It's almost a year and I'm back now. I know I'm very very very very late. But the pandemic hit my family really hard and so I was not able to update. I tried writing on the beginning of May, but then the board exam fiasco started. So I was anxious and nervous and all mixed together and finally here I am today. Sorry for the long delay and hope you remember this story.

Neil was up early and was on his way to meet Avni. He had a wonderful plan in his mind, which would help him in many ways as well as Avni. It would bring out the true face of Mehta's and also Neil could get a chance to come close to Avni.

Hoping for the best, he rang the bell to Pareikh Mansion and Neela opened the door to him.

Neela teased him. She was not rude to him today, like yesterday and he was glad for the same.

Well, if I want to mark a place in her heart, I should start attempting at the earliest. Isn't it true? He too spoke cheerfully.

Woh abhi bhi so raha hai, and it's the first time that she's sleeping late, I might add. Neela said thoughtfully.

Well, thank you ma'am. Neil gave a salute and was about to go, when Neela stopped him.

She did not feel good when Neil called her ma'am. It sort of felt weird and maybe after yesterday he might have been forced to call so, she thought. So to clear things up she said

Neil, I'm sorry. I was rude yesterday.

It's okay it happens and its not everyday that a guy comes home and says that your daughter is pregnant. He tried to joke, but still she was not convinced.

Neil was trying his best to assure her.

Neil was confused now.

Call me Neela Maa. I would feel good if you do so. Avni also calls me that. Neela finally came to the point and Neil knew what she meant.

Neil smiled sheepishly before sprinting up the stairs and saidstill running.

He opened the door to Avni's room and got inside and closed it. He stood there a moment thinking whether to lock it or not, but chose the latter option as he was sure that Neela won't disturb him when he was with her.

Then he turned to his beautiful to-be-wifey, sleeping soundly on her bed. She looked so alluring then, even when she was asleep. He went to her and sat on her bed and then kept his head over her belly, as he was just planning to get closer to her and only the baby would make that impossible thing possible. He tilted his head and started speaking to her belly.

He himself smacked him and then continued.

When he was halfway through his talks with the baby, Avni had woken up. She just squirmed in the bed, not recognizing that Neil was there. And Neil too didn't notice it as he was not facing her and was distracted in his talks.

Feeling ticklish, Avni looked front to see Neil leaning on her stomach and mumbling. She got panicked and shouted.

Hey! What do you think you are doing?

Neil turned to her, startled, that she was awake.

You're awake Avni. I'm sorry if I woke you up. And ya I was just talking to our baby. You see,the baby should recognize me when he comes out, don't you think? Neil spoke excitedly and sat on the bed properly now.

Avni just rolled her eyes and made an unbelievable expression.

Avni asked, now sitting on the bed. Neil stood aside and then started pacing.

Avni responded sarcastically.

Neil bowed dramatically and then just smiled at her stupidly.

house arrest today so that I can get proof against them. And then we are going to plan our wedding!

House arrest! I think that won't work.

Kyu?

Uske saare gunekaron ke sabooth us ghar me hi hai. You have to remove her from that house to collect proof against her.

Oh! Any idea on how to do that?

Well, if you go to the *** bank, they have enough papers with them on the house loan that you would be able to kick them out.

Then?

Socho Neil. You ask the bank officials to claim their house today and then you go and offer a temporary place for them to stay. That way you can still be in their good books till you arrest them and also collect proof behind their back and they won't suspect you at all.

Wah! Kya plan hai Avni. You are brilliant.

I know that Avni just smirked at him.

Ok tho main woh sab karke aata hun and then we will plan our wedding. Deal!

Kya plan?

Are humari shaadi ka plan? Tumne hi mujhe blackmail kiya tha kal shaadi karne ke liye. Yaad nahi hai..

Woh Neil... Kal me...

Hey it's ok I was just joking around you know. Ab mujhe jaana hoga. Bye bye...

He quickly kissed her cheeks and ran out of the room while Avni was confused as to whether to feel angry or happy at that little stunt of his.

True to his words, Neil did as told by Avni. He went to the bank and convinced them to seal the Mehta Mansion and force the residents out. That was not difficult as the loan had already garnered a large interest and could not be payed by the Mehta's, and now with the business deal about to get cancelled, there was no way they could hold on to that house.

Neil, after convincing the bank manager, went to his house to get a change of clothes and a bath. He then arrived at Mehta Mansion where the drama was already going on. Dayawanti Mehta was screaming at one of the banker and shouting at him while her family members where trying to stop her from physically attacking him. The house was sealed and locked and the neighbours were all watching. So Neil's entry there in police uniform was quite dramatic.

He went to Rhea first and asked her what happened, as a formality of sorts. Then he approached Dayawanti.

Agar aap ab toot gayi toh humare ahaadi mein kaise rahoge. Aap pehle shaanth hojayiye.

Neil was telling her all of this sarcastically, but nobody was the wiser and soon she fell for his words. With the gold that was on her and the women of the house, she purchased a small house for rent and went there, while Neil helped her get the idea to do so.

After the place was cleared, the leading bank officer, subtly gave him the house's key and so with the key in his hand he made his way back to Avni.

But she was feeling ill and was still sleeping when he entered her room. He felt disappointed but understood that she was ill and left saying his goodbyes to Neela Maa.

When he reached his house, his mum was waiting. Bebe and Prakash were not at home. He was still hurt by her words last night, so he ignored her and tried to go upstairs. But she stopped him.

Neil, please ek baar meri baat suno. Maine kal jo kaha, woh maafi layak nahi tha, main yeh jaanta hun. Lekin,

Agar aap jaanta toh aisi baat nahi bolni thi. Do you even know what you implied. How could you just...

I know you don't like Avni, but saying such a thing. Aap tho meri Maa ho, agar aapse aise koi bole tho, aap kya karenge.

Shweta was crying hearing his words, but she stood silent and let Neil vent out his anger.

Neil beta, mujhe pata hai ki mene jo kaha woh galat tha. Lekin mujhe ek mauka de do. Aise muh phulake baatein mat karo. Dil dukhta hai mera. Please beta, mujhe second chance dedo. I promise I will be the best mother-in-law. Please beta.

Neil too felt guilty now for shouting at his mother, so he just shouted an okay angrily and went to his room.

If you really liked this part, do vote and comment what you want to happen next. If it goes with my storyline, I will make sure to add it up in the next part. See you soon. Bye