Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 8

Shravan's POV

"That isn't completely true. I didn't know you back then." She facepalmed, clearly flustered. Before she could respond, a waitress came by to take our order. After giving the menu a quick glance, we placed our order, and I returned my attention to Lara. I couldn't resist teasing her, a smile tugging at my lips. "So, you find me hot? And handsome?" I said slowly, emphasizing each word. She immediately looked down, biting her lower lip in that way that drives me crazy. After a deep breath, she finally responded, speaking rapidly.

"Yes, okay! You are hot and handsome, but I wasn't being serious back then, so shut up and don't bring this topic up again!" She blurted out everything in one breath, then burst into laughter, clearly embarrassed.

The conversation flowed easily after that, and soon our dinner arrived. Soft music played in the background, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. I couldn't help but watch Lara's face light up as she took her first bite of the pasta. She moaned softly, savoring the taste. "This is so good! I've missed this," she kept saying, praising the food between bites, her eyes shining with joy. I loved seeing her like this-happy and carefree.

As we finished dinner, I leaned forward, deciding it was the right time. "Lara, can you do me a favor and read the whole letter? Just once, for me." Her eyes narrowed slightly, confused by my request. "I want to record it-the girl who joined the office fresh out of college compared to the one who's about to get the youngest Best Employee award of the year." Her eyes widened in shock, and her mouth dropped open.

"Wait... what? Best Employee?" She practically jumped out of her seat, barely able to contain her excitement. I nodded, enjoying the way her face lit up.

"Yep, it's true. But," I leaned back, crossing my arms with a smirk, "if you want that award, you have to read the letter first. It's my little deal. Come on, just once." She looked torn, and I could see the internal struggle on her face. She knew she had no choice.

Our office has a system in place where employees aged 18 to 25 go through a series of indirect tests throughout the year, leading up to the final award ceremony. The boss calls it a "competition," and although the final decision isn't up to me, I'm the one who forwards the detailed reports to his senior P.A. I had learned about the criteria and the award's secret only recently, and Lara had absolutely no idea she was in the running.

Finally, she sighed, took out the old, crumpled letter from her bag, and started reading. I pulled out my phone, hitting the record button. Her voice was soft at first, hesitant, but as she continued, it gained strength.

"Today marks one month since I joined the office, and I've decided to start writing a diary today. So... I'm going to write about how I'd love to spend my perfect free day." She paused and took a deep breath, then continued, her voice growing steadier. "In the morning, I'd go to Juhu Beach and play in the water. I love the waves; they're so peaceful. After that, I'd treat myself to a spa. Then, I'd watch Ready-I haven't seen it in so long, and it always makes me laugh.

"Later in the evening, I'd go out for pasta on a chilly night, with a hot guy sitting beside me, sharing a meal. We'd walk together after dinner, just talking and enjoying the evening." She hesitated here, her cheeks reddening slightly, but she kept going. "Hot guy... reminds me of a man at the office. He's the assistant to my boss, and he's so handsome. It's only been a week since I started working here, and I feel nervous, but I hope to get to know him better someday.

"On a more serious note," her voice dropped a little, "Dad left his job recently, and I don't know how to tell him about the pressure I'm feeling. He's always been the main breadwinner, and now it's all on me. I wish I could talk to someone about it, but I'm scared. I feel so lonely without Mom here. I don't remember her very well, but I imagine she would have been wonderful. Sometimes, I just want to lean on someone's shoulder and pour out everything I've kept inside."