Chapter 08:

It was the time of the night, the moon was shining over the venue which was decorated with fairy lights, curtains, and flowers and was looking beautiful. People were going to it. The venue was looking beautiful from the inside also where the chairs were kept around the tables. Some people were sitting at the tables and some were standing with friends and family. Some were standing holding cold drinks and some had plates in their hands. People were enjoying themselves and were waiting for the bride and the groom. But where are the bride and groom?

The moon was shining over Avni’s home which was also decorated beautifully. The moon peeped into Avni’s home from the window and the curtains were flying. Avni was sitting in front of the dressing table and was ready.

Avni was smiling but her smile faded because she missed her mother. Avni looked at the table and opened the drawer of it. She saw a heart-shaped locket that her mother gifted her. Avni took the locket and caressed it. Avni opened it and saw her mother’s picture in it. Avni kissed the picture and caressed it. Avni wore the locket and closed it. Avni kissed it. Avni looked up and saw her mother’s picture frame hanging on the wall. Avni got up and went to the wall. Avni was looking at the picture frame with tearful eyes.

Avni: how am I looking, Mama?

Avni smiled

Avni: beautiful?

Avni smiled.

Avni: but not more than you.

Avni smiled and then she cried.

Avni: I miss you, Mama… I wish you were here.

Avni cried but suddenly she heard the sound of instruments and drums. Avni frowned and opened her eyes. Avni looked at the window and wiped her tears. Avni went to the window and got surprised to see the team of the band. The Khanna family was standing there with Neil’s friends and DD and a car was standing there. Avni was confused but she smiled. Avni went from there.

Avni came outside and flowers showered on her. Avni looked up and smiled. Avni spread her arms and closed her eyes. Everyone smiled to see her. Avni looked straight and the Khanna family and Neil’s friends were standing in the row. Avni frowned but her face was glowing because of happiness.

Song: Sajan Ji Ghar Aye from Kuch kuch hota hai.

Everyone moved a side one by one while the song was playing.

Kab se aaye hain tere dulhe raja
Ab der na kar, jaldi aaja

One moved to the right and the second to the left like this everyone moved to the side. Avni was looking at them.

Kab se aaye hain tere dulhe raja
Ab der na kar, jaldi aaja

A man was standing there and his man was on the other side.

Avni smiled to see the man because it was Neil. Neil turned and smiled to see Avni. Neil moved forward.

Ho…ooo…ooo…

Neil danced to the song and Avni smiled to see him.

Tere, ghar aaya, main aaya tujhko lene
Dil ke, badle mein, dil ka nazrana dene

Tere, ghar aaya, main aaya tujhko lene
Dil ke, badle mein, dil ka nazrana dene

Meri har dhadkan kya bole hai
Sun sun sun sun…

Everyone joined Neil and they danced. Avni got emotional to see their love for her.

Saajan ji ghar aaye, hay
Saajan ji ghar aaye

Dulhan kyon sharmaaye, hay
Saajan ji ghar aaye

Avni wiped her tears and smiled. The music was playing and Neil slowly moved to Avni who was looking at him. Neil came to Avni and they were just looking at each other. The song stopped.

Neil held Avni’s hand and Avni looked at the hands. Neil sat on his knees and Avni was surprised to see him.

Neil: Ever since you came into my life, every day of my life has become very special.

Avni smiled.

Neil: But some days are there, that has no competition. And today is the third most best day of my life.

Avni was surprised.

Neil: first one was when I proposed to you and you became a part of my life.

Avni blushed.

Neil: second was our engagement day where we officially became each other’s.

Avni smiled.

Neil and today is the third most best day of my life because today we will become one forever.

Avni was just looking at him.

Neil: I just can’t express my feelings in words. You can guess my happiness by seeing my smile.

Avni smiled. Everyone was looking at them and one each other.

Neil: I was so excited that I couldn't wait, so I came here to pick you up.

Avni smiled looking down and Neil smiled. Avni looked at him.

Neil: so tell me, Avni, will you come with me? Will you be the bride?

Avni: stupid, I am already standing here as your bride.

Neil chuckled silently.

Neil held his ear and said, sorry.

Everyone made an aww face.
Neil again held Avni’s hand.

Neil: Will you become Mrs. Avni Neil Khanna?

Avni was looking at Neil. Avni held Neil’s arms who got up.

Avni: I have already given my heart and myself to you. I have already accepted you as my husband. I will love to become Mrs. Avni Neil Khanna. Take me with you wherever you want. I am ready to come with you with my eyes closed, without asking any questions.

