Thanks guys for the love and attention to this book. Would also request you guys to read Avneil- off roads to trust and share the insight.

He just sat there and slept in the sitting position.

After a while Avni woke up to see Neil trying to adjust himself to get accustomed to the position. Not wanting to bother him she sat beside him to give him the support.

She was thinking about the last few days. Indeed she agrees that she is not a cut out for family material. The one sitting beside doesn't know what he is upto. Being liked is an honour but nothing else can be more than that.

She is going to serve for the UN association in the country of Africa. There had been an outbreak of contagious diseases and the medical staff is needed the most.

Most of the doctors who were requested had denied and Avni decided to step in. It was indeed a dream for her to serve in such programmes but at the same time she can't completely deny that she is running away again. They require the aid for 6 months.

She knows once the people know about it, it's gonna be a shock for them. She is very scared at the moment unable to decide among her and Neil. If she chooses herself that means she has to bear the responsibility of the uncertain future.

Whereas if she is choosing Neil means she will have to give up on everything for the time being until he can move on.

It is a sad irony no matter how strong a person can be there still will be times when they still have to give in to the situations.

She caressed his face for a while. Admired him as much as she can. Clicked a picture as a souvenir. Since he was asleep he accidentally held her by the waist. Not able to get out of his grip, she remained in the same position for a while.

She has to make sure that no one is exactly aware of the status that she is a part of such a programme.

Soon she too slept in the same position.

In the morning,

Neil was the first to wake up only to realise that he held her in his sleep. Slowly removing his grip around her waist. He looked at the beautiful face.

There was a sweet smile on his face when he realised that she stayed in that position so his sleep was not disturbed.

He wanted to be of some help post his encounter with her trauma. He was satisfied with just a small step of hers. The journey is long but still it's a huge win if she even budges a bit.

Not wanting to miss out on the opportunity he quickly takes the picture of the two. With a goofy smile he sat there so that her sleep was uninterrupted.

Although with such frequent movements Avni too was awake but did not want to make it obvious so she kept the same position.

She could see him smiling and maybe taking this as her first move. Little did he know what she is upto.

She slowly woke up so he is rather not surprised.

Neil- good morning!

Avni-( looks at him with frown) Good Morning. You were still here? I asked you to go back.

Neil- I will but not that soon. Yesterday you needed someone by your side and now even before your eyes are full awake you are pushing me away. What's the logic?

Avni-what else? You might think this is fun but to me it's not. Why want to do anything such and give you false hope?

Neil-(frowns) so you mean that yesterday you slept like this with me meant nothing?

Avni- what else? How can I let anyone sleep like that taking care of me?

Neil-(slight possessive) so you mean if it would be anyone instead of me, you would have done the same thing?

Avni-(in mind) no...never.
Yes! I don't like bothering people.

Neil-be it karan or Ali?

Avni-(thinks him mad) yes!

Neil-(like a small child) no...nope . This can't work like this. You need to keep this exclusively with me. No one is allowed to hang out with you in night.

Avni-(irritated) and why is that so? Mein kuch bhi karun why does it matter you?

Neil- because it matters. The end no more discussion. You need to get ready,your shift is early morning and still you have all the time to defend those boys.

Looks at the time and runs quickly to get ready.

She thought that he might have gone but looking that he is setting the table for breakfast she looks at him.

Avni- Hey! Leave all this. You should have gone to your home and take rest until your day starts.

Neil- my day has already started and about me going home? That would be once I am seeing you off to the hospital.

Avni- dude! I am an adult human being with two legs to be on my own. I don't need you to help me go to hospital. Also stop all of your acts, people feel you are insane.

Neil- then let them feel. I am really insanely in love with you. ( While giving her the food) You will definitely have some hard time which I can't control as my charm is such that girls might feel jealous about me giving you all the attention.

Avni-please(makes a bad face) keep all your attention with yourself or give it to Dia she will like it and reciprocate ten times of it.

Neil- immediately makes a serious face when dia is mentioned.

Neil- she has expectations because we are family friends and nothing else.

Avni-(murmurs) yes! For you it's nothing but for her?

Neil-(could not make what she said) speak loudly. Kya bol rhi ho?

Avni -(fakely smiles) nothing. Thank you for the meal. I will take your leave. Bye!

Only a bite from the meal is what she meant by it and Neil made her sit to complete the breakfast.

