Tum Hi Ho Avneil SS completed - Page 10

I am an IF stunnerz wow!

Part Fifteen

"Toh aap dono paunchge?

"Haan DD, we are here. What about..

"Don't worry sir, Greece government will have them back by Monday. You and Bhabhi enjoy your trip, DD replied.

Neil turned to Avni who had just freshened up.

" Would you like to go explore the area since we are here?, he asked softly.

She nodded with a slight smile.

"Sab theek hai Neil?

"Yes wifey, let's enjoy before we run out of time, he urged.

They headed first to Dalai Lama Temple complex. Avni and Neil saw the young children as they studied and did their duties. They sat on the floor with them and ate the blessed food. Then next they took blessings of the shrine and saw the bells and other architecture in the area.

A tour guide took them through the hilly terrain. Avni saw a cute lamb in the distance that was struggling to get up. She didn't realize when she tripped and she started tumbling down the hill.

Neil and the tour guide yelled out for her.

She lost faith she would survive the fall, when Neil lunged forward and pulled her up.

"Avni tum theek toh ho?, he rasped.

She nodded before fainting in his arms.

Neil called out to the tour guide for help.

A makeshift stretcher was made and Avni was carried to a local clinic.

It was determined that she had the wind knocked out of her but she would be fine once she rested and her minor injuries healed.

Later in their room, she sulked upon waking up from a nap.

" I am sorry Neil, meri vajha se humari puri planning kharb hogi, she pouted.

He made her close her mouth properly.

He stretched her legs out and examined her exposed skin.

Avni looked back at him warmly.

Was this all a dream? How did she get this lucky?

Neil broke her reverie by squeezing her hand.

" All I need is you to be safe, and hanging out here isn't so bad. We can go mediate tomorrow and go to the HPCA stadium after a few days, he assured her.

She didn't realize before it had already happened that she had kissed his cheek.

"Sorry woh galti se..

After recovering from his shock, he smiled.

" Haq hai tumara, pati toh main hi hoon, he teased.

She nudged him before snuggling on his shoulder. He leaned in and kissed her forehead.

After Avni had fallen asleep, he called back home to ensure they were fine.

" Avni was doing some stunts, minor injuries Neela Ma, she will be fine in a few days, he assured his mother-in-law.

" Don't lie to make me feel better, Neela admonished.

" Ma I promise, woh theek hai, I will have her call you tomorrow, if that would make you feel better, he added.

" Theek hai beta, tum dono ab khayal rakna, Neela said before hanging up.

Neil gazed at Avni with immense love.

"Wifey hope after this trip you can open up to me and we always be happy together. I will make sure Vidyuth won't bother you again,

He got changed quickly then joined her in their bed.

Part Sixteen

Neil watched Avni for a few moments as he tried to fall asleep. He recalled the night before their wedding, and Neela Ma had called him to speak him once before they joined in holy matrimony.

Neil approached the drawing room to speak to his mother-in-law.

"Ma aap ne bulaya?

"Beta come in.

Neil slowly came in wondering what had caused Neela to call him last minute.

"Avni ke bare mein kuch baat karni hai, she said softly.

" Boliye Ma.

"Avni meri apni beti nahin hai. I tried to help her get over her childhood miseries, she turned to Neil.

Neil looked at her solemnly.

"Main usse bahut pyar karonga. Don't worry about her, he assured her.

Neela tried not to cry in relief.

" I know that Neil. She is very independent, don't let that hinder you from loving her, she added.

He held her hands and promised her.

She blessed him before he took her leave.

Avni woke up groaning in pain,

Neil got out of bed and went to search for the pain medications the local doctor had prescribed.

He helped her sit up and gave her the medication with water. After she nodded the medication had gone down, he kissed her forehead and laid her down.

As he tried to get up again, she grabbed his wrist.

" I wish I could love you as much as you love me. I am scared, she admitted in a half conscious state.

He stroked her hair.

" Neela Ma chose well for me. No one care about me the way you do. Don't ever leave me Neil, she muttered.

He kissed her cheek lovingly as she pulled him besides her back into bed. He gently moved her towards the other side so he could have room to lay besides her. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable in the morning.

" I will never let you go Avni, he promised.

She ended up snuggling closer to him.