Neil smiled and held Avni’s hand. They smiled to see each other. Neil kissed Avni's forehead. Everyone showered roses on Avni and Neil. They looked at the family and friends and then they looked at each other. Neil kissed Avni’s forehead.

Neil: I love you.

Avni: I love you infinitely.

Neil smiled. Neil turned to the family and kept his hand at Avni’s waist. They smiled and their photos were clicked.

Shweta: so, the bride is ready, let’s start the preparation of farewell.

Neil was smiling but Avni’s smile faded. Tears formed in Avni’s eyes. Shweta came to Avni and cupped her face.

Shweta: why these tears? Your mother is here to do your farewell. I am not only Tillu’s mom, I am your mother too.

Avni got emotional and cried. Shweta wiped Avni’s tears. Shweta hugged Avni and smiled.

Neil thought to lighten the moment.

Neil: by the way, our relationship is unique.

Avni, Shweta, and others looked at Neil.

Neil: usually, the farewell of the girls happens after their marriage but we are different from everyone else. In our marriage, the farewell happens first, and the marriage later.

Everyone chuckled. Neil side-hugged Avni.

Neil: we are unique.

Avni wiped her tears.

Avni: yes, we are.

They smiled.

Bebe: so let’s start the preparation, people were waiting for us at the hall.

Neil nodded. Avni, Neil, and Shweta turned and everyone went inside. Avni threw the rice and Shweta was walking behind Avni holding a cloth in her hands. They did the farewell with all rituals and came out. Avni turned and looked at her home with tearful eyes. Vidyut locked the door and came to Avni who was looking at her home. Vidyut passed the keys to Avni and Avni looked at the keys. Avni took the keys.

Avni: Thank you.

Vidyut smiled.

Avni looked at her home. Neil kept his hand on Avni’s shoulder. Avni looked at Neil who wiped Avni’s tears cupping her face.

Neil: let’s go, our new life is waiting for us.

Avni smiled and Neil touched his forehead to Avni’s forehead. Vidyut kept his hand on Neil’s back and Neil looked at him. Vidyut leaned to Neil’s ear.

Vidyut: you have the whole night to do the romance. Let’s go now.

Avni heard them and felt awkward. Neil punched Vidyut’s stomach who winched and laughed holding his stomach. Avni was looking at them. Neil looked at Avni and they smiled.

Soon, a car reached the venue. Avni and Neil entered holding hands on each other. People were standing at both sides and were showering roses on them. Avneil smiled and looked at each other.

Neil was sitting with the priest and he did as the priest asked him. Shweta and Bebe brought Avni there and made Avni sit beside Neil. Avni and Neil did as the priest asked them. Avni and Neil exchanged the garlands and sat. Shweta and Prakash came for the rituals and tied the knot of Avni’s chunri and Neil’s shawl. Avni and Neil took the seven rounds and sat. Neil filled the sindoor in Avni’s hairline and Avni closed her eyes. A tear fell from Avni’s eye. Neil wiped Avni’s tears and shook his head. Avni smiled with teary eyes. Neil took the mangalsutra and put it on Avni’s neck. Avni looked at the mangalsutra and then she looked at Neil with tearful eyes who smiled. Avni smiled and blushed. Avni squeezed her red nose and was looking uber cute. Neil was adoring Avni. The priest declared them husband and wife.

Neil: Congratulations, Mrs. Avni Neil Khanna.

Avni: Congratulations, Mr. Neil Khanna.

They smiled. They were very happy and excited to start a new life.

Avni heard the coughing of a boy and she was smiling. Avni came out of her thought and she was sitting on the window in her room. Avni looked around and she found herself in her room and she realized that she had been lost in her past. She heard the coughing of a boy. Avni turned her face and she saw her son is coughing. 

Avni: Neav.

Avni immediately went to her son.

Avni: Neav.

Avni poured water into the glass and made Neav drink water. Neav lay back and coughed. Avni rubbed Neav’s back.

Avni: this boy. He must have drunk cold water. His anger is just like his father's. To show his anger, he drank cold water.

Avni shook her head. Neav slept. Avni looked at her son and leaned toward him. Avni caressed Neav’s hair.

Avni: don’t worry, soon your dreams will come true. You will get the life that you want. Your mama will fulfill your wish like she fulfilled your father’s wish six years ago.

Avni thinks and her eyes filled with tears.

