AvNeil SS ~ Colliding With Each Other...Again {Pt 7A} - Page 8

My heart only ever had one thought. One want. One need. Despite of all, inspite of all...all my heart has ever wanted you.

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Instalment 5A

Sukoon House, Kashid

Night

'maa, aaj naa bohot ajeeb feel ho raha hai. Koi dukh nahi, koi dard nahi, koi guilty feeling bhi nahi. Dil ko sukoon mil raha hai, aisa lag raha hai jaise koi apna mere paas wapas aa raha ho. Kya hai maa, is raat mein kya hai, kya chupa rahi hai yeh raat?' Avni sat in her favourite spot on the terrace, the swing, oscillating it barely.

Star gazing, she was not too fond of but in the recent years it had become her favourite night time activity. Having one-sided conversations with her mothers brought some relief to her otherwise chaotic life where she had battles to fight, every day, every moment. She might have left those companions of hers behind, but they were too much attached to her to leave. So, they stayed beside her, inside her.

Settling herself, she rested her head on the cushion placed on the swing, oscillating it slightly. The beauty the night created was splendid, too bright to be described using words. Millions of scintillating stars emitting white sparkled light. The moon was half of regular width yet gave a whitish glow to the dark indigo night.

Why this strange sense of happiness She questioned to no one in particular.

May be because everyone accepted her decision without any objections. Maybe the thoughts of providing a good life to those children who lovingly address her 'jaan didi'. Her rational side of brain tried giving an answer which did not satisfy her heart's curiosity.

Pulling out her diary hidden under the pillows, she flipped through its pages finding for an empty sheet. Sleeping on her stomach, she began writing,

'Dear diary,

You have seen me in my worst as well as my best. You are the only constant in my life apart from pain, wounds and scars. Repeating myself you would say, wouldn't you? Kya kare zakhmo ki itni aadat ho gayi hai ki baat usi par aakar atak jati hai. But today, surprisingly, thinking of him, my...no he isn't mine, Neil, doesn't depress me. I don't see tear strains on my cheeks. Why, you might ask. I honestly don't know. The new dawn is awaiting something good for me, for us, I can sense that. Let me know the reason, if you know.'

She closed the book, safely tucking it back under camouflage of huge round pillows.

'Avni, every night you do this. It's way past midnight and yet you aren't asleep. Saesha has auditions day after tomorrow and here her angel isn't asleep yet.' Sunheri complained, seeing Avni swaying on the swing. Avni gave her a smile, a full-blown one with sparkles emitting from her eyes. Sunheri found herself surprised with the changed demeanour of Avni, nevertheless she was happy for her friend. Avni rested her head on Sunheri's shoulder while the latter caressed her tresses which cascaded down mid-waist.

'You know Sunheri, if it was Aman, my younger brother, I had come back for. God has bestowed me with you too, an elder sister I never had.' Avni said, engulfing Sunheri in a hug. Sunheri smiled, acknowledging the elder sister title Avni has given her.

'hmm, alright then. Exercising my rights as a sister, I order you to come down and sleep for few hours. It almost close to dawn.' Sunheri commanded to which Avni obliged happily.

Mumbai

Afternoon, 2:00 p.m.

Finishing off with his show 'Woh Lamhe', Neil set off on his journey to Kashid with Ali accompanying him. Constant chatter of KK had irritated them to ends as both passed exasperated looks to each other pleading the other to shut the guy off.

'KK, I understand you are very excited for visiting Kashid. But please, please for few minutes can you be silent. I did not have my coffee today and now I have a terrible headache. Please do not add to it.' Neil requested with utmost politeness that Karan could not refuse. The journey went peacefully there after, with Neil grabbing few hours of sleep and Ali and KK surfing their mobiles.

5:30 p.m.

Evening

Kashid

After a wearisome drive of three and a half hours, KK and his entire crew reached Kashid, a popular beach town of Maharashtra, India. They stopped at their hotel and decided to retire to their respective rooms and begin their shooting the next day.

Neil & Ali's Suite

Ali sat near the dressing table, drying his wet curly locks when he looked at Neil, sitting on the bed, lost in some thoughts.

'Kya hua, Neil? Everything alright.' He decided to enquire.

'hmm' came a soft whisper from Neil. Ali walked over to the divan, taking a seat beside Neil.