In the morning, she awakened and was surprised she was so close to Neil. She looked down to see that she had entrapped him with a strong grip. She turned red and released him from her hold.

She couldn't help but caress his beard and then up and down his gorgeous face. She traced every feature to memory. She moved to his hair and his grip caught her unawares.

She gasped as he opened his eyes.

"Not the hair!, he quipped.

She tried to back away but he pulled her close to himself again.

She could lose herself in his gaze forever.

Avni felt shy realizing that if either of them leaned in a bit closer their lips could meet in a kiss.

Before they realized they had kissed deeply.

Neil sat back first, gazing at her as she opened her eyes.

He was elated to see that she wasn't upset with him. In fact she kissed him back a mere moment later.

When they released each other, they took in deep breaths.

He tucked a strand behind her ear.

"We should freshen up and start our day, Neil quipped.

She nodded.

He got up first and then she tried to but her leg felt cramped.

He stopped to look at her with concern. He returned to help her stretch her leg out properly.

"Neil it is ok, she tried to say.

"Mera haq hai wifey. Now relax, he said.

After helping her stretch, she was able to stand up much better.

"Don't lock the door. No worries I just want be sure I can help you if you needed me to, he assured her.

She nodded.

He pulled out clothes for himself for the day and realized Avni would need some flexible clothes to wear due to her recent injuries.

He hesitantly reached over and opened her suitcase. He was able to muster up a decent outfit and underclothes for her.

She blushed in surprise when he handed her clothes to her.

"Thanks Neil, she muttered.

He got ready after she was finished.

They would take it easy for most of today and head to the stadium if Avni could tolerate the activity.

He decided to surprise her later with a change in plans. Vidyuth was stuck in Greece longer than earlier expected, so he was taking her to Manali.

Both thought about the kisses they had shared earlier that morning as they ate breakfast. Neil couldn't wait to hear those words from Avni and she was thinking to herself if she was falling in love or had she kissed him back in the heat of the moment.

Part Seventeen- Manali

Neil hinted several times that they would be taking a trip elsewhere as well. They would not be finishing their trip in just Dharmsala after all.

Avni frowned but walked back to the hotel with him later that day wondering what her husband had up his sleeve.

She leaned against his shoulder as they laid down to rest after packing of their things to leave early the next morning.

" Neil bolo hum kahan jare hain kal?

He pretended to be reading the novel in his hands.

She rolled her eyes realizing it was upside down.

"Neil I know you are not actually reading that novel. Now put that down and look at me!, she demanded.

He stared at her wide eyed.

"Are you trying to order me around wifey?

" Yes I am!, she muttered as she pulled on the book.

Suddenly two tickets and itinerary fell out of it. Neil had been reviewing it for tomorrow.

She gasped.

"Manali? Are you serious? I always wanted to go back..

Neil pouted and turned away from her.

" I was trying to surprise you Avni! You ruined it!, he feigned hurt.

She leaned with her elbow on his shoulder.

"Please Neil maaf kardo na!

He huffed and turned away.

" Tumhe pata hai ki jabse tum mujhe mile ho, har din bahut acche se guzrata hai, Avni declared.

He softened.

" Manali was the last time I recall being with my parents. They died soon after. Aman doesn't have any recollection of them. But I do. I could never forget the bad and good memories, her voice started to quiver.

Neil turned around and hugged her tightly. He caressed her hair.

He pulled back.

"If it hurts you too much, we can go home or someplace else, he suggested.

"Nahin Neil. You promised me to make happy memories with me. I would like to see Manali again, she assured him.

He wiped her tears and kissed her forehead.

She caressed his face and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

She gazed at him with the love he didn't expect she would give him so soon.

" Neil I think I am actually in love, she quietly admitted.

His smile was so bright.

" I loved you since i first met you Dr. Avni Pariekh, he declared.

"No it's Dr. Avni Khanna now and for the rest of our lives. I don't know why, but since I have met you I never felt so confident and happy before. I was constantly afraid of what trouble Aman would cause or the demons of my past ruining everything, she admitted.

He pulled her in for a kiss. She met his lips and they kissed until they ran out of breath.

Later as they caught their breaths, she gazed at him with admiration.

"So Mr. Khanna be ready to take lots of pictures and exploring the next few days, she stated.

He smiled.

" The exploring isn't just of Manali, she hissed suggestively.

