Hiyaaaa!

I am back again with another chapter!

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Song: Coldplay featuring Dua Lipa - Homesick

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Neil's POV:

"You're such an idiot, Neil!" DD had almost shouted into the phone when I had meekly admitted that I had not asked for her number. He did not want to hear any excuses. "You know what? I'll just ask Ali if he would give me her number, then you can call her!", DD explained to me.

"What, wait? How will you get Avni's number from Ali?", I asked, totally confused. For a moment, it was quiet on the line. "DD?" I asked to make sure he was still there. "I have his number already, we're gonna go to cricket match today!", he explained nonchalantly. I grunted softly. "What?" he asked, slightly upset.

"Nothing, nothing," I replied, but could not wipe a broad grin off my face.

So, DD gave me Avni's number and although I was not sure at first if I woule be too intrusive, I could not hold back and just texted her Saturday night.

Of course, I had forgotten to mention my name, which is why this came back: "Who are you?"

But the moment the misunderstanding got clarified, I think there was not a single hour left in which we did not text.

"My friend thinks you're a crazy stalker who wants to kill me," she once texted me. "What if I am?" I asked back with a winking smiley. "Then you would be haunted by me as a ghost and my friend," the answer came directly with a smiley face emoji.

Sunday night I was about to call her because I wanted to hear her voice. But, there was already a text message in which she asked me when I take the train back to Mumbai. Immediately, a smile spread on my face. "Why are you grinning like a fool?" My grandmother Bebe asked. "Nothing," I said dismissively and entrenched myself in my room.

We again planned to take the same train to head back to Mumbai. I was anything but calm. I could not wait for the train to stop at Lonavala station. Finally, the train came to a halt there.

In order not to be too noticeable, I tried not to watch the train doors all the time.

"Is this seat taken?", I heard an elderly lady ask in a friendly manner. I smiled at her and nodded. I just could not say no. But, as fate would have it, more people arrived and asked if the space in my compartment was free. I simply could not deny it again, because I was constantly thinking about how Avni offered the older couple the seat on Friday evening, without batting an eye.

Now, it was only a few minutes before the train would leave.

I got impatient and my leg twitched from being nervous. Again and again I stared at my phone and hoped she would get in touch. Just when it was time to leave, an announcement went through.

"We are sorry to inform you that there are some railway complications to report. This train to Mumbai expects a delay of fifteen minutes. We also apologize for the lack of space. Another train has broken down completely and therefore the passengers are forwarded on this train. We ask for your understanding and apologize again for the inconvenience.", the announcement said.

I exhaled in relief. As already predicted, more and more people got on the train. But again as I was almost on the point of giving up that she would come, I saw her jumping on the train, just before the train took off. I watched as she glanced around and saw that there was not a single seat left. Unfortunately, I sat with my back to her, so she probably could not see me.

Without even wasting a second, I stood up and went to her with my belongings. She stood with her back to me, leaning her head against the window. So, I decided to scare her a bit.

I put my things next to hers and stopped right behind her. "Booh!" I whispered close to her ear. She winced in shock, but let out a relieved breath after a few seconds.

"You are really mean. Why are you always making fun of me?" she asked, whining and her voice hoarse. "It's fun to upset you a bit," I said with a shrug. I saw her bringing her hands to her face and rubbing her eyes. Then she took a deep breath and turned around. When I finally looked into their eyes, I think my heart set out a few beats.

Her eyes were moist and a little red. Her cheeks and nose were red too. I probably looked really worried because suddenly she took my hand in hers and put on a smile. "Hi.", She mumbled and squeezed my hand gently. As if I was remote controlled, my free hand wandered to her face, tracing the wet trail of tears on her cheek with my thumb. Her skin felt so soft under my fingers.

"What's going on?" I heard myself ask softly. She just shook her head slightly. "Nothing!", she mumbled and kept trying to smile, which seemed to be difficult. "Please tell me," I mumbled and leaned closer to her and kissed her cheek very gently. I kept my lips on her cheek longer than necessary, so that I felt her eyes flutter shut.

God, if I were not so worried about why she was crying, I would kiss her for real right then and there.

"It's really not that bad," she whispered as I broke away from her. "Then why are you crying?" I asked. I gently put my forehead against hers. She kept her eyes closed but the corner of her mouth jerked slightly upwards. "I have not gotten used to seeing my family just for a few days ... that's all," she admitted quietly.

"Go on, you can make fun of me now," she added as I exhaled in relief. Snorting softly, I let go of her hand and brought my hands to her hip, whereupon she opened her eyes in surprise. I grinned at her and lifted her to the small tray behind her. Her eyes widened in shock and a surprised sound escaped her mouth. They were in a section where there were mostly bags, therefore noone was there watching them.

Her fingers clawed into my shoulder as I stepped closer and stood between her legs. "Why should I make fun of you?" I asked her, brushing my nose against hers. She blinked irritably, searching something in my eyes that she did not seem to find. Uncertain she began: "Um, well, because I'm crying here, just because I'm homesick?"

I chuckled softly. "That's not a reason to make fun of someone," I told her and kissed her nose, causing her breath to quicken a bit and duck herself slightly.

"No?" She asked softly. I was satisfied that she had gotten goose bumps on top of that as well.

Precap:

"Can I ask you something?" I asked and had to pull myself together not to be all over her. "Yes, sure. Shoot! ", She answered and now wrapped her arms around my middle.

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As always, shameless self promotion will follow:

Finished work on Avneil:

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Distraction - Avneil RS (18+)

Enchantment - Avneil RS

Solace - Avneil RS

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TBC - sequel to 'Sweet Like Chocolate' - Adiza Oneshot

Taste - Adiza Drabble

How long - Adiza Two-Shot

Night Changes - Adiza FF ;)

On-going work on Avneil:

Bound Together - Avneil FF

On-going work on Adiza:

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