Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 14

Laranya's POV

The morning sunlight peeked through my curtains, its golden warmth dancing softly on the walls. My eyes fluttered open, yet my mind was already racing. Memories of last night came rushing back—the unexpected hug with Shravan, his surprised expression, and the undeniable warmth of his body against mine. It felt... different. Like a spark had been lit inside me.

I sighed, shaking my head as if trying to dislodge the thoughts creeping in. No, Laranya. You can’t let this happen. Shravan is your best friend. That’s all. Nothing more. I tried convincing myself, but the more I pushed the memory away, the stronger it clung to me. My heart fluttered at the thought of him—his smile, his scent, the way he looked at me, half in surprise, half in something I couldn’t quite place.

Groaning softly, I sat up and ran a hand through my hair. "Snap out of it, Laranya," I muttered to myself. "Coffee. That’s what you need. Coffee solves everything." I made my way to the kitchen, trying to ignore the way my heart was still pounding.

The familiar aroma of coffee soon filled the room, grounding me. It was my ritual, my escape. I let the warm mug rest in my hands, staring out of the window. Yet, no matter how hard I tried to focus, my thoughts drifted back to Shravan. Why had that hug felt so significant? Was it him? Was it me? Was it both of us?

My phone buzzed on the counter, pulling me out of my thoughts. I grabbed it and noticed a notification—a school reunion party invitation. Curious, I tapped it open.

Tomorrow night.

My eyes skimmed over the details, and I frowned slightly. Entry allowed only with a partner. My stomach flipped. Great. I didn’t have a partner. Heck, I didn’t even know who I’d take.

Setting the mug down, I leaned against the counter. "This is ridiculous," I muttered. My mind wandered—would Shravan go with me if I asked? The thought sent a shiver through me, a mix of nerves and excitement. I could picture his easy grin, his hand on my back as we walked into the venue...

No, no, no. I shook my head vigorously. "Absolutely not. That would complicate everything," I mumbled. We’re just friends. Best friends.

Just then, Preeti shuffled into the kitchen, her hair a complete mess, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Morning, Di," she mumbled, grabbing a glass of water. Her sharp eyes caught my expression, and she tilted her head. "What’s with the face? You look like you saw a ghost."

"Nothing," I said quickly, trying to sound casual.

But she wasn’t buying it. Her smirk widened as she pointed at my phone. "What’s that?"

"Nothing important," I replied, hoping she’d drop it.

"Uh-huh. Let me see!" Before I could react, she darted forward, snatching the phone off the counter.

"Preeti! Give it back!" I protested, chasing her around the kitchen.

But she was faster. She stopped suddenly, her eyes scanning the screen. "A school reunion? Tomorrow night? Ooh, fancy!"

"Preeti, I’m serious. Hand it over!"

Her grin grew wider. "Wait, it says you need a partner. Do you have someone in mind?" Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and I could already tell where her mind was going.

"No," I snapped, snatching the phone back. "And stop with that look!"

"Di," she teased, leaning closer. "Don’t tell me you’re thinking about Shravan..."

"Stop!" I cut her off, throwing my hands up. My cheeks burned, and I turned away, hoping she wouldn’t notice.

Preeti burst out laughing, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh my God, you totally were! This is gold. Di and Jiju—"

"Preeti!" I whirled around, glaring at her.

"Fine, fine," she said, still chuckling. "But honestly, why not? You guys already act like a couple half the time. He’s practically family."

"Because it’s not like that," I said firmly, though even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," she said, her grin unwavering. "Anyway, I think you should go with him. Or someone you like."

Her words lingered as she grabbed a slice of bread and sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Someone I like. My gaze fell to my coffee mug. Do I...?

Before I could dwell on it, my dad walked in, his usual serious expression in place. "Laranya," he began, his voice calm but direct. "Have you thought any more about finding a groom?"

I groaned internally. "Dad, not this again. I’m busy with work—"

"Busy with what? Your career?" he cut in. "Laranya, you’re not getting any younger."

"Dad!" I said, exasperated. "I’m not ready for that yet. Besides, I don’t even like anyone."

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "Not even Shravan?"

My heart skipped a beat. How did he—? "No!" I said quickly, too quickly. "Dad, he’s just a friend."

"Friends can become more, Laranya," he said gently. "He’s a good man. Reliable, kind, and he clearly cares for you."

"Dad, stop!" I snapped, panic creeping in.

He sighed, his expression softening. "Laranya, I just want you to be happy. You’ve been through so much since your mother passed. She’d want you to find someone who makes you feel safe, loved."

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat growing. "Dad, I can’t... I’m not ready."

"Take your time," he said softly. "But don’t shut yourself off from the possibility. Sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them."

I nodded mutely, feeling overwhelmed.

Later after breakfast, I heard Shravan’s car pull up outside. My heart leapt, and I quickly brushed my thoughts aside. Grabbing my bag, I opened the door just as he stepped out.

"Ready for work?" he asked, his easy smile making my heart skip.

"Absolutely," I said, forcing a grin.

The drive was filled with our usual banter, but there was an unspoken tension between us, a weight in the air that neither of us wanted to address.

Finally, as we parked, I turned to him. "Hey, Shravan, about last night—"

"I’m sorry," he blurted out, cutting me off. His gaze was earnest, his hand gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I didn’t mean to make things weird. It just... happened."

I felt my chest tighten. "You didn’t make things weird. I just—" I hesitated, unsure how to continue. "It was unexpected."

He nodded slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I just care about our friendship, Lara. A lot. I’d never want to jeopardize that."

"Me too," I said softly, my fingers gripping my bag. "I guess sometimes things just... happen."

"Yeah," he said, his voice quieter now.

We sat in silence for a moment before he cleared his throat. "So, any plans for the weekend?"

I hesitated. Should I mention the reunion? Before I could decide, my phone buzzed.

"Hey, Aarav," I answered.

Shravan’s expression shifted subtly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened.

When Aarav asked me to be his partner, I hesitated. But the idea of avoiding the tension with Shravan felt like a relief. "Okay, I’m in," I said.

When I hung up, Shravan’s jaw tightened. "Aarav, huh?"

"Yeah," I said lightly. "He asked me to the reunion."

"Cool," he said, forcing a smile. But his eyes betrayed something deeper—disappointment.

"Yeah, it’ll be fun," I added, my voice too cheery.

As we walked into the office, I couldn’t shake the guilt in my chest. Shravan’s forced smile lingered in my mind all day, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made a mistake.