Flashback:

It was the time of the night, the moon was glowing in the sky and the Khanna mansion was glowing on the earth. The sun peeped into Avni and Neil’s room and the curtains were flying because of the wind. The room was lit by candles and was decorated with roses and curtains. Red and white balloons were also kept on the floor and couch. Avni was sitting on the bed and the white curtains were there. Avni was waiting for her groom. Avni’s face was covered with the veil. She was excited and nervous too. Avni heard the sound of opening the door and she got nervous.

The door opened and Neil entered the room. Neil closed the door at his back and looked up. Neil saw the decorations and then he turned to lock the door. Neil turned back and looked around while coming forward. Neil saw Avni and smiled to see her. Neil thought and came to Avni. Neil took away the curtains and he sat on the bed. Neil looked at Avni and he can see Avni’s face from under the veil because of the light of the candle. Neil smiled and took away the veil. Avni was looking down and Neil lost to see Avni because Avni’s face was glowing in the candlelight. Neil looked at Avni’s hand and held it. Neil lift Avni’s hand and Avni looked at it. Neil leaned slightly and was looking at Avni. Neil kissed Avni’s hand who shivered. Neil smiled and moved back. Avni was looking down. Neil lifted Avni’s face who didn’t dare to look up.

Neil: beautiful.

Avni blushed so she took away Neil’s hand and hid her face in her hands. Neil smiled to see Avni and he took a small box from his Sherwani’s pocket and looked at Avni. Neil opened the box. Neil held Avni’s wrist and took away the face from her face. Avni was blushing hard. Neil leaned and put one bangle in Avni’s wrist. Avni looked at it and then Neil put on the second bangle on the second wrist. Neil kissed Avni’s bangles and Avni blushed.

Neil: You didn't tell me how you liked your gift?

Avni looked at Neil and then she looked at the bangles. Avni rolled her bangle with her hand.

Avni: these are beautiful.

Neil: you liked them?

Avni nodded.

Avni: very much. Thank you.

Neil shook his head and a mischievous smile was on her lips. Avni frowned.

Neil: umm, hmm.  Thank you will not work today.

Avni: then?

Neil: I want a return gift.

Avni: return gift?

Neil nodded.

Avni: but, I don’t have anything to give you now.

Neil: but, I want my gift.

Avni: say, what you want, I will buy that tomorrow.

Neil smiled.

Neil: you don’t need to go anywhere. You can give me my gift right now.

Avni was looking at Neil.

Avni: how?

Neil pointed at his cheek.

Neil: kiss.

Avni was surprised and she blushed.

Neil: Come on, Avni, I am waiting.

Avni smiled and she moved to Neil. Avni held Neil’s shoulder and Neil closed his eyes. Avni kissed Neil’s cheek and blushed. Neil opened his eyes and saw Avni. Neil chuckled.

Neil: Avni, you are blushing like you have kissed my cheek the first time.

Avni looked at Neil and then she smiled looking down and was playing with her bangles.

Avni: No, it is not the first time when I have kissed you but today I am feeling very different. There is a strange feeling. I can’t express my feelings in words. I am speechless.

Neil smiled.

Avni: I just can’t believe that we have become one.

Neil hugged Avni with one hand. Avni smiled and tears formed in her eyes.

Neil: believe it, Avni. We have become one today and now no one can separate us. No one. And tonight, I will make you mine forever. No one can stop us from uniting tonight. We will become one soul, one heart.

Avni felt butterflies in her stomach and her heartbeat increased.

Neil kissed Avni’s cheek while hugging her.

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

Avni: I love you too, Neil. I love you too.

Neil: are you ready for our union?

Avni blushed and she smiled with tearful eyes.

Avni: I am all yours, Neil. I am all yours. I made you wait for me so long but now your wait is over.

Neil smiled.

Avni: Make me yours, Neil.

Neil smiled and kissed Avni’s cheek and then Neil caressed Avni’s ear with his lips. Avni closed her eyes and tighten the grip on Neil’s back. Neil hid his face in Avni’s neck. Avni ruffled Neil’s hair with one hand. The wind blew and candles blew off. The moon hid behind the cloud and the two souls got united and became one forever.

Flashback ends.

It was the time of the night, the moon was shining in the sky and Avni was sitting on the bed resting her head on the hardboard of the bed and her legs were down the bed. Avni was lost in her thoughts.

Avni’s point of view:

How blissful that morning was, I woke up and I found myself in my love’s cage. He was sleeping hugging me and I was wearing his white shirt and he… he was shirtless. I still remember how shy I felt when I remembered our night's moment. I felt complete. I felt like I have got the happiness of this whole world. I felt like I am flying in the sky. My happiness was on cloud nine but…

Avni’s smile faded and she got sad.

