Neil was overwhelmed after listening her poem. He felt as if he have won some battle after listening her inner voice, he always wanted Avni to connect with herself so that she can heal her broken self and today he felt as if almighty have granted his wishes and he was the happiest person at this moment.

He cups Avni's face and plants a soft kiss on her forehead, Avni closes her eyes as she wanted to feel the magical touch of his lips against her skin, he always sooth her and make her feel wanted. She feel some unusual pleasure when he is around. She was endorsed in her plethora of emotions when she realised that Neil deserves someone better than her, she should not get attached to him but at the same time she can't stop her inner self from doing so as now she's able to connect with her feelings in a better manner. She somehow composed herself and looked into his eyes which depicts love and concern for her, one look in his eyes and she feels heaven as she never felt these kind of emotions in any other person for her. She smiles at him while he smiles back, wait even his smile was having some other kind of gesture, it was pride for her. Now she was feeling as if she is the luckiest girl in this world cos for her Neil's opinion for her matters the most. If Neil is happy with her performance then she is the happiest person as his happiness matters the most.

Neil - I am proud of you. ( smiles ).

Avni - Are you happy ?

Neil - I am the happiest.

Avni - I want nothing else. I am happy if you are happy. Thanks for everything Neil.

Neil - No need of thanking me Avni. All I want is your happiness and developed personality. I know this phase is hard for you but the way you are progressing is incredible. I believe in you, I know very well that you would be able to break all those chains very soon.

Avni - Your trust is my biggest possession Neil. I will always preserve it.

Neil - You are the most adorable person I have ever met in my life. Well, now you should sleep as we both have to wake up early for our morning work out. ( smiles).

Avni - Not again, I hate early morning work out. ( pouts ).

Neil chuckles..

Avni - By the way which type of exercises we will perform tomorrow ?

Neil - Very simple exercises cutie. One of my favourite workout the one and only ab workout.. ( He says excitedly )

Avni - What no ? I can't do that. You can't do this with me. Why are you so dangerous when it comes to exercise and all. ( She says in one breathe.)

Neil chuckles.

Neil - I am strict for your own welfare Avni. Now sleep...

Avni - You are going ? ( nervous ).

Neil - You want me to stay ?

Avni - Stay here for sometime. Actually I am trying my best but ...
I ... guess ... I will not be able to sleep... without... without ... without getting nightmares.. so... ( She was tensed ).

Neil - You sleep, I am here only..

Avni smiles and laid down on the bed. Neil sits beside her and pats her head lovingly. Avni eyelids became heavy and soon she drifts into sleep. Neil held her hand and laid beside her. He keeps on admiring his sleeping beauty and soon sleep overtakes him.

They both were sleeping peacefully while holding each other's hand but some movement disturbed Neil's sleep and he saw Avni was shivering and sweating badly. Her hold on his hand tightened. She was murmuring something.

Avni - No.. no.... please don't.... come near me......... I don't....... I don't want .........drugs ............ please stay away....... ( mere whispers ).

Neil understood that she was having some nightmare so he caressed her head gently and took her in his arms. He hugged her tightly and was whispering sweet nothings in her ears. He pats her back while hugging her.

Neil - I am here Avni. You are fine... I won't let anything happen to you. I will always protect you. You are safe with me ... ( He whispers)

She wakes up and examines her surroundings. She led out a sigh of relief but her scared face pierced Neil's heart. Neil made her drink some water and hugged her again. He made her sit in his lap and she snuggles herself more into him listening his heartbeats that always gives her peace. He caress her face gently and pats her head lovingly, her hold around his waist tightened and he pulled her more closer. Soon both drifted into sleep.

In morning Prakash came to check Avni and he saw Neil and Avni were sleeping in sitting position while Avni was sitting on Neil's lap and Neil was holding her protectively.

Prakash smiles after seeing their comfort level with each other. He leaves the room as he didn't want to embarrass them in case they both woke up and saw him in the room. He went for preparing breakfast.

Neil and Avni opens their eyes and found themselves in the most comfortable position. Neil joins his forehead with Avni while Avni closes her eyes. Neil kisses her nose tip while she again hugs him.

Avni - ( still hugging ) when all these nightmares will end Neil ? ( teary eyes )

Neil - Very soon Avni.... very soon...

Avni breaks the hug and looks at him.

Avni - Sorry cos of me your sleep got.... ( Neil cuts her off by placing finger on her lips.)

Neil - Shhh!! Don't Avni. I will not appreciate the complete sentence.

Avni nods and gets off from his lap.

Neil - You get ready we have to go for workout.

Avni nods ...

______________________________________

Days were passing like this and Avni's condition was getting better. Her paintings and budding self confidence was the proof of her improving health.

Neil was analysing all her paintings but found something fishy in 3 of her recent paintings. The ray of hope that was increasing was neutral in those three paintings and the number of chains which was decreasing also remained neutral in her recent three paintings.

Neil got confused so he contacted Avni's counsellor.

Counsellor - Thank God you called Neil, I was trying to contact you and Prakash uncle since yesterday but failed to do so.

Neil - What happened ?

Counsellor - Neil I guess Avni is in some problem. I mean yesterday only I interacted with her and she wasn't responding well. I wanted to tell you about this but I was having some important conference so I got busy there.

Neil - I also feel the same.

Counsellor - How you came to know this ?

Neil told her about Avni's paintings.

Counsellor - Neil what you want to do now ? You want to understand her problem through counselling sessions or you want to do it by yourself ?

Neil - First I will try. If I won't be able to do so then I will take your help.

Counsellor - Okay then Neil. Contact me in case you need any help.

Neil - Sure..

Call ends..

Avni's room

Avni was standing under the shower with tears flowing down from her eyes.

She was having a fresh blade in her hand.

She was rubbing the blade  on  her upper arm harshly and saw the blood flowing out with helplessness. Then she rubbed the blade on her belly and winced in pain. She took some blood in her hand and cried. She fell down on the floor and was crying her heart out in the shower.

Neil on the other side was worried for her.

Neil - I don't know what is bothering you Avni but I will find it soon..

( Here it ends. Do drop your views. I hope that you guys liked the update.)

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