Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 11

Shravan's POV

As I watched Lara walk towards the house, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. I was drawn to her in a way I'd never felt before. Her laughter, her intelligence, her kindness – it all captivated me. And yet, I knew she was completely oblivious to my feelings. I had been trying to hint at my affection for her, but I was afraid to scare her off. The last thing I wanted was to ruin our friendship. So, I resorted to teasing her, hoping that she would pick up on the underlying message. When I leaned in closer to her, my heart pounded in my chest. I could feel her breath on my face, and it sent a thrill through me. I wanted to kiss her, to tell her how I felt, but I held back. I wasn't sure if she was ready for that.

As we walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had crossed a line. I had been teasing Lara, but I had gone a little too far. I knew she didn't like being teased too much, and I had pushed her comfort zone. "Lara, I'm sorry," I said, taking her hand. "I didn't mean to upset you."

She looked at me, her expression a mix of confusion and hurt. "It's okay, Shravan," she said, trying to smile. "I know you didn't mean it." I squeezed her hand. "I really didn't. I just... I like to tease you. But I know it's not always funny." She nodded. "It's okay. I understand. Just... try to be a little more careful next time."

I promised her I would. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. I had ruined what had been such a good day. I had to make it up to her. I knew Lara was unaware of my feelings for her, and I was starting to realize that she might not even be aware of her own feelings. But I was determined to make her see how much I cared about her.

She opened the door and walked in, me on her trail. Ramesh uncle was sitting on a couch watching television. "Dad, where's Preeti?" She asked in a hushed tone. "The lady has gone crazy, she was begging to make dinner today. I hope she just doesn't burn up my house." He replied, sighing. "Preeti, can you bring a glass of-" "Di's here! I passed the interview successfully Di! I'm so happy! Oh my god like you know there were four people behind a huge scary table and I submitted -" Preeti interrupted uncle and then herself got interrupted by Lara. "Breathe Preeti? You need to breathe to be alive! I'm so so so happy for you! Me and this guy sitting here have got something little for you!" Lara pointed at me. Oh, thank lords they remember my existence!

"Oh hey Shravan, I'm sorry I didn't see you!" Preeti blushed, taking out the apron. "It's okay. Congratulations Preeti! I'm very proud to know that my student cracked my interview." I replied chuckling at my own words. "That's actually true, Preeti. He really - wait what is this smell? Have you kept something on gas?" uncle asked. "Oh my god! My gravy!" She ran to the kitchen with all of us following her to the kitchen. The gravy was now black and there was all the smoke in the air. "Oh no no no no, I worked so hard on this, only the final spices were left to add." Preeti whispered turning the gas on.

"It's okay Preeti. We understand you were excited about your job. We'll order food from some hotel or something. Don't be sad." Lara rubbed her arm because she looked on the verge of crying, she's actually super emotional. "She almost burnt the house. Anyway, I think Laranya is correct, making something else will take long and I'm sure you all will be hungry. Come on out, I'll clean the kitchen. You order whatever you like but don't forget to count me too." He chuckled in the last sentence, lifting the weight of the atmosphere.

"No, I have a better idea. Why waste money? How about you guys have some family time and chill while I make the dinner? I'm like your family too. A girl who should be celebrating shouldn't be working." I suggested, waiting for an answer. "No Shravan, you're definitely a family but I can't let you do this. Please, and what about your parents? They'd be waiting for you too." Uncle replied. "Please uncle, I insist. I don't have any siblings but I do consider Preeti as my little sister. Can't I do at least this much for my little sister? It's a happy day for her. Let's not ruin it. And I'll pack some of what I cook for my parents so that also won't be a matter of worry." I insisted.