Neil pov

My happiness was short-lived. I heard a familiar voice behind me, and my mood spoil. I turned to see Nalini, my so-called sister, standing with Mom, a mocking look in her eye.
She walked towards me, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Bhaiya, you're getting engaged, and you didn't even tell me?", the warmth and happiness that had filled my heart just moments before all gone.

I didn't move, didn't respond. Instead, I fixed her with a cold stare, my eyes boring into hers. Nalini's smirk faded, and she took a step back, her eyes darting towards Mom as if seeking protection. Mom intervened, "I thought everyone was coming, so I called Nalini to come and help us."

I didn't bother responding, my gaze still fixed on Nalini. I didn't care about her presence . But I did care about one thing - she didn't trigger me. If she did, she'd unleash a storm, and no one would be able to stop me. Because I will not slide matters if she cause any trouble in my relationship with Avni or in my wedding.

Dad, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Sweta, see, Neil bought a beautiful ring for Avni." "It's a lovely ring," mom said, her voice even and composed, her eyes briefly glancing at the ring before returning to a neutral expression not feeling any sort of excitement.

Nalini exchanged a brief,  glance, her voices normal "It's good."But her gaze soon landed on my hand then back to me, her eyes narrowing. "When did you start wearing material, Bhaiya?" she asked, her tone filled with malice.I didn't bother responding, my expression stiff. But Dad jumped in, his voice firm. "Nalini, it's a gift from your bhabhi to your bhaiya."

The room fell silent, the tension thick and heavy, but I didn't care. I was done playing games with her.
I turned to Beba, my voice calm and even. "Beba, I'm going to my room. Please call me when dinner is ready." Beba nodded, her eyes warm with understanding, and said, "Go, puttar, get freshened up. Nalini, you too go."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I headed to my room. After freshening up, I sat on my bed, gazing at the ring that sparkled on my finger. It was a symbol of my commitment to Petal, a declaration to the world that she was mine. I couldn't wait to slip it onto her finger, to see the way it would shine against her skin.

I slowly opened the drawer, and my eyes fell upon the payal that I had chosen especially for my Petal. The delicate chains sparkled in the dim light, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. I longed to adorn her ankles with this beautiful piece, to see the way it would shimmer and shine with every step.

I gently lifted the payal out of the drawer, and my fingers brushed against the designs. I brought it closer to my lips, and my lips grazed against the cool metal. I kissed it softly, my lips lingering on the chains, imagining the moment when I would place it on Petal's ankles.

My mind began to wander. I pictured Petal's delicate feet, her ankles slender and graceful. I imagined the way the payal would sparkle against her skin, the way it would enhance her beauty. And I wondered, how would she react when I placed it on her? Would she blush, her cheeks flushing with delight? Would she smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my heart racing with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see her reaction, to witness the moment when she would wear the payal that I had chosen for her. It was going to be a moment that I would cherish forever.

I was lost in my thoughts, my mind a thousand miles away, when suddenly the door to my room burst open. The sudden intrusion shattered the moment, and I felt a surge of anger course through my veins. Everyone knew that in my room no one is allowed. And yet, here was Nalini, standing in the doorway, her eyes fixed on me with an expression that was impossible to describe.

My anger simmered just below the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm, and spoke in a voice that was icy cold. "Don't you have some common sense, Nalini?" I asked, my words dripping with anger. "Or have you forgotten that no one is allowed in my room without permission? And what's with bursting in here without even knocking?"

I glared at her, my eyes narrowing as I waited for her response. Nalini's expression didn't change, She responded with a nonchalance that bordered on indifference. "Beba is calling you for dinner." Her voice was flat, devoid of any emotion, and it only served to heighten my irritation.

"I'm coming," I replied curtly, my tone a stark contrast to her casual demeanor. I turned my attention back to the drawer, carefully placing the payal back in its resting place. But as I closed the drawer, I noticed that Nalini was still standing there, her eyes fixed on the spot where the payal had kept.

I felt a surge of annoyance. "Didn't you hear what I said?" I asked, my voice tinged with irritation. "I'm going down for dinner." But Nalini didn't budge. Instead, she asked, "Whose payal is this?" Her eyes were still fixed on the drawer, a look of curiosity on her face.

My patience snapped. "Get out!" I barked, my voice harsh and commanding. "And it's none of your business." Nalini's eyes widened slightly at my outburst, and she took a step back, her face pale. Then, without a word, she turned and walked out of the door, leaving me feeling both relieved and annoyed.

