Humsafar ( UNDER EDITING)

12. Sharing her past

I don't know about your past. But trust me, I will never judge you irrespective of anything or anyone.

Avni looked at him with surprise. He was really different from others!

And you can also share with me anything. Neil assured her as she looked at him contemplating her thoughts.

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She stood up and walked to the table. Her fingers gripped the edge of the table tightly as she sighed. The emotions were wrecking her mind and she couldn't hold it in anymore.

Neil filled the glass with water and forwarded it to her. She looked at him and shook her head.

Everyone hates me.. she whispered. Neil stepped forward as he couldn't hear her properly. He placed his hands on her shoulder softly and pulled the chair besides him. He made her sit on the chair and kneeled in front of her.

Don't.. she muttered.

Avni let out everything you have buried in your heart.. sharing your pain will make you feel better.. Neil spoke softly. He could sense the turmoil of emotions in her eyes.

Why does everyone hate me, Neil? I always tried to make myself better for them but they pushed me away.. they stripped off my dignity and pushed me alone in the dark.. Avni said as tears freely ran down her cheeks.

Juhi is right! I don't deserve love! I don't deserve anyone!! She cried. Neil didn't stop her this time as he wanted her to let her emotions out.

She cried hysterically putting her face in her palms. Neil stared at her sadly as he listened to her blabbering. His eyes welled a bit. In the past few months, he always saw the bubbly side of her but he had no idea of her broken side. She was always polite and nice to everyone. In the office where employees hated their bosses, Avni had created a positive aura around in there. The respect for her was clear in their eyes.

He sensed Avni's breath becoming short. He held her palms and tried to comfort her. She hugged his waist and continued weeping. Neil looked at her in surprise but he did not stop her. He knew she was not in her senses.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, holding her gently. He stroked her hair slowly, trying to calm her down.

You are not alone Avni. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world.. just because some people rejected you and pushed you away doesn't mean you are not capable of love. There will always be a right person with whom everything will be right again.

Avni looked at him as she sobbed. Neil slowly wiped her tears and again kneeled in front of her.

There's no right person Neil.. This is not a fairy tale.. This is life! Avni snapped.

I know this is life.. and I am not asking you to wait for a prince charming.. a right person can be anyone.. maybe a friend or a family member or a stranger too.. but before expecting a person to come and accept you, you need to trust yourself and give yourself a chance. Sometimes self-love heals the wounds a stranger can't heal..

Do you always talk so poetic? Avni asked as Neil smiled at her.

Think upon it Avni. You will get your answers. Neil replied as he stood up and passed her a glass of water. She sipped the water thinking about his words.

Do you want me to drop you home? He asked. Avni nodded as she felt her head getting heavy. She knew she won't be able to drive herself home.

They walked out of the building and settled in the car. Neil drove off the place and looked at Avni who was watching out of the window silently. There was a comfortable silence throughout the journey. The car came to a halt near Avni's residence.