A little thing called FIRST LOVE ft.Avneil

Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Neil's Birthday

Avni and Neil stepped into Neil's apartment, and their jaws dropped at the sight before them.

The living room was transformed. Red and white balloons floated above, candles flickered gently, and a dining table sat in the center, adorned with rose petals. A wine bottle and a covered bowl rested in the middle, completing the romantic setting.

Neil turned to Avni, astonished. "All this is your planning?"

Avni smiled mischievously. "The planning is mine, but I didn’t handle the decorations. DD helped. I just gave him instructions."

Neil crossed his arms and nodded, impressed. "Impressive!"

As Neil approached the dining table, he lifted the lid from the bowl, revealing the aroma of freshly made pasta. His eyes lit up. "Ohooo, my favorite pasta!"

"And from your favorite restaurant," Avni added, grinning.

Neil looked at her with a fond smile, his gaze softening. "You didn’t have to go to such lengths."

"I wanted to," Avni said earnestly. "If I’d had more time, I would have cooked it myself."

Neil cupped her face gently. "You don’t have to. Just the thought that you wanted to do this for me is more than enough."

Avni rested her hand on his, her voice tender. "I love you so much, Neil."

In response, Neil kissed her forehead and pulled her into a warm embrace.

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After a moment, Avni pulled back, smiling. "Come on, let’s eat. I’ll heat the pasta."

Neil followed her to the kitchen, watching her as she busied herself with the oven. Once the pasta was warm, they sat down with glasses of wine and shared the meal, laughing and chatting about everything under the stars.

When they were done, Neil noticed a speck of sauce on Avni’s lips. He leaned forward, rubbing her lips gently with his thumb. The simple action sent an unexpected jolt through Avni. She froze, her glass slipping slightly in her hand, spilling wine onto her clothes.

Neil’s eyes widened. "I’m so sorry, Avni! I didn’t mean to—"

"Neil," Avni interrupted softly, her voice a little shaky. "I’m fine."

He glanced at her clothes, now stained with wine. "Fine? Look at your clothes!"

Avni followed his gaze, groaning. "Great. I didn’t bring a change of clothes. I only packed for college."

Neil scratched his head. "And there are no extra clothes of Kareena’s here either..."

After a moment, he brightened and grabbed her hand. "Come with me."

He led her to his bedroom, stopping in front of his wardrobe. Rifling through his clothes, he finally pulled out an oversized hoodie and handed it to her. "Here. It’s clean. Go change."

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When Avni stepped out of the bathroom wearing Neil’s hoodie, he froze. The oversized hoodie hung just above her knees, and her hair framed her flushed face. She looked effortlessly stunning.

Neil couldn’t help himself. He walked toward her, wrapping an arm around her waist and lifting her chin with his other hand. "Avni..." His voice was low and husky.

She squirmed slightly in his grip, her face a deep shade of red. "Neil? What are you doing?"

"You look so hot in that hoodie. Do you know that?" Neil said, his eyes locked on hers.