After getting ready she went towards the gazebo point. 

To say she was spellbound would be an understatement. The gazebo was surrounded by multi-colored flowers while golden fairy lights were hanging from the roof, two white curtains were arranged at the entrance of the gazebo while the path leading to this aesthetic view was covered with pink rose petals. The aroma of damp soil and multiple flowers were adding their own charm to the already aesthetic view. Avni made her way towards the gazebo and soon spotted a round table covered with a white cloth with two chairs on either side of the table. There was some glassware on the table with a bouquet of red roses. She looked around trying to get a glimpse of the person who arranged this surprise for her but didn't found him anywhere. She moved out of the gazebo and went towards the garden accompanying gazebo point and immediately a pleasant aroma of food hit her nostrils. Her stomach growled and she licks her lips. She moved forward and soon spotted her dear hubby standing in front of a griller making barbeque food for them. Her mouth flung open as soon as she saw Neil, the way his face was glowing due to the moonlight and the movement of his muscles as he was fondling with the skewers. He was mumbling something under his breath, her gaze shifted towards his smooth lips and she remembers the last time when they were molded with hers. Suddenly, she realized what she was thinking and shook away those weird thoughts before making her way towards Neil. 

As soon as Neil saw her, he bit his tongue while Avni raises her eyebrows. 

Neil - Okay, so I messaged you early but I thought that you will take at least 2-3 hours getting ready. I was almost done when I realized, I forgot barbequing the some food stuff. So now here I am doing the incomplete work. 

Avni chuckles at his blabbering while he smiles at her cute face. 

Avni - Why are you cooking yourself by the way? 

Neil - Come on wifey, I wanted to do something special for you so I thought of cooking our dinner. You go and sit in the gazebo, I will come there along with our food within a few minutes.

Avni - Shall I help you with something? 

Neil - No, I'm almost done wifey, you go and sit. 

Avni - No, I will stand here and we will go there together. 

Neil - Stubborn. 

Avni - I know you are stubborn, nothing new in that. ( fake smiles )

Neil rolls his eyes and continued doing his work. After a few minutes, they both went towards the gazebo while carrying the utensils containing their food. Neil placed the bowls on the table and pulled out a chair for Avni making her smile, she sat while he stood beside her and served her food. Avni smiled at his gentleman gesture. After making her comfortable, he sat opposite to her and filled his own plate with food. 

Avni - So, what's up with this arrangement? (raising her eyebrows) 

Neil - Actually, I wanted to make you feel good after all you have cried a lot today. (teasingly)

Avni - I didn't want to cry yet I did. It's not my fault, okay. (pouts)

Neil chuckles.

Neil - Relax Ananya, I was kidding. (laughing) I understand you are going through a lot of changes and it's normal in pregnancy. In fact, I'm amazed that you are managing everything perfectly. (smiles)

Avni - That's because you are very supporting Neil, you never make me feel alone. (emotionally)

Neil - And what makes you think that I will make you feel alone? (raising his eyebrows) You are giving me the biggest happiness of my life, the least I can give you is some care. 

A teardrop makes its way out of Avni's eyes, she was again thinking about how Neil is different from her father. Ashish Mehta never supported her mother, she went through everything alone while that spineless man was always running away from his responsibilities. For saving his dignity, he refused to acknowledge his kids, and here Neil was making sure that his child gets the best life. He doesn't ignore his responsibility for his child but he held Avni's hand happily when she needed his love and support. Though Avni never confessed it she was the happiest girl when she got Neil's support, he gave her hopes, he enlightens her life, he makes her believe that they will live a beautiful life and he gave her the happy family she craved since childhood. He gave her everything, he completes her yet she is hiding a major truth from him. Was she doing right? This was the only question that lingers in her mind every day. 

Neil - Now now, don't cry wifey, I hate your tears. I have arranged this dinner so that we can spend some happy moments and I won't feel good if you cry. 

Avni smiles and wipes her tears. 

Neil - That's like my wifey. (smiles) So, let's enjoy our food before it gets cold. 

Avni - Let's see what chef Neil Khanna has prepared. (dramatically)

Neil chuckles. 

Avni took the first bite and closed her eyes savoring the taste of the delicious delicacy. Neil was looking at her with hopeful eyes, waiting for her reaction. Avni looked at the food after she finished eating her first bite and started devouring it while Neil was smiling at her antics completely forgetting his own food. 

