Neela and Shikha stood far apart from one another, speaking only through discrete earpieces. The Mehta Mansion was grandly decorated with flowers and lighting, and a stage set-up had been created with seating arrangements surrounding it. The duo faced away from another, so as not to draw suspicion from others, as they communicated with one another through the small devices in their ears.
Shikha: I think it is best that you first install the cameras in daya and diksha's rooms before checking daya's room, as there is a slim chance that you will find any evidence against her in there, and at least with the cameras in place, we will have the opportunity to get evidence against them if we get nothing from her room.
Neela: Good idea...just keep them all busy for me, okay. Nobody must go upstairs.
Shikha: Leave it all to me. They'll all be too busy enjoying the performances, and our resident ACP for sure will be enjoying a certain somebody's performance.
Shikha giggled mischievously under her breath, quietly enough so nobody apart from Neela through the earpiece could hear. Neela smirked and looked to Shikha, and her expression turned from a smirk to a warm smile.
Neela: Thank you so much, Shikha...for EVERYTHING! You have thought so much for my daughter. I can't be thankful enough to you for understanding my daughter, that too, back when you had only just met her. That too, when her own father didn't.
Neela looked teary. Shikha turned more now to look at Neela, but keeping it looking discrete to not draw attention.
Shikha: Some bonds are beyond blood, Neela... and you already proved that. Who could ever tell that you are not related to Avni? Not me that's for sure. What I have done for Avni is nothing compared to what you have been doing for years for her. It is Avni's story that pulled me to her. Not a blood bond. Not understanding. Just her pain. I couldn't see that little girl's pain. That is why I instantly found myself pulled towards Avni, and that hasn't changed. Plus, my own selfish reasons are involved here. I get a wonderful life partner for my wonderful nephew, who is himself broken on the inside and living in the past.
Neela: Perhaps that is why they are perfect for one another. As they both can take one another out of their painful pasts, and make one another see a brighter and much more beautiful future, where they both can have a partner who can understand them and their pain.
Shikha: Well, there's more than one reason I think they're perfect for one another, like their colossal temper, but yours was pretty apt. Our thoughts are just so in sync, right?
Neela shook her head and chuckled at Shikha. Neela then spotted DD walking slowly and apprehensively towards Shikha. She was confused, as she noticed him brush the back of his head with his hand nervously, and smiling as he walked closer towards her. Neela's expressions changed from that of confusion, to amusement, as she realised what was going on, as DD stood awkwardly behind Shikha, wondering how to greet her. Neela spoke into the earpiece, giggling at Shikha's unawareness.
Neela: Shikha! Turn around. You have company.
Neela tried hard to contain her laughter. She suppressed it, as she waited in anticipation for what was about to happen. Shikha looked confused in Neela's direction, spotting the amused tone in her voice, then followed Neela's instruction, only to be greeted, and surprised to see a sheepish DD. Avni, who was walking down the stairs at this point, spotted Neela. As Avni walked towards Neela, she saw Neela was smiling and seemed to be suppressing a smile. Avni became bewildered by what Neela was doing. She tapped Neela on the shoulder, giving Neela a jolt.
Avni: Maa, what are you doing? And what's so funny?
Neela put her index finger on her own lip, signing Avni to be quiet, then signalled her with her thumb to look towards Shikha and DD. Avni followed the direction she pointed to, to see a jittery DD smiling at Shikha.
DD: You really do look lovely today. This colour really suits you too. And I see you co-ordinated it with the sangeet decor.
Neela sniggered. Avni's mouth dropped open in disbelief and eyes widened, as realisation hit her.
Shikha: Thanks DD, but how does my clothes match the decor? I didn't even put that much thought into my outfit. And the dcor is pale-blue and silver, and my clothes are yellow and gold.
DD felt himself perspiring. Avni shook her head at DD's hopeless flirting, whilst Neela took amusement in DD's gaffe.
DD: Precisely. Those colours go well together, don't you think?
DD smiled and chuckled nervously. Shikha tilted her head to the side, looking questionably at DD.
Shikha: Ummm, not really! Like I said, I paid zero attention to my outfit today.
Neela: Oh, c'mon Shikha. Just take it as a complement. It doesn't matter if it makes sense to you or not. What counts is that he thinks you look good.
Shikha scowls at Neela, as Avni drops her head to hide her smirk.
Shikha: Thanks for the complement DD. You're very sweet...Perhaps a little too sweet.