He shook his head and chuckled getting her meaning.

The next morning they boarded the bus from Kullu. A man who may have been traveling alone tried to sit next to Avni, she gave him a fierce look.

"Mere husband hai aap ke theek beeche, she huffed.

The man looked behind to see Neil.

He raised his eyebrows at the guy and he scurried off.

Neil laughed and joined Avni in their seats. She put her arm through his and leaned against his shoulder.

They both felt at bliss and ready for whatever life handed them next.

Part Eighteen

They visited monasteries and wandered around with the tour group after dropping their things at the hotel later that evening, they head out for a private dinner under a gazebo.

Avni was delighted to see the setup.

She squealed and hugged her husband in excitement.

She pulled back suddenly embarrassed at how forward her actions appeared. To her surprise Neil pulled her back to him by the small of her back.

Their eyes locked and they would have kissed but the sudden thunder and downpour caused them to separate and run into the gazebo.

Avni nearly slipped with her shoes not being as sturdy as Neil's. He righted her posture and had her sit on a chair so he could examine her feet.

"It's ok Neil, I will just elevate them while we eat, she said.

He shook his head at her and check for any swelling. Her left foot looked a slight sprain but his wife would know better, if she only admitted she was hurt.

"Dekho Neil let's not ruin the evening. Let's eat and then I promise when we get back to the room , I will rest. We have so much to see tomorrow as well,

Neil looked at her sternly.

"Avni khud ka dhyan rakho na kabhie na kabhie, he admonished.

She tucked a wet strand behind her ear.

They were worried about each other but tried to enjoy their meal. At the end of the meal, a waiter brought them an umbrella and Neil led her back up to their room.

Avni entered first as Neil went to return the umbrella. She handed him a towel to dry off with. She gasped as he stripped out of his jacket and t-shirt in front of her for the first time.

Neil smiled at her.

"You have seen me shirtless before, he said.

"That time you were my patient. That was different, she muttered.

He dried himself off and walked towards her.

Avni backed away.

"Neil kya kare ho tum?

As he kept coming closer, she had to turn to sneeze.

"Oops!, she quipped.

She tried to reach for the other towel. Neil covered her hand with his and twirled her around. He pulled down the zipper of her dress. He started to dry her off. She moaned as his hands went from her scalp down to her lower back.

The dress slid off to her feet. Before she knew it all her wet clothing was discarded and Neil had her wrapped in a towel.

He leaned in to whisper in her ear.

" I won't go further until you are ready wifey, he whispered.

She sighed feeling his breath and warm hands on her body.

She turned to face him.

"Maybe I am ready now, she said seductively.

Neil leaned in and kissed her deeply. She responded with equal intensity. He carried her to bed. Needless to say, they explored each other throughly for the first time and kept each other quite warm for the next few hours.

Sometime later..

Avni awakened feeling a bit sore but satisfied. She smiled at Neil. Kissing her forehead, she then went to find dry clothes to change into.

The first thing she found was a bathrobe and Neil's almost dry t-shirt.

She laid their damp clothes spread out on the back of the couch. She decided to wear the robe for now and then put on Neil's shirt after it dried for a bit more time. It was barely midnight. There was still time to lounge around in bed after her bath.

She was delighted to find bubble bath. She started the hot water and then poured the solution in the tub. Avon had just slipped in when she noticed her husband standing in the doorway.

She gasped.

"How long have you been there?

He smirked.

"Long enough. Mind if i join you?

She blushed.

" I guess you can husband, she replied.

She moved so he could slip in behind her.

He stroked her shoulders and kissed her cheeks and neck.

" i hope I didn't hurt you wifey, he muttered.

She turned to kiss the side of his mouth.

"No it was more pleasure than anything else. But Neil I am not on birth control, there may be a chance I..

"Don't worry even if the one chance you do get pregnant I will be so happy, he said.

Avni paused.

Was she ready to be a mother? Neil was so loving. Also they had their mothers, Bebe and Prakash to help. Kareena and Maddy Bua could be supportive too.

" Avni would you be all right with becoming a mother?

"Yes Neil. Because we would have each other and our family. It will be ok either way. Besides I am willing to practice for the future either way, she quipped.

He kissed her shoulder.

" How many kids do you want Avni?

"At least two. I just hope what me and Aman went through won't happen to our children, she commented.