Avni - Wow! It's so yummy, I want to kiss the hands of the person who made this. 

She was lost within her world and didn't realize what she said but within a few seconds, she understood what she said and mentally slapped herself. She looked at Neil who was looking at her with amusement dancing in his eyes. He cleared his throat and spoke in a deep husky voice. 

Neil - Well, the chef is sitting in front of you so you can do whatever you want for appreciating his skills. ( naughty voice )

Avni - Listen, I never meant what I said. The food was so good that's why... (Neil cuts her off)

Neil - Now you will give me all the cliche excuses. ( rolling his eyes ) Don't worry I will wait for your reward wifey. ( winks at her )

Avni - Neilllll. ( grits her teeth )

Neil - I surrender lady don, I won't tease you now. You continue with your food. 

They both had their dinner with lots of gossips and of course, Neil was teasing Avni while her face was resembling the shade of tomato whenever he does. 

Avni - This was one of the best meals I ever had. 

Neil - Don't worry wifey, I will cook more meals for you in the future, and hopefully, I will get my reward someday. 

Avni - Neil, stop this or else... 

Neil - Or else what wifey? ( smirks )

Avni - I don't know but stop this. ( huffs )

Neil chuckles at her antics while she pouts at him. 

He pulled out his mobile and called someone while Avni was looking at him in confusion. 

Within a few minutes, a waiter came there with a box. Neil paid him and he went away. 

Avni - Now what is this? 

Neil - Patience sweetheart. ( smiles )

Neil opened the box and Avni gasps after seeing a beautiful strawberry cake topped with berries. 

Avni - It's so beautiful Neil. Now, don't tell me that you bake this cake as well. (laughs) 

She looked at him while he was already looking at her. She rose her eyebrows and he nods his head positively. 

Avni - How? When? I mean you know how to bake a cake and where did you bake this? 

Neil - Chill Ananya. ( laughs ) Actually, I bribed the chef of the hotel and asked him to let me bake a cake for my wifey. ( scratching his neck )

Avni looked at him shocked. 

Avni - You are an honest police officer yet you bribed the chef. ( laughs ) What your baby will learn Mr. Khanna? ( raising her eyebrows )

Neil - Well, my baby will learn that you should always make these small efforts so that your partner can bless you with a sweet smile. Being the reason behind my wifey's happiness is nothing less than an achievement. ( smiles )

Avni smiles at him while a red hue covers her plumpy cheeks. 

Neil - Now let's attack this before your mood changes. (smirks)

Avni - Our baby has mood swings Neil not me. (huffs)

Neil - Oh yes! I know I know. (giggles)

Avni - Neill. (grits her teeth)

Neil - I surrender. (raising his hands in defeat)

Avni cut the cake and quickly takes a bite of the cake.

Avni - Neil, you are an amazing cook.

Neil - Tell me something new wifey. (raising his imaginary collars)

Avni - Self-obsessed, I hope my baby doesn't obtain this trait from you. 

Neil - Well, it's good to love yourself wifey.

Avni - Loving yourself is something else and obsessing over your self that is nothing but a mixture of guava, ballon, frog, and a wild cat is injurious to health. 

Neil - Oh really wifey, you are underestimating my handsome face. You know during college days girls used to crave my attention. 

Avni - I'm damn sure they all were suffering from eye problems. (smirks)

Neil's mouth flung open while Avni chuckles. 

They both completed their desert with lots of bantering after that they came out of the gazebo. 

Avni - Thank you, Neil, for this surprise. (smiles)

Neil - Wifey, one more surprise is waiting for you. 

Avni - And what is that? (raising her eyebrows)

Neil - Come with me. 

He holds her hand and takes her towards their destination. They both walked towards the garden.

Avni - Are we going to barbeque some more foodstuffs? 

Neil chuckles.

Neil - Unfortunately no wifey. 

They moved towards the left side of the garden and soon Avni spotted a cute setup arranged there for their perfect our time. A picnic mat was positioned there with lots of soft cushions. Several scented candles were arranged around the mat in glass jars and a bunch of flowers was neatly arranged near the mat. The view was aesthetic, the garden trees were covered with different colored fairy lights and the natural glow of moon and stars scattered in the dark sky was adding its own charm to the already enchanting view. 

Avni - Neil, it's beautiful. (dreamingly)

Neil - I'm glad that you like this. 