DD: What can I say...You're so sweet yourself, that it's rubbing off on me.
DD smiled innocently and nervously at Shikha, as he waited for her response. Shikha became speechless, feeling uncomfortable in the situation. Neela and Avni smiled in awe at DD's words and flirting.
Avni: I wonder how his boss would feel about this?
Neela: He doesn't need to know...YET! And why should Neil have a problem, if it's his Maasi's choice?
Neela forgot Shikha could hear her through the earpiece, as she looked again at Neela and shook her head slightly in refusal. DD was getting increasingly on edge with her silence. He abruptly broke the silence.
DD: Would you like to go get some coffee with me sometime?
Shikha: W-w-what? Coffee? I-I don't understand. You want to get coffee with me?
DD: Yes! It's just that I really like and respect you, and I hope that you would at least give me the pleasure of buying you coffee and sitting down to have a chat with you? Please???
Shikha paused to look at Neela and Avni, who were signalling her to say yes, but Shikha felt apprehensive and unwilling.
Neela: It's only coffee. The poor guy seems so nervous.
Shikha: Ummm, okay! I guess that is fine. Chamko cafe? Ali's Ali-Avni combo is amazing.
DD: Absolutely anything you would like, I will get you. I'm just glad you said yes.
DD smiled in gratitude at her, and backed away slowly with a sweet smile on his face. After he walked away, Shikha's face fell, as she had to reluctantly say yes to DD. Riya beckoned Avni over, so Avni had to leave, but Neela came to Shikha and placed a consoling hand on her shoulder.
Shikha: Why? Why did you want me to say yes? That too, when you know everything about Ayaan?
Neela: It's only a casual coffee date, and remember, it was you who had said that Neil can't spend the rest of his life mourning over Juhi, and you want him to move on, so you have the right to move on too, and you should.
Shikha: Yes, I did say that, but that is also because I can see that Neil has feelings for Avni, which he is suppressing out of guilt, but I don't feel that way about DD, or any man for that matter.
Neela: You're still young, and eventually, you will also need to move on and carry on with your life. You can't be like me...then again, nobody can be like me, and thank god for that.
Neela tried to conceal her self-pity.
Shikha: I know that at some point I will have to move on, and I will, but such things happen naturally, and...
Neela: And sometimes a person needs a push for it to happen, like you are doing with Neil. So, I would suggest to at least become friends with DD, for the meantime.
Shikha became thoughtful, then after a few seconds, nodded in consent. Neela smiled in contentment, and held Shikha's hand to comfort her. Shikha returned her smile.
Meanwhile, Riya pretended to be polite and engaging with Avni on discussions for her upcoming dance performance in the competition, and wished Avni good luck to her for her performance, albeit out of pretence.
Riya: It is a shame though, that you are on the losing side, as the bride's side will win without a doubt.
Riya smiled cockily at Avni. Riya's words were overheard by Shweta and Neil.
Shweta: I'll have you know it, that us Khanna's are born winners. We always win.
Neil: Yes, Riya! Ali is a good dancer and he'll easily beat Amol, and even you know that. Yeah, maybe Diksha Bua may prove to be a challenge for Ananya, but I'm sure she will do amazing, especially because she has been choreographed by my Maasi, who is a fabulous classical dancer. Best of luck, Ananya. Maasi told me you did really well in the rehearsals, so I'm looking forward for you to show all of us your magic feet.
Neil winked at Avni, which Riya and Shweta saw, but Riya simply rolled her eyes, whereas Shweta was hopeful that Avni would beat Diksha. Riya got up and walked away, whilst Shweta went to speak to Prakash. Neil sat down on Avni's left side and continued looking at her, until Avni turned and noticed his stares.
Avni: What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Neil: Just wondering that I somehow convinced Riya that you could be a match for Diksha Bua, but in reality, I don't really know much about Bua's dancing skills, and from what I have seen of you, you're only good for breaking bones. We're going to get humiliated, and it will be all YOUR fault.
Neil mockingly shook his head and tutted, concealing a faint smirk, contemplating her reaction at his taunts. Avni's eyes squinted together and teeth gritted together in annoyance. She grabbed his shoulder and pushed him to force him to look back at her.
Avni: Excuse me! It was your idea in the first place to have me on your team, and now you're saying it would be my fault if you guys lost? Fine then, I won't take part at all.