'Neil, I have not come here to enjoy the expressions you have on your face right now. Feel free to share with me Neil, trust me like you have always done.' Ali's palm reached out to Neil's to assure him. Neil smiled, nodding his head before replying,

'I don't know ali, I am not able to exactly pin point this feeling which is growing inside me. I kinda...sort of...feel relaxed, happy after coming here. Aisa lag raha hai maano koi apna yaha par rehta ho aur meri usse jald hi mulakat hogi.' Neil sighed, playing with his fingers.

'shayad is sheher ke hawa mein kuch aisa ho ki hum dono ko aisa mehsoos ho raha hai.' Ali said, prompting Neil to look at him.

'Even I have been getting strange vibes ever since we stepped into this city.' Ali added.

After few moments, Ali again said, 'I guess we need to stop thinking about it. It's been six hours since we had proper food. Go and freshen up, join us for the evening snacks.'

Neil grimly nodded, grabbing a towel and marched into the bathroom.

Sukoon House, Kashid

Kids were busy with their home works given in their school while the girls helped them whenever necessary. Saesha and Samrat were busy with their preparations for their upcoming Tenth Board Exams.

Avni sat aloof in a secluded corner of the room engaged in some deep thoughts. The uneasy feeling never left her side since the previous night.

'What is happening to me? Why do I feel so restless? Good lord, please help me' She looked up, addressing the almighty.

'Kya hua Av...Neilanajana' Tara bit her tongue receiving a glare from Avni, realising the mistake she was about to commit.

'Nothing, just thinking about...about the music competition. Saesha ke audition ke baare mein soch rahi thi. I know she will definitely ace it but she has her pre board exams around the corner. It worries me if she can manage both.' Avni lied, unwilling to elucidate about her turmoil. Tara stared at her refusing to believe Avni.

'What? I'm being truthful, only. Go, Mowgli is calling for you.' Avni quickly stated pushing Tara to attend Mowgli.

Avni moved towards the window of the living room, gazing the moon with folded hands.

'You are supposed to know the answer for every question, isn't it. Answer me, why this restless, happy feeling which has spread in my heart and mind invading all my thoughts.'

The Other Side

Neil and Ali's suite

Neil leaned across the railing of the balcony of their room, breathing the fresh unpolluted air the town was offering. Holding Avni's wedding chain closer to his chest, he wondered looking up at the moon which fit like a missing piece of puzzle in the seamless sky,

'What are you trying to hide from me? Why this fuzzy, warmth comfort I am receiving since the moment I stepped off from my house?' Neil question looking at the celestial body which did not entertain him with an answer.

(A/N you can imagine the splitting of their faces for more dramatic feel. If not, the otherwise option is also fine.)

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End of the Chapter 5 A, one more to go to give a proper ending to this chapter. Good, bad, worse, worst, let me know your views in the comment section.

Advance Happy Good Friday as well! Just realised it now, being the dumb headed and forgetful person I am.

Cheers,

Nivedita

Originally posted by: Aphrodite_NV

Res 5

Originally posted by: AvNeil_TV

Waiting update soon

Originally posted by: AgnesFan

You have bought that moon connection so beautifully 😳 I felt like watching NK episode with tere dar par sanam in bg . I am missing Sunheri giving advice to Avni . She really behaves like elder sister.

waiting for next

Originally posted by: Shaiksafia

beautiful update 👏👏 thanks for the pm 😊

Originally posted by: drbeth

Great update.

Love how you hv kept it realistic...with the kids studies and preparations.

The way you hv described the love in the air...took me right back to the first few days of leap.Could hear tere dil pe sanam in d background.

I also like how Ali can also feel Avni's presence in the air.After all he was her best buddy.

Update soon.

Before we proceed with the story, I want to ask a question, if there any way I can improve myself. Am I too slow in showing the things, or certain characters don't relate at all, or may be the dialogues written. Feeling really low after I showed few of my real life friends my stories and they felt I was being crazy or insane or jobless to write stories on my favourite couple.

This chapter has really not satsfied the reader and critic inside me, will try to edit it once I get free.

It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, a day to love someone- but a lifetime to forget that someone.

Morning

Kashid, Maharashtra

The background was set, crew was ready in their respective positions and...

