It was the time of night, the moon was shining over the Mehta house and tight security was there also. Inside it, Avni was sitting on the bed and she looked upset. Neela maa was coming to Avni's room but she stopped to see Avni upset. Neela maa smiled and she came to Avni.

Nm: Avni.

Avni came out of her thoughts. She looked at Neela maa and looked down.

Nm: Avni, woh Mr. Sinha ne ek party throw ki hai to humain wahan jana hai jaldi se ready ho jao.

Avni: Mamma, mera mood nahi hai.

Nm: Avni, humara jana zarori hai aur hum tumhe akele ghar per chor kar nahi jaa sakte.

Avni got irritated. Avni got up in anger.

Avni: Mamma, please, aaj hi yeh incident howa hai aur mujhe abhi se suffocation hona shuru ho gai hai. Aur waise bhi aap ka woh ladla ACP Neil Khanna mujhe ghar se bahar kadam rakhne bhi nahi dega. Didn't you see the security outside. Us ka bus chale to mujhe room main kaid kar le.

Neela maa smiled and Avni looked away by folding her arms.

Nm: Bacha, yeh humara pyaar hai.

No reply.

Nm: main tumhare liye dress nikal rahi hun hum jaa rahe hain.

Avni: Mamma...

Nm: no argument.

Neela maa goes to the cupboard. Avni got frustrated and she goes to get fresh in anger. Neela maa smiled while choosing a dress.

Later, Avni came downstairs and she was ready but her precious smile was missing.

Avni came to the living area where her mother was present only. Avni looked up and frowned to see her mother. Avni looked around.

Avni: mamma, where is papa?

Nm: ab, h, he is coming.

Avni looked at her mother and she felt weird.

Avni: mamma, please, I don’t want to go and now Neil has sent the security so, I am safe here. I am not at all interested in going to any party.

Neela maa made a face and Avni made a sat face. Suddenly, Neela maa remembered something.

Nm: oh, no.

Avni frowned.

Avni: what happened?

Nm: Madhvi ne meri saree upar chat per sukhne ke liye rakhi thi aur kaha ke utar dena lekin main bhul gai. Ab, abhi jana parega.

Neela maa made a sad face and she was about to move.

Avni: wait, main jati hun.

Nm: nahi, bacha, tum mat…

Avni interrupted.

Avni: Mamma, please… main aati hun.

Avni looked at her mother and then she turned. Avni went to the terrace.

Avni came to the terrace and there was complete darkness. Avni turned and switched on the light. Avni turned her face and she was surprised to see the decoration. Avni came forward and she saw that two chairs were kept with a table and a flower vase was kept on the table with the candles and the vessels were kept there. Avni saw the terrace is decorated with fairy lights and candles. The white and red curtains were there and white and red balloons were also on the floor. Avni smiled and she moved forward. Avni came forward and she didn’t realize when she came to the rail.

Avni was looking at the terrace and her eyes fell down. Avni turned her face but she felt that she saw something. Avni looked down and sorry was written with the roses and the candles (diye) were kept in the heart shape and sorry was written with candles inside the heart.

Avni was looking there and the tears of happiness came into her tears and a smile was stuck on her lips. Avni was just looking there and then two hands held her waist and Avni shivered. Neil was standing behind Avni and he was looking at Avni lovingly from behind. Neil kept his chin on Avni’s shoulder.

Neil whispered: Hey.

Avni remained silent.

Neil: you are still angry with me?

Avni made a sad face.

Neil: I am sorry.

No reply.

Neil: baat nahi karogi?

Avni shook her head and Neil smiled.

Neil: bilkul bhi nahi.

Avni shook her head.

Neil: zara si bhi nahi?

Avni shook her head.

Neil: baap re, itna gussa.

Avni folded her arms and Neil smiled. Neil ran his hand from Avni’s waist to her belly and Avni felt a shiver in her body. Avni closed her eyes and Neil saw Avni from behind. Neil touched his cheek to Avni’s cheek and rubbed his lips on Avni’s cheek.

Neil whispered in Avni’s ear: ab bhi gussa ho?

Avni said with closed eyes: hmm…

Neil kissed Avni’s ear and Avni shivered.

Neil: Ab?

The reality hit Avni and she hit Neil with her elbow and she turned. Neil looked at Avni. Avni moved away from there. Neil turned.

Neil: Avni?

