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The next Update!!

Phew! Stuck in job - projects and deadlines! I miss writing so much! If I get time, I don't get that mood to write. When I badly want to write, I don't have time! What a stupidity! And this time I am terribly down with health issues too.

Making up for the delay - every time - Let's start on the journey.

Go on and Read! <3

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Those shiny drops sliding through the glass window. Neil's gaze followed their trail. He looked at the fresh greenery outside. He saw kids playing in muddy water and colorful umbrellas popping up everywhere. Their taxi halted in the signal and he saw an old couple enjoying their tea sitting in the verandah of their house. Old hindi songs played in the taxi and his heart drifted away to Avni's words..

"Baarish mera pehla pyaar hai Neil.."

He turned to his left side and looked at Avni gazing outside the partially open window. She was enjoying the slow drops splashing on to her face. She laid her head on to that side and hummed along with the music player.

.... Piyu bole.. Piya bole.. hmm hmmmm....

Rain has never been so beautiful. Neither Avni. It seemed like the charm of his love has made her so attractive that he found it difficult not to look at her, or rather get lost in her. They were on the way to Mehta Mansion, all courtesy to the flooded roads. Neil had informed his Dad about everything and he was going to spend the night with Avni's family - which is soon to be his too.

Avni : Bas bas Bhaiyya. We have reached. Yahi rok deejiye (That's it brother. Please stop here.)

###### Khanna Mansion ######

Shweta : Why did you allow him Prakash ji?

Prakash : Shweta ji, Why wouldn't I ? Also, he informed me. He did not ask permission. He is a grown up man.

Shweta: Ofcourse. He used to seek permission for everything no matter how grown up he was. He has really grown within the past few days. He looks so lost in thoughts.

Prakash: Naya naya pyaar hua hai Shweta ji.. (It's the new found love). Can't you see how badly he has fallen for Avni? She is going to be his life.

Shweta: He has gone distant from me.

Prakash(sighed and sat near Shweta): I know you think a lot about society. But have you forgotten what did this same society tell you when we got married? They taunted you right? Accused you of trapping me, of being a bad omen .. right?

Shweta: That..

Prakash: When you yourself had gone through this treatment, why are you giving the same wounds to Avni? Why are you even worried about what people will say?

Shweta: May be you are right Prakash ji. But no mother can think this practically when you feel the girl is a bad omen. Knowingly or not, she has become a cause of her mother's death. She is illegitimate. She is of mixed religion. I mean, it's good to speak modern. But when it comes to your own son, all these do not make any sense. I just want him to be safe.

Prakash: And I want him to be happy. Am I not his father? Am I not worried about him like you do? There is a limit to everything. There is a fine line between belief and superstition which you have crossed. There are much more limits which you have to be careful from now on. Think about it.

Prakash retired to his room leaving Swetha to her pool of thoughts. To say Shweta was least affected by his words would be wrong. She started thinking about everything that Prakash told her.

Swetha(in her mind): I can't ignore what Dayawanti ji told me. Neither can I ignore Prakash ji's advice. I will try to understand Avni. I will watch her and then decide whether she is fine or not. May be I can keep in touch with her and get information from her. I will prove Avni being not the right choice for my Tillu. Or else, let god prove me wrong. I have 6 months till the marriage. Aisa to nahi ho sakta ki meri marzi ke bina ye shaadi ho jaaye.. (This marriage cannot happen without my approval).

###### Mehta Mansion ######

Neela(serving hot tea): Take it beta. You will catch cold. Also, go and take shower in hot water too.

Neil(blowing over the hot tea): Okay Aunty. I mean.. Maa..

Neela(smiled): Call me whatever you want. It's not easy to call someone else as Maa or Papa just like that. By the way, what did you both do there till now? Badly stuck huh?

Neil(thought about Avni's confession and smiled): Not at all..

Avni(sipped her tea and looked at a lost Neil): He means, we talked a lot na! We got more time. It was not boring.. Hai na Neil?

Neil(realised his surroundings): Haan! Haan! Same same. I meant the same.

Ashish(suppressed his laughter): I guess it was a happening day isn't it?

Neela: I guess so too!

