Love Bites

Unexpected Serendipity (2)

Avni had always been someone who panicked when plans changed last minute. She got to know that the hostel was fully booked & they didn't even have a single room to offer her. She had called at the reception just after getting herself enrolled in the Institute & the person had definitely told her that they would be taking bookings till the next week & thus there was no need for her to haste. Also, Avni thought that she'd at least like to visit once before she locked the place for staying there for the next two years! However, she never got a chance to reject the hostel as it itself rejected her for being too late! Dumb Receptionist! 

Neil was very patiently talking to the receptionist while Avni could feel herself getting more & more agitated by each passing minute. Neil turned to Avni once he figured that there was no use to keep waiting there anymore. 

N - Avni, I think we should go. I'm sure we'll figure something out, hm? - he spoke patiently as he watched her. 

Avni just nodded as she started walking out of the hostel premises with Neil walking besides her. Neil started the car once they had settled inside as he watched Avni through his peripheral vision. He figured that she looked distraught & anxious but didn't really know how to help her mood. 

N - Uh, Avni, when are your classes starting? - he finally asked after a while in an attempt to distract her. 

A - From Monday. After two days from today! - she answered as she glanced at him & then looked back outside the window. 

N - Hm. How about you explore Mumbai this weekend? I'll ask my PA to look for some hostels & PGs in the meanwhile. I'm sure we'll find someplace better! - he assured making her turn towards him. 

A - Neil, I'm really thankful that you want to help! But, where will I stay till the time we arrange for my accommodation? Also, it will be tough shifting once the classes start! - she pondered.

N - What do you mean where will you stay? - he frowned. You don't like my apartment? - he glanced at her once before focusing on the road.

A - What? No, it's not that! Its just, you've already helped, Neil. I don't want to bother you anymore! - she spoke lowly, unsure of his reaction. 

N - Avni, you don't bother me, okay? - he stated. Ashish uncle & Neela aunty are my only family & this is the least I can do for them. And, if you're comfortable at my apartment then you're staying there till the time we find you a hostel or PG. Okay? 

A - No, Neil! - she sighed. I know that you feel like this, but you're not bound to help me just because you feel obligated to my parents, okay! - she said. 

His words hurt her. No matter what, he would always see her as her parents' daughter. That was it! There was nothing she could do that would make him see her for her. And that stinged! 

N - Avni, I am not doing it because I feel obligated to them, but I am doing it because I feel a sense of responsibility towards them, towards you! It's as simple as that. I don't understand why would you even think that way! - he looked at her, totally unaware of her inner turmoil. 

Avni just sighed as she looked out of the window. She knew when to pick her battles just as she knew that there was no point arguing with Neil on the topic at hand. He would never let her stay in a hotel, & most probably, even her parents would ask her to stay at his place. So, even if unwantedly, she surrendered to it. 

If the circumstances had been different, she would have loved staying with him, the thought of sharing a space with him excited & thrilled her to no extent as much as it wrecked her nervous. But, now, he was doing it out of some stupid sense of responsibility or obligation whatever he called it & not because he considered her as someone he'd like to take care of!