Avneil SS

Reunion of the Best friends

During dinner Prakash told Shwetha and Babe about Neil's trip to Delhi instead of him and when he saw Shwetha is about to protest he signalled her not to say anything as he does not want to have any second thoughts about leaving the city, and he could understand Shwetha, she does not want their son to apart from given the circumstance, but Prakash knows this is the only way to this right and to give them all their space. He assured her that he will explain later.

Though all tried to keep a conversation they always ended up short and again the silence engulfed the whole Khanna mansion. It's not like they don't want to talk, it's just always lead to something that reminded them of Avni. And everyone's thoughts drifted towards Avni no matter what and no matter how much they tried to prevent it, it always happened. A father and mother were thinking about their lovable daughter, a grandma was thinking about her favourite granddaughter, while a soul was restless without its other half.

Neil finished his dinner quickly as usual, bid them all good night and left. After he left, Shwetha asked Prakash "Do you really think it's a good idea to send him away?" Her voice was filled with worry.

But it was babe who answered "Yes Shwetha, I think sunny is correct in this, we should give him some time and space. And seeing Arnav will definitely help him after all he's his best friend, being around us will always remind him of her and I think he should have some change in his surroundings at least for a little while and there is no better one other than Arnav who I know will take good care of Tillu when he needs him, and then maybe he will be better when he gets back. Don't worry Shwetha our Avni will give him strength." Babe finished; her eyes filled with tears.

"How Babe, he doesn't even have the strength to say her name....and whenever someone does, he is flinching with pain Babe." They had witnessed it, the way he reacted to her name, it was not as strong it was in the beginning because he mastered his reactions and control over his emotions but it's still there, just subtle, and they also noticed how he never used her name, not that he talks about her to them, but even when they talked about her in passing, he only used to say her, and they learned not to question about it. "But if you think it will help then I too hope the same." Shwetha said and they all left to their respective rooms but sleep is the farthest thing for them.

Neil was sitting in his room and was looking at his hand caressing the last reminder of her, which he managed to rescue, her Mangalsutra (Nuptial chain) which had tied them together is now tied around his wrist. Maybe he should get away from here for a while, he thought, but leaving his parents made him worry. He also felt guilty for not spending much time around them especially Babe, as he knows she is suffering the most after him as both Neil and Babe were the ones who promised Neelamaa that they'll protect their daughter in which they both failed, He failed, he thought. He also does not know how he will face Arnav, they used to be inseparable during their school and college days, and even after Arnav returned from abroad after his studies, but then they both were engrossed in their works and both of them had not contacted that frequently especially the past 3 years as they both had a lot to deal with. But the moment his friend sees him, he will figure out most of the things, except for the details, he would not even be surprised if he had already got suspicions, as Arnav was observant like that, the minute change in the tone of your voice, you are trapped. He couldn't stand his thoughts and the guilt he was feeling anymore so he decided to head out for some time.

While heading out Neil saw Babe's room light was still on and decided to check on her. He slightly pushed the door open and saw her sitting near the picture of both Neelamaa and Avni and caressing their faces. "Babe" Neil called out. Babe wiped her tears and turned towards him "Tillu, what are you doing here at this time? Come inside." She called him.

"I have to ask that Babe, why haven't you slept till now, it's not good for your health." he said as he entered and sat beside her taking her hands in his.