Bound To Love

Avni

Chapter 1 - "Scars Of The Past..!"

So, presenting the first chapter of this story. Hope you have a good time reading this.

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The waves splashed at the shore and went back, slowly and steadily taking my grief away. I stared at the salty water, carefully examining the ups and downs. I looked at my mud stained clothes, a silent tear rolling down my cheek. I got up from my place and tried to walk in the water. I didn't know what I was doing. But I was doing something that made sense to me.

"Avni..!" A loud scream of my name broke my trance and I tried to turn back. It was difficult but I did, only to find Ali and Rhea standing there with horrified expressions. Rhea tried to jump into the sea to take me away and at that exact moment, I realized I had came too far. Ali tried to calm Rhea down, and she gestured me to at least try to come back.

"Ali! What are you doing? Let me save her or go save her yourself!" I heard Rhea scream and my legs shivered. I saw a giant wave approaching me and my mind suddenly went back to a certain someone. "Whenever you find yourself stuck in water, just hit a backstroke. Float flat on your back, and flutter kick with your feet" his words echoed in my ears and I immediately jumped into the wave, leaning flat on my back. I tried to kick the water but only found myself drowning deep down into the waves. I floated on the surface of the water but kept on fluttering.

At one sudden moment, I heard the gasps of Ali and Rhea and found myself in their feet at the shore. My mouth gaped in surprise as I laughed, "I didn't die! Wow..!"

"Tu pagal hai? What the hell were you doing in there?" Rhea questioned, trying to lift me up. I stood up straight, drenched.

"Would you mind answering her question?" Ali shouted, making me tremble. I looked at him before speaking, "You know what Ali? Tu ghusse mein kaafi acha lagta hai!" I laughed out, knowing that my joke was lame, as I noticed Ali's and Rhea's expressions hardening.

"Not everytime Avni! Jokes are not suitable everytime" Rhea yelled and I knew I had to make up a situation.

"I was just... Just trying to show my bravery to the people out here." I fumbled, knowing what I said was again lame.

"You're being lame Avni!" Ali softened. "I'm sorry." I spoke, deciding that the mud on the ground was the best place to look at.

"No use. Clearly, asking you is of no use because have you ever told us anything behind your suspicious acts!" Rhea sounded sarcastic, but her concern was visible in her eyes.

I jumped up to wrap my arms around both of them and they hugged me back. I tried to hold back my tears.

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"So what was it all about Avni?" I beared another question from none other than Neela Maa.

"Nothing Maa! I was showing how brave I am" I spat out.

"You're not making any sense." Maa was in no mood to let me go.

"Exactly! I told her the same." Rhea spoke, sounding irritated.

"Its no use asking her Neela Aunty, she won't tell what is bothering her." Ali said, examining me carefully.

"I'll figure that out." Said Maa, determined. She walked up to the kitchen. I glanced at Rhea and Ali before running towards my room.

I locked the door behind me, sighing. Looking at my dishevelled state in the mirror, I reminisced the happenings. I was so lost, I didn't even realize when I walked that far. I could have died! But Alas! He saved me..!

I went back to that day, when he taught me how to swim and how to save my own life.

"Help..! Someone... Help m.. me pl.. please!" I pleaded for help, wondering if anyone could hear me. I tried to keep my balance, when the water entered my mouth, and I found myself drowning, thinking it to be my last day.

I gained consciousness, only to find him sitting near me on the bed, squeezing my hand.

"How am I here? I.. I didn't die?" I uttered and he dug his head into my neck, wrapping his arms around me.

"Neil.. It's alright, I am fine, see." I tried to set things but his hold on me tightened.

I caressed his back before he raised his head to look at me, "I brought you here. Why? Why did you jump into the pool when you don't know how to swim?"

"Because those silly girls of our college pushed me into it, and they went back laughing at me." I pouted.

"I won't leave them! How dare they?" He clenched his fists and I got up, realizing that his anger had no limits.

"Relax! I am alright na! You saved me, and I am here with you. So, just stop!" I tried to calm him down.

"On the safe sight, you should learn swimming" he stated. "Swimming? Okay, teach me. The most easiest way please." I agreed.

"Whenever you find yourself stuck in water, just hit a backstroke. Float flat on your back and flutter kick with your feet." He spoke.

"That's it? It's easy." I exclaimed. "Yes it is." He smiled.

"Wese Avni, tumhe kuch ho bhi jata tou mujhe koi faraq nahi padta!" He teased me, one of his favourite tasks to do. "Hahaha! Very funny!" I rolled my eyes.

"Joking! You're my friend yaar! How can I live without you?" He spoke, dramatically.

"Of course" I said, knowing he never meant whatever he said.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I remembered my days with Neil. The Neil, who was my best friend, my saviour. The one whom I could never even dream to loose. But unfortunately, I had lost him, long ago.

I took out his photo from my drawer. His smile still killed me. No matter how much I hated him, the LOVE that my heart held for him could never die. Because I knew, my LOVE was always greater than my hate.

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So, how was it? Got any idea of Avni's character?

Some things are clear, Avni loves Neil. They were friends in their college. She hates him but why? Do share your guesses.

The next one will have Neil's POV.

Till then, keep showering your love on this one. Do share your thoughts through comments. Also, don't forget to hit the star button.

Much Love

Priya ❤