Neil didn't return home that night. When avni came in she found the apartment empty. It was just what she had dreaded. But she kept her calm.

DD had called and informed her of what was up. Avni was grateful to DD for this. He was loyal indeed and he chose sides well.

Neil came in the next morning. He looked unshaven and in a really bad shape. As he walked in avni woke up. She sat in the bed and looked as he came in. Then something inside her melted.

She walked upto Neil and gave him a glass of water. Neil looked at Avni unbelieving, and a bit dazed. She guessed he hadn't slept the entire night. As per DD he wasn't at the station so that meant he had gone off somewhere, troubled.

Avni -"ye kya haal Bana rakha hai devdas jaisa"(Why are u looking like a grievibg lover)

Neil looked at her. Was avni still in a good mood?! He had expected her to be angry, sad, in a bad shape. And seriously speaking he had dreaded facing her. But here she was, bubbly and normal.

Neil -"tum to normal dikh rahi ho"(You're looking normal)

Avni -"haan. Main awara raat mein sadkon pe nahi ghoomti na."(Yes I can't roam about roads at night like a vagabond)

Neil smiled or rather have the faint hint of a ghostly smile.

Avni took him to the washroom and said -"muh dhoke hi nikalna. I don't need to see a devdas. "(wash your face and come then only)

And neil nodded and went inside. Once he closed the door avni let a tears escape her eyes. She was breaking. She couldn't let Neil see that. She could not be selfish. She scolded herself for being weak and wiped off her tear.

When neil came out avni said -"ye lo. Kuch khaake so jao. "(here. Eat some tjing and sleep)

Neil was still stunned -"avni. Tum jaanti ho na what has happened. Phir tum mere liye itna kuch.."(You know what happened? Then why are you doing so much for me)

Avni-"haan to! You were my friend Neil. You still are. I know things might... Change. I mean I don't know what will happen. But I'll be your friend Neil..". And then she went quiet. Lying beyond this would not be possible for her. So she remained quiet.

Neil ate and then slept. And he slept for long. That evening they had the house warming ceremony. After which avni and neil were moving in the new house with the khanna family. And juhi was to live with them...

Avni knew this. But she didn't mention it to neil. Nor did he mention it to her...