'ACTION!' came a sharp ringing shout from the director who was holding his camera. Neil took his position, then made a dash towards the cliff where the heroine was standing. They fell down the cliff, him under her. Uncomfortable at the proximity of another woman, Neil quickly excused himself. It cringed him to have

'CUT' the director told. He told KK to swiftly take Neil's place, KK obliged accordingly. Neil came out of the scene, escaping from the scrutinizing gazes of the people. He entered his room and found Ali waiting on the bed.

'How was the first day shoot?' He enquired.

'Acha gaya' Neil replied, sitting beside Ali. Ali nodded, retreating his gaze backwards when he saw blood stains on Neil's elbow.

'Neil, what is this? How did you get hurt?' Ali panicked. Neil looked at his elbow and then upwards, reminiscing something.

'Maybe while falling down the cliff. Anyways it's not some big wound to be concerned about.' Neil replied, shrugging off enraging Ali for the callous attitude for wounds. Quickly reaching out to the first aid box available, he washed Neil's wound and applied an ointment.

'Take care of yourself, Neil. How many more bruises will you take?'

'Ye ghaav toh kuch bhi nahi hai Ali. Gehri chotein khaya hoon zindagi mein, yeh toh phir bhi kharoch hai.' Neil replied.

Audition Hall

Kashid

Avni was nervous more than anyone, more than Saesha herself. Many what ifs were running in her mind, ruining her peace of mind. Saesha had her fingers crossed, she prayed fervently to the Almighty to help them. Sunheri stood between the two girls, assuring them to think positive.

Few minutes later, Saesha was called inside the room. She turned towards Avni, took her blessings and dashed off to the room after getting many ' all the bests '. Inside, the judges were impressed with her and selected her for the finale which was to be held on the next Wednesday.

'Jaan didi, I am selected.' Saesha gave a tight hug to Avni, jumping due to happiness. Avni's eyes sparkled with happiness and hope as she ruffled Saesha's hair congratulating her.

Afternoon

Shooting Arena

The entire crew was sitting under the shade of umbrellas, tired with continuous shoot under the hot blazing sun and increasing humidity.

'We have something to talk with KK sir. Please let us inside.' KK's ears shot up hearing his name being called out. He dragged himself till the entrance and found a man and two women standing at the threshold. He nodded at the security team, ordering them to let the group inside.

Once settled, the first woman began speaking,

'sir, we are the sponsors for the Kashid Annual Fest this year. And since you are here, we came here to ask if you could be the judge for the finale, only if you are free.'

'I need the timings, so that I can check and re-schedule my shoots.'

'Next Wednesday. Evening 5:30 to 8:00.' The man replied. KK requested them to wait for few minutes while he marched to his PR team for the dates and timings. Around half an hour or so, with many arguments and discussions with his team, KK gave his consent for the Kashid Annual Fest.

Sukoon House

The kids danced around while the elder girls stood behind, gleaming equally with happiness. The buds of hopes of giving a comfortable life to the kids who became their reason of existence was blooming into beautiful flowers. Their hopes were rising again, like a phoenix, soaring into the high infinite sky.

'kids, it's enough. Today you already bunked your school, that does not mean you can loiter around without studying anything. Get your books, I will give you maths sums.' Avni stepped in. The kids made a pout face but was of use against Avni who had a stern facade.

Unwillingly, the kids sat down with their books while she dictated sums to them. All had one same thought Who is this effing world created maths! I'll kill him/her and peacefully spend rest of my life in prison, no qualms about that!

Wednesday

The day they were waiting for has finally made its presence felt. It was their chance to prove their ability and team Sukoon House didn't want to lose this one chance offered to them. Saesha had a vigourous practice, every member of Sukoon Ghar made sure of that.

KK arrived at the venue along with Neil and Ali whom he convinced after many pleas and requests. Neil felt restless, the not-so obnoxious feeling was again taking its place, his heart thumped hard against his rib cage. Taking deep breathes was of no use as it did not calm the hurricane of emotions he was subjected to.

'Saesha, your friend Rachna is calling, take this.' Avni handed Saesha her mobile. Saesha accepted the call and moved little far, away from the crowd.

'haan Rachna bol.'

'I have few doubts, yaar. Can you please clear them.'

'I am not unable to hear your voice. Wait for few seconds.' Saesha moved towards the washroom arena and plugged back the phone near her ears. The area was wholly empty, no single soul except for the wind which flowed incessantly. Saesha entered the restroom and the door behind her closed, jammed.

'jaan didi, Saesha is no where to be seen' Samrat said.

