CHAPTER 5 : "Poha.!"

Avni was hell bent on redefining the word "Determination"

And that was clearly evident in her strenous Hard Work she has been putting for Another Championship to be held moths away, right from here.

Its not even a week since she is back after Proudly hosting Our Nations Flag to Mountanious Heights, defeating all other Contestants from Asia. It seemed as if She has taken all the Burden on her dainty shoulders, to earn a Recognition, not just for Herself but for the Underrated Sport she has choosen to be in.

Her thirst for Win was unquenching, making the girl to push herself beyond her limits. But Human Body do function within some frontier, unlike Her courage and determination, breaching of which can lead to some serious Repurcussions.

Unsurprisingly, Her Body gave away. The result of which was her present condition, pale face, weakened muscles and eyes loosing their sparkle, lying lifelessly on her bed with a limp body. Even after Her condition, the charm of her smile, never faded away.

She has taken a few days off from practice to have a proper rest and give some healing time to her body, as adviced by Institute's Doctor.

Going by her persona of looking a Glass from half filled instead of half empty perception, she effortlessly managed to extract some Best Things out of her Unpleasant situation too. So typical of Avni.!!

The Best thing was some Leniency in stringently inflexible Rules of her Institute regarding Meeting and Living with their Family Members. That exactly explains the Phone call of manifestly concerned and secretly happy Neela Maa regarding her visit, who was allowed to meet her sick daughter along with a liberty of staying with her for a day.

While the Other Better thing was, an obvious caring and pampering Response from her Secret Admirer, who zipped up, everybody's flung opened mouth, in Aww with his Overtly Cute and Hearttouching Gesture.

That was nothing else than his Another Note, this Morning, accompanied by A delicious platter of Avni's Favourite Breakfaste, she secretly was craving for at that moment. No brownie Points to guess that it was Poha.!!

Avni reached out to that now accustomed envelope with the same scripted "Avni" on it, to read it again, with a shy and appreciative smile dancing along her lips.

"Avni,

I hope This Will Prevent You from Landing Up in Hospital Bed, with that specific pout Of You, which By the way suits You.

Stop Pushing Yourself Beyond Limits.!

Get well soon.!

Always thinking about You.!

Your
Secret Admirer."

No matter how many times she read those notes, the effect remains the same Her smile remains the same, the Tickling of her heart remains the same.

On other side, The Secret Admirer's fan list was on a continous hike, as the news spread like a Forest Fire in IICA too, along with other colleges in the vicinity. As if the Judo Players werent enough.

Avni was not just a simple athelete Anymore, she was a Celebrity, a Brand. And so how can her Secret Admirer remain unfamous. Infact he was grabbing more Limelight and Gossip sessions than Avni herself. In such a short time, he has undoubtedly became the talk of the town. Only the publishing of the news of his existence was left.

There stood her secret Admirer near the gate of IICA, secretly enjoying the Discussions of A bunch of chefs which were centred around him. His lips Invoulntarily curved up in a content smile when one of the girl mentioned that Avni is indeed Lucky to have Him in her life.

Avni was deeply engrossed in Some sort of similar thoughts when the gently pressed lips on her forehead and a caressing touch on her hairs broke her reverie. She doesnt need any genius to affirm her Mother's touch as That was something which was deeply and permanently carved inside her.

Avni turned to see a Teary Eyed Neela Maa flashing her toothy grin, standing with a lided steel box in her hand, the contents of which werent a surprise for Avni. She mentally face palmed at the conicidence and cant resist to register the Extent to which Her Secret Admirer Understands her and Know her. His thoughts werent an inch away from her Mother.

Neela flaunted the box in air but soon missed the Usual gleam in Avni's eyes that the box used to bring. That compelled her to dig Avni Regarding the Reason for the same.

Avni hinted through her raised brow and chin towards a half eaten plate of Poha resting on her side table which caught Neela off guard.

Soon Avni filled Her Mother with all the major incidents her Life has endured, including the awkwad bitter one in name of Ali's unprecedented Proposal. The Secret Admirer's mention and his efforts Brought out the Best charming smile on Neela's face, reflecting the one from her Daughter's face.

Neela couldnt restraint herself from tasteing the Poha this known stranger has left for her Avni.

"Avni, This is the Exact Recepie You Specifically Love. A little more of Raw Coriander, less of Turmeric powder with a tinge of sugar. This is the Perfect Poha." Neela stated bewildered.

As if it was a surprise to Avni. Hell she knows it. Not just the Poha but every other food item has a Personal touch and Taste to her liking.

"Hands Down, He knows you better than Me too." Neil admitted defeatedly earning a chuckle from Avni.

"I know Maa, But What i dont Know is Who is he.? Is He Ali.? Trying to impress me.?" Avni voiced her doubt to Neela.

"Ali? Ho hi nahi sakta! I've met all your friends Avni & I know that Ali is not the kind to do such gestures. He does not have the patience to plan such elaborate & multiple treats for his lover!" concluded Neela maa harshly!

"Tell me who else is on that list of yours?", she asked imperiously. Avni meekly listed all the names her friends & DD sir had compiled till date!

With a furrowed brow Neela enquired, "Neil? What about Neil?". "He didn't make the cut!", muttered Avni.

With an exasperated sigh Neela continued, "but baccha, among all your other male friends I find Neil to be the only one who will go above & beyond for the people he loves!"

"The food gifts & the notes that you are receiving are too personal! A lot of thought & planning has gone into it! The aim of all this is to make you happy! This shows care, concern, and love...that's why my money is on Neil!"

Avni, who wasnt considering Neil even as the last person to do all these, was enforced to think deeply. Neela's words mandate her to register, there wasnt any reason to not exclude Neil from the list of supposed or Apparent Faces behind those Notes. Yes.! He can also be the one.

"IF this is the case, I will have to Test Neil.!" Avni thought with a curios deterimined expression.!

To be Continued..

______________________________________

So Janta Ka kya Vichaar hai.?

Tell me Who Agrees with Neela Maa.

Love
Riyal