Avni- i can't eat so many things. I am not a brekfast person.

Neil - your nutrition is anyways less and here you are complaining that you can't eat. Are you mad?

Avni-(nods and makes face while eating) itna khana mein pure din mein khati hu. Let me pack this, I will go to hospital and eat that.

Neil nods no and asks her to eat else he can feed her. Quickly grabbing the bites she forcefed herself. Once she was done and thought to leave. He got her the bag and coat.

She looked visibility surprised as she has seen them in movies but happening with her was next to impossible.

She took them from him quite surprised and was about to leave.

Neil-wait let me drop you to hospital.

Avni- no! really. I am capable to go on my own. You need to finally go to your house.

Neil-( nods no) not until I drop you to hospital.

Avni- oh God! You know what? Just be your old self. This one is very creepy and makes me feel suffocated.

Neil-( comes closer to her but not like yesterday) why? Are you falling for that?

Avni -(smiles awkward) why will I fall for that? It's just so out of your character. The last thing I want is people gawking at me

Neil- it's good that people finally will think of me as a human and be happy for you. Not to forget praise you as well.

Avni- ( closes her eyes with pity) please buddy! What is wrong with you? Can't you just be calm and relaxed like your old self?

Neil-I can but only when you can explain me the reason why can't you be the normal self around me?

Avni went quiet as she knows that it is not possible for her to answer that question. She has planned to go away for a while so that he can move on from her and yet here he is trying to stir something here. Good enough to make her flutter.

Getting irritated with her silent face

Neil- see this is why I can't be myself. The moment I ask you something or discuss something about us , you go all silent. I see you want to run away from this feeling but when I know it is somewhere mutual then why not give it a try?

Avni- ( looks at him seriously) this is where you are mistaken. I am not having any feelings for anyone atleast for the coming future. Love, relationship and family they never existed in my life nor I want them to ever exist. You have a great family, friends and now a buddy as well. All you should be doing is living your life happily instead of trying to fix mine. My life is great no matter how it is and I am now at peace with it. Stop meddling in all this unnecessarily.

Neil- ( scoffs at her words) your life, your future and nothing else? Since when have you become a coward to not face the situation? The one I met was a myth or the one standing here is a pretense. No one can be this hopeless as you are being.

Yes I am pushing you, meddling your life, messing with you but did that ever crossed your mind that I really want to be with you? Things can be changed or faced together. A person with a lost zeal will never be able to make it up for all this.

In the quest to find you, I don't know what else can be done. At least here I am trying to do something rather than you who is completely lost faith in yourself.

With that he left with the coat in his hand and asked her to come out. He would be still dropping her back to hospital.

Once he left, Avni's legs gave away and she had to sit for a while to maintain her composure. She could not help but feel his sincere love for her. She has the right to let her heart flutter afterall she too is a human. She took a few minutes to compose herself and went out to see him waiting for her.

She quietly sat there and he drove to the hospital. He was angry but at the same time for some reason could not take it out on her. All he did was sigh before she came and then kept a stoic face.

She was fidgeting with her dress out of her old habit when she is nervous. He did noticed that but ignored it royally.

Soon the hospital arrived and she got off at once. Not waiting for her to greet him for the day, he left. She saw him leaving with a small face but then maintained the composure. While going in she met Karan. Yes he is now talking but only to know if there was anything else happening. Looking at the small unsaid interaction between them he could not contain himself.

Karan-  what was that?

Avni- what?

Karan- how come Neil came to drop you today?

Avni- he is mad nothing else.

Karan- enough with your incomplete answers. Can you be more specific?

Avni- yesterday he came to visit me and I had a panic attack so he stayed back. Today he was there so he came all the way here to drop me.

Karan- so you still manage to panic?(Sarcastically)

Avni contemplated about whether or not to tell him about her departure. That's when she felt karan shaking her out of her reverie.

Karan- stop your daydreaming. Tell me what are you thinking?

Without much a thought he was dragged by Avni to their hideout place.

Reaching there he was expecting her to say something but she looked at the open sky sighing to herself.

Karan- ab bolegi kuch? Ya aise hi?

Avni- ek baat bata? Agar ek aisi cheez ho jo tujhe bin bataye karni ho to tu kya karega?

Karan- ye sab cheez mein karta hu, tu kabse ye sab mein sochne lagi?

