BE MINE

By All Means

I have got thoughts more tangled than my headphones

Neil took a big breath and turned around to walk towards Khanna mansion. He reached and spotted the Main door open.

As he entered, he noticed Shweta keeping plates on the table while a staff member assisted her in placing other items.

Shweta was ready to head to the kitchen when she noticed Neil approaching her.

Neil: Morning mom. He said giving her a side hug.

Shweta: Morning, Tillu. You are actually on time for breakfast. Would you like to freshen up first, or have breakfast?

Neil: I'll freshen up after Mom. Right now, all I want is a strong black coffee.

Shweta: Okay. She was about to go but paused and turned to Neil.

Upon noticing Neil at the dining table, Prakash and Bebe arrived and took a seat as well.

Shweta: When did you start drinking black coffee again? As far as I recall, you had black coffee while we were in London. Since we returned, you've been drinking regular coffee.

Neil: I don't like regular coffee anymore. Black coffee is something I'd like to continue with; it's bitter and strong, but it's better, he muttered, closing his eyes and pressed his forehead. For others this might seem to be a random answer but for Neil regular coffee had connection to Avni.

Bebe: Shweta, let him have his black coffee. Why are you questioning him like a police officer. Prakash chuckled in response, but went quiet as Shweta glared at him.

Shweta: I was only asking like that, Bebe. I'll go ask the cook to prepare you black coffee. She caressed Neil's hair and went to the kitchen.

Neil flashed an empty smile, usually he would be smiling his heart out seen such banter between  Bebe and Shweta but today wasn't the day. The staff handed him his coffee, which he gratefully accepted and took a long sip, enjoying the strong, rich flavour.

Bebe: Shweta, has Neil's sherwani arrived?

Shweta: Ji Bebe. Neil, try it on so we can see how it fits you. I thought you can try it yesterday, but you did not return. The store owner told us to bring it back today if any adjustments needed to be made so that he could return it to us before tomorrow evening.

Prakash: If changes are required, Neil will have to remain there until it doesn't fit perfectly.

Shweta: that is the only option. Also, we will decide on the ring till then.

Neil was not interested in the engagement matter, so he took out his phone and checked his texts to see what Avni had sent to Shweta. His finger began to caress the message that she had delivered.

Suddenly he came out of his small moment when he heard Shweta call out his name loudly.

Neil: what happened mom?

Shweta: Neil, you really need to quit drifting off during important discussions. Anyway, after breakfast, try on the sherwani to check it out and then freshen up.

Neil nodded slowly.

After breakfast, Neil tried on the sherwani with little interest. Shweta noted a few loose areas.

Shweta: Tillu, before showering, leave the sherwani on the bed. I'll come collect it in few minutes.

Neil went to the washroom. Taking off the sherwani, he slipped on a bathrobe and walked back to his room, tossing the sherwani on the bed before stepping back to the washroom.