Avni: Neil, please go from here.

Neil came to Avni.

Neil: theek hai main chala jaunga lekin pehle meri baat sun lo. Ek baar meri baat sun lo then I promise, I will go from here.

Avni didn’t look at Neil. Neil sat on his knees and Avni was surprised to see that. Avni turned to Neil who took out a box from his pocket. Avni was surprised and she thought that it would be a ring but when Neil opened the box then Avni got another surprise because it was a set of beautiful a bracelet, a pendant, and a watch.

Avni looked at Neil who smiled.

Neil: usually when a boy proposes to a girl then he proposes to her by holding a ring or rose but in our case, I have already made you mine by putting our engagement ring on your finger and about the rose then you are my rose and my rose doesn’t need any other rose.

Avni smiled.

Neil: I know kuch zyada hi cheesy line hogai lekin kya karun tumhe dekh kar control nahi hota.

Avni smiled. Neil got serious.

Neil: Avni, today I want to confess my love to you.

Avni's smile faded.

Neil: I want to tell you my heart out.

Avni was looking at him.

Neil: Avni, you and me, we both know that I like you and get attracted towards you but the truth is it is more than like for me... I love you, Avni.

Avni was stunned to hear that and her heart skipped a beat. Avni was just looking at Neil.

Neil: aur yeh aaj yah kal nahi howa balke us pal howa jab maine tumhe pehli baar dekha tha. It was love at first sight.

Avni was shocked.

Neil: hum ek dusre se takraye aur mera dil tumhare pass hi reh gaya.

Avni smiled slightly.

Neil: tumhe pehli baar dekha aur main dekhta hi reh gaya. Main in jheel se ankhon main kho gaya. Is haseen chehre per fida ho gaya aur is chehre ko phir se dekhne ke liye baitaab tha. Tumhe dekhne ke liye, tum se phir se milne ke liye bhaga, bhaga phir se har us jaga gaya jahan tumhe dekha tha lekin tum kahin nahi mili aur main udas ho gaya.

Avni was listening to him.

Neil: Jab mom, dad ne humare alliance ki baat ki to main pagal ho gaya main wapis Mumbai araha tha kyun ke mere dil aur dimagh per to bus wahi larki chai hoi thi jisay dekhte hi main kho gaya tha. Lekin mujhe kya pata tha ke qismat main hum dono ka sath hamesha ke jor diya gaya hai. Mujhe kya maloom tha ke jis se bhag raha tha aur jis se milna chahta tha woh dono ek hi hain. Humare raste ek ho chuke hain.

Avni was looking at Neil with a soft smile on her face.

Neil: Jab tumhe dekhne aya tha to main tum se milne ke liye bilkul bhi interested nahi tha lekin jab maine tumhe dekha to meri khushi ka koi thikana nahi tha. Sirf main hi janta hun ke kaise control kiya tha maine khud ko.

Avni smiled.

Neil: Main tab hi apne pyaar ka izhaar karna chahta tha lekin tum humare rishte ke liye ready nahi thi aur main tum per kisi bhi tarha ka koi pressure nahi dalna chahta tha isi liye maine socha ke jab tum ready ho gi tab hi main tumhe apne dil ki har ek baat bataonga aur aaj woh din agaya hai.

Avni and Neil were looking at each other.

Neil: Avni, main tum se kitna pyaar karta hun usay bayan karne ke liye mere pass shabad nahi hain. Tum mera pyaar ho, meri mohabbat ho, meri chahat ho, mera junoon ho, meri deewangi ho tum, Avni.

Avni was surprised.

Neil: Jab se tumhe dekha hai asa ek bhi din nahi hai jab maine tumhare bare main socha na ho. You have become an important part of my life. You have become my life. I love you, Avni. I really do. I know ke aaj tak maine bohat baar hurt kiya hai tumhe lekin maine kabhi bhi intentionally nahi kiya aur aaj bhi mera intention tumhe hurt karne ka nahi tha bus ho gaya. Kya karun thora duffer hun kuch bhi bol deta hun tension main.

Avni nodded.

Avni: hmm, duffer to ho tum.

Neil was stunned.

Neil: han?

Avni: aur nahi to kya? Kab se bole jaa rahe ho aur yeh box bhi le kar bethe ho. Tumhari arm aur knees pain nahi kar rahi.

Neil nodded and made a sad face.

Neil: kar rahi hain?

