Reunion of soulmates

Chapter 5

Khanna mansion is decorated with balloons and multi-colored buntings while cardboard cut-outs of different cartoon characters are arranged all over the living room. A table is placed in the center of the living room, it is covered with red cloth and a chocolate cake is placed on the table. Banners of different animated cars are hung all over the walls while a huge collage of Neilansh's childhood pics is kept near the table. Everyone is busy with last-minute preparations, Khanna family along with sukoon house's kids were making sure that everything was perfect. Prakash took Mowgli for an outing so that everyone can arrange his surprise birthday party. 

Shweta - Oh gods! we didn't even check the songs we are going to play. Prakash Ji said that they are arriving within a few minutes. (panic)

Bebe - Stop your drama madam Madonna. (rolling her eyes) Avni you go to your room...(she trails off)

Avni's heart pained but she didn't express anything on her face while Bebe scolded herself mentally.

Bebe - I mean go to Neil's room and bring the Pendrive. He kept it on his study table. 

Avni nods and left from there. 

Shweta - Bebe, why you sent her there? Even after knowing that Neil is getting ready in his room. 

Bebe - When two hearts aren't ready to accept each other then they need an external push. 

Shweta - Bebe is it .... ( Bebe cuts her off )

Bebe - Neil is just upset with Avni, he still loves her and can't live without her. If he wanted to move on then he would have done that 10 years back but he chose to live with her memories and now when he found her again after so much struggle then do you really think he would be able to marry some other woman. He is just trying to hurt Avni by being with Mithali just the way she broke his heart but he can't replace Avni's place with someone else, his heart won't allow that. So, stop being a match-maker between Mithali and Neil. 

Saying this, she went away leaving Shweta into a deep pool of thoughts. 

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Avni was standing at the doorstep of Neil's room, she entered inside and a feeling of loneliness hits her face harshly. This room always carried a comforting feeling, an unusual warmth that would embrace everyone into its perfect aura. She always felt content when she entered inside this room after a tiring day but now every corner of this room is dull and that comforting warmth is replaced with a harsh coldness. She can still visualize those wonderful moments they both spent here but their intensity has faded with time. She wonders how Neil manages to live in this lifeless room, another pang of guilt hit her chest as soon as this thought conquered her mind. She always wanted him to move on in his life and forget about her and now when he's finally trying to move on, she's feeling a major heart-break but she smiled for him and wished that Mithali will fill his room with happiness once again, she will bring back the life into this room. Little did she know that only she's the source of tranquility that both Neil and his room is searching for. Only she can complete his incomplete life, only she can create a peaceful atmosphere in this room once again. She always terms herself as a bad omen but she always fails to understand how she is the lifeline of her dear-ones. 

She sighed and started searching for the pen-drive. She was about to move towards the study table when the door of the bathroom suddenly opened and Neil came out while rubbing his damp hairs with a towel. His abs were on display while a towel hung around his waist. Avni's mouth hung open while Neil became shocked after seeing her. Avni immediately turned around while Neil closes his eyes in embarrassment. 

Neil - Avni, actually I want clothes that are kept on the bed. So, can you...

Avni picked up his clothes and handed him while looking away from him. 

Neil - You are shying as if you saw me like this for the first time. 

He speaks normally not realizing what he said but after a few minutes, his eyes widened in realization while Avni's face became crimson red after listening to his naughty words. Neil was wondering, why the hell he spoke those words, he teased her just the way he used to due earlier. For a few minutes, he forgot about their current situation and tried to relive those good old memories. On the other side, a small smile appeared on Avni's face after remembering his teasing sessions and how he used to pull her leg at every point. She always used one weapon when his teasing sessions became unbearable i.e one arm distance for a week and then he would try his best to make her change her mind by using his famous puppy face. For a few minutes, she relived that old memory and forgot about every tension surrounding them. She felt as if the old Neil was standing in front of her.

Neil - I'm sorry Avni, I didn't realize what I was saying. 

Avni - It's okay. ( softly )

Neil - You can turn back now. 

Avni nods and turns back while facing him. He saw the pain of her eyes has faded a bit after his accidental joke. A small smile was making its way on his face but he controlled himself. He still loves to make her smile, he still can't bear the pain and sadness she's carrying with her and he is the reason behind her helplessness, makes him feel like the worst person in his own eyes. 

Neil - Do you need something? (He asked while brushing his hairs)

Avni- Yeah! Bebe asked me to bring the pen-drive of party songs. 

Neil picked up the pen-drive from his study desk and gave it to her. 

Avni - Thank you. ( smiles a little )

She was about to go out when he held her hand, stopping her movements. She turned around and found him staring at her lovingly. He came forward and cupped her cheeks lovingly, she leans into his touch feeling those sparks in her body after a long time. How much she craved for his soft touch all those years, she finds her peace in his presence. He is a potion for her happy life, without him she's an expressionless soul. 

Neil - Thanks Avni for blessing me with Neilansh. Though our relation is not normal at this moment, I can't forgive you for all those wounds but you are the best mother always remember that. You handled everything perfectly in my absence. Though I wished to be a part of this crucial phase I can't ignore the fact that you raise our son alone and made him a good person. Thanks for everything and I promise you that you still have all your rights on Neilansh, you can meet him whenever you want and no one would stop you. 

He leans closer and plants a soft kiss on her forehead making her shed a few tears. He wiped her tears tenderly and shakes his head negatively. 

Neil - It's Mowgli's birthday today, don't cry. I want our son to have the best birthday and that is possible if his Mumma is happy. He always seeks his happiness in you. (smiles)

Avni nods and smiles a little. 

Neil - Good, now let's go out. Everyone would be waiting for us. 

They went downstairs and joined everyone. Shweta looked at them and smiled a little while Bebe was happy after seeing their happiness. 

After a few minutes, Neilansh entered Khanna's mansion with Prakash and became shocked after seeing all the decorations. Everyone screamed in joy," Happy birthday Neilansh ".

Neilansh became happy and immediately ran towards his mother and father who were standing together, he wrapped his hands around their legs making them giggle at their son's antics. Avni and Neil bent down and hug him properly. Neilansh tightens his hold around them and speaks in a low voice.

Neilansh - This is my perfect family. 

Avni and Neil look at each other after hearing his words. 

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