The wedding preparations were ongoing, by both the families. Joseph and Prakash's fun nature, kept everyone's joy at peak, except for the bride and groom. Both of them were busy as hell, working their heart out. Neil finally took a week of leave, but Avni wasn't able to.
"Ugh this girl!" Ayesha mumbled, taking a blazer Avni left on the living room couch. "She's not gonna be of any help, I tell you." She said to Neil, who stood sat on the couch. He laughed at her statement. "That's not gonna make me back off now." He winked. Neil came here early morning for an invitation of Joseph and Ansh. They were all gonna try out a new ps game. The men were busy at gaming, Ayesha sitting beside them enjoying equally.
At almost Noon, Avni walked in. "Avi! I've beated Neil at Need for Speed!" Ansh Exclaimed in joy. Avni gave a weak smile and headed upstairs. Everyone shared glances on each other. "She lost the case.." Neil mumbled. Joseph smiled to himself, he was finally at ease. He is giving his only daughter's hand to the perfect man for her. He patted on Neil's shoulder, gesturing him to check on her. Neil climbed up the stairs to Avni's room. But she wasn't there. He did a quick check on other rooms, finally coming to the balcony at the end of the hallway. There Avni was, near the railing of the balcony. Neil walked to her, and stopped right beside. Avni wiped her nose with a napkin and took a deep breath. She then leaned on Neil's shoulder. He slowly kissed on her hair. Neil didn't want to talk about what happened. He had an idea that she didn't have enough evidence to prove her suit. "I'll take a shower and join you all in a while?" Avni finally spoke, moving a little away. Neil nodded and smiled. He waited there for a while until Avni entered her room and closed the door.
"She's alright." Neil told to a very concerned Ayesha. She sighed. "I don't know what I should do with her. I've always tried to make her understand but Avni always gets so attached to her cases." Joseph took her hand into his. "That's How Avi is, we cant change it. Avni is smart enough, she would control herself, like she always did. And plus, you don't have to worry much. I'm more than convinced that Neil will always be there for her." Neil smiled and nodded. He would always give her space and be right beside her.
Avni came down after a few minutes. She was wearing a sweater, with a jeans. Her hair was wet, as she came right out of shower. Avni walked towards the kitchen to join the others for lunch, as she pass through the living area, she accidentally stepped on the joystick wires, and slipped over. "AVNI!!" Neil screamed from the top of his lungs. But Avni thumped on to the floor, before anyone could reach her. "Ouch..." she mumbled. Her right hand was under her, which was numb now. Ansh moved first and picked Avni from the floor. "Avi!" He brought her closer to him, hugging her. "Ouch!" Avni screamed as Ansh touched her right hand. Neil kneeled down, "dont touch. I think its a bad fracture." "Neil, you hold her, I'll call the driver to get the car. Mom, dad get ready." Everyone rushed away. Avni looked at Neil's face, the tears in her eyes shuddered his heart. He knew she was in immense pain! "Shh.. dont move. Or else it will get worse." Neil hugged her and kissed on her cheek. "Lets go!" Ansh instructed everyone.
Avni got discharged late in the night. She lied down on her bed, Ayesha draped the blanket over her. Her hand was supported by a guard, it indeed was a fracture. "Let's eat something?" Ayesha caressed on her hair. Avni vigorously shook her head. "Let her rest for some time. Let us all move out. Sleep for a while, sweetheart." Joseph said, beckoning everyone to come along. Neil moved a bit closer and kissed on her forehead. "Good night, I'll come back in morning." Avni nodded and Neil left for the night.
In morning, the Khannas and Mehtas were all at the breakfast table. Bebe, shweta and all came to see Avni. "Arrey Where's Avni?" Bebe asked. "She didn't sleep well last night, because of the pain. So I didn't wake her up." Ayesha clarified. "Yeah.. Let her sleep in for a while." Shweta agreed. "Prakash!" Joseph walked in, with full spirit. The wedding discussions went on. Neil was sharing their plans with everyone, when Avni walked in. The pain was still visible on her face, her eyes were still tired. Joseph got up from his seat and hugged her. He was most emotional last night. Avni and Ansh is the light of his eyes, he never wish anything bad to happen to them. "Feeling better?" He asked, caressing on her cheek. Avni smiled and nodded. She took the seat beside Ansh, and Ayesha served her food. The discussions went on, Avni just kept on nodding and smiling. She was eating her food very slowly. "Avni dear, there's a Skype call incoming at your laptop." Said Mona, their maid. Avni hurried upstairs. "Careful now!" Ansh called out. "She'd never listen. Rough challenge ahead, dearest Brother-in-Law!" Ansh Teased Neil, who bursted into laugh.
Avni thumped back on her bed, after the call. Her hands and feet were cold. Her heart was racing. She didn't know what to do. "Avni?" Neil came in, looking for her. He was a bit surprised to see Avni in bed, despite everyone downstairs. Is her arm hurting badly? Neil shivered with the thought. "Is the pain bad?" Neil sat beside her. Avni lifted her head a bit and shook her head. Neil sighed. "Ah.. I thought.." Neil didn't like the silent Avni. "But what's wrong?" He asked again. Avni slowly got up and sat down. "Nothing." She tried to curve a smile. "Just.. a bit tired." Neil gathered her in his arms. "Everyone's waiting for you downstairs. But it's okay. You should rest. I'm going in to attend a little work. I'll be back soon, yeah?" Neil's voice was soft and warm. Avni again replied with a nod. Neil helped her settle in, and got up to leave. There's definitely something wrong with Avni. It's not the case or the fracture. Her eyes are showing something else. A much deeper pain. I'll find it out at any cost. Neil came back in again and kissed on Avni's forehead. "I don't want to see you like this.. please take care of yourself." Avni didn't reply, but squeezed his hand. Neil then left, taking a last look at Avni.