Avni made a face.

Avni: to bethe kyun ho? Khare ho. Yeh kahan likha hai ke propose karne ke liye knees per bethna zarori hai. Koi rule book hai kya.

Neil smiled and he shook his head while looking down and sighed then he looked at Avni.

Neil: main to bhul hi gaya tha ke main to Avni the great ko propose karne jaa raha hun. Yeh sab kaam nahi aane wala.

Avni smiled and she held Neil's shoulders and made him stand. Avni encircled her arms around Neil's neck.

Avni: hmm, yeh aap se kis ne kaha ke mujhe pasand nahi aya. Aap ka yeh pure proposal Miss Avni Mehta ko bohat pasand aya.

Neil: matlab tum... Ne...

Avni: aap ke proposal ko accept kar liya.

Neil was stunned and he looked at Avni with tearful eyes. Avni cupped Neil's face and her eyes were also moist.

Avni: main nahi janti thi ke tum mujhse itna pyaar karte ho. Main to khud kab se tumhare love confession ka wait kar rahi thi aur tum ne itni dair laga di.

Neil was surprised.

Neil: Is ka matlab tum...

Avni nodded.

Avni: Yes, Neil, I love you.

Neil was shocked.

Neil: Ka, kya, kya kaha?

Avni smiled. Neil got restless.

Neil: Avniii... Bolo. Bolo, Avni, kya kaha tum ne.

Avni cupped Neil's face.

Avni: I love you, Neil.

Neil took a deep breath and his lips were trembling.

Avni: I really do.

Neil hugged Avni.

Neil: I love you, Avni, I love you. I really do.

Avni smiled and Neil hugged Avni more tightly. Avni caressed Neil's hair while smiling with teary eyes. Suddenly, Neil held Avni's arms and he made Avni away. Avni was shocked. She looked at Neil.

Neil: Avni, tum ne sach main I love you bola tha na.

Avni frowned and then she smiled. Neil was waiting for Avni's reply. Avni cupped Neil's face.

Avni: I love you.

Neil was looking at Avni.

Avni: I really do. Main nahi janti ke yeh kab howa, kaise howa lekin tum ne apne loving aur caring nature se mera dil jeet liya. Mujhe jeet liya.

Neil got emotional. Avni stood on her toes by holding Neil's shoulders and then she cupped Neil's face with one hand and she kissed Neil's forehead who also leaned to her. They opened their eyes and they looked at each other.

Suddenly, Neil picked Avni up in a bridal style and twirled. Avni was shocked.

Avni: Neil.

Neil: I love you. I love you. I love you.

Avni: Neil, main gir jaungi.

Neil stopped twirling.

Neil: Main girne dunga tab na?

Avni smiled and she touched her forehead to Neil's forehead and they were smiling. They looked at each other. Neil kept Avni down slowly and they were looking at each other. They smiled. Avni saw the decorations.

Avni: Neil, yeh sab achanak?

Neil cupped Avni's face.

Neil: tumhe manane ke liye. Aaj maine bohat hurt kiya na tumhe.

Avni made a sad face and Neil held his ears.

Neil: I am sorry.

Avni shook her head and she took away his hands. Avni hugged Neil who smiled and hugged her. Neil kissed Avni's hair and Avni smiled.

Avni and Neil broke the hug. Avni turned her face and she saw the table. Neil followed her gaze. Neil smiled and then he looked at Avni and he held Avni's hand. Avni looked at the hands and then she looked at Neil.

Neil: come.

Neil took Avni to the table and pulled a chair for Avni. Neil made Avni sit and then he opened the lid of the bowls. Avni was surprised to see her favorite dishes like Butter chicken, sandwiches, rolls and biryani, kebaab, and Kadai paneer.

Avni looked at Neil who smiled to see her. Neil served Avni kadai paneer and butter chicken and biryani. Neil picked up the spoon and fed Avni. Avni smiled and then Avni took the spoon from Neil and fed him. Neil was looking at Avni lovingly who was smiling.

Avni signed Neil to sit with her eyes. Neil smiled and sat on the chair. They had dinner with their chit-chat. Soon, they finished dinner.

Avni was standing on the terrace and she was admiring the decorations. Neil came from behind and he hugged Avni. Avni smiled.

Neil: so, kaisa laga surprise?

Avni: Bohat acha.

Neil: To kya mujhe maufi mil sakti hai ab?