'what are you saying Samrat? Yahi kahi hogi, ache se dekho. Where else can she go?' Avni was alarmed.

'humne use har jagah dhoondh liya hai Neilanjana, kahi nahi mili.' Sunheri joined.

'What will we do now?' Pinky was almost at the verge of crying.

'Team Sukoon House' Host announced on the stage. Avni and Sunheri looked at each other, perplexed at thr turn of events.

'Neilanjana, you go and sing.' Sunheri suddenly announced shocking Avni.

'Nahi Sunheri, main kaise..'

'Sunheri didi is right. Aapko jaake gaana chahiye, we have other go.' It was Samrat who decided to intervene. Soon others too joined and Avni had no other way except to oblige to their wishes.

'Team Sukoon House' Host re-iterated his words. The stage was subjected to darkness before lights came back. There were shadows of people, tiny frames beside each other. On the other end stood the singer, with mic in her hands.

Baahon mein teri aa ke laga

mera safar toh yahi tak hai

Tumse shuru tumpe hi khatam

meri kahani tumhi tak hai

Behind the curtain, hiding from the rapt attention the audience provided, Avni held the mic and began singing. For others it was another song to be judged but for her, it was an ode to her love, her Neil. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears which sparkled under the disco lights.

Dil ko jo de rahat si

tujhme hai wo khamoshi

Sau baar talash liya khudko

kuch tere siva na mile mujhko

Saanson se rishta tod bhi loon

tumse tod na paungi hmm...

Neil felt unknown feelings growing inside him, the song, the singer somehow made him feel connected in many ways. Was it because he shared a similar situation as described in the lyrics, was it because he could hear the pain and longingnes in the singer's voice which others' were incapable of realizing.

Main phir bhi tumko chahungi

main phir bhi tumko chahungi

Is chahat mein mar jaungi

main phir bhi tumko chahungi

She would always love him, till eternity, till death invites her, even if he hates her, even if he has moved on, even if he had a family, she will love him unconditionally, unrequited, seamless. Her prayers would consist of his welfare, her sleeps were filled with his dreams. He was her chahat, her ibadat, her pyar, her Neil, even if he has decided to join his name with someone else.

Aankhein khuli toh main dekhun tujhe

sirf yehi farmaish hai

Pehli toh mujhko yaad nahi

tu meri aakhri khwaish hai

How well the lyrics expressed his state of mind, every day he would wake with the desire to have her beside him, stare at him with love filled in those honey brown orbs of hers, shower him with wet kisses all over his face. If Juhi's so called death back in the past broke him, Avni's departure shattered him into pieces and fragments. Those broken pieces of his heart pricked him everyday, leaving him bleeding internally.

Seh loon main ab teri kami

mujhse yeh hoga hi nahi

Staying away from him for ten years wasn't any less painful for Avni. Neil, at least, considered her dead. But he was alive, in all his flesh and blood and that pained her all the more. She couldn't rush to him, engulf him in her arms, breathe his cologne which always drove her senseless. The separation made her only weak, weaker day after day. The inner guilt and ardent wish to meet him made her restless.

Tum aise mujhme shamil ho

tum jaan meri, tum hi dil ho

Shayad main bhula doon khud ko bhi

par tumko bhool na paungi

Haa...aa...

Main phir bhi tumko chahungi

main phir bhi tumko chahungi

is chahat mein mar jaungi

main phir bhi tumko chahungi

A round of applause rang among the audience as they cheered for the singer, breaking Neil's reverie. The curtain rose but the singer was no where to be seen, only kids were present on the stage with roses in hands and smiles on faces. Neil stood up from the chair an rushed to the backstage, hoping against hopes to have a glance at the singer who had his attention.

Avni locked the door and sunk to the ground beneath. Resting her head against the hard wooden door, she gave a clear path for tears to trickle down her cheeks and evaporate in the air. Emotions she imprisoned in her heart burst out like lava, unadulterated, scorching and intense.

Neil walked down the corridor, searching for the lady when he heard sobs from the room beside him. He walked in its direction, rose his hand to knock and decided against it.

'kya pata mere andar jaane se kiske aansun ruk jae, kiske gham wapas andar hi simat jaye. Nahi, it's better for me not to go and disrespect someone's feelings.' He debated to himself. He turned around, tracing his steps backwards when his eyes fell on the colourful charts and sketch pens lying on a table. Picking a cerulean blue paper from the stack, he jotted down few words and came back towards the door. Gently pushing the paper inside, he marched away with a hope to find the woman next time, if he ever had a chance.