Avni - Like, I love this. (excited)

Neil smiles at her cute expression and made her sit on the mat after making sure that she was comfortable he sat beside her and wraps his arm around her shoulders making her blush. Neil pulls her closer and lays down. Her head was on his chest while his arm was embracing her protectively. They both were gazing at the stars silently. 

Avni - (in mind) See, Ayesha maa Neil is not like Ashish Mehta. I know you have sent him in my life as a blessing. Since childhood, I was asking for a happy family and today you gave me one in the form of Neil. Maa, he deserves to know about the real Avni hidden inside this tough Ananya Verma but I'm scared, Mumma. All the happiness surrounding me always triggers the negative thoughts in my mind, I never got this much peace that's why I'm afraid maa. What if he leaves me when he gets to know that I'm that Avni Mehta who is the victim of Dayavanti's crimes. This society terms me illegitimate, my own father blamed me for something I never commit. If he gets to know everything, Will he leave me? Or, Will he support me? Please help me maa, I want a solution to my question and only you can help me. 

She smiles while seeing the brightest star in the sky sensing her Ayesha maa's presence in that glowing creation. 

Neil - I just realized something Ananya. 

Neil spoke softly breaking Avni's thoughts.

Avni - What? 

Neil - You deserve to know an essential part of my life. You are my wife so hiding something from you is wrong. 

Avni - Which part are you talking about Neil? 

Neil - My past. 

Avni - Your past?

Avni lifts her head from Neil's chest and looked into his eyes. He smiles at her and cups her cheeks. He leans closer to her and plants a soft kiss on her forehead making her smile. He again lays down and positions her head on his chest once more.

Neil - During my college days, I fell in love with a girl named Juhi. She was one of those girls who have the courage to fight against any wrong but have a gentle heart for their closed ones. We both were friends and soon our relationship progressed. After completing my graduation, I decided to pursue my MBA from London. When I told her about my plans, she proposed to me in front of everyone. Our families were very happy with our relationship so they planned our engagement. Little, did I know that our engagement will be the last memorable day for us. 

He stops speaking so Avni holds his hand and caresses it gently making him smile at her small gestures. 

Neil - The day after our engagement we decided to meet each other. I got stuck in traffic while she was waiting for me. When I reached there all I saw was a pool of blood and hustle-bustle of police officers. I got to know that Juhi met with an accident and it was hit n run case. Unfortunately, Juhi couldn't make it and the culprit behind her accident is still unknown. 

Avni gets up and her eyes were filled with tears. Neil gets up too and embraces her into his protective embrace. 

Avni - Wasn't there any eye witness? 

Neil - One person was present there but he was a drug addict, he was of no use. 

Avni - You punished him?

Neil - I did and now he is a sober man and you know him very well. 

Avni - Really?

Neil - Yes, its DD. ( smiles )

Avni - DD. ( smiles )

Neil - I joined the police force because I wanted to punish her culprits but at the same time, I  wanted to give justice to all the people who suffer from a situation like this.

Avni - I wish Juhi was alive, you both don't deserve this ending. (sadly) You deserve all the happiness of this world Neil.

Neil - Who told you that I'm not happy? Juhi was an essential part of my life but not now. At present my only source of happiness is you, Mrs. Ananya Neil Khanna. You are my life partner with whom I can be myself, I can express everything in front of you because you make me feel comfortable. You are blessing my life with this tiny soul. (caressing her belly) I can't thank you enough for this gift Ananya. Always remember that Neil Khanna belongs to you and only you have rights on me as my wife and as a mother of my child. You don't need to feel insecure because I'm devoted to you and I promise that I won't let my past interfere with my present.

Avni's eyes were filled with tears, a wide smile was adoring her face. She threw herself into his arms while he caresses her back in order to soothe her. 

Avni - How I will make you happy Neil? Juhi was perfect but I... ( Neil cuts her off )

Neil - You are not Juhi, you are Ananya, my Ananya and I don't want anything else from you. You are the best Ananya and I have accepted you will all your strengths and flaws. Even I'm not perfect but you know our relationship is perfect and that's what matters the most. 

Avni tightens her hold on him while he whispers sweet nothings in her ears for making her feel good. 

Thus, a heart to heart conversation brought them closer. 

------------------------------------

At first, I thought about changing Neil's past but I think his past shown in the show is perfect and it will also give me a choice in future whether to pen down Juhi's track or not. Till now, I haven't decided anything related to the arrival of Juhi. 

Do drop your views.

Much love,

Thanks.