The Seven Phases Of Marriage

41. Accepting you

"Enjoying the presence of a person might not mean Love every time, but thinking about them every moment in their absence is definitely Love."

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"You look gorgeous," Santosh complimented with his gaze fixed on Avni. The red dress fit her perfectly as if it was made for her. It hasn't shown much skin giving her a classy and elegant look.

"You don't look bad yourself," Avni laughed, trying to change the mood into a comfortable one. Awkward silences might sometimes lead to unwanted situations. He indeed looked handsome in a black tux. She always dreamed of him dressed in a suit and a tie she gifts him.

"Thank you," Santosh chuckled, opening the door for her.

Avni had a casual conversation with Siddharth that morning. She couldn't sleep all night pondering over the misunderstanding that might've made her way. No matter how politely he cut the call giving her space, she could make out the pain seeping through his chocolate brown eyes.

Siddharth was attending an important meeting while she rang. Still, she stubbornly pestered him to spend time with her talking about everything and anything under the sky. She cut the call only after making sure his mood got better.

Avni decided on some crucial things after an hour-long conversation with Siddharth. She would treat Santosh as a casual friend -- Nothing more or Nothing less. Just a friend! She made peace with her past and moved on long ago. She promised herself to be casual and easy around him without overthinking.

Siddharth might feel hurt initially, but he would eventually feel the difference himself. Santosh is just a friend now, but he is her everything.

"Mr. Marshall was very keen on having you at the party," Santosh commented, reading a text on his phone.

"I thought I made things clear to Gregory," Avni started. She was about to continue on why he thought she was unmarried, but Santosh interrupted.

"I forgot you people are on first name basis now," He muttered, hitting the horn unnecessarily. Wait! Is he angry? But why? Avni couldn't understand.

Santosh played the songs, not giving her a chance to speak anymore. Avni enjoyed the weather as a cool breeze tickled her face, and the full moon brightened the atmosphere.

The car halted in front of a famous pub. Santosh was by her side before Avni could step out of the car, and she smiled, holding his hand to balance herself.

Heels have never gone well with her, but she is too short to avoid them. Unfortunately, her husband is a tall and handsome man with every woman's attention! Avni chuckled, thinking of how Siddharth would reach her shoulders when he sat and she stood next to him.

The place was dark with dim red lights and a decent number of people. Avni searched for Gregory and waved her hand after spotting him. Gregory came to them, and they shook hands.

"Hey beautiful! Pleasure to see you," Gregory exclaimed greeting Avni.

"Happy Birthday," Avni wished, and they continued talking for a while before Gregory went on to greet some other people.

Santosh and Avni were walking together, maintaining a small distance before a group walked towards them. Santosh quickly pulled her closer by her hand. They continued holding hands, proceeding to the bar counter.

"What a lovely couple!" The bartender, an old lady, smiled, complimenting them.

Avni quickly reacted, sensing Santosh in no mood to contradict her. "We are just colleagues," She corrected.