The day of the event had arrived. The event was to start at 10.30 in the morning. Avni unusually got up early that morning being too nervous. Neil slowly opened his eyes sensing Avni getting up from the bed. Neil tugged her hand behind and pulled her back on the bed.

Neil: Tensed?

Avni: Thoda sa.

Neil: Yaar. You should learn from my wife. She is the bravest woman I have ever met in my life.

Avni(smiled): Acha?

Neil: Yep. Come, I will make you meet her. Yahan dekho?

Avni: Kahan?

Neil pulled her closer and signalled to his eyes.

Neil: My eyes. Do you see a face in my eyes?

Avni: Yes. Who is that?

Neil: She is my wife. My lifeline. My soulmate. Wo meri rooh me basti hai. She is the part and parcel of my life. Aur tumhi tho kehti ho na ki Neil Khanna se judi har baath me confidence hothi hai. Tum bhi tho mujhse judi ho pagal..

Avni smiled with tears in her eyes. She bent down and kissed him slightly on his eyes.

Avni: Thank you.

Neil: Any time my girl.

Avni: I love you.

Neil: I love you too. Now, sleep for some more time. Fresh hone ke baad, mujhe sunana jo bhi gaane wali ho tum. Sunaogi na?

Avni: Nahi.

Neil: Why??

Avni: Surprise hai Neil. That is why I have been practising without letting you hear anything.

Neil: Kaisa surprise?

Avni: You will see.

Neil(with a puppy face): Okay! I will see.

They hugged and slept for some more time. After an hour or so, they got up and freshened up. When Avni came out of the bathroom, Neil stood there with a packet in his hands.

Avni: What is this?

Neil: Now.. Its a special day wifey. You have to look special too.

He opened the packet and there was a navy blue saree with silver border studded with glittery stones. It was beautiful and Avni longed to wear it.
Avni extended her hands to take the saree to wear and Neil withdrew it. Avni looked at him questioningly.

Neil: Mujhe pehnana hai..

Avni: SAREE?? Mazak math karo Neil.

Neil: Koi mazak nahi kar raha hun main. I want to make you wear this. Apne hathon se.. Tum aaj busy rahogi. But even then, I want you to feel me all day long...

Avni stood amazed at the extent to which Neil loved her. Her heart thudded in a "yes". But nothing came out of her mouth. Neil went close behind her and started removing the saree which she already wore. He slowly pulled off her blouse and Avni closed her eyes in tension. He turned her towards him and slowly made her wear the silver sleeveless blouse which he got for her. Avni opened her eyes only to find her Neil with eyes calmly closed. She felt overwhelmed with emotions and a smile crept over her face. Neil opened his eyes and made her face the mirror. He started draping her saree in utmost concentration. He made neat pleats of her pallu and pinned it up carefully on her left shoulder making sure of not hurting her. He then started pleating her front pleats patiently. Avni stared at that innocent face like that of a child examining his valuable toys. He stood up and tugged those front pleats into her waist. She shrudded and shivered under his touch. He clearly knew what effect he had on her. He had also got her a silver kamarbandh which enhanced her beautiful curves. He placed it around her waist and bent down to hook it properly with his teeth. He slowly bit its hook to tighten it up. His teeth brushed against her soft skin on her waist. She fumbled backwards carried away in unexplained sensations. He caught her from falling at once.

Neil: Kya hua?

Avni: Neil.. I love you.

Neil: But I love you more.

He kissed her softly on her forehead. She got ready and went down with him to meet everyone. They reached the event hall within 15 minutes. She reported at the desk. The stage was large and beautifully set up to create a soothing ambience.

Someone intently watched over AvNeil with the entire family. Everybody was busy in cheering her up and boosting her confidence. Neil held her hand tightly assuring her to be confident. Evil eyes pondered over them and smirked in determination. Soon, Avni's name was called out to perform next. She started and walked over to the stage and then stopped midway to look at Neil.

Neil blew her a flying kiss and a thumbs up. A mysterious figure moved near to the stage just then..