Tum Mere Ho

Tere Sang Yaara

 Even if you haven't realized it yet, this story and the show its self are winding down. I could think of no better time then now to finish writing this tale. Hope it was not too bizzare for you all. Epilogue will be posted soon. Enjoy this update for now.

Part Twenty-One

A few days passed by. Neil and Avni started planning out a short trip to Goa before she would have to return to work.

Ashish sent Ali money and requested him to a few favors. Ali was uncertain as to how to proceed. An idea struck him and he dialed someone who could advise him best.

Neela arranged to meet her estranged husband. Now that her anger had cooled, she knew she had to fend him off like she had fifteen years ago.

"Neela I am so happy you agreed to meet me today," he said as he pulled back a chair for her.

She hesitantly sat down.

She had to play her cards right no matter how overconfident Ashish thought he was.

"Kya lagoi?"

"You used to like your coffee sweet and light right. Hold on I will order it," he insisted.

Neela looked at him solemnly.

"No Ashish. I would like it strong with soy milk," she stated.

He frowned surprised at her change in taste.

"Neela you have changed," he commented before addressing the waiter.

" It has been fifteen years, Ashish since we sat like this. Somethings would be bound to be different," she retorted.

"That is true. Vaise Aman nahin aayi tere saath?"

"He had college today. His exams are coming. So I advised him to focus on his studies," she replied.

" You have done a lot for our children over the years. Now I want them to stay safe and happy as well," Ashish stated.

"Woh kaise? By ruining our daughter's marriage? By luring both Aman and Avni from me and those who really care about them?"

Ashish glared at her surprised.

" Neela, I am their father," he insisted.

The coffee arrived.

Neela clenched her cup tightly trying to control her anger.

"You fathered them, but unfortunately you never fulfilled your duties," she hissed.

"Avni and her husband are on their way to Goa. Do you want to see our daughter again?"

Neela threw her cup at his direction.

"Ali told me they were going there today. Be aware her childhood friend went against her. No one can be trusted," Ashish stated.

Neela turned back to face him.

"Why do you think he would have helped you?"

" I gave him money, lots of it!"

" Here is your money Mr. Ashish Mehta," Ali emerged and slammed the suitcase on the table.

Ashish glared at him stunned.

Neela's expression softened.

"When you give fake rupees and try to lure a loyal man to turn against his friends, what do you next to happen Ashish?"

She smirked at him.

" Tumne mujhe dhoka diya! Now Avni and Neil won't be spared. I have enemies in Goa."

Ali shrugged his shoulders.

" Who said they are in Goa? They went on a short trip. Who knows where?"

Ashish looked at him astonished.

" I said they were thinking about it, does not mean they actually went there," Ali declared.

DD arrived a few others.

"Mr. Ashish Mehta, you are under arrest for conspiracy and attempted murder," he declared.

As he was cuffed he looked at Neela for sympathy.

She shook her head and turned to walk away.

Meanwhile..

Coonoor, Tamlil Nadu, India

Avni walked through the plantations in awe. This place was beautiful. When Neil suggested they come here, she didn't expect to be amazed.

She felt a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to face the brown orbs that she loved awakening to see almost every morning of their marriage.

"Avni ab sab theek hogaya," he declared.

She lunged into his arms and hugged him.

"What about the threats he was talking about?"

"The car his so called enemies attacked, a couple was in there. But they were trained CID officers under cover. They fought them off," Neil assured her.

"You know we could have too," she insisted.

He pulled her close to himself.

"But I couldn't bear if anything else happened to you," he whispered.

"Neil why do you always deal with my insanity? You did not have to marry me six months ago," she declared.

"Tum meri humsafar ho. Tumare bina zindagi kuch khaas nahin hoti," he admitted.

She caressed his face and brushed back an errant strand of his hair.

She linked her arm with his.

" Tum bhi mere ho. I never thought our lives would have all these twists and turns. But I am glad I had all these happen with you," she declared.

"So then wifey, shall we continue this exploration of life and this plantation ?"

"Yes pati dev. Lead the way," she replied.

Ahead of them lay long stretch back to the resort, but they were in no hurry today.