Beautiful disaster (completed)

Chapter 20 - Colleagues Again?

I was walking towards the cafeteria, lost in my own world as I scrolled through emails on my phone. The monotony of work had started to get to me, and I was desperately in need of a break. Just as I was about to enter the cafeteria, a familiar voice called out my name.

"Kiara!"

I looked up in surprise, my heart skipping a beat. Standing there with a mischievous grin on his face was Dev.

"Dev? What...how...?" I stammered, too shocked to form a complete sentence.

Dev chuckled and walked over. "Surprise!"

"What are you doing here?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

Dev chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I've joined the company! Thought I'd bring some sunshine to your cloudy work days."

I couldn't believe it. Dev had joined the same company as me. "That's amazing! But why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked, giving him a playful scolding.

"Wanted it to be a surprise! I know how hard you've been working lately, so I figured a little surprise would cheer you up," Dev said, his gaze lingering on me appreciatively.

I felt my cheeks flush slightly even though I knew Dev likely didn't mean anything more by the compliment. We had always teased each other back at our old company. But still, such direct flirtation felt different coming from someone I knew in real life rather than a face on a screen.

I caught a glimpse of Kabir out of the corner of my eye, watching us with an unreadable expression. I felt my smile falter for a second before I composed myself.

I frowned slightly thinking back to that awkward conversation with Kabir a few days ago. He had mentioned trying to move past old conflicts and even asked about catching a movie together. But the timing had felt off. I knew I couldn't fully open myself up to him again until I worked through the hurt I still harbored from our broken friendship. Plus being around Kabir always brought an undercurrent of tension I couldn't quite place, and I wasn't sure I was ready to handle that.

"Where are you lost?" Dev asked, breaking my train of thought.

"Oh sorry, just distracted thinking about a work thing," I said, shaking my head to clear it. I smiled brightly. "I can't believe you're actually here! Does this mean you'll be working on my floor too? We should celebrate with dinner!"

Dev's eyes glinted mischievously. "First day and I'm already being asked out?"

I rolled her eyes. "Oh shut up, you know what I mean."

"I know, I know," Dev laughed. "Just messing with you. But yeah, celebratory dinner sounds good!"

As we walked towards the cafeteria together, Dev filled me in on how he had applied for an open position and got selected recently. I was thrilled to have him at the company and grateful that I wouldn't be alone during lunch breaks anymore.

Dev looked around with interest. "Wow, this place is huge! Our old office was just a tiny single floor. I think it'll take me weeks to figure out where everything is."

I waved my hand. "Oh it's not so bad once you get used to it!"

We grabbed lunch trays and settling at a table by the windows. The conversation flowed comfortably as we caught each other up on life events over the past few months. With Dev, it was just so easy - no pretense, no drama, no hidden meanings in every interaction. Just laughing with a trusted friend.

As we finished eating, Dev smiled at me warmly from across the table. "Well now you're stuck with me again! Sure you won't get tired of me?"

I pretended to think seriously for a moment. "Hmm good point, I could probably use a break from your terrible jokes."

Dev gasped in mock outrage. "You wound me! And to think I was just about to offer buying lunch everyday." He folded his arms, nose in the air.

"Oh shit. You should have told me this sooner!" I said dramatically. "Did I lose my chance or can I try again?"

We both dissolved into laughter. This playful teasing just felt so natural, so easy. I had really missed this.

"In all seriousness though, it's really good to see you again Kiara," Dev said softly.

I smiled up at him. "Me too Dev. I'm happy you're here."

We lingered over the last dregs of coffee until the lunch hour ended.

"See you around, Kiara. This is going to be fun." He winked at me playfully before heading off down the hallway.