On their way to office, Neil and Avni were busy discussing about the upcoming project that they were going to sign with Ahuja's.

Their car was at the signal when she saw an old women struggling to get water from a public tap. She went out to help her.

Neil was a little surprised at first, then he understood what Avni was upto.

This was the most attractive thing about Avni that she was  a beautiful person inside out. She was a pure soul who just wanted happiness and love around her. He always admired her for her selflessness. The man who gets her as a life partner would be the most luckiest person ever. How hard Neil would ever try to get over the crush he had on her, but always fail owing to her sweet nature and clear heart.
Neil's thoughts were broken by Avni when she came back into the car. Neil just smiled at her and drove away to the office.

Soon the car halted in front of huge building with a huge stone like pillar infront of it with the engraving "KM GROUP OF INDUSTRIES".

They duo stepped out of the car and entered the building.

The whole staff wished them a good morning as they proceeded towards their respective cabins.
Neil's cabin was superclassy with wooden flooring and the black furniture to suit to his personality. On the other hand, Avni's cabin was all white with colourful paintings and cushions on the green couch adding a life to it.

Soon they got engrossed in their work. It was noon and also the time for their meeting with the Ahuja's.

Neil and Avni were on their way to conference room. Today's presentation had to be presented by Avni. It was the first time she was doing it alone. She was damn nervous. Neil could easily understand her situation.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a corner. He cupped her cheeks and said,
Neil: Avu, I know you are hell nervous. But don't worry everything will go great.
Avni: How can you be so sure about it? What if I mess up? What if we lose this deal?
Neil held her shoulders in a tight grip and said,
Neil: Nothing wrong will happen. Main andar rahunga tere saath. Agar koi galti hui bhi to I'll handle it. You just stop worrying. Just trust me. Mujhpe bharosa hai na?
Avni: Khudse bhi zyada ( she said with a smile and twinkle in her eyes).
Listening to her response, Neil's heart skipped a beat.
Neil:  Chal meeting ka time ho gya hai.
He said trying to change the topic.

In the conference room, Avni started her presentation. Anyone could tell that Ahuja's were really impressed by her work. Meanwhile Mr.Bestfriend was busy admiring Avni and thinking about the moment when his heart skipped a beat. Although what she said was not new to him but his new found feelings for her were creating a havoc inside him.
Just then he heard the noise of clapping bringing him out of his thoughts.
The presentation was over. Everyone was appreciating Avni's efforts and her hardwork. She was really happy and looked towards Neil to ask how was it. He just smiled and nodded his head.

Neil walked towards Avni. He was about to congratulate her when Mr. Ahuja came and congratulated Avni. He forwarded his hand for a handshake and Avni took it. Although Neil wasn't comfortable looking at Mr. Ahuja. He was getting odd vibes from him. The way he was eying Avni from top to bottom and not leaving her hand.
Neil interrupted and asked for a handshake as he knew it was the only way to distract Ahuja without anyone doubting the kind of feeling Neil was having for Ahuja.
On the other hand, Avni was too innocent to understand someone's hidden intentions so every time Neil felt something fishy about anyone he used to intervene without letting Avni know the truth behind his actions so that she doesn't feel uncomfortable.

Mr. Ahuja invited them to their company's 50th anniversary party. He was an old man in his 60's.

After everyone left the conference room, Avni jumped towards Neil falling into his embrace. Neil held her and reciprocated the hug.
Neil: Congratulations Avu.
He whispered softly into her ear.
Avni: Neil Thankyou so much. Tune mujhe agar himmat nhi di hoti to main ye nhi karpati. Tu mera best friend hi nhi meri strength bhi hai.
Neil felt a different kind of happiness after hearing this.
Neil: Chal Ab party de. Tune itni badi deal crack ki hai....party liye bina nhi chodunga.
He said with a wink.
Avni: OK, chal aaj lunch meri taraf se......

Saying this they went out for lunch to Avni's favourite Chinese restaurant.
Neil  told Avni to go in while he made an excuse of attending an important call. When Avni went inside, Neil picked up his phone and dialled  a number.
Neil: Mujhe Ahuja ki puri janam kundli chahiye. Aur iss baar Avni ko bhanak bhi nhi padni chahiye iske baare mein.
(He said while gritting his teeth in anger).
He could not stand the thought of anyone eying Avni.
Was it just because she was his friend? Or because of his feelings towards her? Or was it something that smells like obsession.

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Thankyou for all the votes and lovely comments on the first chapter.
Sorry for the delay and the short update.

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