Avni entered the jewellery showroom and saw Karan waiting for her. She walked towards him.

See I selected these three rings.. now you select among them.. Karan spoke as he showed her the rings he selected.

Avni selected the a rose gold band with a small diamond on it. Karan smiled at her.

I knew you would chose this one.. Karan replied. Avni smiled. They payed for the ring and came out of the shop.

Did you send the invitations? Avni asked as they walked towards his car. Karan nodded.

Everything is done avu.. don't worry.. Karan replied as they sat in the car. Avni nodded.

Just then her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID. It was her secretary.

Mam.. there are few papers to be signed.. it's urgent.. so should I send it home? Sonal asked. Avni looked at the watch. It was 4 pm. She still had time.

No don't send it home.. I am on the way to office.. Avni replied. She told Karan to drop her at Mehta Industries.

She entered her cabin and called Sonal. She glanced at the papers and signed them.

What's my schedule for tomorrow? Avni asked.

Tomorrow you have a meeting with Khanna industries in the morning.. Sonal replied.

Anything else? Avni asked. Sonal shook her head.

Ok then.. schedule a meeting with the accounting team at 4 pm.. Avni replied. Sonal nodded and left.

After sometime Avni headed towards her home. She slumped on the couch as she felt her head throbbing. She walked towards the kitchen lazily and started making Poha.

On the other hand Neil was thinking about Avni. He smiled and shook his head. She wasn't leaving his thoughts.

Avni Mehta.. puri angry bird hai.. Neil spoke to himself and chuckled as he remembered Avni's face. He fidgeted with the smiley ball in his hand.

Neil Khanna.. pata nahi khudko kya samjhta hai.. Avni mumbled to herself.

Pata nahi humesha itni serious kyu rehti hai? Neil spoke while looking at the sky.

Prakash uncle se toh bilkul alag hai.. Monkey! Avni spoke and sat on the table with her food.

She looks good while smiling.. par pata nahi Aisa kyu lagta hai ki kuch chupa Rahi hai.. Neil mumbled. Her eyes held a lot of emotions. Suddenly realisation dawned upon him.

Yeh Mai Baar Baar uske baare mein kyu soch Raha hu.. Neil Khanna you need sleep.. Neil mumbled.

But Dil ka Bura nahi hai.. he saved me and I scolded him.. I should thank him next time.. wait.. thank him!? Him? No way! Avni mumbled and tried to concentrate on her food.

Next morning

Avni entered Khanna industries along with Sonal. She was guided towards the meeting room. She greeted everyone and took her seat in front of Prakash.

She went through the file which Prakash's secretary gave her.

Avni ji should we proceed with the meeting? Prakash asked as he saw Neil entering the room. Avni nodded.

The meeting went on smoothly. Avni was still unaware of Neil's presence. She looked at him while he was explaining his points.

He looked at Avni waiting for her reviews. Avni looked at the file and then at him.

I agree.. but before that I would like to have a word with the finance committee too.. Avni spoke professionally.

Finance is not the issue here Ms. Mehta.. we have enough resources for this project.. Neil replied.

I know we have enough finance.. but our goal should be to ensure we use our resources properly.. this plan almost increases 15% expenditure.. Avni spoke looking at Neil.

So what should be done next? Neil asked while raising his brows.

I think we should analyse how we can reduce our expenditure and make few changes in the project.. Avni suggested. Neil nodded and closed the file.

The meeting was over and everyone left except for Avni, Prakash and Neil.

So we should start working on this soon and then we can present our plans to investors also and start with the project.. Prakash spoke. Avni agreed. They walked out of the meeting room.

Prakash excused himself as he received a call. Neil looked at Avni and smiled at her but Avni looked away.

Good morning Ms. Mehta.. Neil wished her. Avni looked at her watch and then at him.

Good afternoon! Avni replied. Neil shook his head.

Yes good afternoon Ms. Mehta.. Neil replied. Avni looked at him.

