They both didn't realise how long they stood beside each other, feeling each other presence but still no words come out for their mouths. Either of them was ready to break the silence between them.

Neil sighs and taking a deep breath glanced her side away as her hair was covering her face as the wind blew their way.

Neil didn't know how to apologise from breaking his promise or how to say he has failed before their relationship began, he had some turmoil bolting up in his mind. He didn't get understand how can he let his emotions out that too front of her.

He wasn't ready to give up but some many negatives thoughts ran cross his head, what if she doesn't forgive him. How will he live with guilt that is killing him every seconds when he thinks about her.

Neil takes a deep breath and glances at Avni whose gaze was fixed staring the ocean.

Clearing his throat he spoke staring the blue ocean.

Neil : I am sorry.

Avni who heard him saying sorry didn't look or responded back.

Neil : will you ignore me now? I am really sorry. I really meant. I tried my best to come out and meet you for final time before you leave but it seems like god didn't wanted us to meet at time. I am really sorry Avni. I failed to fulfil your promise. I failed to give you something that you wished, I didn't even tried much harder to get to you. I really disappointed you Avni. I am really sorry.

His voice tone changed as he spoke. His voice sounded very helpless. He just couldn't explain his feelings or turmoil that he was going through.

Neil placed his hand on Avni's shoulder when he felt she wasn't going to forgive him. He stood behind her and back hugs her.

She finally gave up leaning back on his chest with her eyes closed. She knew he didn't break his promise but somehow understood situations was different.

She couldn't blame him, taking small breath she turns swiftly hugging him tightly, with her arms wrapped around his neck and her face completely hidden in his chest.

He felt his uniform getting soaked by her tears. He heart felt broke seeing her whimpering hiding herself in his chest.

He tries to break the hug but she didn't allow it instead tightens her grip against his body pulling him closer to herself.

He sighs and with his free hand he gentle starts stroking her hairs lovingly. He also starts dropping numerous of kisses on back of her head.

He again tried breaking the hug once her whimpers slowly stops. He broke the hug and looks into her eyes which was filled with tears and dark circles under her eyes.

He rubs his thumb wiping the tears off then placing a soft kiss on her both eyes. He then cupping her face placed his lips on her forehead and rested it there for a minute.

He still cupping her face looks into her eyes.

Neil : I don't know if I am forgiven or not but I would like to say something. I want to promise to you something. As I have always mentioned in past I don't know what my or your future holds but some part of me wants me to become selfish and keep you with me forever. I want to live my life with you Avni. I want you to be my past, present and future. I may not be with you always but you live in my heart. I want to cherish you forever. I don't know confess now because this is not how I planed. I want to do something unique and different but for now please accept me as your half boyfriend..

He then leaves her cheeks then gets down on his knees holding her hand in his. Her eyes widen and tears brimming into her ears as her heart bursting out in happiness. Butterflies ran into her stomach.

She was so proud of herself falling for this man front of her. He never made her doubt why she wants him in her life. Her tears trickles down the cheek making him chuckle lightly.

Neil : I didn't said all of that making you cry.

Avni vigorously wipes her tears and laughs out before she also sat on her knees with her eyes deeply looking into his.

Avni : you didn't have intention to make me cry but still your words made my heart melt. I can't stop crying. Why do you have to be so good? Why is your heart so pure? I can't handle it now.

Neil chuckles again and pulling her closer, he pecks her forehead.

Neil : I don't wanna wait long enough just to hear a yes from you madam. You better make a good decision.

Avni : is that threaten Mr khanna?

Neil : believe what you what Miss Malthora but I want your answer as yes not no.

Avni : what if I say no?

Neil holding her arm pulls her closer making their lips almost touch. Avni's breath quickens. She stares into his eyes then her eyes darted to his lips.

Neil : I would dare you to say no? I will make sure no men's goes near you because you belong to me. Only mine.

He spoke possessively claiming his rights on her. It's not that she wouldn't mind it but she also wanted to play with him.

Avni shutters to speak as they were standing so close to each other. He impatiently waited for the answer but before she could say a word they heard someone coughing. They got moved away and quickly stood up.

Neil looks at the person who dared to ruin his moments with Avni. He glares Vicky then the guy who he found very close to Avni since he got on the ship. He furiously looks at Riyan and looks back at Avni who blushed looking down.

Riyan walking near Avni and throwing his arms around her shoulder loudly spoke.

Riyan : I didn't knew this fierce boss of mine could blush. I wanna want to the person who did this magic on you boss.

Avni slaps his arm and failed to notice how Neil was glaring Riyan. Neil moving to Riyan moves his arms from Avni's shoulder and deathly glares him.

Neil : who are you? Why are you being clingy to my girlfriend?

A loud shriek echoed on the ship. Neil palmed his ears and disbelief shook his head seeing the two grown ups shouting like an idiot.

Neil : why are you yelling like a mental person?

Vicky: what did you say? Did I hear it right? Someone tell me I didn't turn deaf? Did I just someone saying his girlfriend? Does it mean I can call her Bhabhi?

