Zafar knew what he was about to do would upsett Avni, but he had to try. He didnt want to see another marriage fail like his own
Neil sat down infront of Zafar "Why have you called me here, to rub it in my face that youre with my wife"
"Avni and I are not dating, we're simply friends and I am here to help you win her back"
Neil laughed sarcastically "And why would you want to do that"
"Because Neil, Riya did the same to me"

Neil's eyes widened "Go on"
"I was happily married, just like you, then one day I got to drunk, and I met Riya in a club, one thing led to another and we ended up in a hotel room, then my wife called me, and I knew I couldnt do it, I tried to leave but I felt really dizzy, the next thing I knew I woke up in bed with her with no memory of the night"
Neil gasped "So you think she did the same to me"

Zafar nodded "Maybe, what do you remember from the night"
Neil shook his head "Not a lot, but the second time round I know nothing happened"
"My wife killed herself because of what she thought I did, to this day I dont know if I did it or not, but it all makes more sense now, the day Avni left you, she tried to end her life, but I stopped her"
Neil looked down, utterly ashamed of himself "I owe you my life, thank you for saving my wife"

"Its no problem, but now we must focus on winning her back, she can never know I was here but tonight theres a party at my place, show Avni how much you love her before its to late"
Zafar stood up to leave when Neil shook his head
"What if she doesnt love me anymore"
Zafar smiled "Oh, she does"

-----------------

Neil leaned against the bartop where Avni stood, sipping on his rum he bided his time before nearing her
"Waiting for someone special" he asked, into her ear
Avni jumped and turned around to face Neil
"What are you doing here"
"Im here waiting for my someone special"
Avni offered him a tight smile "Dont play coy Neil"
Neil grabbed her hand and tugged her forward

"Dance with me Avni"
"But"
Neil shook his head and she chose not to speak
His arm was tight around her waist and his other hand held hers
"Ive missed you so much, these past 3 years have been hell"
Avni looked up, gazing into his eyes
"I honestly thought you would hate me after what I did to your businesses"
Neil smiled "I could never hate you, I know youre mad at me, but I want you to just listen, thats all"

Avni had missed being in his embrace, she waited silently for him to explain
"In the time Riya claimed she had come to our house and I had cheated again, you tell me when I was ever home alone, I was with you all the time, dont you find it funny that the message was sent the morning after she told your father I cheated"
Avni sucked in a deep breath "I cant believe you so easily Neil"

Zafar walked over, tugging Neil away he threw a glass of wine in his face
"Stay away from Avni" he shouted
Lifting his fist he punched Neil in the face
"Zafar, no" Avni shouted grabbing Neil
She turned him to face her, cupping his face and looking at his broken lip
Zafar winked at Neil who looked down at a very concerned Avni

Realising how close she was to him she stood away, clearing her throat
"You okay"
Neil nodded, wiping away the blood with the back of his hand
Avni looked over at Neil, finally taking in how tired he looked, the amount of weight he had lost and his sunken cheekbones, maybe he was telling the truth, but maybe he wasnt and Avni wasnt sure wether to follow her head or her heart

-----------------

The party was over and Neil was about to leave when Avni walked past him, he tugged her wrist making her fall back into him
"Are you really with Zafar" he asked, pressing a kiss on her neck
She shivered and closed her eyes, trying to get her bearings about her
"Yes"
Neil tutted, stroking his fingers up her arm
"Dont lie to me Avni, he will never make you feel the way I make you feel, you are mine and always will be"
He spun her around so her chest was against his

"Im not yours anymore Neil"
He lifted his hand and rested it above her heart "This says different"
Avni lifted her hand and rested it on his chest, his heart raced and she looked up at him
"I feel it to, I always have"
Avni watched as a tear made its way down his face
"Believe me Avni, you know me, better than anyone"

He let go and went to walk away, then stopping he turned his head over his shoulder
"Have I told you, you look beautiful tonight"
She shook her head
"Well you do Avni, so im leaving before I lose control infront of everyone, but I will be back"
Avni watched Neil walk away, unsure of what to think or do
She already missed Neil's arms around her, keeping her safe from any negative thought