Avni: Neil, main smajh sakti hun ke tumhe kaisa mehsus howa hoga. Tumhari tension, dar main sab samjhti hun lekin is ka matlab yeh to nahi na ke tum hamara rishta hi tor doge.

Neil: I am sorry, Avni.

Avni: Neil, ab tak har cheeze ko main ignore karti ayi hun. Tum humare plans postpone kar dete ho, cancel kar dete ho. Late aate ho, kabhi to aate bhi nahi ho lekin maine kabhi complain nahi ki. Humari engagement wale din bhi tum bina kuch kahe, bina bataye chale gaye maine phir bhi tumhe samjha. Ab tak har cheeze ko main positively leti hun. Calmly deal karti aai hun, phir bhi tum...

Avni stopped.

Neil: I am sorry.

Avni turned to Neil who was holding her waist.

Avni: Baat sorry ki nahi hai. Baat hai kehne ki. Tum ne bolne se pehle ek baar bhi nahi socha ke is baat ke consequences kya ho sakte hain. Tum police officer ho aur tumhare dushman bhi hain aur un se tumhari family ko bhi threat ho sakta hai to kya tum un se bhi rishta tor doge.

Neil looked down.

Avni: Bolo? jawab do?

Neil was looking down.

Avni: main bata nahi sakti, Neil ke us time mujhe kaisa mehsus howa tha. Asa lag jaise kisi ne kisi taiz dhar cheeze se mere dil per vaar kiya ho.

Neil looked at Avni and cupped Avni's face.

Neil: I am sorry, Avni, please mujhe mauf kar do. Maine jo kuch bhi kaha woh sab stress main kaha. Tum nahi janti, Avni ke tum mere liye kya ho. Tum meri zindagi ho. tumhe kho dene ke khayal se bhi dar lagta hai mujhe.

Avni was looking at Neil with teary eyes.

Neil: Jab Shanpur main woh buffaloes ka jhond tumhari taraf barh raha tha tab pehli baar tumhe khone ka dar mehsus kiya tha maine.

Neil's eyes were filled with tears and Avni's eyes also formed with tears.

Neil: Ek pal ke liye meri jaan nikal gai thi. Us din se pehle maine kabhi kisi apne ko khone ka dar mehsus nahi kiya tha, kabhi nahi dara tha lekin us din dara main aur us ke bad woh terrace per woh ghunda, tab dusri baar maine woh dar mehsus kiya aur aaj phir jab maine us shooter ko tum per target set karte dekha to manu mere pairun tale zameen nikal gai ho aur ek baar phirse maine wohi dar mehsus kiya lekin aaj fark yeh tha ke mujhe laga ke aaj yeh sab meri waja se howa hai. Mera koi dushman hai jo tumhe nuksan pohanchana chahta hai aur maine apne dar main woh sab keh diya.

Neil's eyes were teary. Avni's eyes were also teary.

Neil: Avni, mera irada tumhe hurt karne ka nahi tha. Main to tum se ek pal ki bhi duri bardasht nahi kar sakta. Mera bus chale to main tumhe aaj hi apna bana kar le jaun.

Avni smiled with teary eyes.

Neil: main ek, ek din kaise kat raha hun sirf main hi janta hun.

Avni said while acting of thinking: hmm, police station main pura din busy reh kar.

Neil was surprised and Avni looked at him.

Avni: Yeah.

Neil: Avni, shut up, yaar.

Avni smiled and Neil also smiled while making a crying face.

Avni cupped Neil's face.

Avni: jo beet gaya so beet gaya usay yaad kar ke humara yeh pal kyun barbad karna.

Neil: to kya tum ne mujhe muaf kiya?

Avni: Han, baba, mauf kiya.

Neil: Sach?

Avni: han, han, han. Mauf kiya, mauf kiya, mauf kiya. Ab khush.

Neil: bohat.

Avni warned Neil: Is baar to maine tumhe mauf kar diya hai lekin agar dubara asa kiya to mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. Suna tum ne.

Neil smiled.

Neil: kabhi nahi hoga.

Avni smiled.

Avni: good.

Neil hugged Avni.

Neil: Thank you.

Avni smiled. Neil kissed her neck unknowingly. Avni closed her eyes and she held Neil's back tightly. Neil kept his face on Avni's shoulder. Avni opened her eyes and she thinks.