Avni(quickly changing the topic): Mom. Neil needs some clothes. Like the basic ones.

Neela: Yeah yeah. Aman had already bought a few from that small shop there in the junction. It's not that good. But couldn't arrange more.

Neil: It's okay. I just need them for survival. That's completely fine.

Ashish: Avu. Just show him the room. Freshen up and come for dinner also.

Avni took Neil up stairs to show him the guest room at one side of the hall. As she was opening the door of the room, she saw Aman bringing a heap of clothes, his laptop and head phones to that room. He also carried a small bag out of which his tooth brush was peeping out.

Aman(walking quick): Side please!

He dumped everything on the bed and heaved a sigh. He turned to find the questioning glances of his sister and Jeeju.

Avni: Oye! What's going on?

Aman: I just shifted my entire things here and has cleared out my room. Jeeju can stay there.

Avni: But why? Mom had arranged this room for him.

Aman: Mom told me to spread the bedsheets and all. That I have done in my room. I will sleep here. That room is better.

Neil: Better as in? I don't need large room. Football thodi khelni hai! (As if I am gonna play football there).

Aman(giggled): That room is just opposite to Di's room. We spend our good times together in her room and then I quickly go to my room without disturbing any one. So, I thought it will be easy for you..

Neil(raised eyebrows): What do you mean you tharki?

Aman(laughed): Arey! Single track mind! I just meant you can spend a lot of time together like this. You know.. Aaah! I am not explaining. Get out from my room before Mom-Dad see all this!They would be sleeping downstairs today fortunately.

Avni: That is so.. planned..

Aman(shut the door from outside): Thanks and now please freshen up. I am starving!

Neil(chuckled and went to the room as showed): Dude. I love you.

Aman giggled and went downstairs to the dining hall leaving both Avni and Neil to themselves. Avni showed around the room to Neil, helped him settle and turned to go to her room. Neil quickly held her hand and turned her back.

Neil(whispered): Hey..

Avni(smiled): Hmm?

Neil: I love you.

Avni: I love you more..

Neil(smiled sheepishly): Shit! I can't believe all this.

Avni(giggled): You know what! Tara had told me once, "Avu! You falling in love would be like snow fall in Sahara desert" ! She used to hype that so much!

Neil: Ahaan. And what do you think about it now?

Avni(stepped away from him to go) : Apparently, she is right! It's beautiful like a snowfall!

She ran to her room and Neil went to take a shower with - ofcourse, the smile plastered onto his face. The family gathered for dinner and served each other. Avni took a small bowl and served some Gobi curry in it. She then took a regular plate and served hot rotis and served both to Neil. She already saw a plate in front of Neil which she pulled to herself. Neela witnessed all these and wondered about this action. She looked at Avni with a questioning glance followed by Ashish, Aman and a surprised Neil.

Avni: Wo.. Neil does not have much curry. He needs just a little curry and that too separated from rotis. He does not like his roti smeared with curry. He just..you know dips a little.

Neela(surprised): Oooh! That's a new info! Point noted madam!

Neil : How do you know? I mean, I have not told you I guess.

Avni: I just noticed you eating. You did the same with your Naan also today. So... I just guessed.

Aman: Uhhmm!! Impressive!

Ashish: Haha. Everyone here including Avni takes a good amount of curry. So, it's good that she told this. Otherwise, Neela would have served you a pool of gravy!

Neela: Actually!

Everyone talked about random things and laughter echoed in the hall. Neela narrated funny childhood stories of Avni and Neil teased her about those. It was a happy evening in Mehta Mansion after long. Neela and Ashish did not fail to notice the silliest smiles and nods exchanged between Avni and Neil. Ashish silently prayed to not spoil their joy and let Avni get her much deserved love and respect. After a lot of family time, they all retired to their own rooms bidding a good night to each other.

Avni: Good night Neil.

Neil(wanting her to stay): Good night..

Neil locked his door and sat on the bed wishing for some more time with Avni. He was not getting enough of her and he didn't know why. He struggled to put his disappointment to sleep and turned off the lights. Just then, he heard a knock on the door and opened it in a rush. Avni handed over him a blanket and signalled him to come with her. She also had a water bottle, her phone and earphones.