Avni: I didn’t know that my happiness is of small time. Our marriage was for two years but it was not less than a roller coaster ride. We made a lot of beautiful memories which we thought, will cherish later but now I am sure that cherishing those memories is far away, you don't even want to remember them. I never thought that my married life will be like that.

Avni thought. On the other side, Neil was also sitting on the bed resting his head on the hardboard of the bed and his legs were down the bed. Neil was smiling thinking of something.

Flashback:

It was the time of the morning, and Avni was getting ready. She applied Sindoor in her hairline and wore a mangalsutra. Avni set her hair with her hands. Two hands held her waist and Avni got surprised at first but then she smiled because she knew who it is. Neil hugged Avni from behind and his eyes were closed. Avni smiled to see him.

Avni: you awake?

Neil hid his face in Avni’s neck.

Neil: Why did you wake up so early? My sleep also got disturbed.

Avni smiled.

Avni: how?

Neil: I missed your warmth.

Avni smiled.

Avni: good. Ok now you are awake so go and get ready fast.

Neil hugged Avni more tightly.

Neil: no.

Neil was nuzzling Avni’s neck and Avni closed her eyes.

Avni: Neil. Neil, please stop.

Neil continued his work.

It was the time of the night, the Khanna mansion was decorated beautifully from inside and outside for the wedding reception. Everyone was enjoying themselves at the party. Avni and Neil entered the party intervening their arms.

Everyone clapped to see them. Avni and Neil looked at each other and smiled. They came to the stage and Neil helped Avni to climb the stairs and then they stood on the stage. People came to meet them and gave them gifts. They clicked the pictures. Neil’s friends also came to meet them and they clicked the pictures. Avni and Neil were enjoying the party. Avni was happy but she doesn’t know that a storm is about to hit her life.

A car stopped outside the Khanna mansion and a girl got down from the car. She smiled to see the mansion. The girl moved to the mansion and came inside. She came forward while looking around and her eyes fell on Neil. The girl smiled widely. Neil turned his face and his eyes fell on the girl. Neil forwarded his gaze but he paused and then he again looked at the girl and got surprised. Neil smiled widely to see the girl.

Neil in mind: Maya.

Neil smiled and Avni turned to Neil. Avni was about to hold Neil’s arm but Neil ran from there. Avni was shocked. Neil went to Maya and Avni was looking at them. Avni got shocked. Neil and Maya were looking at each other and then they hugged. Avni left like Neil has pulled the rug from under her feet. Tears formed in Avni’s eyes.
Neil and Maya broke the hug.

Neil: Maya, what a pleasant surprise! You here suddenly.

Maya: surprise, surprise.

Neil: go to hell with your surprise. You are coming now. Why you didn’t come to my wedding?

Maya sighed.

Maya: I was heartbroken.

Neil frowned.

Maya: I was waiting for you and you got married to someone else.

Neil chuckled and shook his head.

Neil: you didn’t change a bit.

Maya: nope.

They smiled. Avni was looking at them.

Neil: come, let me introduce you to my wife, my life.

Maya: oh, my, my. Life? Oh my God.

Neil: yes, she is my life.

Maya nodded making a face and they smiled.

Neil: now stop it and come.

Neil turned and looked at the stage but to his surprise, Avni was not there. Neil frowned and looked for Avni.

Neil: where did she go?

Neil looked for Avni.

Maya: what happened?

Neil said hmm and looked at Maya.

Maya: what happened?

Neil: ab.

Neil said while looking for Avni: Avni. Don’t know where did she go?

Maya looked around. Neil looked at Maya.

Neil: ab, Maya, Vidyut, and KK are there with our friends. You go and meet them. I am coming with Avni.

Maya smiled and said ok. Neil smiled and Maya went to the friends. Neil was looking at her and then he looked for Avni.

Neil: now where did she go? This girl.

Neil shook his head and sighed.

On the other side, Avni was sitting on the bed in her room in the darkness and the moonlight was coming into the room from the window. Avni’s eyes were teary. Avni saw the flashes that Neil ran from there. Neil hugged Maya. Avni clenched the mattress of the bed and move.

Avni: history is repeating itself. log kehte hain maa baap ke naseeb ka bacha bachon ke naseeb main bhi aata hai. kahin mera naseeb meri maa ke jaisa na ho. (People say that a part of the fate of the parents also comes in the fate of the children. What if my fate will be like that of my mother.

Avni got shocked and her tears were teary.

