Love Bites

To Be With You (7)

"Tum bin, main bin baat ka, Tum ho, tabhi kuch baat hai!" 

It had been a week since Neil used to go to Avni's place for the singing sessions with Neela. He was pleasantly surprised at how better he had got with his sleep. He hadn't had any nightmares in the last week & was definitely getting better at handling his anxiety. 

 Neela & Ashish were extremely welcoming and warm towards him, & he actually felt natural in their presence, like he could be himself! Avni's presence obviously was something that he had grown used to & sometimes he even wondered if he'd improve so much if she wasn't there. 

At the moment, he had come for a morning swim at the pool in their complex when he saw Avni sitting by the pool with her feet emersed in water as she fiddled with her fingers. Confused, he walked up to her & sat beside her but she hadn't noticed him yet. 

N - Avnii? - he called making her look up at him with a slight jolt. Are you okay? - he asked.

A - Uh, yes! I'm good. - she said with a small smile.

N - You look worried. - he observed her sigh.

A - My senior secondary's result will be out today! I'm nervous. - she told as she look at the water.

N - Ohkay! But where are you nervous? I'm sure it will be great! - he gave her an encouraging smile.

A - I don't know! I'm getting jittery. - she told truthfully.

N - It will be fine, Avnii! - he spoke slowly. You want to take a dive in the pool? - he asked in order to distract her.

A - No, you go! I'll just sit here. - she said making him sigh.

Avni watched Neil get up from where he was sitting besides her & jump into the pool. He swam for a while before coming to her while he was still in the pool. She was just sitting there when he grabbed her hands & pulled her inside the pool & Avni could only manage to let our a yelp when the cold water welcomed her. 

She held onto Neil's shoulders as she tried to catch a breathe while he held her firmly by her waist. 

A - You are such a brinjalhead, Neil! - she smacked his shoulders while he just laughed.

N - C'mon, let's race! - he said as he started swimming towards the other end of the pool.

A - Hey, wait for me! You're cheating! - she shouted as she followed him behind.

________________

Avni was tapping her foot on the floor continuously as Neil tried to open the website where the results were to be announced. 

Neela - It will be alright, Bachha! Calm down. - she said as she hugged Avni while sitting besides her. 

N - It's out. - he said & Avni bit her lips in nervousness as she tightened her grip on Neela.

Neil entered Avni's roll number on the portal & patiently waited for the results while Avni was a mess of nervousness & anxiety. She had her eyes closed as she chanted some inaudible prayers while Neela held her close to herself. 

N - Avnii, it's 95%. Look, you've a distinction in all the subjects! - he exclaimed as soon as the marksheet flashed on the laptop screen.

A - What? - Avni opened her eyes in shock as she looked at the laptop screen.

Neela smiled wildly as she hugged her daughter & placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Avni smiled brightly at her as soon as her mind processed the results & she exclaimed in excitement while Neil just watched their interaction with a smile on his face.