Neil: Where?

Avni(silenced him with her palms and whispered): Ssshhh!!! Dheere!! (Slowly). Don't make any noise and come with me. Hold these and do not fall down.

They walked with light footsteps without making a noise and reached a stair leading to the terrace. She climbed on to them and he followed. She cautioned him about the slippery stairs and he nodded. They reached the rooftop and Neil was baffled to see a large bean bag and a small side table. There were cozy curtains and mild fairy lights which decorated them. The side table had a book - page marked with a book mark and some chips. The set up was guarded by a slab as the roof - which probably guards from rain and heat. There were artificial plants and a small table fan plugged to the only plug point in the corner of the wall.

Neil(smiled): Wow..

Avni: Nice na? It's my favourite place. Me and Aman together set up this like a hang out place. But we never introduced this place to our friends. Even if they found out, we kind of kicked them out from here. Whenever I feel to spend some me time.. alone, I come here. A book or some music. I am happy!

Neil: And Aman?

Avni: Aman rarely reads books. So, he watches movies here or listens to music. Only when he wants to be away from shor sharaaba and people. It's not a regular thing. But yeah, it's dear to us.

Neil: And you brought me here?

Avni(smiled and nodded): Yep. You liked it?

Neil(smiled): Loved it.

Avni: Chalo. Sit then.

Neil sat on the bean bag and relaxed while Avni leaned back on to the wall and looked at him. Neil looked around and grabbed the book kept on the table. He just ruffled the pages of the book and suddenly noticed a green coloured paper note kept inside. He took it out and opened it which read :

"Stay".

He turned it around and it was blank. He wondered about it and looked at Avnibwho had an amused twinkle on her face.

Neil: What is it?

Avni(smiled): Just one of  Tara's fancy gestures. She made me write this note and she keeps it at random places. She changes it's place every time she drops in or whenever she wishes to. She said one day somebody would find this note out of no where and that person would "stay" forever. Also, she never discloses where she keeps this note every time. Ye bhi mujhe nahi pata tha(This.. I didn't know).

Neil: That's..

Avni: A coincidence or destiny. It reached the right person I guess.

Neil: Koi shak? (Any doubt?)

Avni smiled and nodded in denial. Her wavery hair danced with the blowing wind and the baby pink curtains kept flying throughout. Neil's eyes never left her. An awkward silence followed and Avni felt conscious of his gaze which bore into her heart. She shifted restlessly and turned away to distract herself.

Avni(looked at him slightly) : You want some chips?

Neil(whispered): No..

Avni(fumbled and took the i-pod kept there): Then..Music?

Neil(nodded): Yes. But not from I-pod.

Avni(turned): To phir? (Then?)

Neil quickly held her hand and gave her a light pull towards himself. She stumbled and fell over the bean bag only to crash land in his arms - also his senses. She tried to steady herself, but got lost in Neil's strong gaze which had never left her since long. Her nose ring glittered beautifully under the moonlight and her eyes like those of a deer spoke volumes about the effect he had on her. The fairy lights cast their shadow on her pretty face and she glowed. Neil made her sit next to him with practically no space between them - all thanks to the cozy crumbly bean bag. He encircled his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close.

Neil(whispered): Yahi raho na.. (Stay here na)

Avni(whispered): Kyun..? (Why?)

Neil: Sing for me.. please.

Avni: Now?

Neil: Please. Dheeme hi sahi.. (Be it in mild voice).

Avni(steadied herself, looked around stealthily and started singing):

Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori..
Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori..
Soofi iska rang...Haaye

Neil swayed and smiled at her. Avni gestured at him and continued..

Isme jo tera khwaab piroya...
Isme jo tera khwaab piroya..
Neend bani patang..

Dil bharta nahi aankhein rajti nahi..
Dil bharta nahi aankhein rajti nahi..
Chahe kitna bhi dekhti jauun...
Waqt jaaye main rok na paauun....

Neil sat with his face supported by both his palms and listened to his lady love pouring her entire heart out..

