Please vote and comment.

Chapter 04:

Happiness increases by sharing and sorrow decreases by sharing.

It was the time of night, the moon was shining in the sky and peeped into Avni’s living area from the window. Avni and Neil were sitting on the couches. Avni was sitting on the single couch which was kept at the side keeping her legs up and Neil was sitting on the long couch. Avni was thinking something and Neil was looking at her.

Avni was sitting by keeping her hands on her knee. Neil was waiting for her to say something. Avni was in a dilemma about whether she should tell Neil about her painful childhood or not. Her heart was asking her to say and her mind was stopping her. After fighting with her inner soul for so long finally she decided that she will tell Neil about her past as her heart wanted it. Her heart won from her mind. Avni was still sitting in the same position.

Avni: when I was a kid, (Neil looked at Avni) my father went away from us leaving us alone in this cruel world.

Neil bowed his head and was listening to Avni.

Avni: My mama and pa…

Neil looked at Avni.

Avni: I mean, that man’s marriage was loved one. My grandmother was against their marriage so she broke all ties with them even my mother’s brother also didn’t want any relationship with my mom. Everything was good at the beginning but then… When I was a kid, my father was used to visit us frequently but slowly he reduced his visits and then he just vanished…

Neil felt bad. Avni's eyes got moist.

Avni: I was ten years old when I got to know that Mr. Ashish Mehta has left my mother for another lady and the funniest part is he didn’t give divorce to my mother because he thought, he has the only right on her.

Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: isn’t it funny?

Neil looked down.

Avni: My mother didn’t want any relationship with that man but she was helpless because she had not enough money to file a divorce case against him. Mr. Mehta belonged to a powerful family and we belonged to a middle-class family. Agar kisi tarha se woh paise arrange kar bhi leti to bhi jo paise unhe alimony ki surat main milte woh un paison ke samne kam parte jo woh case per kharch karti kyun ke ek baar jab yahan case shuru hota hai to banda khatam ho jata hai lekin case khatam nahi hota (By any chance, if she would arrange the money and filed the case then also the money she would get in the form of alimony would be less in front of the money she spent on the case because once a case start here then the person ends but the case does not end).

Neil looked down.

Avni: so, she dropped that idea and left her case in the court of God.

Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: I have hurt my mother very much. Do you know how?

Neil looked at Avni.

Avni: I was used to asking her about my so-called father. Whenever I asked her about him, she said, your father is a superhero, he went to save the world like Superman.

Neil was surprised to know how she can even do that. The man who spoiled her life she was portraying him as a hero in her daughter’s eyes. Well, that is a mother who can do anything for her children.

Avni: In the beginning years of my life, I was used to believing her stories but as time passed, I started asking her questions because kids made fun of me. The kids and neighbour said ill words about me and my mother. How could I bear bad words about my mama so I asked her to make me talk to him.

Avni kept her hair behind her ear.

Avni: she even called that man but he…

Avni got angry.

Avni: he didn’t receive the call.

Avni fumed and Neil felt bad.

Avni: when I got to know about the truth. I was heartbroken but I decided that from now I will not hurt my mother and will not let others hurt her.

Avni smiled while thinking.

Avni: I and Mama became the support system of each other. Again everything became good even the best. We were happy with each other. We didn’t need anyone else in our life neither we want anyone. I and Mama, we both were enough of each other. Everything was going well but… then…

Fresh tears formed in Avni’s eyes.

Avni: one day, she left me…

Neil stretched his back looking at Avni. Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: she left me alone in this cruel world.

Neil felt bad to see Avni.

Avni: it was an accident. We were coming back home after buying groceries and a car came in high speed and…

Avni stopped.

Avni: everything happened in a bit of a moment that I couldn’t understand what happened. I closed my eyes and heard the scream of my mama. When I opened her eyes, I saw a car stop and then it started and they flew away. It was a hit-and-run case.

Neil was shocked.

Avni: I looked down and saw my mama in immense pain. I sat down. People gathered there. I called my Mama but she was in pain. I asked people for help but no one helped me.

Neil was shocked. Avni got angry recalling that day.

Avni: they just stood there like statues and watch the free show.

Neil felt bad.

Avni: I asked them please help us. Please do something. Somebody help, please. I bagged to them. I scream for help but no one came forward for our help.

Neil was shocked.

Avni: my Mama was wincing in pain.

Avni looked at her hand: she held my hand and called me…bacha...
Neil was feeling bad and he felt a pinch in her heart.
Avni: I asked her mama, mama, mujhe akele chor kar mat jana. Mama ne kaha bacha main kahin nahi jaa rahi tumhe chor kar. Main yahin hun. Main hamesha tumhare sath rahungi tumhare dil main (don't go leaving me alone here... mama said, Child, I am not going anywhere leaving you. I am here only. I will always be with you in your heart).

Avni panicked.

Avni: and, and then she, she started panting.

