Avneil FF

Chapter 11

Things had been super hectic for Avni for the last 1 month on the work front. She had impressed with her work so much that now her boss was relying her too much and she was thoroughly overworked. She had been spending more and more time in office these days, leaving before neel even woke up on most days or rushing out without spending anytime with him and coming back way late at night and the only exchange they had was just courtesy stuff like -khana khaya! She was so wiped out by the time she got home that she only had time to shower and sleep. Neel was a mixed bag of emotions. While he understood the importance of work because he himself was the kind of person who always put it first he couldn't help but feel like he was not spending any time with his wife anymore. It was a big change for him because his routine hadn't changed much but with avni working he realised that she wasn't always available anymore. And unfortunately even over weekends something or the other would come up for him/her. She spent even weekends locked up in the study for work stuff or doing household chores or catching up with neelama. Neel was really missing just spending time with his wife and he noticed it more because he had been having a not so rough time at work lately. He was having more time at hand than usual but there was no use really because Avni was busy. Bebe was visiting maddy bua. His parents had gone to Delhi for 2 weeks. His dad had work there and his mom was attending some relatives shaadi there. So since there was no one else at home Neel was really feeling neglected now. In the last 1 month he had planned and cancelled 3 dates already because avni had texted him last minute that she wouldn't be able to make it. HE was quite upset because she hadn't even called. Simply texted . and that also seemed like an after-thought . Even her texts were quite curt. She would still keep him informed about if she were running late or where she was going but it was all very business like.Neel had come home today determined to sit down and talk things through with Avni but as he entered the room he saw Avni packing a suitcase.

Neel- Avni, ye tum packing kyun kar rahi ho?

Avni- arey voh mujhe ek client se milne Bangalore jaana hai kal meeting ke liye. Kal subah early morning flight hai...

Neel- kya? Aur tum ne mujhe bataya bhi nahi.

Avni- arey mujhe khud aaj hi pata laga, and abhi bata hi toh rahi hoon na.

Neel- kitne dinon ke liye?

Avni- I'm not sure- 3 ya 4 din maybe. Depends on how soon we wrap things up

And she continued busily packing things without really noticing Neel's crestfallen look

Neel- (in his mind)- 3 din baad humaari anniversary aa rahi hai I don't think she even remembers. It looks like she may not even be around . I wanted to sit down and talk to her tonight but she looks really busy with packing....should I talk/not.

Neel was in 2 minds about how to approach the topic. He sat down on the bed patiently waiting for avni to finish her packing. Normally avni would make small talk with him or be pulling his leg/ask him about his day at work but tonight she was not talking. In fact it had been like this for close to a month now.....ever since she got busier at work she had less time for everything else she used to do before. Instead every few minutes she was currently on her phone texting. HE assumed she was coordinating with her boss/colleagues about work related stuff.

Neel- main kuch help kar doon tumhaari?

Avni- nahi its ok, I'll do it. Vaise bhi I only know what I'll need there.

Neel- avni, kapde aur toiletries hi pack karne hai na 3 din ke liye. I can help.

Avni-(slightly annoyed tone) neel please, tum kaam me help nahi, kaam badhaoge mera.