (grits his teeth)

Avni - It would be better if you treat my husband with respect, Mr. Mehta. I won't bear anyone insulting him for no reason. 

Aman - Avni, dad just wants your benefit. He cares for you.

Avni - (laughs sarcastically) Your care for me is quite circumstantial, Mr. Mehta. When you locked your daughter's life with a monster, your love and care vanished in thin air, and now when I have finally managed to earn some happiness in my life and found a good life partner in Neil, your care and concern makes a great comeback. 

Ashish - You are ready to humiliate your dad for an enemy. (stares at Neil)

Avni - Give me one reason that can justify your statement that Neil is my enemy except for his surname. 

Ashish was silent. 

Avni - Don't think too much, you won't find anything. Now, let's change the statement, give me one reason for justifying that you failed your daughter when she wanted her father's love. 

Ashish grits his teeth while Neela and Aman were shocked. 

Avni - I can give you an entire list of reasons, Mr. Mehta. Now, I want to clarify in front of everyone that I have nothing to do with the Mehta family, I am very happy with my husband and daughter so it would be better if you guys stop bothering my husband with constant calls and messages, he is a busy person and has better things to do in his life rather than answering your queries. 

Ashish - You are the biggest mistake of my life, you... 

Neil - Enough. (sternly) 

Aahana looks at him weirdly while he smiles at her making her smile as well. 

Neil - Avni, hold her and take her inside the car, this negative atmosphere isn't good for her. 

Avni nods and takes Aahana away while Neil stands in front of Mehtas with an aggressive look. 

Neil - Look, Mr. Mehta, my wife has recovered from her traumatic past with great difficulties so I would ask you to mind your words in the future in fact don't try to bother her anymore if you don't want to lose your already sinking business. (sternly)

He left from there. 

-----------------------------

Both Avni and Neil were sitting on their private beach with Aahana sitting in Neil's lap, avneil was enjoying the view of sunset and Aahana's cute antics. 

Avni - I am feeling good after closing their chapter. (while playing with Aahana)

Neil - I am glad that you faced them with courage. (kissing her forehead)

Aahana started jumping in Neil's lap trying to move towards the water. Neil holds her and started running towards the sea making her giggle in joy. Avni got up and made her way towards their car, she pulled out her camera and tripod stand and made her way back to the beach, here Neil was looking for her and smiled when he found her fixing her camera on the stand. 

Neil - So, mom wants us to model for her princess. (babyish voice) Let's do it. 

Avni took several pics of the father and daughter duo while Neil captured Avni's and Aahana's precious memories and an ample amount of family pics that will become an important constituent of their memory treaures. 

After a tiring day, both were lying within each other's arms, Avni's head on Neil's chest while Neil's arms wrapped around her petite form. 

Neil - This is my favorite part, after a tiring day embracing my wife within my arms and seeking peace within her presence. (kissing her head)

Avni - My favorite part is whenever I am enjoying each and every moment with my family. 

Neil - We are enough for each other. 

Avni - Indeed we are. (smiles)

Neil captures her soft lips sealing their honest confession with a touch of love. 

A part of me within you,

A part of you within me.

They say we don't complete each other,

Little did they know, we are,

"Enough for each other"

---------------------------

So, this marks the end of this journey. 

I want to thank all of you for being a part of this story and showering your love on this journey of avneil. 

Do drop your views for one last time. 

Much love,

Thanks.