Avni got up in a huff, but Neil caught her hand and tugged on her hand until she fell onto his lap. Without thinking Neil slowly tightened the grip of his arms around her waist as she sat in his lap, lost in his eyes. They were unable to take their eyes off one another. After a few moments, Avni snapped out of it, and tried to get up, but Neil did not notice her struggle and attempt to get up, as he was engrossed in looking at her lovingly. It was only when she shifted her weight, adding more pressure to his legs that he realised and snapped out, finally releasing her from his vice-tight grasp from around her waist. He tried to recollect himself as Avni got back up.
Neil: You constantly keep falling all over yourself, so how are you meant to dance?
Avni: I know how to handle myself!
Neil: Yeah, clearly!
Avni rolled her eyes at his taunts and walked away, leaving Neil staring after her, smiling coyly, as he remembered their moment that seemed like bliss.
Everybody had taken their perspective seats surrounding the centre stage, with Shweta having gleefully taken her position in the middle to make the announcement. Riya and Neil were sat on throne-like, cream gold brocade chairs, with polished white wood frames for the arm rest and legs, to highlight the presence of the bride and groom in the function. The rest of the members of the two families were sat on two separate Recamier sofas of the same colour and design, and were placed on either side of the couple's seats.
Avni was sat beside Shikha, twiddling her fingers in nervousness, but Shikha placed her hand on Avni's to calm her. Neela, in accordance to the plan, was missing from the gathering in the function, and Shikha continued to listen to Neela through the earpiece. Neela was sat in her room, waiting to hear the function to start so that she could get to work. Neil had his eyes on Avni, despite Riya constantly trying to grab his attention to ask him why he hadn't yet complimented her on her attire. DD came and sat next to Avni, but looked towards his left, past Avni, to look lovingly at Shikha. Shikha noticed DD from the corner of her eyes, but tried not to turn her head towards him, pretending to not acknowledge his presence. Instead of Avni, it was Shikha who started twiddling her thumb out of nervousness, which Avni noticed. Avni repeated Shikha's action, by placing her hand on Shikha's.
Avni: Are you okay, Shikha? Why are you nervous? I'm the one who must dance.
Shikha stopped, but when she looked at Avni, she was unable to avoid DD's gaze. As she had now looked at him, she decided that it was best to pass him a pleasant smile, so that she didn't make it appear that she was avoiding him. What was the point in avoiding him now, she thought to herself, as she had already agreed to go on the da...Nope! Coffee! She had agreed to go get coffee with him, and that was all.
DD: Best of luck to you Ananya for the dance performance. I know it's going to be amazing, because it was choreographed by Shikha ji herself. Neil sir told me how great of a dancer you are, Shikha ji.
DD had intentionally and slyly gone from talking to Avni, to starting a conversation with Shikha. Shikha felt her cheeks burn up, and she found herself uncontrollably blinking and batting her eyelashes. Was she blushing, she questioned herself? Avni was amused by the sweet exchange between the duo, and decided to play cupid between the two in that moment.
Avni: Seriously, DD! Shikha is an amazing dancer, and because she trained me for this performance, I don't want to let her down. Shikha! You must join me at the end of the performance, so that DD can witness your talent for himself. Will you join me?
Avni nudged Shikha, prompting her to agree. Shikha thoughtlessly agreed, as her eyes were mindlessly on DD's overtly elated face, whose eyes refused to look away from her. Shikha quickly realised she had agreed and tried to save herself.
Shikha: I mean, I can't. Remember my legs? That's why I'm making you do the dance in my place in the first place.
Avni pursed her lips in disappointment. DD looked equally disappointed.
DD: it's okay. I hope your legs get better, so maybe then you show me your dancing skills?
DD looked at Shikha hopefully. She mindlessly nodded yes in response, as she was dazed by the exchange.
Shweta: If everybody could please pay attention.
Everybody's eyes shifted to Shweta, who was about to announce the commencement of the competition.
Shweta: As you all know, it is the sangeet of my tillu (Shweta laughs nervously) ...I mean, my son, Neil, with Dayavanti Mehta's granddaughter, Riya. We want to however, spice up this occasion, with a little bit of competition from both sides. That is why we are bringing to you a fabulous dance competition, where you will see both the bride and groom's side, compete with one another in two dance offs. The first two performances will be by Amol Mehta, who will be dancing on his sister, Riya's side, and then Ali, will be competing against Amol for his best friend, Neil. The second dance off will be between Riya's Bua, Diksha and from Neil's side will be...
Diksha: And from Neil's side will be Ananya, who makes us all wonder which boat she is sailing in, forcing us to ask her "Hum aapke hain kaun?
