Chapter 07:

It was the time of the day, the seashores were playing with the edges. They touched the edges and ran back. The birds were hovering over the large building of a mall and Avneil was roaming in it. They came there for the shopping for their wedding.
Though, Neil wanted some time because of a case and the second reason was Avni's possessiveness. Neil started to feel irritated but he knew that Avni has trust issues and they fought several times because of that. Avni can't bear a girl near Neil because of her fear and possessiveness. Neil tried a lot to win Avni's trust and he won that but still, when Avni sees a girl near Neil or sees Neil talking to a girl, she panicks and gets angry. The same thing was with Neil but Neil is only possessive. So, for Avni's happiness and surety, Neil said yes to their wedding. Neil thought after their wedding, Avni will feel secure and will not react on small and silly things. She will become less clingy.

Avneil went to the shop and Avni was looking at the dresses. Avni asked Neil how she is looking and Neil helped her. Neil also showed a dress to Avni. Avni kept the dress to herself and Neil liked that. Avni selected a few dresses for herself. Avni and Neil went to the gents' section. Avni helped Neil to select the shirts. Avni kept a shirt at Neil and liked it. They did the shopping. Avni and Neil were roaming and Avni's arm was intervened in Neil's arm. Avni and Neil were going and Avni asked Neil something and they checked the shopping bag as they were searching for something. Neil was searching in the bag and a group of girls was looking at Neil.

Neil: got it.

Neil took out a box of the watch.

Neil: here it is.

Neil looked at Avni who was glaring at the girls. Neil frowned and followed Avni's gaze. Neil saw the girls. The girls waved hands to Neil who widened his eyes and Avni clenched her fist. Neil looked at Avni who also turned her face to Neil furiously. Neil got scared and shook his head that he didn't do anything. Avni looked at the girls and a girl passed a flying kiss to Neil. Avni's blood boiled and Neil got shocked.

Avni: in ki to main...

Avni was about to go but Neil immediately shifted the shopping bags to his second hand and held Avni's arm.

Neil: Avni, no.

Avni glared at the girls and they laughed.

Avni: Neil, leave me...

Neil: Avni.

Avni was glaring at the girls.

Neil: come, let's go.

Neil dragged Avni from there holding Avni's arm. They came near the girls.

Girl: Hi, handsome.

Avni got angry and Neil ignored them. Neil was taking Avni from there. Avni hit her shoulder on one girl who stumbled. Neil was shocked to see that and angry too.

Girl: watch it.

Neil and Avni were going. Avni looked back.

Avni: get lost.

Neil: sorry.

Avni looked at Neil angrily. Neil took Avni from there. Neil took Avni to the car and kept the shopping bags in the backseat and Avni was looking at Neil. Neil got in his car and Avni didn't sit. Neil pressed the horn but did not affect Avni. Avni folded her arms and looked away. Neil grinned his lips and pressed the horn furiously. Avni looked at the car and opened the car's door in anger. Avni got in the car and Neil started his car.

It didn't has happened the first time. Avni always held Neil's arm when she saw a girl. She is possessive about Neil. But was that her possessiveness or it was her fear?

Neil never said anything and enjoyed her possessive side but today the way Avni reacted that made Neil angry. She could ignore them. Neil had assured Avni numerous times that he is not like her father. He is not Ashish Mehta. He is Neil Khanna and he is a man of his word.

But was that easy to ignore? Can anyone control itself if someone gives a flying kiss to his or her love?

Neil was driving the car fastly and Avni looked at Neil who felt her gaze and turned his face away. Neil looked out from the window. Avni got hurt and angry so Avni also turned her face and looked out from the window. Soon, they reached Avni's home as they didn't want to go to the Khanna mansion in that mood. Avni got down from the car and went inside. Neil was looking at her. Neil thought.

Neil came inside and Avni was sitting on the couch. Neil threw the shopping bags on the couch near Avni and Avni saw that. Avni looked at Neil who ran his hands through his hair and caught his head closing his eyes.

Neil: when I have asked you thousands of times that I am yours then what was the need to react? Why did you overreact?

Avni got up.

Avni: overreact? I overreacted. Didn't you see what they did?

Neil: they were just having fun why you lost your calm?

Avni: fun? They were flirting with you and you are saying that they were having fun...

Neil looked on. Avni folded her arms.

Avni: Why don't you say that you were having a lot of fun.

Neil got shocked.

Avni: you were enjoying their flirting.

