Tu Jo Mila

Does she feel it?

Avneil's banters were about to begin another round but a phone call interrupted them.
Neil received a call passing a death glare to Avni which she reciprocated with equal fierceness.
After the call, Neil to Avni: Let’s continue the fight later.
Now it’s time to meet Mr. John, Rep. Of the company. Avni: Fine.
Strange! He is literally rescheduling our fight. Avni thought.

They got ready and reached infront of  the sky scrapping office building. Neil got out of the car first and opened the door for Avni. She blinked her eyes seeing this gentleman gesture from the person who was shooting daggers an hour ago.  Waving off her thoughts, she proceeded to the building with Neil. The interior of the office was very elegant and soothing to the eyes. They were directed to the office of John.
John was a middle aged man with friendly attitude. He stood up from the chair to greet Avneil.
John: Good afternoon Mr. Neil Khanna. I am John Latsis, the project co ordinater. Please have your seat.
Neil and Avni sat on the couch in the office room opposite to John.
John: So, How are you Mr.
Khanna?
Neil:I am alright and thank you for giving a second chance for us.
John: It’s our pleasure to
collaborate with you. We are really impressed by your plan of action.
Neil: That's very kind of you. By the way, please meet our project head Ms. Avni Mehta.
John: Oh.. hello. Nice to meet you.
Avni:  Nice to meet you too. We have some updates to show you.
She was about to open her laptop to discuss.

John: I think you are too much indulged in the work. This is not the official meeting. We will have official discussion day after tomorrow. We wanted to meet you people in person.
They continued talking for some minutes. Before bidding bye, John looked at Avni and said:
You are first time in Malaysia right? Enjoy the visit, this is a marvelous place.  Avni nodded with a smile.
***
Avni and neil reached their hotel.
Neil : So, what do you think of an outing? Avni: Are u not tired?
I mean you recently got discharged from the hospital.
Neel: No. I feel very energetic and I love visiting places.
Avni: Fine. Let’s go.

Both went to their respective rooms to get changed. Neil reached the launch area of the hotel first clad in white denim pants and shirt. He sat on the couch reading a random magazine.
After a few minutes Neil saw a movement in the side through the corner of his eyes. He raised his face from the magazine to see an alluring Avni. She was wearing a white top and a floral long skirt. Neil stood up with a handsome smile facing Avni.
Neil: You look pretty in this dress.
Avni felt a snow fall in her stomach. She looked away for a second to hold herself back.
"Thanks" Avni said trying to sound normal.

Avni in mind: What is this? Some new feeling. I never behave like this for a compliment. There was something in his smile. Argh.... May be I am overthinking.  There is nothing like that..

They reached at a fancy restaurant for lunch. Neil lead Avni to their reserved table and he pulls the chair for Avni with a smile. Avni sit there with half mind. Neil took his seat opposite to Avni.
Avni in mind: What is with this gentleman behaviour? This is awkward.
To avoid it, she decided to start conversation.
Avni: Neil.. it's ok. You don't need to do that.
Neil : Do what?
Neil asked with a mischievous smile.
Avni: mm... pulling chair, opening door for me.. etc. It is a bit awkward.
Neil: That's not a big deal. Every gentlemen do that for their ladies.
Avni widened her eyes at "their ladies" phrase and felt the snow fall in her stomach again. She gulped.
Avni: But... I am only a staff in your office. Such gestures are...
Neil: Come on Avni, don't put it that way. We are more like friends now, aren't we?
Avni nodded silently. But her mind was speaking : This is not a friendly vibe.
***

Finishing the lunch, they first went to Kuala Lampur tower which offers the complete view of the beautiful city.

They roamed in the tower assimilating the visual beauty.  Neil never forgot to capture some of Avni's candid photos without letting Avni know. Time passed. Darkness started to swallow the sky. They had their dinner at the revolving restaurant which was really an ethereal  experience.

Avneil entered into the lift to go back. It was crowded which brought Avni and Neil very close. Avni was standing near to the wall and Neil was facing her. Their faces were very close that they can feel eachothers breath. Avni felt her uneven breath and the "snow fall" again. Neil was elated in the moment. He keenly observed Avni with his mischievous smile.
Avni in mind: God... why is this so crowded? And What's  with Neil? This is wiered... this closeness...
Neel in mind: Yes... yes.. she feels it. Good job Neil.
Avni in mind: Oh God, Why
he is stairing me like that? I have never felt like this before. This lift.. why can't it move faster?
She turns her face side to avoid eye contact with Neil. Suddenly someone
from back pushes neel. Neel’s nose and lips touched Avni’s cheeks!
Avni stopped breathing in a shock. She felt her whole body froze. Neil's situation was also not different as this was unintentional. He was confused how to react. Neil try to move back But due to the rush he couldn’t move much. Avni turned back facing Neil. Now his breath is fanning her in between her ear and shoulder which is not doing good to Avni.

Neil: Sorry... someone pushed me from back.
Avni: mmm..i understand.

Then the lift stoped at some floor. Seeing it as an opportunity, Avni hurriedly got out of the lift.
Neil got confused.
"Avni.. why are you getting down here?"
"I will meet you at entrance" Avni said.
Before neil could say anything, the lift closed.
Neil  hitted his head with his
hand. "Oh God, she is avoiding me. Does  she think I did it deliberately? No way! Do I need to explain? But what should I explain? I was trying to make a connection with her and this ruined everything. But... whatever...the moment... it was... magical.
Neil blushed thinking about their moment.

Avni walked down the stairs swiftly.
"Calm down Avni. It was accidental. Leave it. Relax! You have to face Neil normally. But... nothing seems normal. Uff... just don't think about it. Breath in breath out...breath in breath out. I should stop thinking  and concentrate on the surroundings. "

Neil reached the entrance and stood there waiting for Avni.
"Why is she taking this much time? It is already pretty late. Is she avoiding me because of the kiss? Or is she in any trouble? Geez... I shouldn't have let her go alone. "
Without sparing a second Neil sprinted towards the stairs.
To be continued.