Chapter7: revelations and reassessments part1

One month later, parikh house, Singapore 

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Avni was waiting eagerly that afternoon to welcome the family who had made it possible for her to live her life as Avni parikh. She had double checked all the preparations. Got the guest rooms cleaned. Added extra blankets and fresh flowers in each room and Made sure the food and snacks were ready to go. She  had cleaned the sea facing terrace of her house herself. For here was where she was going to make them sit for tea and then dinner. 

She was rather excited to have people in her house. She had been living in this 4 bedroom bungalow all alone for the past year or so except for one or two occasional visits by her mother. And more people meant more buzz. Plus, this was the only wholesome family experience she could ever get and thus she was looking forward to the next 3 days with them. 

She was setting up the table besides the pool laying down plates when the bell chimed. She ran inside the house skittling in the hall and opened the door with a big warm smile. 

As soon as she saw her mother,  she hugged her in a tight embrace. Both of them having tears of joy in their eyes. Neela kissed her tears away and introduced her to Mr. And mrs. Khanna

Then she greeted Mr. And mrs khanna and welcomed them inside. She was expecting their son and their mother too. But they were no where to be seen. 

Mrs. Khanna or shweta aunty as shweta had asked avni to call her informed that, her son "tillu" and bebe were traveling in another vehicle and would be there in no time. 

She made them sit in the terrace. And told them she would get them some ice tea. 

While she was in the kitchen, the bell rang again and Neela replied,  "mein dekhti hu beta." 

She was sure it would be the grandson grandmother duo, so she added two more glasses to her tray and started carrying the pitcher of ice tea and glasses to the terrace. 

She was correct. An old lady, dressed in an elegant pastel green sari and wearing dark glares was sitting beside Neela and was sharing some funny story while a tall lean  guy, dressed in a crisp grey suit,  was standing in front of the railing, looking towards the sea, his back facing her, she could make out the muscles ripping though his back and his silver wrist watch reflecting the light from the setting sun on her face.

She placed the tray on the table, and bowed down to touch bebe's feet. And bebe started blessing her with a sweet smile. 

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Neil was watching the waves hitting the shore repeatedly and a sense of calm washed over him. He was rather impressed at the house, As much of it he had seen.It was beautiful, airy and light. And the terrace was done in such prim way. A swimming pool on one side with a little garden and a rectangular table with chairs placed in the centre. The entire white and blue colour reflecting peace and quiet of the sea in front of them. Now, standing at the railing he was excited and intrigued to meet Avni Parikh, the stranger, about whom he had heard bits and pieces, who had been living in this beautiful house and was going to be his business partner too.

He turned when he heard a commotion and saw a lady, dressed in an ankle length floral dress touching bebe's feet. Her back towards him. Her long hair were flowing every where because of the cool winds and she was trying to hold them in place with her hand. She also seemed at peace with everything surrounding her. 

He didn't know why this calm, serene and peaceful thing had suddenly hit him when he stepped inside the house. He could not point out whether it was the sea, the house or this stranger, but he somehow felt happier, happier than he had been in years and that was something which was commendable because he was always happy. 

He didn't know but he was still staring at her back rather curiously, when she got up and turned and his eyes turned wide.

He immediately removed the black goggles adorning his face, took a step forward but tumbled at his own feet. Regaining his balance he saw her again And he saw her eyes going wide too. She took a step towards him too, her hair flowing wildly with the wind now.

 A moment later, when realization hit them,a big smile broke on his face and a smile came on her face too, mirroring his. A twinkle in her eyes shone bright in his eyes too.

An intense eyelock followed and After, what seemed like ages but was actually a fraction of second

they squealed, almost together 

 "Oh my god Ananya verma!!!"  

"Neil, Neil Khanna!!"

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That is it!  Neil has met ananya, next update he meets avni. Hope you liked this part. I know it is not too long, but I promise I'll compenste by giving another update sooner than you think