Tu thodi der aur thehr jaa.. Soneya..
Tu thodi dere aur thehra ja..
Tu thodi der aur thehr jaa.. Zaalima..
Tu thodi der aur thehr Jaa.....

Neil(in whispers): Claps claps claps! How pure your voice is! I mean.. It's so peaceful to hear. How is it even possible that you didn't have fanboys in college?

Avni(giggled): I had fans of my voice. A lot..

Neil: No one proposed you?

Avni: No.

Neil: Why!?

Avni: Cos I was a fatso who cared the least about looks. The world falls for outer appearance, then looks for the inner soul. Even you wouldn't have came to see me if I was of my college looks.

Neil: Huh?

Avni: Of course. Now after I lost weight, and groomed myself a little bit, I get lot of compliments. That's how the world is.

Neil: The conventional beauty standards are so lame.

Avni: They are. The matrimony sites itself are gross. Fair, tall, slim - blah. I agree we get attracted to the initial looks. But more than looks, we get attracted to the vibes. The personality in fact. Rejecting based on looks are so lame. People can be so good at heart right?

Neil(smiled): There was a time when I also went for pretty faces and slim figures. But life taught me these things are just temporary.

Avni: Exactly. May be if I get pregnant and have babies, I may put on. I will put on weight for sure. One day, your hair will be grey and white. Our appearances can change, but our heart should be pure gold. That's what matters. But yeah, mostly in college, it's like a Karan Johar film. Pretty face - and Fida!! Some were real brats you know.

Neil: I am glad no one proposed you.

Avni: Why is that so?

Neil: My chances would not have been there.

Avni: Haha. Even if someone proposed, I would have said No. I was in that one side love with Varun. I literally used to dismiss every single boy whom I had chances with.

Neil(turned and cupped her face): You loved him a lot right?

Avni: Bahot zyada.. Lekin tumse thoda kam. (Too much. But a little less than you)...

Neil(leaned in and pecked her nose): Is meherbaani ki wajah? (Reason for this kindness?)

Avni: Tumse zyada to main kisi se pyaar nahi karti Neil. Maine ye koshish ki hai hamesha ki main khud se sabse zyada pyaar karun. Par tum mujhe aisa karne hi nahi de rahe ho.. (I don't love anyone more than you Neil. I have always tried to love myself more than anyone. But you don't let me do that)

Neil(went in and slowly kissed her cheek while she gulped down): Kyun karti ho itna pyaar mujhse? (Why do you love me so much?)

Avni(held on to his shirt, pulled him closer if that was even possible and kissed his cheek): Taras khaake. Main nahi karungi to aur kaun karega pyaar tumse? (I feel pity on you. If I don't,then who will love you?).

Neil(looked at her and they giggled together): Itni kameeni hai na tu (You rascal woman).

Avni(chuckled): Wo to main hu (That I am for sure).

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The banters continued non stop. They laughed and hi-fied each other, even watched a movie together. Avni was explaining about a funny incident from college and suddenly she saw a mild flash of light falling on Neil.

Neil: It's morning.

Avni: We spent the whole night here?

Neil: Funny thing is that I don't feel tired at all.

Avni(smiled): Chalo Chalo. Let's go before someone finds out.

Neil(chuckled while Avni turned to go downstairs): Yeah yeah. Suno..

Avni was handling her messed up hair. She combed her hair with her hand and grabbed them together to tie up as bun. She held her hair clip with her mouth and turned back with a questioning glance. Neil came closer and encircled her waist line and slightly pulled her to him. He went alarmingly closer and bit her hairclip which she held with her lips. She looked up at him sensing her racing heartbeats while he was focused on the hairclip or rather - those rose petals.

She unknowingly loosened up her grip and Neil took away the hair clip. He slowly took some hair strands of hers and clipped them together as a messy open hair. He stepped away and looked at Avni who stood as if somebody gave her an electric shock. Neil was amused at this clean bowled Avni and needless to say he was enjoying teasing her.

"Neeche jaa rahi ho ya aur bhi kuch chahiye?"

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And that's it!

Give me honest feedbacks and stay on this journey!

I would love it!!!!

Love nd lots of love
Stay Safe :)
Megha