Avni- mujhe ek cheez karni hai lekin karne ke pehle ka drama mujhe nhi chahiye. Ab iske liye do option hai mere paas ya to mein bina bataye karu ya phir kisiko batake rakhu taki emotional drama na ho.

Karan- option to barabar hai lekin tera case different hota hai. Chote mote kaam se kuch nhi hota but tu damake karte rehti hai. Aur mujhe tu idhar laayi isiliye hai ki tu mujhe bali ka bakra banane wali hai?

Avni- (makes an upset face) jaa ...go... Nhi chale jaa. Tujhse kuch nhi hoga.

Karan- kaun kehta hai mein kuch nhi kar sakta? Mein chahu to kuch bhi kar lu lekin mujhe karna nhi hai.

Avni- mein Africa jaa rhi hu.

Karan- aur mein Antarctica. Kaisa laga mera mazak?

Avni looks at him with a grim expression which he now took it seriously.

Karan- you signed up to stay there for 6 months?

Avni nods.

Karan- are you mad? And you planned on doing so without telling anyone? You are either brave or stupid. Who goes there when you are aware that what type of situation is there.

Avni- someone still has to! I might not be a soldier or war professional but still i am a medical expert who can help the one in need.

Karan- all your reasonings are justified but tell me one thing is this the only reason? Why it feels something odd

Avni- everytime for some good work there should not be anything at odd. Since there was a chance, i applied and got selected as simple as that.

Karan- (faceplams himself and sighs) and you don't want others to know as they would be worried. So instead you are informing that to me. Great! So you will be gone without any trace.

Avni - what's so bad about it? Before going shall I be trying to calm people or prepare for the materials which would be needed there?

Karan - so you mean the people who are worried hold no importance for you?

Avni-(sighs) do i really need to answer that? No like really it's you Karan. You still want me to answer that question for you?

Karan- what else does that mean if not this? Yes! You want to go and you are going but than what are friends for? What about your family? Does Aman and Riya know that you are leaving? It seems that leaving all this while isolated you really have completely lost it. Fine! You want me to keep this secret until you leave will do cause that's what friends are for. But for what happens next is not my responsibility. Make sure you are at least keeping Ali informed.

With that he left without any further talks. She sighed as she knows she will have to handover her work and none other than Ali would be the one who can help.

Everyone continued the routine as it is and were occupied. Finally it was the day end and both Avni and Ali were free at the same time. One look at Avni's face and anyone could say she is tired. Ali was wanting to speak to them but had no chance. He decided to walk Avni to the hostel.

Ali-(grabs her bag) let's walk.

Avni- (smiles and starts to walk) how's your day?

Ali- it was good. What did you do that you are so tired?

Avni- (pouts) nothing big. Just a general day. Leave that tell me whats up with you guys? I haven't been hearing anything from you guys.

Ali- very nice. We both are doing great not a problem for us but it seems something is ongoing between you two post the dinner that day. Kya hua?

Avni- kya hoga? Kuch nhi hua hai.

Ali- aise hi vo Romeo bane ghum rha hai hospital mein?

Avni- (shocked face) kisne kaha.

Ali- kisine nhi. Meri aankhe dekh rhi thi. Socha us se pehle puchu lekin tu mil gyi to puch lia. Chal ab bata kya hua hai.

Avni- kuch khaas nhi hua hai. Bas use mazak karne ki aadat ho gyi hai and so he keeps on doing such things. Ignore him.

Ali- Avni! Tu bhul kyu jaati hai ki mujhe samajh mein aata hai tera jhut and most importantly mujhe do minute bhi nhi lagenge Neil se puchne mein.

Avni- (sad tone) jab use hi puchna hai to mujhe kyu pucha. Puch lena usi se.

In the meanwhile without her knowledge, Ali had already dailed the call to Neil.

Ali- (puts the call on loudspeaker) haa to Neil kya hai ye sab? Mazak ya kuch aur.

Avni quickly tried to take the phone in her hands but Ali was fast enough to avoid that.

Neil- Ali ye mere aur uski baat hai let us handle.

Ali- aise kaise karne du? Tu ajeeb ho gya hai aur ye madam pura time khayaalo mein dubi hai.

Neil- don't worry jo bhi hai sab accha hi hai. Vaise if you are still worried ki kya chal rha hai to jo tu itne time se chahta tha vohi mein ab kar rha hu.

