Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 18

Laranya's POV

Today was a half day at the office, and I spent almost all of it in our little corner—our "safe haven"—with Shravan. We didn’t talk much about work; it was just us, sharing comfortable silences, occasional teasing, and those secret glances that always seemed to say more than words. I could feel a lightness in my chest, a sense of warmth spreading through me. This was different. This was how I always wanted to feel—safe, loved, and full of quiet excitement.

As we wrapped up, Shravan offered to drive me home. The streets were busy, the world passing by outside the window, but inside the car, it felt like just the two of us existed. He glanced at me with a playful smile. “So, did you check the address for your reunion?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the road but reaching out to gently squeeze my hand. “We need to know when to leave.”

I pulled out my phone, searching for the address, while my heart fluttered at the thought of showing him off to everyone at the reunion. “It’s about 45 minutes from home,” I said, turning to look at him. “If we leave at six, we should get there just as things are starting.”

Shravan's hand tightened around mine slightly, his jaw setting as he glanced at me again, this time with a hint of frustration. “By the way,” he said, his voice low and serious, “did that good-for-nothing Aarav buy you anything at all? Or did he just waste your time?”

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “No, Shravan,” I replied, rolling my eyes playfully. “He didn’t buy me anything. Besides, I have plenty of clothes for the reunion; I don’t need anything new.” I could see the tension in his expression ease slightly, but he still didn’t look entirely satisfied. There was something oddly charming about the way he got protective—even if he sometimes took it a bit too seriously.

He huffed, as if relieved but also still a little grumpy. “Good,” he muttered, “because he didn’t deserve the chance to buy you anything anyway.” He glanced over at me, his expression softening, a smile curling up on his lips. “You look perfect in whatever you wear.”

I laughed and shook my head again. “You’re too much,” I said, leaning back into the seat, but I couldn’t help the blush that crept up my cheeks. I had never been this excited for something before, and the idea of having him by my side at the reunion made it feel even more special. This was a first. Even when I was with Sumit, he never made me feel this way—never made me want to show him off or hold his hand in front of everyone like I did now with Shravan.

The car came to a stop at a red light, and Shravan turned to me fully, his eyes warm and filled with affection. “I’ll be at your doorstep at six, sharp,” he said, his tone carrying a hint of teasing promise. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I answered, feeling my heart skip a beat as I met his gaze. There was something electric about the moment—the way his fingers brushed mine, the way his voice dropped just slightly when he said he would be there. It felt like a promise of more than just attending some party together; it felt like a promise of being there for all the important moments, big or small.

As we continued the drive home, our conversation shifted to light-hearted teasing, and he kept throwing in those sweet remarks that made me feel like I was walking on air. There was an easy, effortless love in every exchange. The thought of introducing him to my old classmates thrilled me. I imagined holding his hand at the reunion, proudly introducing him as my boyfriend to everyone. No hesitation, no fear—just excitement. I’d never had that before, never felt the urge to show someone off. It was like I wanted the whole world to see how happy I was, how deeply in love I felt.

Shravan glanced at me once more as we neared my house, and his voice softened. “Lara,” he said, “it’s not just about looking good or impressing anyone at that reunion. It’s about being there with you... wherever you go.”