Avni and Neil's meet ups went on, changing both their behaviors. Shweta and Ayesha had been closely observing, and pointing it to them. But the result? Both of them denying, too confused to confess. They would meet up everyday, in one way or the other, as if it had become a ritual. Nights would be spent on the phone or texts, with never ending conversations. Neil would stay at the other end of the call for hours, while Avni works on her cases. But Rhea, is one of the biggest concern for them. Avni has noticed her eyeing them, trying to get close with Neil. Thus leaving her in dilemma whether she was the right person. Ne didn't know how Rhea found out, but she would call him frequently, opening up with chats. In a way, he trapped, as Rhea is a relative of Avni and he cannot be rude to her.
But tonight, with a lot of guts Neil has planned to ask Avni out. He have made all the arrangements, and was getting ready to pick her up.
"Neil, can you help me up to place an FIR for a friend of mine?"
Neil read the text message from Rhea. He ran his fingers on his forehead. "It's now or never." He thought.
"Sorry Rhea, a bit busy tonight. I'll ask DD to help you out. Just drop by the PS. He'll be there."
He quickly sent the message with DD's number and grabbed his keys to head out.
Back at Mehta house, Rhea quickly dialed up DD. With her smart moves, she goin out where Neil was, and headed to the Water's Edge Park.
Avni repeated her question again, when Neil pulled in. "Where have we come, Neil?" "Tsk, Patience Ms.Mehta." He got out of the car and walked over to open her side of the door. Avni got out, Neil was quick enough, to blindfold her. "Neil! What are you doing?" She panicked. "Shh.. relax! Come with me.." he took her hand, Avni slowly followed him. After a while Neil stopped. "Take the blind off, when I tell you Please." Avni nodded. She stayed in the posture for a while. "Now." She heard Neil say. She slowly let the blind slip off.
Avni gasped in awe. The sidewalk was decorated with fairy lights and creme roses. Tiny stands were kept at distances with a frame, Avni walked closer to have a look at them. She clapped a hand to her mouth. Each frame has a capture from their every meeting. From the day at the café, to their last one at the police station last night. Avni walked along the chain of stands, looking at the memories. She was in tears now. At the end of the walkway, was a huge round table. Flowers covered the table and at the Middle was a box, with "open me, please?" Board. Avni looked around for Neil. He wasn't in sight so she opened the box. She took the card in it, and gasped! With neat golden letters, it asked, "Will you Marry Me?" . Avni was in shock. "The Time I spent with you, is irreplaceable. The conversations I had with you, will forever be etched in my heart. The memories of you, I'll be hugging to myself forever. I didn't intend this to happen. I didn't know how this happened.." Neil slowly walked towards her. Avni can feel the tears rolling down her cheeks. "..All I know is, that I'm hopelessly in love with you." The last sentence was almost a whisper, giving goosebumps to Avni. Neil slowly lowered to one knee, and held out the ring. "Will you?" Avni didn't move for a while. She wasn't even breathing. After what seemed like an year, and just when Neil thought she won't respond, Avni held out her left hand to him. Neil felt as if his heart was outpouring, he quickly slipped the ring on her finger, and brought her to a bone crushing hug! Their hearts were racing, their hands were cold and nervous. But the embrace slowly let them sink in everything. Avni slowly brought her lips to Neil's ear and whispered, "I love you!" Neil couldn't believe what he heard. He moved a bit from the hug to look at Avni. Her eyes vouched for her statement. Neil grinned wide, "I love you too! So much." He slowly kissed on her cheek and hugged her again. Nuzzling on the side of her neck.
From a distance, there was someone witnessing the special Avneil moment. Eyes burning with jealousy and anger. Hands clenched into a fist. A very fuming Rhea turned around. "I would never let this happen. Neil was someone I always had my heart on. Avni cannot jump in and take him from me like this!"
Avni opened her eyes slowly. She ran her fingers on her forehead, and the thoughts of last night suddenly hit her. She caressed the silver ring on her left hand. It was simple, just how she loved Neil. It was an unknown journey, she have no idea how she ended up on the road. A road, that she's immensely happy to be on, together with Neil.
Avni's phone rang, a wide smile spread on her face. "Hi." She said in a sleepy voice. "Lets go for a drive? I'm outside." Neil's voice slammed Avni's eyes wide open. She jumped out of the bed and ran into the balcony. "How are you here so early?!" She Exclaimed. "You really don't know the reason? You, of course." Avni blushed so hard, and laughed. "So? Gonna join me?" He asked again. "Give me a minute." Avni quickly slipped on a jumper and a jeans, ran to the door and again came into grab a scarf. She knew it would be freezing cold outside. Neil was on the other side of the road, next to his parked car. Avni ran to cross the road, stepping on a puddle of mud, which she didn't notice to be there. "Careful now!" Neil voiced over. Avni made a horrified face. "Yuuuck!" She was so irritated. "Lets get in quickly, forget about that. Otherwise we'd miss the sunset!" Avni nodded and sat in the car. They drove along the highway and Neil stopped at the most east end of it. Avni was in awe of the beautiful sight. The sun was rising, shades of orange and yellow spread on the sky. Avni moved towards the railing of the bridge area and peeped down the cliff. Neil walked behind her and hesitantly wrapped his arms around her. Avni simultaneously relaxed in Neil's arms, which made him really comfortable. "I love you!" Neil whispered to her eyes and gently kissed on her cheek. They spent a good hour, catching the sunrise, in the close posture.
A/N: I am very curious to know whether you want all these third person drama in the story, like Rhea, Juhi and all. If you do not want, I can continue a smooth romantic story, with tiny little problems to maintain the interest! Let me know.