Diksha smirked, looking mockingly at Avni, with Riya following suit, and Shweta scoffing in amusement. Daya sent what seemed like a death stare towards Diksha, warning her to keep mum and not create a scene. Diksha fearfully complied with her mother's non-verbal threat. Neil then sat forward and raised his head, straightening his posture in seriousness, as he interrupted Diksha's attempt to humiliate Avni.
Neil: What Diksha Bua means by Ananya sailing in two boats is that Ananya is not only Riya's best friend, but also my Maasi's old friend, as well my new friend. So, by that Ananya is on both sides, but she will be competing for me. Right Ananya?
Neil nodded in reassurance at Avni and winked at her, forcing her to smile. And he succeeded. Avni thought to herself that she was not going to let anybody put her down. She nodded back to him in reply, who gave her a warm smile in return. This did not seem to sit well with Riya, Diksha, Daya and Shweta, as the foursome looked interchangeably between Neil and Ananya in irritation, seeing the duo stare googly-eyed at one another. The lovey-dovey staring competition was interrupted by Shweta intentionally proceeding with the announcement in a loud tone, to get both of their attentions away from one another.
Shweta: So up first is Amol vs Ali, otherwise bride vs groom. So, let's all give a round of applause for the two boys.
As everyone clapped in excitement, Ali and Amol took centre stage. As the music begun, Ali and Amol started competing with one another, by first dancing one by one, and then simultaneously. Shikha was listening to Neela, who had already made her way secretly from her bedroom to Diksha's, to put their plan in action. Shikha nudged Avni with her elbow to get her attention.
Shikha: Neela is currently in Diksha's room. The plan is in action, and we must make sure nobody leaves from here and goes upstairs.
Avni nodded in understanding. Shikha then looked at Neil, who had already noticed the small exchange between her and Avni. Shikha gave a thumb up to Neil, which Neil understood as meaning that the plan had started. The dancing got more and more competitive between the two boys, as the dancing sped up. This was indication that their performance was about to end. Just then, Daya got up from her seat, looking at her phone, as she seemed to be going away upstairs. Neil, Shikha and Avni became alert, and Shikha and Avni gestured Neil to do something, which he complied to. Neil got up quickly and obstructed Daya's way.
Neil: Dadi! Where are you going leaving the function?
Daya: I have some important work to do. I will quickly do it and come back.
Neil: Absolutely not, Dadi. You always are busy and running about. You need to just relax and please just enjoy the function. If there is any important work that needs doing, please get your servants to do it, but for now I want all family members to stay here and enjoy every bit of the function.
Daya gave a nervous glance to her phone in her hand, which Neil saw, and wondered what Daya was up to. Daya looked at Neil and nodded reluctantly in compliance, and sat back down in her seat. Neil went back in his seat and smiled towards the now relaxed Shikha and Avni. Just when Ali and Amol's performance had ended, Neela informed Shikha that she had successfully installed the cameras in Diksha's room. Shikha gave quiet instructions to Neela through the earpiece.
Shikha: Don't come out of her room yet. When Avni and Diksha's performance starts, and you hear the music for it, then come out and proceed towards Daya's room.
Avni smiled in satisfaction, as through Shikha's instructions, she had understood that Neela was done installing the camera's in Diksha's room. As Ali and Amol went back to their seats, Shweta returned to centre-stage.
Shweta: That was indeed a fabulous performance from the two boys. Up next is the final performance from Ananya versus Diksha. A round of applause for the two of them please.
Avni and Diksha both took their positions, as the lights on the centre of the stage where they stood started off dark. Neil tried to look through the darkness on the stage, to see Avni in anticipation.
The lights came on and the music began, as did the dance off between the two girls. As the girls competed with one another, Neil was the least bit interested in who was doing better, who was instead completely spellbound by Avni's dancing. As Avni gracefully twirled, Neil's eyes followed her every step, took note of her every hand gesture, mentally taking extra notes of her every hip movement. He was surprised that Avni managed to pull off dancing. He swore that Avni was looking at him blushingly as she danced, but a part of him thought that he was overthinking. Shikha, who looked proudly at Avni, quickly turned her attention to Neil, to see how her plan was working out, and she was pleased with what she saw. Neil's face was a picture of awe and adulation, and his eyes were Avni's admirers. His face seemed to be etched into a permanent smile throughout the performance, which had Riya on edge, as she was unable to watch the performance, due to her envy-filled eyes being fixed on Neil's awe-stricken face, with her own face having turned several shades of green at this point.