Can you please stop calling me Ms. Mehta? Avni asked. The word 'Mehta' reminded her of those moments which she didn't want to recall again.

So what should I call you? Neil asked raising his brow.

Avni.. Avni replied sternly. Neil looked at her amazed. He could anger in her eyes.

Ok fine Ms. Me-- means Ms.Avni.. Neil spoke softly.

Leave my way.. Avni replied as she walked past him with her files. She handed the files to Sonal and walked towards Prakash's cabin.

***************

Avni discussed her ideas with Prakash. He was amazed by her skills and work. She really worked hard at a small age.

Avni ji.. I would be glad if you join us at dinner tonight? After all now we are business partners.. Prakash spoke. Avni looked at him and denied politely.

Please Avni ji.. prakash requested. Avni couldn't deny him this time so she nodded. He smiled at her.

***************

Khanna mansion

Shweta welcomed Avni and made her sit in the living room. Avni smiled at her. She seemed very kind and polite. Prakash introduced her to bebe.

Avni bent down and took her blessings. Bebe stopped her in between and caressed her hair.

Puttar betiyan pair nahi chuti.. bebe spoke and smiled at her. Avni smiled in return.

They settled on the sofa and talked for a while. Just then a servant came with the refreshments. He was about to serve the coffee to Avni but tripped resulting the coffee to spill on Avni.

Avni shrieked in pain as the hot liquid fell on her hand. Shweta quickly went by her side and examined her hand.

Come Avni beta I will put some cold water on it or it will burn.. Shweta spoke with concern. Avni shook her head.

It's ok aunty.. I will manage.. Avni spoke with a little smile. Shweta nodded and told her to use the guest room and showed her the directions.

Beta I am really sorry.. I didn't mean to hurt you.. the servant apologized.

It's ok Kaka.. I am fine.. Avni smiled at him and went upstairs. The servant looked at Shweta.

It's ok Kaka.. aap yeh clean kar lijiye.. Shweta spoke politely. Bebe looked at Avni's retreating figure.

Kitni pyari bacchi hai.. bebe spoke. Shweta looked at her.

Ha bebe.. sahi kaha aapne.. Shweta replied.

Meanwhile Avni walked upstairs while searching for the guest room. She got confused between the two rooms.

Shweta aunty ne kaunsa room kaha tha.. I think third one.. Avni mumbled to herself and stepped inside. She saw no one there and walked towards the washroom.

The cold water soothed her burning skin. She cleaned the little stain on her top and stepped out of the washroom. She turned to leave the room but a voice stopped her.

Good evening Ms. Avni.. the voice spoke. She turned to see Neil smiling at her. She smiled a bit and wished him.

You here? In my room? Neil asked. Avni looked the room and then realised she was in his room. She looked at him apologetically.

Voh actually I wanted to clean the coffee stain but by mistake I entered this room.. avni spoke. Neil smiled at her.

That's fine.. Neil replied as they walked outside.

By the way.. tumhara sorry baaki hai Ms. Avni.. Neil teased her. Avni shot him a glare and turned her head other side.

Forget about it.. Avni replied.

Sorry bolne se choti nahi ho jaogi.. Neil teased her. Avni stopped and turned to him.

Jab galti nahi ki toh sorry kyu Mr. Neil.. Avni spoke and turned to leave but Neil blocked her way.

Sorry toh leke rahunga Ms.Avni.. Neil spoke. Avni raised her brows at him.

English french kisi bhi language mein bolo.. tumhari baat toh Mai kabhi nahi maungi.. Avni replied.

Let's see.. Neil challenged her. Avni ignored him and went downstairs.

Neil smiled looking at her retreating figure. He loved to challenge her. He put his hands in his pocket and walked downstairs to seeing Avni speaking to his family and smiling.

He could see a different emotion whirling in her brown orbs. He shook his head and walked to them.

**********************************

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