He squeezed her hand.

" I promise whenever they come into our lives, they will be happy and healthy if I have my way, he declared.

She leaned back against him and hoped his words would come true when they were meant to be.

Sometime later they dried off and snuggled in their bed together. Neil stroked her hair. She nuzzled his neck for a moment before falling asleep in his arms.

Part Nineteen

Sunheri Mehra was a nurse in the city hospital where Avni worked at. She admired Dr. Avni a lot. She was headed over to do her last check on her patients before her shift was over when suddenly she was roughly grabbed by her shoulder and pulled aside.

The masked man squeezed her throat.

" Kahan hai Dr. Avni?

"Choro mujhe!, she gasped.

"Batao kahan gayi woh!

"Jahan sab jate hain shaadi ke baad, she muttered as he released her to let her speak.

" Bolo kaunsi jagga!

"Mujhe nahin pata!

He let her go roughly and stomped off.

She glared after his retreating figure.

He was gone before she could get a decent look at him. She quickly made her way yet cautiously to survey her patients before she decided she wasn't going to sit quietly about this incident.

DD was about to head off duty when a frightened young woman rushed into the station.

"Sunheri aap yahaan?

They had met briefly during Neil sir's wedding festivities.

"DD sir, please you have to warn Dr. Avni. Unki aur Neil sir ki jaan khatre mein hai!

DD sat her down away from the others present and quickly went to grab a glass of water for her.

She gulped it down as DD looked on shocked.

She slammed the glass down and quickly explained what had happened less than an hour ago.

DD turned grim.

" This means I have to warn them. I will send them a secret message but I think I should go to them to help them, he declared.

DD grabbed a duffel bag from under the desk and some extra ammo.

He hurried outside towards his jeep.

Sunheri scrambled behind him and he was dumbfounded to find her besides him.

"Listen I can't take you with me. I have to send them the warning then figure out the fastest way to reach wherever they are now, DD hissed.

"No if Dr. Avni can face danger why can't I?

"Dekho..

"No you listen. Just because I am a nurse doesn't mean I can't handle all these goons and such, she retorted.

"But if you go with me, then I have to guarantee your safety, DD replied.

She rolled her eyes.

" I can handle myself, she said stubbornly.

DD sighed.

"Kya karonga main isse ladki ka!

"Kuch nahin, she said smugly.

DD finally started the jeep.

" Wait listen we must stop at my flat. I will need a change of clothes and a quick shower, she stated.

DD groaned and muttered, " Bolo kahan rehti ho.

The next morning..

Avni and Neil woke up a bit after eight. They were lounging together having breakfast. They took turns freshening up.

Their reverie broke when Neil's phone rang. He looked concerned. Then he checked the message that he had on his alternate burner phone.

Avni waited eagerly for what was going on.

" Game on wifey. Do you have a dress for tonight?

Avni nodded gravely.

The stakes were high but they had to fight one more battle to win the war.

Avni wore a red off shoulder long dress. Neil looked dapper in a tux. They placed the masks on their faces at the same time. Neil grasped her hand. She squeezed it back. As long as they were together, they could win any battle that came their way.

Part Twenty- Winning the War

song inspiring update- race title song

It happened to be the hotel's anniversary party. The theme was masquerade. They switched partners every so often for the first hour.

DD and Sunheri had arrived sometime before and they foursome had figured a few signals to warn each other. Sunheri was still shook up from the incident from the day before, but she brushed aside when DD , Avni or Neil asked her if she was ok.

" Mujhe kuch nahin hua. Main bilkul theek hoon, she retorted each time.

DD and Sunheri had met up again, while Neil swayed with Avni.

"Any sign of him yet?, he whispered.

"Nahin, lekin woh zahur aagaya, Avni quipped.

Neil twirled her around and in a few minutes later she felt a sinster grip on her waist. The masked man's gaze pierced through her very being.

She knew the vibe she was getting from him. It had to be Vidyuth.

Meanwhile one of his henchmen had grabbed Sunheri. She grimaced under his hold. She realized it was the same guy who had attacked her in the hospital.

" You know what I am sick of you manhandling me. I may not be anyone to you, but you have no right to treat any girl like this, Sunheri scoffed at him.

He tried to bend possibly break her arm, but she kicked him in the right spot and he backed off and bumped into DD. DD got a decent grip on him and Sunheri smacked him.