Ali scratched his head and then after a while there was a big smile on his face. Avni facepalmed herself as this was the least she wanted.

She initially planned on informing Ali but now she can't. She just remained tight lipped until they reached and she went in quickly.

Though she was all set to leave yet she is contemplating the small moment they had in the morning. She is doing wrong, she can't decide what, when and how for him yet she is doing that.

She was suppose to handover her files yet she has not. Lastly what can she do is just ask for other doctors and keep them updated about the situations of the patients.

She thought of all her current patients and one of the important was Mowgli. Not sure who can handle the case better than Neil and Ali but if left out of options then she will have to give it to Neil.

Leaving the worries for tomorrow she decided to sleep as she was way too tired to sort them all.

Technically it was the day off for her yet she was in hospital for the last visit. She handed her cases to the doctors yet the one for Mowgli was left. Not wanting to sound suspicious she thought to naturally come up with some reason for hand over.

She went towards his cabin.

Neil who was way too upset for the day and not in the mood of any kindness heard the knock and without looking up he voice loud.

Neil- come in.

Avni went in to look at his upset aura. She was quiet for a while and then finally speak.

Avni- Dr. Neil..

Hearing a familiar voice he was quick to have a glance at her. His mood quickly changed and he was way too happy looking at her coming on her day off to visit him but he was quick to mask the emotions.

Neil- ahem!! Yes.

Avni- (handing him the file) I want you to take over the case and let me shadow the case for now.

Neil looks at the file and was surprised by the patient name.

Neil - are you sure you want me to takeover the case?

Avni- yes.

Neil- ( pushes the file back on the table) give me a valid reason to take this case from you.

Avni- is it necessary?

Neil-(folds his hands and looks at her with questioning face)

Avni- as you know this case has been my first case and while trying to figure out a path for Mowgli, I might be more sentimental rather than considering all the parameters and since you have worked with me on this case I want you to take over this while let me shadow this case.

Neil- why after so much time?

Avni- I am almost out of options and not sure what or when there will be a situation needing someone to intervene as I am still a junior doctor. I need someone senior to guide me incase I make some mistakes.

Neil nods and takes that point into account.

Neil- I will but at the same time will only intervene when it is extremely needed. Rest the patient is still yours and prognosis will remain yours.

Avni nods and turns to leave when Neil interrupted again.

But before that lets have a cup of coffee since you have made a huge effort on your day off.

Avni-(looks at him with uninterested face) I politely deny since it's my day off, let me go and enjoy it.

Neil- (points at her coat) with patients and in hospital right?

Avni looks at her coat and mentally facepalms herself for that. Removes the coat

I am about to leave, let's meet when I am on shift. With that she turned to leave when Neil grabbed her hand and took her to the cafeteria for coffee. She was quiet surprised with his gesture yet all she could do was follow him without any resistance and at the same time feel intimidated as people were gawking at them.

Finally her resistance worked and he let go off her hand. She was quick to sit there feeling embarassed.

He went to get two coffee and some pastry.

He was back quick and sat with her.

Avni saw people staring at her with knowing smiles and all she could do was look at her mobile screen.

Neil came to look at her trying to not look at people.

Neil- how much ever the cat drinks the milk with closed eyes still manages to show people that she is drinking milk. Drop that and sit normally.

Avni- (eyes him with annoyed face) this is all happening cause of you. See how people are looking at me. Don't you worry by tomorrow I will be in photo frame with a garland around me.

Neil quickly glares at them all and one glance is enough for them to scatter around.

Avni facepalms herself. Her phone pinged and she was quick to check the notification which was from her ever so active group.

Friends....

Dd- Aaj to mazza hi aa gya.

Sunheri- haa! Suna meine par life miss kar dia meine yaar.

Mitali was quick to even send the picture.

Angie- haayyee! Kitni acchi lag rhi hai meri Avni.

Aakash - waise accha hai ab kuch aur bhi milega chai ke saath thode din.

Ali- chuski pe charcha!! Kya bolte panter log?

Avni- kuch bhi nhi hai. Just ignore and can anyone treat me like I am also there in the group.

Sunheri- who you?

Dd- haana. Faltu ki kirkiri.

Avni- I will make sure to remove your kirkiri.

Looking at her so actively typing he took the phone in his hand. Before she could react he started to read the message

Even before she could approach the phone it was taken away by her.

Neil read the message and had a