The Rishta

4.3K 202 3
                                    

As Avni walked into her home, she noticed that her parents had guests over, she quickly walked over and said hello.    She noticed that there were quite of few people, her parents, sister, her sister's boyfriend, another young man, another older couple, and an older lady.  She politely smiled.  Her grandmother, Dayawanti, asked Avni to quickly freshen up and come down.  She looked at her mother questionly, but her mother just uneasily smiled.  Avni had nodded her head and went upstairs.

Dayawanti looked at her guests and said, "Harleenji, I know that you have come for Riya's rishta for Vihaan, I am happy with Riya's choice but Avni for Neil, I don't know."

"Dayawanti ji, we saw Avni at her friend's wedding last month, we like what we saw.  And when we found out that Avni is Riya's sister, it seemed that the Lord was sending us a sign"

"Harleenji, Parkashji, Shwetaji, there are things about Avni that you don't know.  I know that Avni herself will let you know, but I believe that you should know from me.   I have nothing against Neil, if Avni agrees I will be the happiest of all to see my Avni settled.    I haven't been able to forgive myself, for the deeds of Avni's father, Avni thinks I hate her but the truth is that I feel guilty for not protecting her"  said Dayawanti

"What did Ketan do" asked Prakash

"Not Ketan, Ashish, my elder son.  I have three children, Ashish, Ketan and my daughter Dishka.  Dishka lives in USA, and Ketan lives with me, but Ashish is dead.   He died in jail about three years ago."

"Jail??" whispered Shweta

"Yes, Jail.  My brother is a criminal.  My brother was married to Ayesha.  My bhabi was a sweet woman, who loved my brother dearly.  My brother would abuse his wife.   My brother had a child, Avni, who tried to protect her mother many times.    My brother lived away from us, as he didn't want us to know that he was abusive.  Avni was about 8 years old when Ashish killed Ayesha Bhabi, Avni tried to protect her mother but was shot in the chest for her efforts.  He purposely shot Avni yet Avni survived, Bhabi didn't."  said Ketan

"Ketan and Neela are Avni's Chacha Chachi, but adopted her after Ayesha's death.    They gave Avni all the love the child needed.  Over all, Avni is a well adjusted child, but she does carry baggage.  She doesn't trust easily, especially men and she doesn't believe in the Lord.  She adores her father and brother, but the rest of the male population, she believes that they are just like her biological sperm donor was: an abusive, cheating man.    She doesn't acknowledge that Ashish is related to her biologically.   Avni works in a NGO along with helping with her father in the family business.   She sees many cases of abuses, and each day, her resolution to stay away from marriage gets stronger and stronger."  said Dayawanti 

"My daughter is a strong woman.  We have raised her to be kind, firm and independent.  I never wanted her to in a situation where is struggling to survive.  My daughter has been fighting all her life.  I want her to be happy.  I want her to have her soulmate, someone who will fighter for her and with her.  Someone who will walk with her in all steps of her life.   If that is you Neil, then I suggest that you fight for her otherwise, leave this topic and we shall never bring up again." said Neela.

"Auntie, if Avni is as strong and stubborn as you say, she will never agree to marriage.  From my understanding, Avni runs the opposite way from the male species, which is not surprising considering her past.   If she agrees, I would love to marry her.  Which my line of work, I need a strong woman as my life partner.   She needs to understand the dangers that I see.     With her past, she is already a strong woman,  but there's seems to be a side of her that needs protecting."

"YOU got that out a glance of her, when she walked by, amazing!  Well done! "  said Neela

"Actually, Auntie, I have seen Avni before, but she never noticed me.   The first time I saw her, she was with some kids, playing in the park.  There was something about her that brought myattention towards her without me noticing.   Then I found out that she was Riya's sister.  Riya has told me alot about Avni, your family and your history."

Avneil - One ShotsWhere stories live. Discover now