Neil was shocked.

Neil: Avni?

Neil was hurt to know that Avni think about him like this. Does she not trust him?

Avni: Neil, you know very well that I don't like anyone standing near you. I can't bear anyone looking at you except me. I just can't stand with it.

Neil was looking at Avni angrily.

Neil: Avni, what is my mistake in it if they flirt with me?

Avni: no, you have no mistake. The mistake is mine. I am sorry.

Neil: you are at fault. There was nothing to argue in that. You could ignore them.

Avni: I can't. I can't ignore it.

Avni's eyes got tears. Neil got angry.

Neil: you have to Avni. I can't sit at my home the whole day because Madam Avni doesn't like any girl's eye on me.

Avni looked on.

Neil: I have a life and I have a complete right to live it the way I want.

Avni moved to Neil.

Avni warned Neil showing her index finger: listen to me carefully, Neil, and remember my one thing, I don't like this all and will not bear it. And if you think that I am spoiling your life and becoming a hurdle in your happiness and life then you can think about our relationship again.

Neil got shocked.

Avni: If you have second thoughts about our relationship then think about it and take a decision.

Neil was shocked.

Avni: and do tell me taa ke main mere dil ko sambhal sakun. Khud ko sambhal lun. (So that, I handle my heart. I handle myself.)

Neil was glaring at Avni. They had an eye lock. Avni broke the eye lock and looked down. Neil also came back to his senses and looked at Avni. Avni looked at Neil and then she went from there to her room. Neil was looking at Avni. Neil grinned his teeth and took steps back. Neil turned and went from there.

Avni came to her room and sat on the bed. Avni cried.

On the other side, Neil was driving his car at high speed. Neil stopped his car at the side and hit his hand on the steering wheel. Neil ran his hand through his hair and held his neck. Neil cupped his mouth with one hand.

Soon, Neil reached home and his family was sitting in the living area. They were enjoying the tea. Neil was coming while keeping his sleeves up. Shweta saw Neil.

Shweta: aray, Tillu, you came.

Neil stopped and looked up. Neil saw his family and Shweta looked for Avni.

Shweta: and where is Avni? Did she not come with you?

Neil: she had some work so she went to her home.

The Khanna family got surprised and they looked at each other and then they looked at Neil.

Neil: Excuse me, I am tired so I want to have some rest.

Neil went from there and the family was looking at him.

Bebe: what happened to him?

Shweta: don't know, when he went from here, he was all ok.

Prakash: of ho, he said that he is tired so let him rest, he will be fine.

Shweta thought.

Neil came to his room and locked it. Neil ran his hand through his hair and was holding his waist with the second hand. Neil saw the flashes that Avni reacted in the mall.

Flashback:

1. Avni: And if you think that I am spoiling your life and becoming a hurdle in your happiness and life then you can think about our relationship again.

Neil got shocked.

2. Avni: If you have second thoughts about our relationship then think about it and take a decision.

Neil was shocked.

3. Avni: and do tell me taa ke main mere dil ko sambhal sakun. Khud ko sambhal lun. (So that, I handle my heart. I handle myself.)

Flashback ends.

Neil got angry. He moved two steps and threw the pillows, duvet, cushions, and bedsheet. Neil sat on the bed and ran his hand through his hair. Neil wiped his face with both hands and rubbed his mouth. Neil cupped his mouth with both hands and thought.

It was the time of night, the moon was shining in the sky, and the breeze was playing with the curtains. Avni was sitting on the bed in her room and Neil was also sitting on the bed in his room. Their phones were kept near them on the bed. They were missing each other.

Neil: the mistake is of her and now she is showing attitude. She didn't even call me once.

Avni: the mistake was not mine. He knows very well about my fear and problem still he accused me.

Neil: I didn't accuse her. She was the one who accused me. How can she say that I was enjoying their flirting?

Avni: I admit that I should not say that but he also hurt me. How can he say that I overreacted and the way, he threw bags near me? He always talks about ladies' respect now where did his ethics go?

Neil: I should not lose my control. I also overreacted.

Avni: I also accused him? He must be thinking that I don't trust him. I did wrong.

Neil: I should apologize to her.

Avni nodded.

They looked at their phones that were kept near them and took them in their hands. They looked at the phones and thought. Avni bit her lower lip. They nodded and dialed a number but they stopped.

Neil: why do I call her?

Avni: He could also call me.

Neil: I will also not call her.

Avni nodded.

Avni: But I am missing him.

