Avni's phone buzzed she came out of the shower. She quickly wrapped a towel around, it was the end of January and London was freezing cold. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Neil's name on the screen.
A: Hey..
N: I thought you'd be asleep still.
A: No, I have to meet up with a client. Ruth's client actually. Just to give her some heads up.
*Neil took a deep breath* he know Avni was much content now, as she could practice over at London. He could feel she was happy.
A: what are you up to? Had..lunch? Its afternoon there, right?
N: haha its almost 8p.m, silly! Your afternoon nap has backfired like always, eh?
A: Haha yes. Didn't realize.
There was a moment where neither of then spoke..
N: I miss you..
Avni's felt her heart go numb. His voice vouched for his honesty, on how much he was missing her.
A: I'll come over?
N: N..no! I mean, I dont want you to shorten your trip. Just..take your time.
A: Okay..
N: I'm off to bed then.
A: I love you!
Neil heard Avni say. His heart filled out with love. A smile spread on his lips instantly.
N: I love you more..
A week passed with a blink of an eye, but it was the longest week for Neil. He finally geared up some courage to travel over to London. Neil wanted it to be a complete surprise for Avni.
"My bet is, you'd kiss Avi, if you fail to open this champaign bottle!" Neil heard Marcus, a cousin of Avni say to Nichole, who was a childhood friend of her, as he entered the large drawing room. Ayesha was really excited to see Neil. Joseph gave him the tightest bear hug, he was really happy with Avni's choice and was eagerly waiting for Neil to come to London. Ayesha directed him to the drawing room, telling him that there was a huge gathering inside. Avni was sitting in the middle of the crowd, a faint smile playing on her lips. Nichole got up with the bottle of champaign, but could not open it after his various attempts. The crowd cheered, as he lowered to kiss Avni on the cheek. Traces of being uncomfortable was visible on Avni's face as she closed her ice when Nichole was just a few inches away. She gasped as she felt another pair of lips on her left cheek! Her heart raced, and her hands went cold. She was sure it was Neil, the softness of his touch can never betray her. Avni opened her eyes and turned around quickly. Neil gave the heartiest smile, it took a while for Avni to recover from her shock. She pursed her lips as her eyes started to well up. Neil straightened himself and held out his hands for a hug. Avni jumped out of her seat and hugged him tightly! Neil smiled as his heart was in ease finally! The crowd in the room was all blur for the two of them, and Neil softly kissed on the side of Avni's face, who buried her face on the crook of his neck. "Lovebirds!" Marcus broke their moment. Avni and Neil quickly moved out of the hug, everyone was smiling with the scene that rolled out. Avon's face instantly turned red, she brushed off the strand of hair from her face. "Shall we continue?" Marcus asked Avni, "Welcome, Neil! So good to see you!" He exclaimed and hugged Neil.
The two of them didn't get anytime to catch up for a while, as the crowd was on one game after the other, enjoying food along with. Avni was busy catching up with her friends, while Neil was suffocated by Avni's relatives. He did notice Nichole roaming around Avni all the while. His jaws clenched as Nichole wrapped an arm around Avni's shoulder, during a conversation. He knew they were cracking a joke about something, but he couldn't help himself. Neil left the room, without speaking to anyone.
Neil wasn't in sight when Avni's eyes search the whole room. She walked out into the living area, no sign of him. Avni was about to head upstairs when she noticed a figure, out in the garden. She smiled to herself and moved closer, hugging Neil from behind. Her mere presence was enough for him to know it was her. Neil took Avni's hand which was hugging him, and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "I tried reaching you this afternoon. Knew something was fishy, when you didn't answer." She mumbled. Neil turned around, and drank the sight of his beautiful wife! "I couldn't stop myself.." His voice was husky, making her heart race as he slowly cupped her face and captured her lips. Passionate, yet slow. As if he was putting all of his love into it. Avni responded, holding on to him tightly. "Avi!" The both of them was brought out of the moment, and had to move out of the embrace quickly, as Nichole came out. It was a damn awkward scene for the three of them. "er... I just came looking for you. Didn't see you inside, so.." he started saying. "I'll be there." Avni mumbled. Nichole gave a smile and turned around to leave. "Is that a friend of you? I'm sorry but I see nothing 'good' in him.." Neil whispered to Avni's ears. "Jealous?" Avni gasped. "Why would I be? He is nothing more handsome than me.." Neil winked. "Haha! You're a bit overconfident, don't you think?" "I should be. I'm fire to girls, unlike him.." He teased more. "Haha, shh! He'll hear you out!" Avni smacked him on the arm. "I don't care," Neil said playfully, nuzzling on the side of her face, tickling her with his beard. Avni laughed, trying to push him away. But She couldn't even move him an inch, rather getting more trapped in his embrace. Neil lifted her in his arms and swung her in a circle, Avni's voice faintly disappearing to the surrounding. In a moment, he brought her down, just to the level of his face, capturing her lips for a passionate kiss.