Riyan : you are not the only one bro. Did I also hear someone saying girlfriend? I wonder what's the name of his girlfriend?

Neil rolls his eyes seeing the drama front of him and slaps Vicky's head for muttering nonsense.

Neil : you won't call her Bhabhi unless she approves it.

Vicky ignoring Neil turns looking at Avni who was enjoying the show for free but only popcorn was missing for this enjoyment.

Vicky : am I allowed to call you Bhabhi? Right?

Neil : you can't just ask her like that.

Vicky : how do you want me to do then? Should I so propose her? But she ain't my girlfriend though. I don't wanna make her my girlfriend because she belongs to you.

Neil : you need to control your mouth Vicky. You won't call her Bhabhi.

Avni : guys stop fighting. It's my choice what he can call me or not. And Vicky you call me whatever you want.

Vicky grins smirking at Neil and throwing his arms around Avni pulling her in a hug.

Neil : why is everyone hugging my girl? God god sake find yourself one instead of clinging to my girlfriend.

Vicky and Riyan rolls their eyes at Neil's possessives about Avni.

Riyan : I am so happy for boss. I wish you all happiness and love that you truly deserve.

Avni smiles and side hugs him.

Avni : thank you and sorry for not telling you earlier.

Riyan : it's okay! I knew something was up with you but didn't you knew he was reason behind your gloominess since last month.

Riyan pecks her head and corner of his eyes glances at Neil who didn't glare but had adoration seeing their bond.

They both excused themselves and walked away leaving Avneil alone.

Neil puts his arm around her waist and placed his head on her shoulder as they stood by end of the ship seeing the beautiful scenery.

Neil entwines their hands. Avni smiles as he pecks side of her head.

Neil : you still didn't answer me Avni? Would you like to be my half girlfriend till I officially make you mine?

Avni : I would love to your half girlfriend Neil. I will be waiting for the day when you officially make me your girlfriend.

Neil smiles and again pecks side of her head. They stood in silence feeling each other presence. It was peace for them and was hoped this continues.

Neil kissing Avni's head went back to his team and found all gathered up.

Neil took his seat and looks at vidyut.

Neil : what the news there?

Vidyut : drastically bad. We have to reach there soon as possible. I have spoken to the captain who said next morning we will be there attacking and saving the people.

Neil nodded his head and went through plan over again.

As sun rays dawned they were called for lunch. Everyone sat down and starts serving themselves and ate while Neil glanced at Avni who was standing beside the captain and carefully listening to him.

He wanted to approach towards her but didn't because he thought it wouldn't be right to interfere between her work.

He stood there and crossing his arms against his chest watched Avni how her face turns sour in a second before she walked away.

He smiles lightly as he saw her walking towards himz

Avni : hey! Did you eat?

Neil : no I didn't! I was waiting for you? I know I shouldn't be asking but I can't hold myself. Is everything okay?

Avni : yes everything is okay! Just few issues with work. You don't worry about my work. I will handle it. You need to focus on your mission. I am sorry for keep you wait. Come let's have dinner.

She held his hand and took him to the food counter and starts filling a plate for themselves. Neil smiles as she filled the plate.

They both walked back of the ship and sat down. Neil broke the first morsel and brought to Avni's lips. She smiles and took the bite.

They both fed each other then sitting comfortably there with Avni's head resting on his lap. He ruffles her hair softly and gently.

Avni held his left hand placing it on her lap. It was beautiful moment to witness.

Neil : what are you thinking Avni?

Avni : I was thinking about us.

Neil : what about us?

Avni : I mean, when I return back home after work for such long time I didn't thought I would find someone who will be become my world. I didn't had intentions liking a guy but eventually it happened. Like it says if something happens then it always for good. I also believe it good and we are destined to meet.

Neil also and wondered because his thoughts definitely didn't match when he went back home. He definitely thought of falling in love with this beautiful girl who's lying on his lap. He bends down and pecks her head.

Neil : I can't wait for to witness our beautiful journey ahead.

Avni smiles and looked at their entwined hands. 

Avni : even I can't Neil!

Neil smiles and thought how beautiful memories he had made in such sort time. He looks down and found Avni fallen asleep. He smiles and caressed her cheeks.

Next morning Neil and his team thanks the crew who dropped them to right location safely.

Neil : thank you very much for the such sweet hospitality. Very much appreciated it.

All the crew smiles and saluted them as they were going on mission.

Avni controlling her tears and putting a brave smile walks to Neil and gives him a smile.

Neil also smiles and cups her face.

Neil : this isn't a goodbye. I will see you soon as I come back. Promise me to be safe and found happiness in everything you see or someone if I don't return ba.....

He couldn't finish it as she palmed his mouth and shook her head. No matter how she tired holding her tears back it finally trickles down.

Avni : no! Don't complete it Neil. I believe in you and us. We will make it happen. I want you to make me proud. Make me proud and I can proudly say I fall in love with you.

Neil hugs her and let a tear roll down from his eyes on her shoulder. They broke the hug and Neil pecking her forehead for the last time biding bye to them starts walking with his team.

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Hope you liked the chapter.

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