Avni and Neil got sad. Neil looked at the window and Avni also did the same. Neil got up and went to the window. Neil held the curtain and took it away. Neil saw the moon. Avni also came to the window and saw the moon.

Neil: I miss you, Avni.

Avni: I miss you, Neil.

They looked at the moon.

Avni and Neil lay on the bed and they were missing each other. They turned their side and closed their eyes but sleep was far away from their eyes. They opened their eyes and again closed them but no use.

Avni: Tch.

Avni turned her side and Neil did the same. They turned their side several but sleep was not ready to come to them. Avni sat on the bed and took her phone from the side table and she saw Neil's picture on the wallpaper. Avni caressed it. Tears formed in Avni's eyes and she made a sad pout.

Avni: I hate you... but I love you.

Avni caressed the picture and kissed her phone. Avni hugged her phone.

On the other side, Neil was laying on the bed hugging a picture frame. Neil looked at the picture and it was their engagement picture. Neil touched the picture frame and kissed it. Neil hugged the picture frame. Neil closed his eyes and Avni was laying on the bed and looking at Neil's picture. Avni slept while looking at the picture.
It was the time of the morning, Avni stirred in sleep and she opened her narrowed eyes. Avni stretched her body while rubbing her eye. Avni sighed and her hand fell on the phone which was kept on the bed. Avni frowned and she took the phone. Avni saw the phone and she switched on it thinking maybe Neil has sent her a message or had called her but her all hopes broke because there was no message from Neil. Avni got hurt.

On the other side, Neil was also laying on the bed holding his phone and looked sad because there was no message or call from Avni.

Avni was working in the kitchen and the doorbell rang. Avni looked up and she left the cloth on the table. Avni went to open the door. Avni opened the door and looked up. Avni was surprised to see Neil. Neil passed a smile to Avni who got happy and was about to hug Neil but the reality hit her and she stopped. Neil was looking at her. Avni gave a way to Neil to come in. Neil was looking at her. Neil came inside and Avni locked the door. Neil turned and looked at Avni who went to the living area. Neil came there and saw Avni standing near the table so Neil came there slowly looking at Avni. Neil sat on the couch and looked at Avni. Avni went to the kitchen. Neil wanted to stop her even though he tried but couldn't get the courage. Avni started preparing tea and brunch for Neil because she knew that Neil had not eaten breakfast.

Neil was looking at Avni and he thought that how he starts the conversation. Neil rubbed his hands. Neil opened his mouth to talk but he stopped. Avni came to him and kept a tray of tea and a plate in front of Neil who looked at the tray and plate which was covered with the second plate. Neil looked at Avni who silently went to the kitchen. Neil looked down in disappointment. Neil took away the plate and Avni saw him from the kitchen. Neil saw two sandwiches and a cup of tea. Neil got surprised to see a sorry written with the ketchup and a smiley was made. Neil looked at Avni who was busy with her work.

Avni was cleaning the counter. Neil came there and Avni saw him. Avni left the work of cleaning. She took the vessel like a cup, a plate, and a pan and she turned. Avni went to the wash basin and kept the vessel there. Neil was looking at Avni. Avni washed her hands and then she started washing vessels. Neil came to Avni and held her waist. Avni stopped her work and got numbed. Neil stood close to Avni and leaned to her ear and closed his eyes.

Neil said in Avni's ear: I am sorry.

Avni closed her eyes and clenched the sponge in her hand. Avni opened her eyes and start doing her work. Neil saw that and he held Avni's hand and rubbed the pan with the sponge. Avni smiled and looked at Neil who held his one ear and said sorry.

Avni smiled and turned to him. Avni hugged Neil closing her eyes.

Avni: I am sorry.
Neil smiled and hugged Avni.

Neil: it's ok. I am sorry too.

Avni shook her head.

Avni: it's ok.

Avni smiled and looked at Neil. They were still hugging each other. Neil cupped Avni's cheek with one hand and kissed her forehead.

Neil: I love you, Avni.

Avni got emotional and her eyes got moist.

Neil cupped Avni's second cheek also.

Neil: I love you, Avni, and I only love you. Except you, I have no one in my life, and neither I need anyone. You and your love are enough for me. I don't need anyone else.

Avni looked at Neil with tearful eyes. Neil's eyes were also teary.

Neil: I don't have any second thoughts about our relationship. I want you in my life and I am clear about it. I only love you, only you. Please understand my love, feel it. Please, don't judge my love. please.
Avni kept her hand on Neil's hand and nodded. Avni held Neil's hand in her hands and kissed it, Avni sighed.