Neil looked at Avni and got worried.

Avni: and, and she, she went.

Avni looked at Neil.

Avni: she went leaving me here alone. I couldn't be able to save her.

Avni kept her head on her hand on the knee and cried.

Avni: I couldn't be able to save her. I couldn't be able to save her.

Neil got up and came to Avni. Neil sat beside Avni on the single couch. Neil kept his hand on Avni's hand. Avni was crying.

Neil: Hey, Avni.

Avni was crying.

Neil: Please, don't cry yaar... Avniii...

Neil held Avni's arm and pulled her to him. Neil hugged Avni.

Neil: ssshhhhh…

Avni kept her arm on Neil’s shoulder and cried. Neil looked at Avni and took away the hair which was on Avni's face. Neil kept the hair behind Avni's ear and cupped Avni’s face with one hand.

Neil: hey, please stop crying.

Neil wiped Avni’s tears and kissed Avni's forehead. Avni felt like Neil applied ointment to her wound. She felt her heart light and looked at Neil who was looking at her. Avni raised her head and Avneil was lost in the eyes of each other. Neil looked at Avni's lips. Avni parted her lips unknowingly and Neil gulped. Neil leaned to Avni's lip who closed her eyes and waited for him to claim her lips. Neil kissed Avni and they lost in the moment. Avni tightens the grip on Neil’s shoulder.

They heard the doorbell and came back to reality. They looked at the door and then they looked at each other and were shocked when they realized what they did. Avni and Neil avoided eye contact. Avni wiped her upper lips and Neil ran his hand through his hair. Neil wiped his mouth. They again heard the doorbell.

Avni went to open the door and saw a courier man. Avni signed and took the parcel. She had ordered some things. Avni came back and saw Neil standing. Avni and Neil avoided eye contact. Avni went to the couch and kept the parcel there and sat. Neil looked at Avni and he thought. Neil came to Avni and sat on the large couch but this time near Avni. Both were looking down because of awkwardness.

Neil’s phone rang and they looked at Neil’s jeans. Neil took out his phone and saw DD’s number.

Neil: hello… yeah, DD.

Neil heard the other side.

Neil: ok, I am coming.

Avni looked at Neil who also looked at her. Avni looked away. Neil cut the call and looked at Avni. Neil thought.

Neil: I, I… I have to go. A case has been reported…
Avni heard but she didn’t look at Neil. Neil waited for Avni’s reply.

Avni: hmm.

Neil looked at Avni and then he looked down. Neil got up and went from there hurriedly. Avni was looking at him. Avni thought.

Later, Neil was standing near the window keeping his hands in his trousers pocket, and was looking at the moon. Neil recalled the moment when he kissed Avni. Neil was not guilty for kissing Avni but he was worried that what if Avni broke her friendship with him.

Neil: the moment when my lips touched your lips, I felt like I have conquered the world because my world is only you. I felt myself the most luckiest man of this world because I am the first guy in your life who has kissed you… and I hope in fact I will make sure that I will be last… only I have the right on you… I love you, Avni, I really do.
Neil smiled and then something struck his mind.

Neil: Avni, I know today in the heat of the moment, I lost my control and kissed you but I am not guilty of that. Not at all. Not a bit.

Neil paused.

Neil: I just hope that it will not create any difference in our friendship. I hope you will not misunderstand me.

Neil sighed and thought.

Neil: I should talk to Avni about it.

Neil nodded and saw the time. It shows 11 0’ clock.

Neil: should I call her now? Isn’t it too late?

Neil thought.

Neil: I will talk to Avni tomorrow.

Neil nodded and sighed. Neil ran his hand through his hair.

On the other side, Avni was sitting on the bed in her room and was thinking about Neil.

Avni: Don’t know, what was he thinking about me? How can you do that, Avni? How can you kiss… kiss him?

Avni thought.

Avni: but I was not the one who kissed in fact he kissed me… but you let him kiss you.

Avni thought.

Avni: but he kissed me so why would he think ill about me? and why I am not feeling guilty.

Avni got frustrated.

Avni: Avni, what are you thinking all this? Don’t forget your life’s motto. Don’t forget what you had decided. Your life’s motto is you will not fall in love with anyone. You will not get in anyone’s trap and will not marry anyone. You will not lose your heart to anyone and let him play with your heart.

Avni thought.

Avni: but Neil is not like other men. He is not like Ashish Mehta.

Avni thought.

Avni: no, all men are the same. Don’t get weak. Don’t.

Avni nodded. Avni thought.

Avni: I should maintain a distance from him.

Avni nodded. A tear fell from Avni’s eye and Avni wiped it.

The next day, Neil was calling Avni. The ring was going.

Neil: why she is not picking up my call since morning?

Neil cut the call and again dialed Avni’s number.

Neil: Avni, pick up the phone. Please pick up the phone.