Avni stood up, wiping her tears, held the lock to unbolt the door when she felt a piece of paper under her feet. Bending infront, she picked up the paper and read its contents.

'fikr mat karo

ye raat guzar jaega

ummeed kayam rakho ki kuch naya

laega yeh naya savera...

Don't waste your tears, they're far too precious.'

She caressed the letters, astonished with the deep message 'Who ever you are, thank you. You could calm me, which only my Neil can do.' She whispered to herself, holding the paper against her chest. She unlocked the door and walked in the direction of stage when she encountered a poster stuck on the wall.

'People registered can only be allowed to sing. Discrepencies will not be entertained.'

Avni's mind went blank for few moments, before she rung up the person last called her. Within few minutes, Samrat was beside her equally shocked at the way things took a U-turn.

'What will we do, Jaan didi.' He tapped his fingers nervously. Prize money was important for them, but honesty and truthfulness would not be at stake, it would be a shame for them to let down their Neilanjana didi's principles and upbringing.

'We will tell authorities the truth, joh hoga dekha jaega.' Avni replied. Samrat nodded, rather hesitatingly, hearing her decision.

Stage

'And the winner is, Sukoon House. Can we have a round of applause for the team for their beautiful performance, please.' KK announced cheerfully, with Neil and Ali standing beside him equally beaming at the kids.

Samrat ascended the dias and rest of the kids followed the suit. KK held the decorated trophy towards Samrat while Neil had the certificate of excellence. Samrat politely declined taking the award, baffling everybody in the surroundings.

'can I have mic' He asked. KK obliged, handing over the microphone to the lad. Samrat checked the mic before he began speaking,

'humari jaan didi ne humesha hi hume sachai ka rasta apnane ko kaha. Zindagi mein chahe jitni bhi mushkilein aaye, sachai ka rasta kabhi na chodne ko kaha hai. Today our singer was missing and the one who sang did not register, simple terms we had to cheat. And we don't deserve either this award or the cash money. We can't accept it, sorry for the inconvenience we caused.' and he humbly stepped down. The audience were stunned at the revealation and impressed with the team's honesty. The trio men smiled at the kids who showed maturity far beyond their years, Neil ruffled Samrat's hair. Since they weren't eligible for the prize money, the runner-ups were awarded it. After the prizes were distributed, the crowd began dispersing, twittering about the events.

Neil walked towards the kids of Sukoon House who were standing with Sunheri, Tara-Sitara.

'You people did the right thing. And I am so proud to see you kids reflecting so much honesty, when the world is filled with corrupt and selfish people.'

'Bhaiya, we did what deemed to be right, what our jaan didi told us to do.' Samrat replied. Saesha came, huffing and puffing, shocking everybody.

'kaha chali gayi thi tum Saesha?' Sunheri asked.

'My friend called me and I was in the restroom, talking to her. The door got jammed due to wind and I was stuck there. Btw, did we win?' Saesha asked. Sunheri shook her head disappointedly causing Saesha to bow down with shame.

'It is alright. Zindagi mein toh haar-jeet chalti rehti hai' Neil spoke. Saesha rose her head and she couldn't believe her eye sight, seeing him, her Superman, standing infront of her. She looked at Sunheri with expectant eyes while latter shook her head in negative. Saesha managed a fake smile and decided to take a stroll in the area.

'tum logon ki jaan didi kaha pe hai? I'm mean she was the one who sang, right. I want to congratulate her for having such a melodious voice.' Neil asked, hoping to meet their 'jaan didi'.

'Neil, if you don't mind can we meet tomorrow. It's already late and Mowgli is half asleep.' Sunheri convinced Neil, showing a boy of around five years who peacefully rested on Tara's shoulder. Neil nodded, asking for their address. Sunheri wrote it on a paper and handed it to him leaving with the kiddos.

'jaan...kaun hai aap? Aapke naam se hi apnepan ka ehsaas hota hai, na jane aapke naam mein kaisa jaadu hai' Neil muttered to himself.

'can we leave?' Ali came from behind forcing Neil to look up, at Ali.

'haan?'

'hotel chalein?' Ali re-iterated himself in Hindi. Neil nodded and the duo left in their car.

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