AVNEIL.SHORT STORY - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Neil’s room was surprisingly warm, a sharp contrast to the chill that had settled between them for so long.
Avni stood near the window, watching the city lights blink in the distance, her heart racing with a mix of hope and fear.
Neil sat on the edge of the bed, silent for a long moment before finally breaking the quiet.
“I never wanted to treat you badly,” he said softly, eyes fixed on the floor.
Avni turned toward him, searching his face for the truth behind his words.
“I know,” she whispered. “But it still hurt.”
He nodded slowly, as if each word was a weight being lifted off his chest.
They sat in silence, the distance between them shrinking with every breath.
Neil reached out tentatively, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Maybe this… whatever this is between us… deserves a chance.”
Avni’s breath hitched.
She took his hand in hers, squeezing gently.
“Maybe it does.”
Neil’s fingers lingered on Avni’s hand, warmth spreading through him like fire.
“I’ve always been afraid,” he admitted, voice low. “Afraid that if I let my guard down, I’d lose everything — control, respect… even myself.”
Avni looked into his eyes, seeing past the cold exterior to the man beneath.
“I’ve been scared too,” she said softly. “Scared that no matter how much I try, I’ll never be enough for you or your family.”
He shook his head slowly. “It’s not about them anymore. It’s about us. And I don’t want to lose what little chance we have.”
For the first time, Neil reached out fully, pulling Avni gently closer.
She rested her head on his shoulder, a sigh escaping her lips.
“Maybe… maybe we can figure this out. Together.”
Neil closed his eyes briefly, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.
“Together.”