Due to the commotion the line up dancing got interrupted. Avni gave her signal, the others followed her out of the ballroom.

Vidyuth scrambled through the crowd to try to grab Avni.

Neil and DD covered the girls, but Avni pulled out her gun from under her dress and pushed Sunheri behind her.

"How come I don't have a gun. DD sir please get me trained for next time we take down some goons!

"DD tell her to shut up. We have to surprise Vidyuth, Neil hissed.

DD turned to face Avni.

" Bhabhi aap yahaan mere beeche?

"Where else would I be DD? Unless you rather go behind me, Avni hissed.

DD shut up and indicated for Sunheri to be quiet.

Vidyuth and three other men emerged outside the hotel.

" Enough games ACP. Hand Avni over to me!

Avni emerged behind Neil and pointed her gun at Vidyuth.

" I am my own person. Women aren't things to be traded and maimed Vidyuth Pandit!

"Avni listen I can give you the world, Vidyuth tried to say.

Avni walked in front of Neil.

" Yeh sab mere duniya ke hisse hain, Avni declared.

DD and Neil aimed their guns.

Avni was ready to pull the trigger.

" You will regret this!

One of the men grabbed Sunheri suddenly.

"Usko choro!, the other three yelled.

"Avni will have to come here for me to release her!, Vidyuth declared.

"Theek hai!

"Dr. Avni no!

"Avni don't

"Bhabhi don't listen to him!

Ballu pushed Sunheri forward when Vidyuth told him to.

Avni quickly pushed Sunheri to kneel behind her. She quickly aimed the the shot at one of their legs.

She got Ballu.

Vidyuth tried to grab her.

A bullet grazed his shoulder in the scuffle.

He fell back and then DD and Neil jumped in and cuffed them all one by one.

The local police arrived.

Avni regained her composure.

She checked herself for injuries.

She appeared fine. She turned to Sunheri.

"Tum theek ho?

"Haan, thanks aap ne mere jaan bechayi, friends?

The girls shook hands and then helped each other up. They dusted off their clothes. Maybe a few bruises and scratches. They were shook up but all would be well now.

Neil and DD gazed at them menacingly but with concern.

"That was a risky move wifey!, Neil declared.

" Pata nahin kyun I agreed to bring you with me Sunheri!

"Kyunki I was stubborn. I wanted to help Avni madam and Neil sir. Sab mere galti hai!

"Neil I had no choice. I couldn't let him win and i couldn't let Sunheri get shot, she declared.

The girls walked back inside.

Neil and DD turned to each other.

" Women we can't live with them or without them.

"But they do complete us, Neil added.

Eventually DD got Sunheri to get checked out and go rest in her room. Neil checked Avni for injuries since she refused to go get seen. She appeared fine but he threatened to take her to the local clinic if she looked hurt or sick.

Avni gazed at her torn dress and put away her gun.

" Guess I will have to go dress shopping for the next time we have a masquerade ball to attend, she quipped.

Neil pulled her close.

" I love you my Lady Don, he declared.

She smiled.

" I love you my super cop. I am sorry if I scared you earlier, she stated.

Neil smiled warmly and hugged her.

(Imagine the song Jiya from Gunday playing).

They reminiscenced about their trip so far and how lucky they were to be holding each other tonight.

DD decided to be a gentleman and brought Sunheri some late night refreshments.

Sunheri heard the knock and was surprised to see DD back with a tray in his hands.

" Yeh kis ke liye?

"Tumare liye. None of us really had dinner so I thought..

"Thanks DD I appreciate it. You didn't have to, she stated.

" I kinda wanted to say sorry for earlier, he quipped.

Sunheri shrugged her shoulders.

" In these intense situations emotions can run high, she quipped.

She indicated for him to sit.

Meanwhile, Neil and Avni got changed and shared a late dinner together. They joked that they were lucky they hadn't gotten kicked out for what happened in the ballroom and outside on the front lawn. But alas no one was seriously harmed. So they were granted their request for a late dinner. It wasn't fancy but it was something to fill their stomachs after winning a war in sorts.

Part Twenty-One

The foursome returned to Mumbai the next day. Avni and Neil had enjoyed their trip until Vidyuth had come crashing their trip. But they had anticipated this coming up. Avni relished her moments with Neil. They had learned more about each other. Neela Ma and Aman were also waiting for them at Khanna mansion when they returned from their journey.