Avni: I am sorry, I overreacted.

Neil shook his head and kept his one hand and Avni's back head and held Avni's back with the second hand. Neil hugged Avni who also hugged him.

Neil: let's just leave this topic for now and tell me have you had breakfast?

Avni nodded. Neil got surprised.

Neil: you had your breakfast?

Avni broke the hug and wiped her tears.

Avni said while wiping her tears: yes, I had my breakfast.

Avni looked at Neil and said sadly: I live alone here, I don't have anyone to take care of my eating and drinking, there is no one who gets worried that I am hungry. I have to take care of myself.

Neil: Am I not here to take care of you? Did you not trust me that I will come?

Avni smiled sadly.

Avni: I never expect too much from anyone.

Neil: not even from your loved ones?

Avni: I never had anyone in my life who love me. I have always been alone.

Neil cupped Avni's face.

Neil: but now you are not alone, I am with you.

Avni looked at Neil emotionally.

Neil: my family is your family. They treat you as their own daughter still you feel, you are alone.

Avni shook her head.

Avni: I didn't mean that.

Neil: then?

Avni: I was talking from my childhood till now. I was talking about my journey.

Neil sighed.

Neil: anyways, leave it. Never feel alone from now on, ok?

Avni nodded.

Avni: have you had your breakfast?

Neil shook his head suppressing his lips. Avni made a face and Neil made an innocent face. Avni smiled.

Avni: ok, you go and have your breakfast. I am coming after finishing my work.

Avni turned and resumed her work. Neil pulled off the tape and took the vessel from Avni. Avni got surprised.

Avni: Neil.

Neil held Avni's hand.

Neil: first, you come with me and sit with me so I have my breakfast.

Neil took Avni from there. Avni smiled. They came to the living area and sat on the couch. Neil passed a sandwich to Avni who had a bit and then she fed Neil. Neil had breakfast while talking with Avni.

After that, they were sitting on the couch.

Neil: by the way, Avni, I really didn't understand why you behaved that way? Why you reacted?

Avni: because I feel only I have the right on you. When I saw that girl passing a flying kiss to you, I felt a fire run in my heart and body.

Neil was shocked. Avni looked at Neil.

Neil: I can't bear anyone looking at you the way I see you.

Neil: but Avni, we can't stop people looking at us. If any girl flirts with me then it doesn't mean that I am also interested in her. We can't control people so let them do what they want and you do your work. Just ignore them.

Avni was looking at him.

Avni: if any boy was there at that girl's place then what would you have done?

Neil got surprised.

Avni: you would have ignored them and moved from there.

Neil was looking at Avni.

Avni: if tomorrow, a boy misbehaves with me or passes comments at me then what will you do, you will ignore it.

Neil got angry.

Neil: I will kill that bastard.

Avni was looking at Neil and Neil got shocked to realize what he said.

Avni: if you do it then it is right and if I do then it is wrong... why this partiality?

Neil was shocked. Neil lowered his gaze and thought. Neil looked at Avni who was looking at him. Avni lowered her gaze. Avni was about to get up. Neil held Avni's hand and Avni looked at the hands then she looked at Neil who was sitting bowing his head. Avni sat back and she also bowed her head. Avni kept her hand on Neil's hand. Neil looked at the hands and then he looked at Avni with moist eyes. Neil cupped Avni's face with one hand and Avni looked at Neil.

Neil: Avni, I am really, very, very, very sorry.

Avni shook her head.

Neil: I said sorry because I felt, I was rude with you and hurt you but now I understand your point why you reacted that way. Please, forgive me, Avni. Please.

Avni cupped Neil's face.

Avni: I have already forgiven you.

Neil looked at Avni emotionally.

Avni: I am sorry too. I should not react that way.

Neil shook his head.

Avni: I also hurt you.

Neil hugged her and Avni also reciprocated the hug. Avni closed her eyes.

Neil: I love you, Avni.

A tear fell from Avni's eye.

Avni: I love you too, Neil.

They took a sigh of relief and then smiled.

Later, Avni was washing the vessels and Neil was standing holding her waist from behind. Avni smiled.

Avni: what are you doing here? Go and sit there. I am just coming.

Neil: what I am doing with you?
Nothing. I am just standing here that's it.

Avni smiled and shook her head. Neil smiled to see Avni.