Date Night
Avni could not reached the back zipper completely. She dressed as best she could and emerged out of the washroom. She headed to her dressing table to apply her makeup. She scanned it for her manglasutra. The one Neil had replaced with a replica that fateful day when he had to arrest her to keep her safe.
Neil appeared behind her and quickly fastened her manglasutra around her neck. He reached for the sindoor and filled her maang.
She felt content.
He guided her to get up and pulled her her zipper up.
"Now that is like my wifey!
They exchanged smiles through the mirror.
Neil led her outside to his bike.
"This is like a real adventure, Neil!, she exclaimed.
"Chalo let's get some food then off to the beginning , he declared as he placed a helmet on her head.
She chuckled at his protectiveness.
He placed his own on his head, then he started the bike and they were off.
Avni let her chin rest on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Soon they arrived at Chamko Cafe, where Ali had helped Neil arrange a small candlelight dinner for two.
"Yahaan kyun?
"Ali is way more trustworthy than some street vendor. You are still recovering, so we made sure favorites including your poha is here for you to enjoy, Neil declared.
They ate and recalled their memories here the good and bad.
After they finished they blew the candles and washed up the dishes and Ali greeted them and locked up for the night.
The couple next headed towards the spot that caused their destinies to intertwine. They recalled how he thought she was trying to kill herself and how he had to start compressions on her after they fell in. Later on they returned when Avni proposed to him on their first anniversary. She had nearly fallen in again.
Avni walked ahead. Neil slowly followed her, giving her time to inhale the fresh air after so long. After each turmoil time period in their lives they always ended up here.
But this time they both hoped they would get to have their happy family.
They stood there in silence for sometime reminiscing about the past, present and how their future would be like.
"How about some dessert wifey?
"Ab kahan? Isn't it late for any decent place to be open?
Neil grinned.
"Maybe I know a place that is always open for both of us, he said with glee.
They headed off towards the bike.
Avni was surprised that he stopped the bike at Neela Ma's house.
"Is she still up?
"Always for you Avni. She has your favorites ready, Neil replied.
She took off the helmet and started to run.
"Avni slow down!
She winced. She had thought she was all better.
"Dhyan rako yaar. Zyaada dard hora hai? Should we go to the hospital?
"Nahin main theek hoon,
He cupped her chin.
"Neil trust me I am fine, she assured him.
He gave her a stern look.
"I promise if I feel worse I will tell you, she promised.
He sighed and held her hand and they headed inside.
Neela greeted them at the door. Her servants had already left for the night.
Neela hugged them and caressed their cheeks.
She admonished Avni for running around as she had seen her in the window.
"Neil we have to watch this girl from now on. No more nadanis. You need to get stronger and live your life to the fullest. I want to see my grandchildren before I am too old to chase after them, Neela joked.
Avni blushed as she averted Neil's gaze.
Neela fed Avni her favorite sweets. She was careful not to feed her too much. They had coffee together and chit chatted before Neil decided Avni was too tired to keep her eyes open much longer.
Avni hugged her mother before intertwining her fingers with Neil's. He gave her hand a a squeeze and they headed out to the bike.
They arrived back at the Khanna house, Avni took off her helmet and Neil took off his.
They walked quietly back into their room.
Avni and Neil turned to each other and almost spoke at the same time.
He pulled her close to himself. She leaned in and kissed him. He reprociated and kissed her face.
He pulled back.
"When you are better, let's start on Neela Ma's wishes, if you are ready, he said huskily.
She blushed as he pulled down her zipper.
He kissed her now exposed upper back as he held her in place.
She groaned with slight discomfort.
He stopped his ministrations. He sat her down. As he turned to look for her nightgown, she stripped off her dress leaving her in her undergarments.
He returned and gazed at her appreciatively with love.
"Avni tum yeh pehnlo..
"Let's take it slow ACP Neil Khanna, she demanded.
He smirked.
"Mrs. Khanna I hope you won't regret this in the morning, he said amused.
She pulled him by his collar.
" I won't, she said with confidence.