Details and pictures were shared of their trip. They tried to leave out the part about Vidyuth but Neela was receptive to even their minor injuries. She took them aside and hugged them.

"Promise me next time you two go away, that there will be no missions or any such dangers. If you are going for vacation, make sure next time it's a real break, she admonished.

They both pouted and held their ears to ask for forgiveness for hiding the truth.

" You are both forgiven. But make sure you rest today before returning to work, she hissed.

They hugged and then headed back to join the rest of the family.

Sometime later, Avni talked to Neela Ma about how much it meant for her that Neil took her back to Manali.

" Maa how did I get so lucky to have Neil in my life?

"Ayesha probably sent him for you. He would have been her choice for you, had she not..

Neela became emotional.

Avni cupped her chin.

" Aap ho na mere swath, hmm?

Neela nodded. She never regretted devoting her life to this young woman. All the sacrifices had been worth it.

A few weeks passed by. Vidyuth was put on trial and sentenced to life in prison.

One day Neil was in his cabin when news broke that a fire had broken out in one of the cities' major hospitals. He had just wrapped up a case and it was after midnight.

His shoulders immediately grew tense. Avni was working tonight. He was about to head home for the day when the news anchor came back on to say the name of the hospital. His world came crashing down.

News spread fast, Ali, Aman, Riya, Neela Ma were already on the outskirts of the hospital by the time Neil got through the crowd to see them.

"Meri bacchi andar hai. Koi use bacho!

Aman and Ali tried to hold Neela back from the burning area of the building. Shweta frantically called Neil from home to see if he had heard from Avni.

" Mom not yet. I am going to look for her. The fire brigade just got here. Let me oversee it and I will keep looking. Tell Bebe and Dad to stay calm too, ok? I won't come home without her, he assured his mother.

Neil spoke to the fire chief. Several patients and employees of the hospital were in transit to another hospital nearby. He began with DD to lead a green zone area in some of the local routes.

Avni and Sunheri meanwhile worked to get patients out of the burning areas of the hospital to the safer areas.

They tore bedding to cover themselves and to put out smaller blazes. It seemed like hours later when the girls found a way out for themselves. They had saved whoever they could get to on their own.

Avni's phone was somehow still in her lab coat pocket.

DD meanwhile was asked to track her phone.

" DD any luck?, Neil asked anxiously.

He had sent Neela Ma, Riya home with the boys earlier. He just hoped Avni would be safe and back in his arms soon.

"Sir according to what I am getting on the laptop, Bhabhi's phone is still here in the vicinity, DD stated.

"Avni I hope you are all right!, Neil lamented.

Sunheri tripped on some rubble.

Hearing her yelp, Avni rushed over to her and helped her up.

An explosion came about suddenly, causing the firemen, policemen to push the remaining crowd back some more. Neil's heart seemed to drop as he felt and saw the horrifying state of affairs before his eyes.

Both girls had an adrenaline rush realizing how close to death they could have been. Sunheri walked as fast as her legs could carry her despite her falling earlier. Avni noticed Neil who was turned away from her.

She whispered in relief his name and before she knew it she was running to him.

If DD hadn't yelled , Neil wouldn't have believed it. Avni was running right towards them. She jumped right into his waiting arms with Sunheri following behind her. DD checked on her and they both gazed at Neil and Avni in adoration.

The crowd cheered as Neil gained his composure back. Happy tears were shed by both of them as they basked in finding each other yet again.

After Avni was checked out and her wounds dressed, Neil took her home where the family fussed over them. They were ushered into their room to freshen up.

"Neil I have some ointments and dressings in a first aide kit in my drawer here. After I shower, do you mind helping me dress my wounds?

He leaned in and kissed her.

"Is that something to ask Avni? Why do you have to scare me like this? You will be getting a punishment now, he hissed.

She smiled slightly.

"What is my punishment?

"Letting me get you out of these sooty clothes, and then we are taking a shower, he declared.

He ushered her into the bathroom.

He ensured the water was lukewarm. They washed the soot and sweat from each other's bodies. Neil pulled on his night clothes before turning to help his wife gently slip on hers. He ensured she was comfortable after her dressings were done. Then he snuggled gently with her in their bed.