On the other side, Avni was sitting on the couch in the living area and her phone was ringing on the table. Avni was looking at her phone sadly and her eyes were moist.

Avni: why are you calling me again and again? Don’t you understand that I don’t want to talk to you.

Avni looked away while crying and gulped. The call cut. Avni looked at the phone sadly and it again rang.

Avni: stop it, Neil. Please, stop it. It is hurting. Please stop it.

Avni cried.

On the other side, the call cut, and Neil was worried for Avni. Neil thought and got shocked.

Neil: kahin usay kuch ho na gaya ho. (what if something has happened to her.)

Neil was shocked.

Neil: she was upset last night and had cried a lot what if she has gotten ill.

Neil got shocked.

Neil: I should not leave her alone last night like this. Neil, this is not the time
to think about it, go and check on her.

Neil looked around and saw his car’s keys on the table. Neil stuffed his phone in his pocket while going to the table and took the car’s key. Neil went from there.

Neil came to his car and he opened his car’s door and got in his car. Neil started the car and drove to Avni.

On the way, Neil called Avni again and again but no answer. Neil ran his hand through his hair and sighed. Neil got worried. Soon, Neil reached Avni’s home and rang the doorbell. Neil looked here and there and then he looked down and his eyes fell on the lock hanging at the door. Neil was shocked to see it and held it.

Neil: locked. But where can she go at this time?

Neil thought and caught his hair then he got an idea that where can Avni go. Neil sighed.

Neil: she must have gone to the office.

Neil shook his head and sighed.

Neil: Neil, you think too much.

Neil sighed and looked at the lock. Neil held the lock in his hand and then left it. Neil turned but he was looking back at the door. Neil started to go from there unwantedly. Neil turned and came down a few stairs and then he came to his car and got in it. Neil again looked at the door.

Neil took out his phone from his pocket and he thought to send a message to Avni.

Neil wrote: Avni, I want to meet you. Can we meet today?

Neil thought and sent to message. Neil kept the phone there and started the car. Neil was on the way and his phone beeped so he stopped his car at the side and took the phone.

Avni: sorry, not possible. I am very busy today.

Neil got disappointed and hurt. Neil replied ok. Neil thought.

On the other side, Avni was sitting at her desk and her phone was in her hands. Avni looked sad. The whole day, Avni and Neil didn’t talk.

It was the time of the night, Neil was standing in his room holding his phone in his hand.

Neil: what?

Avni has sent a message to him.

Avni’s message: I am going out of town for some days. I have some important work.

Neil got angry and threw his phone on the bed.

Neil: you have some important work or you are ignoring me.

Neil was panting so he sighed running his hand through his hair and his eyes were closed. Neil fumed and was upset with Avni.

Neil dialed Avni’s number day and night but Avni’s number was constantly off. It was the time of the night, Neil was again standing in his room and Avni’s number was again off. Neil grinned his teeth and cut the call.

Neil: fine, now I will also not call you.

Neil threw his phone on the bed and looked away in anger. Neil looked at his phone and then again he looked away.
Neil thought that now he will not call Avni but he couldn’t resist himself from calling her.

Two days passed and Avni’s number was off constantly.

One day, Neil was sitting in the café and looking at Avni’s picture.

Neil: when will you come love? Now I can’t wait anymore please come back soon.

Neil smiled.

Vidyut and KK were standing in the café and they looked at Neil who was standing away from them and was looking at his phone.

Vidyut: now what should we do of this Romeo?

Vidyut and KK looked at each other and smiled at Neil.

Neil was looking at Avni’s picture and was smiling seeing it.

Avni came back on that day only. Avni was standing in her living area and was talking on the phone.

Avni: KK, I am sorry, I can’t come.

KK: Please, Avni, it’s my birthday.

Avni: KK… KK, I have to go office. Already, I have taken two days leave now I can’t take leave.

KK; don’t worry, the party is after office hours in fact, it is at night.

Avni: KK.

KK cuts her words.

KK: you are coming means you are coming that’s it.

Avni was about to say but KK cut the call.

Vidyut was standing with KK in the café.

Vidyut: what she said?

KK: she refused.

Vidyut and KK got worried and Neil heard them because he was standing behind them at some distance. Neil thought.

On the other side, Avni was still standing at her place and was thinking. Avni’s phone beeped and she saw Neil’s message. Avni opened the message.

Avni read: you go to the party. Don’t worry about me, I will not come.

Avni got sad and she thought.

It was the time of the night, Avni reached the café and she saw that café is decorated beautifully with lights, flowers, and balloons.

Avni looked around and there was no sign of any human being.

Avni: KK. KK. KK. Vidyut.

Avni thought.

Avni: do I have come to the wrong address? KK told me the address of this café and also sent me the address of here.

Avni took out her phone from her clutch and she saw the message.

Avni: yes, the address is of here then… have I come earlier?

Avni thought.