Tu Jo Mila

I am not jealous!

Neel: Fine. Let's go. But, Promise me that you will not do anything alone,We will do it together. Promise me that You don't do anything dangerous, Ok?
Neel forwarded his hand to Avni
Avni: Promise. She puts her hand
in Neel's. They look eachothers eyes. They continued to hold eachothers hand for sometime. At that
moment Avni felt that she is not alone. There is someone by her side to protect her. After her father's accident, she used to think that her family is so vulnerable and she has to take care of her mother and younger brother. She is so protective for them. Whenever Avni find someone troubling them, she always come in front as a shield for her family. But this time she felt she is shielded by Neel. Avni wondered why she feels this much safe holding his hands.
Neel's feelings were not different.
Neel in mind: Why I am so into her? I want to be with her. I want to talk to her. I wish if she feels the same for me too. You make me complete Avni. You make my life meaningful. But I don't know what's in your mind...
Neel sighed heavily which made Avni jerk and they left eachother's hand.

Avni and Neel go to the party area. Then they see that Vidyut comes to the spot light with two men on both sides. They look like bodyguards.
Vidyut in mike: A very splendid evening to all. This is the first time I am throwing a party outside India and this is in the name of my new venture; "V corporation". Moreover, 2019 is
about to hit. Happy New year in advance to all those who are gathered here. Enjoy the party.
Vidyut handed over the microphone to a host, slowly walk down the platform and leaves the party.
Neel: He is going out. I think this party is just to distract the attention. He has some other work. Ham usse follow karenge.
Avni: Ok.
They moves towards the exit. Then music starts and everybody starts to dance. Suddenly, A girl comes to Neel. Girl: Hi handsome, Shall we dance?
Neel's face flushed with a boyish smile.
Neel: sorry. I 'm a little busy.
But the girl was not ready to let go she held on to Neel's hand.
Girl: awe..no need to shy. Come on, let's enjoy this evening.(in a seductive tone)No one say no to Jenny. She puts her hands on Neel's shoulder and starts to dance & he also starts to move with her awkwardly.
Neel in mind: Uff... this girl is so clingy. I am trying to make advances with Avni but this girl will spoil everything.
Avni notices that Neel is not with her and she find Neel dancing with a girl. Avni in mind: I can't believe he is dancing with a girl here. He was the one to tell me we would do this together and now what the heck!

Avni goes to Neel.
Avni: We don't have a minute to spare. We need to go now.
Neel in mind: She is not even caring that I am dancing with a random girl. She should be jealous, doesn't she? Ok, let me test her a little bit.
Neel shrugs and put on a helpless face. Avni to the girl: Hey, leave him.
But Jenny moves more closer to Neel and says to Avni : Don't disturb us. Go and get some other guy.
Avni glares the girl and forcefully separate them and come in between. Avni: Are you out of your mind?
Can't u see we are in a hurry. Leave him. Avni holds Neel's hand about to walk.
Jenny: What's ur problem? He seems enjoying with me, right mr. Handsome?
Neel evades the question and keep quiet.
Jenny: Why are you silent? Do you know her? Is she ur girlfriend?
Avni leaves Neel's hand quickly.
Avni: What? I am not his GF.
Jenny: Thank god. BTW, who's gonna make such a bossy intimidating girl their GF?
Neel supress a smile. Avni... you look so cute that I wanna kiss you right now.

Avni become confused and then she fumes in Anger.
"How dare you Filthy girl! You are not ashamed of forcing yourself on a stranger and lecturing me about my character? Unbelievable!
Avni takes a deep breath. My time is precious and I 'm not gonna ruin it on an idiot like you. And Neel I am asking for the last time, Are you coming or not?
Neel: Of course, I am.
Neel in mind: I can't take the risk of testing Avni now. She will go after Vidyut alone and that would be dangerous.
Avni mumbles in anger: What did she call me bossy and intimidating? And she was throwing herself on Neel. And you Neel... why were you entertaining that girl? Did you come here for dance?
Here, I am thinking about Vidyut's shady play and there you are ...Avni gnushes down her anger.
Then she notices that Neel is smiling. Avni: Ab smile kyu kar rahe ho?
Neel with a smile: Aur kya karoo mein? That girl is right. You are behaving like you were my girlfriend And you were bossy.
Avni is confused: what?
Neel: Yes. You were. But I like it when you boss around me.
Avni crooked her brows at the word girlfriend. She stopped walking and replayed what just happened.
Avni: No I was not.
Neel: You were not jealous?
Avni: Jealous? Jealous my foot! Why would I be jealous?
Neel chuckles looking at Avni.
Avni: I hate this smile of yours. Just like you know everything. Stop it.
Neel smiles : Yes you were jealous. You couldn't see me with that girl and you pushed us away.
Avni try to reason out: I .. I was not jealous and I was angry because We should have followed Vidyut immediately. And not because...you were clinging to that girl. And if.. you want to be with her you can go...
Avni turned to go with her head low. But she could not go. Neel held her hand.
Neel: Don't go Avni. I told you we will do it together so, we will and sorry I was just kidding. Thanks for bailing me out from her. She was so clinky.
Avni glares Neel and try to release her hands. But Neel holds both her hands firmly and pull her towards him. Avni collides with Neel's chest which makes her aware of their position. Avni feels a pang in her stomach and goosebumps.
She looks up at Neel spellbound. He was looking at her lovingly. She blinked her eyes to blow away the tension between them. Neel comes near her ear.
Neel: Sorry. Let it slide please.
Avni shuddered and closed her eyes.
"O.. ok. Let's..let's leave now!"
She pushed Neel away from her and started walking towards where Vidyut headed. Neel followed her with a victorious smile.
"Avni... I think I am winning you."

***
To be continued