As the performance ended, Neil got up out of his seat and attracted everybody's attention, as he clapped wildly out of awe and appreciation. Most of the onlookers took no real notice of the awkwardness that Neil's applauding had created, apart from the people who knew the real reason for his applauding. The Meha's had their teeth gritted together in annoyance at the attention Neil was giving Avni, including Shweta, who hid her face in her hands in embarrassment at Neil's actions. Prakash was clueless to what was really happening and joined Neil in what he thought was applauds for the performance of BOTH the girls.
Shweta got Neil's attention and gestured him to sit back down. Neil, slightly embarrassed as he realised what he was doing, sat back down awkwardly, but his eyes returned to Avni, and stayed there. Shikha was amused looking at the reactions of the clearly uncomfortable Mehta's.
As Shweta was about to return to the stage, Shikha quickly got up and went to Shweta, and asked Shweta if she could continue. Shweta gladly gave her sister the mike and took her seat.
Shikha: Such amazing performances from all involved, but the question is...Who won? The bride's team or the groom's?
Most people present had started shouting who their favourites were, and the guests were overjoyed at the entertainment, but Daya and her family had lost interest, with them fuming over seeing how things were not in their court during the whole marriage functions. Riya had become glum, as she took another peek at Neil's face, who was still looking admirably at Avni. Avni looked confidently at Neil, as she knew she had outdone Neil's expectations. Neil was happy to see this confident and comfortable Avni, as he knew that his intentional teasing and taunting of Avni's ability to dance had paid off. At once, without thinking he took Ananya's name, as everybody was simultaneously naming their favourites. Avni became surprised at Neil having picked her. Neil winked at Avni, to which she was unable to control her blushing. Riya's nails were dug into the soft brocade arm rests of her seat out of rage and envy, as she looked on at the spectacle that was taking place in front of her. She felt a sense of helplessness. A sense that she was losing her most prized possession. Her mother, Hetal, could do nothing but looking pitifully at her daughter, foreseeing nothing but an empty and blank future for her daughter. One that was devoid of any happiness and love.
Shikha: So, it looks like the groom's heart has been won by Ananya.
The Mehta's and Shweta looked stunned and annoyed at her words. Neil became embarrassed, and mentally told himself to control his words and actions. Shikha, although having intentionally chosen her words, feigned having made a blunder, and corrected herself just for show.
Shikha: I meant her performance has won his heart.
Daya's eyes looked devilishly at Shikha, as she had not been fooled by her pretence. The rest of the discussion on the winning team went on for another 2 minutes, with Neil still stealing long glances at Avni in between, with it culminating with the groom's side being declared the winners. Shweta cheered proudly for her team's win, and mockingly danced and pranced in front of the Mehta's to rub her victory in their faces. The Mehta's looked dejected, but not because of their loss in the competition, but because of the long-term victory they felt slowly slipping out of their hands.
Neil ignored the sad and dejected Riya and his overtly-joyous mother, and walked straight to Avni to congratulate her.
Neil: Well done, Miss Ajooba. You truly are a wonder. What other talents do you have that you haven't shown me yet?
Neil said this whilst taking slow and slight steps closer to Avni. Avni became conscious of her breathing, as he closed the already small distance between them, to lean close into her ear. He was at this point completely ignorant to the audience around them, including the two families, who were shocked, annoyed and uncomfortable with their proximity. Prakash looked slightly ashamed at his son's actions, looking disapprovingly when he noticed the glum and dejected expression on the face of his son's to-be-bride, who was being neglected by her groom.
Neil: I hope another situation arises where I can be treated to more of your dancing. But next time, have mercy on me, and try not to bat those lashes of yours at me. It's a request.
Neil whispered this into her ears, breathing gently on her neck as he backed away slowly from her, sending chills down her spine. Shweta, who could no longer take any of this, went and grabbed Neil's arms, taking him away from there, whilst shooting deadly glares at Avni. The Mehta's got up with a huff and followed. As Shweta looked victoriously at the spectacle, she spotted Neela amongst the guests. They continued speaking through the earpieces.
Neela: The job is done and dusted accordingly to our plan.
Shikha: And so is mine.
Neela: Yeah! I managed to catch that thankfully. Good job Shikha! You've done well.
Neela had managed to catch the spectacle in time, and both Neela and Shikha were happy with the accomplishment of their two plans.
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