Avni: Mama and Ashish Mehta were a happily married couple but then that woman came between them. This means the same will happen to me.

Avni panicked and she got up. Avni starts to shiver.

Avni: nnnn... no. I will not let it happen to me. I will not let it happen to me. I will not let it happen to me.

Avni was shivering and tears fell from her eyes.

On the other side, Neil was finding Avni at the party.

Neil: where did she go?

Neil ran his hand through his hair and looked around. Neil thought.

Neil: maybe, she went to the room… let’s go to check.

Neil went from there. Neil was coming to the room and he looked up. Neil stopped at the door because Avni was standing near the bed and her face was emotionless. Neil faced Avni’s back. Neil made a face and then he smiled. Neil came to Avni.

Neil: you are here and I was finding in the whole mansion.

Avni gave no reply.

Neil: what are you doing here?

Avni got emotional and she turned to Neil. Avni hugged Neil keeping her head on Neil’s chest and Neil got surprised. Neil captured Avni in his arms. Avni closed her eyes.

Neil: Avni?

Avni: you love me right?

Neil frowned.

Neil: what type of question is it?

Avni: just say, you love me.

Neil: I love you.

Avni smiled and tears rolled from her eyes.

Avni: you are only mine.

Neil: what has happened?

Avni: just say it.

Neil: yes, I am only yours and will be yours only.

Avni smiled.

Avni: I love you.

Neil: what has happened suddenly, why are you asking this all?

Avni wiped her tears and broke the hug.

Avni said while wiping her tears: nothing.

Neil was confused.

Avni: just remembered something.

Neil was looking at Avni who smiled to see him.

Avni: I am fine, seriously.

Neil was not satisfied with her answer but he thought to talk to her about it later because guests were asking about them.

Neil: ok. ok, now let’s go to the party. Everyone is asking for you and I want to introduce you to someone.

Avni: whom?

Avni had an idea but she wanted to hear from Neil.

Neil: A friend. My school and college friend.

Avni: friend?

Neil nodded.

Neil: you will be very happy to meet her.

Avni got shocked.

Avni: her?

Neil: yeah, her. you come, I introduce you to her. She wants to meet my wife.

Avni was looking at Neil.

Avni in mind: they are school and college friends. Maybe, I am thinking too much.

Avni smiled and Neil was smiling. Avni hugged Neil who got surprised. Neil smiled and Avni’s eyes were closed.

Neil: What's the matter? You are showering your love on your husband a lot today.

Avni: I love you.

Neil smiled and kissed Avni’s head.

Neil: I love you too.

Avni smiled and opened her eyes. Avni thought.

Avni in mind: Neil, you are mine and I will not let anyone snatch you from me.

Avni looked at Neil while hugging him and Neil also looked at Avni. Neil kissed Avni’s forehead and smiled. Avni also smiled and then she thought.

Avni and Neil came to the party and Neil took Avni to the friends. Avni and Maya saw each other. Maya smiled to see Avni who smiled fakely.

Neil: Avni, she is Maya, my best friend.

Avni didn’t like that and Maya smiled.

Neil: and Maya (Neil said looking at Avni and side-hugging her) She is Avni, my wife.

Avni smiled and Maya and Neil’s friends also smiled. Everyone hooted. Avneil blushed. Maya forwarded her hand to shake her hand and said Hi and Avni shook her hand with her and replied, Hi.

Maya: I must say, Neil, your wife is very beautiful.

Neil looked at Avni and said: indeed, she is.

Avni blushed and others teased them. Neil smiled. Neil kept his hands in his pockets and Avni held his arm and looked at Maya. Neil looked at the arm and then he looked at Avni. Neil knew Avni is possessive about him so he smiled.  Avni didn’t leave Neil’s side the whole party which irritated Neil because he couldn’t be able to meet his colleagues properly but he maintained his calm.

It was the time of the night, the moon was glowing in the sky and the soft breeze of night was teasing the plants and trees. The curtain of Avni and Neil’s room was flying because of the wind where Avni was sleeping in Neil’s arm who was awake. Neil looked at Avni and smiled to see her. Neil kissed Avni’s forehead.

Neil: my lifeline.

Neil smiled and remembered Avni’s changed behavior and her crying.

Neil in mind: what had happened to her suddenly? She was happy and was enjoying the party then what would have happened to him?

Neil thought. Avni snuggled to Neil who looked at her and smiled. Neil took away the hair from Avni’s face and kissed her forehead as he loves to kiss Avni’s forehead. Neil smiled and closed his eyes.