Sukoon is what they both felt as they finally laid together and slept.

Part Twenty-Two- Epilogue

Six months later..

Life continued for our lovely couple with usual ups and downs. A few months ago they had discussed having children. Avni had stopped her birth control which she had started around the time they had married. Her gynecologist warned it may take time for her fertility to return after being off birth control for a few months , maybe even up to a year.

Avni had felt stressed whenever anyone teased or talked about a baby with her. She was afraid it would never happen.

Neil assured her it would. They both just needed to destress and keep trying. Avni would relax and then continue on with her life as if there were no worries.

This week she realized she was two weeks late. She had been late before but that had been from her teen years into her early years of medical school. Her gut was telling her maybe this time they had conceived. She didn't want to get Neil or the rest of the family excited just yet, so she decided to get lab work and took a pregnancy test while she waited for the blood work to come back.

The pregnancy test looked like it was a false negative she sighed and shoved it into dust bin not waiting quite the full five minutes the package had written on it. She heard knocking outside the door.

" I am coming hold on a minute!, she called out to her husband.

She quickly washed her hands. She merely glanced at the pregnancy test. She had taken a few in the past. He wouldn't question her. It was probably stress, she was probably not pregnant. She would probably have to get up from their bed with cramps later tonight.

She sighed and unlocked the door.

Avni met his concerned brown orbs.

"Tum theek toh ho Avni?, he inquired.

"Just fine. You know another negative pregnancy test. No big deal. I am just gonna relax. Maybe it will take another six months for it to happen, she rasped.

She brushed past him, his fingers brushed her hand and waist as she slipped away.

Neil sighed. He would plan another vacation or mini road trip. Maybe DD and Sunheri could join them. The other couple had just gotten engaged. They had realized they were meant to be after the fire incident.

He closed the washroom door. He freshened up and then peered at the pregnancy kit. His eyes widened. He quickly finished up and headed back into their room to check something on his phone.

He peered over at Avni as she listened to her mediation music. Her eyes were closed and she was trying very hard to relax.

He shook his head but then spotted a band aide on her left arm as she straightened her arm.

Neil reached over and removed her earphones.

"Avni, Ali was right. How did you become a doctor?

"Is that why you removed my headphones, to tell me I am not a good doctor?

He chuckled.

Hormones at work already.

"Avni you are pregnant, he declared.

She frowned.

"Neil we don't have a positive pregnancy test, she retorted.

"Yes we do wifey! You didn't quite wait enough, he insisted.

She grabbed his wrist before he could move away.

"Are you serious, I must have chucked it before..

"Exactly. Now we can wait for the blood report or we can tell everyone now, he declared.

"Abhi nahin Neil. Let the reports come. I should get them in two days, she pleaded.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Theek hai wifey as you say, he stated.

Two days later, Avni clutched her reports as she returned home.

Neil had somehow made it home before she had. She took a deep breath.

He got up from the couch on noticing her nervous figure.

"Did you..

She shook her head.

"Not without you, she admitted.

They sat together and opened the file. Neil flipped the pages and they came to the pregnancy test.

He side hugged her immediately. They cried happy tears. Their fears had subsided. A child was in their future in less than eight months. Avni was about six weeks along.

Once they gained their composure, they clasped their hands together and headed off to call everyone in the main hall for the very special announcement.

Everyone cheered and hugged the couple that evening. They all stayed up late celebrating.

Some years later..

Neil and Avni had been blessed with twins who were now three years old.

Today was their five wedding anniversary.

"Neil will Neev and Alisha be ok for a few days?

"Yes Mom and Bebe along with Dad are here this week. Luckily Kareena and Aman's engagement is next month. We can enjoy our anniversary trip, Neil assured her.

Neil had been promoted to DCP last year and Avni had become a well respected attending MD at the renovated hospital in South Mumbai.

DD and Sunheri Ali and Riya joined them for the road trip. Neil and Avni would relive the early days of their married life on this trip. Life was beyond good, they were blessed.

Tum Hi ho mere humsafar

Tere Bin Mera Kya Jeena

Tum Hi Ho jo mere ho

Hamesha ke liye

The End

What a treat yo read all these chapters at once... loved their love and the description of them working together... wonderful job

glad you liked it, thanks so much