"Hey.." Avni complained, she was awake now. "I'm not sorry I woke you up but Time for your medicines now. Lets go down to eat something?" Neil offered. Avni nodded and got out of bed. She headed to the washroom while Neil went downstairs. Avni walked along the corridor, careful enough cuz she was still feeling dizzy. Juhi was standing towards the end of it, near the staircase. Avni smiled, and greeted. "What made you think I'd reply? Or be a friend of my own enemy?" Juhi's reply startled Avni. "Never for even a split second think that I would remain silent while you enjoy my position. Neil was and will always be mine. Misti is the vouch for it. Remember that." With that she disappeared. Avni was shocked and frozen on her posture. "Avni? What happened?" Neil's voice from downstairs broke her chain of thought. Avni shook her head quickly went down.

Days passed, and everyday Avni receives continuous warnings from Juhi. She tries her best to keep Neil away from Avni, by using Misti. Avni never let Neil know about any of it. But her silent soul became more silent, which did not go unnoticed by Neil. He thought about it so much, and finally concluded the reason might be the new changes from recent events, especially by Misti.
Slowly, Avni tried to accept Misti. She now spends her free time with Misti, she've known so much about her in the process. She was brighter than any other child of her age, a crafty little hand. Avni works on little projects with Misti, making their bond stronger each day. While Neil was really happy with the bonding, it became unbearable for Juhi.

"So what am I supposed to do? Stay silent until this women, take my daughter away from me, just how she took Neil?" Juhi was fuming, while the person on the other end laughed aloud. "Play the right piece at the right moment, that's how you win a game of chess you see. We've let her get attached to Misti. And now, we shoot! I'll call you tomorrow with my plan. Be ready. And yes, no one should know about this game of us! You very well know the consequences of it!! Avni is Neil's weakness. I want to destroy that lawyer, who is taking the case against my own cousin brother, and also destroy him with his weakness, and you can then have him. We'll be balanced!" With that the phone call ended. Spreading an evil smile across Juhi's face.

All the members were relaxing on the couches after dinner, except Juhi who was inside making Misti ready for bed. Avni was sitting next to Bebe, who held her closed to herself. "I used to hate foreigners so much, in fact I still do. Except this girl." Bebe said jokingly. "Happens Bebe, happens. That's the magic of the British." Neil replied playfully while Avni raised an eyebrow at him. "That being said, no plans to visit your parents, Avni? I'm sure Mrs.Mehta and Ms. Dayawanti will be missing you very much." Asked Prakash. "I haven't decided yet, but these days seems fine as I'm handling just one case at the moment. And my sister-in-law's due date is around the corner...but..." Avni didn't know how to put everything out. At this situation where Juhi and Misti's lives are in danger, she cannot ask Neil to travel with her. But she was very excited to be there on the arrival of her twin nieces. Everyone knew where the talk headed to, so no one discussed about it further.

Later in the room, Neil was aiding his index finger when Avni walked in. "What happened?!" She hurried to sit beside Neil on bed, taking his hand on hers. His finger was bleeding, the nail was broken a bit. "Closed the wardrobe door while my finger was resting on the frame." Neil replied. Avni's eyes widened. "How come you did not see your own finger? Even Misti would be more careful than you!" Neil didn't say anything for a few moments. Avni was dressing his wound now. "Avni, I cant thank you enough.. for accepting Misti. I know it's not easy for you.. but you are doing it for me.." Avni held Neil's hand tightly. "It's not just for you, but for Misti as well. I know parent's love plays a vital role in a child' s life. I've seen and dealt with so many, who were never blessed with a tinge of it. Moreover, who doesn't love children? Especially a kid like Misti. She's becoming very mischievous by the way!" Avni laughed. "Why do I have a feeling that something is bothering you?" Neil's question brought a pause to Avni's work. She couldn't reply. Neil took her face into his hands, cupping it passionately. "Avni, listen to me. You have to tell me if anyone or anything is disturbing you. If something in the house does not go according to your will. If anything offends you. I dont want to see you upset. With anything. If you want to go and visit London, I have no objections against. But.. but I cant come with you in a situation like this. I hope you' understand." "I do." Avni smiled. Neil brought her closer and hugged her tightly. He knew something was wrong, and the reason is not her missing her family. He would find about it very soon! Neil kissed on her hair. She is a blessing he never even wished for! ♥️