I shook my head, trying to clear the lingering irritation. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and headed downstairs to join Beba for dinner. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Nalini's questions had left me feeling unsettled, and I couldn't shake the feeling.

As I settled into my seat, the food was served, and the aroma of various dishes wafted through the air. I didn't have any particular preference when it came to food; I was willing to try anything. But before I could even take my first bite, Beba's voice cut through the air like a sharp knife.

"Bhima, didn't I tell you to make kheer?" she asked, her tone stern and disapproving. My mom intrupt, seated across from me, looked flustered and began to fumble with her words.

"V-vo, Beba, Nalini likes halwa, so I asked Bhima to make it," she stuttered, her eyes darting nervously to Beba. Beba's expression turned skeptical, and she raised an eyebrow.

"Is not everything had made of Nalini's liking," she said, her voice firm but controlled. Mom shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes avoiding mine.

"S-she came today, so I asked Bhima to make everything special for her," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. Beba shook her head, a look of disapproval etched on her face.

"I only asked her to make kheer for Neil," she said, her voice firm. The room fell silent, the tension palpable. The dinner that had started out like any other had suddenly become strained and quiet, the only sound the clinking of utensils against plates.

The dinner had been a strained and quiet affair, the tension palpable. As I finished my meal, I pushed my chair back, ready to return to my room. But Beba's voice stopped me, her tone soft and gentle.

"Neil, come to my room," she said, her eyes warm with a deep affection. I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and security wash over me. I walked with her to her room, the silence between us a comfortable one.

As we settled in, Beba's hands began to stroke my hair, her touch soothing and calming. She asked, "Beta, are you happy with Avni? Do you like her?"

A smile spread across my lips. "Beba, she's like the most beautiful thing that's ever happened to me," I said, my voice filled with emotion. "She's the place where I feel relief, where I can be myself without fear of judgment. Just thinking about her makes me feel alive, makes me feel seen and heard." I paused, taking a deep breath. "I love her, Beba. I love her more than words can say."

Beba's face lit up with a warm smile as she listened to my declaration of love for Avni. "I am very happy for you, beta," she said, her voice filled with genuine joy and affection. Her words were like a balm to my soul.

After our heart-to-heart conversation, I bid Beba goodnight and made my way back to my room. As I settled into bed, I reached for my phone to check for any messages. My heart skipped a beat as I saw a text from my Petal . Her message was simple, yet it brought a smile to my face: "Have you had dinner?"

I quickly typed out a response, my thumbs flying across the keyboard. "Yes, I had dinner. Can I call you?" I asked, my heart racing with anticipation. I waited for what felt like an eternity for her response, but it finally came: "Yes, you can call."

I didn't waste any time, quickly dialing her number. The phone rang for a few seconds before she picked up, her voice sweet and melodious. "Hello?" she said, and my heart skipped a beat as I heard her voice.

I said, my voice low and gentle, "Hi Petal, what are you doing?" She response was relaxed and casual, "Nothing, just lying in bed." I could almost hear the softness of her voice.

I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me, "Oh, did ma and papa like the ring?" her voice came back, sweet and melodious, "Yes, they love it." The simplicity of her response belied the depth of emotion that lay beneath. I could sense her happiness, her excitement, and it made my heart swell with joy. I continued our conversation, sharing the events of the day with her. "Beba and everyone came today," I said, recalling the surprise visit.

Her voice rose in surprise, a hint of excitement creeping into her tone. "Wasn't they were coming on sunday ?" she asked with curiosity . I chuckled, amused by her reaction. "They thought they'd surprise me," I explained, her response was a soft, drawn-out "Ohhh," a gentle exhalation that conveyed her understanding and amusement at the situation.

As we continued our conversation, the time passes, I began to notice a subtle change in Petal's voice. Her responses, started to sound slightly drowsy, her words slowing down like a gentle stream. And then, I heard it - a soft, adorable yawn that escaped her lips, a clear indication that she was struggling to keep her eyes open. My heart melted at the sound, and I knew it was time to let her get some rest. "Let's talk tomorrow, Petal," I said, my voice gentle and soothing. "You must be tired." Her response was a sleepy "Yes, we'll talk tomorrow, Neil. Good night."

I couldn't resist teasing her a little, my voice taking on a playful tone. "Good night, Petal. Dream about me," I said, chuckling to myself as I awaited her response. Her reaction was predictable, I could hear her whining, a soft "Neil..." followed by a firm "Byeee." And with that, she cut the call, leaving me grinning from ear to ear at her cute antics.

End of Neil pov.

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What Nalini intentions are?

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Byeeeeee 👋