The whole Khanna mansion was hustling and bustling with guests, who had gathered to welcome the New Bahu of the family.

S: Oho Ji! Keep it there!

B: Shweta, calm down.

S: How can I calm down Bebe? My bahu is coming for the first time to her house.

B: She is not coming, she has already come. They are standing at the door. Come fast.

Shweta immediately ran to the door and performed all the rituals.

Neil and Avni were sitting on the sofa and guests were greeting them.

P1: Arre!Look the bride is glowing. They must've had a busy night.
And everyone burst in to laughter. While Neil blushingly looked at Avni who was clearly uncomfortable with it.

He kept his hand on hers and gave her an assuring smile. Avni slightly smiled. He came near her ear,

N: You know what Avni? I thought that I'd wait for you to be comfortable with everything and then consummate our marriage. Even if I had to wait for an year or two, it didn't matter to me.
He smiled.

Avni's eyes were filled up with tears but she blinked them away. Guilt eating her insides.

N: What happened?

S: Uff Tillu! She must be tired. All the wedding stress and festivities must've taken a toll on her. Take her to your room. Beta you rest, OK!

A: Ji.

Neil held her hand and took her upstairs. He showed her everything. Then he took her to his room. He made her comfortable on the bed and got her a glass of water.

N: Feeling better?

A: Hmm...

N: What happened Avni?

A: C...can I ask you something?

N: Of course.

A: If I ever do something wrong, what will you do?

N: Avni. I really don't know what you're trying to say.

A: Will you leave me?
She asked with tears trickling down her cheeks.

Neil immediately hugged her after noticing the tears in her eyes. Avni tightened her grip over him and sobbed loudly. He constantly rubbed her back to stop her from crying.

N: Avni, what happened? Why are you crying?

Avni did not know how to answer him, she  just hugged him more tight.

Neil thought of insisting her but stopped when he heard a knock on the door. Avni left Neil immediately and wiped her tears. Neil looked at her once again before answering the person standing on the other side of the door.

Neil hesitantly opened the door and was surprised to see the person on the other side. It was none other than Neela. Neil smiled and took a deep breath. He thought that maybe Neela Ma would help Avni with her problem, unknown to the fact that Neela is the one whose been putting her marital problems in Avni's mind and forcing her to do things.

N: Neela Ma! Now, that you are here make sure that my wife is smiling again. I'll let you both have some privacy.

Neela nodded her head and smiled at Neil. The moment Neil left the room, the smile from Neela's face dropped and a big frown took place. She looked at Avni and grabbed her arm harshly.

Neela: What did I teach you Avni? Why are you making things difficult for yourself? What happened? Tell me.

Neela was very furious and angry at Avni.

Neela: Tell me, did you do it?

Avni nodded her head furiously afraid of her mother's anger. Neela's grip on her arm loosened.

Neela: Then why are you crying?

A: Kyunki Neil vaisa nahi hai. Neil Papa jaisa nahi hai.

Neela: Avni, beta please. Try to..

A: No Ma, you try to understand. You know what Neil told me today? That he would've waited for me to be comfortable. Just like I wanted it to be, but you manipulated me into thinking that he would also be like papa. I am feeling guilty. He genuinely cares for me. 

Avni broke down into tears. 

A: Zaroori nahi hai ke har mard ek hi cheez chahta hai. Kuch mard Neil jaise bhi hote hain. Jinke liye unke partner ki feelings aur comfort matter karta hai. But you ruined my chance of a happy marriage. I'll feel guilty forever.

Avni was shaking with anger and frustration. She wanted to end this. She wanted to tell Neil everything. About her father, her parent's ruined marriage and now her guilt. As if sensing her thoughts Neela panicked and held her by the shoulders.

Neela: Avni, you'll not say anything to Neil. Please, keep it to yourself. It will ruin...

THAT'S IT!

Both Neela and Avni looked up to see Neil standing on the door. His eyes were red and anger in his stance. His hands were turned into a tight fist making his knuckles go white. He walked slowly inside and stood in front of Avni. Avni was unable to meet his eyes.

Neela: Neil..

Neil silenced her with his palm.

Neil: Aap jis kaam ke liye aayi thi, vo kijiye. You can take Avni with you.

Avni dropped to the floor listening to this. Tears made their way out of her eyes but she didn't bother to wipe them.

Everything was finished!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Second last update.

Next update will be the last part of this book!