Intensely Twisted Fate

Chapter : 25

Laranya's POV

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, warming my face and gently waking me up. As I stretched out on the bed, the events of last night began to drift back to me—Shravan’s conversation with Dad about our live-in arrangement. I didn’t know the exact details of how it went down, only that Dad had agreed. That in itself was a relief, but I couldn’t help wondering what exactly had been said.

After getting ready, I headed to the dining room where I found Preeti and Dad already seated, chatting and sipping on their morning tea. I grabbed a plate and began serving myself breakfast, and I noticed the amused glances they kept exchanging. There was a mischievous spark in Preeti’s eyes that I had learned to recognize over the years; it meant she was definitely up to something.

“So, Laranya,” Preeti began in a playful tone, “I heard Shravan came over yesterday. Quite the gentleman, isn’t he? Asking for permission like it was the 18th century, as if he was requesting your hand in marriage rather than just asking if you could move in with him.”

I paused, halfway through reaching for some toast, and shot her a curious look. “What are you talking about?” I asked, a smile tugging at my lips despite my confusion.

Dad jumped in, chuckling softly. “Oh yes, he did show up yesterday, all serious and nervous. It was as if he had prepared a speech to convince me,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied grin. “The way he spoke, you’d think he was proposing to you right then and there.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Shravan standing there, earnestly trying to get Dad’s approval. “Come on, he wasn’t that dramatic, was he?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Preeti grinned and leaned in, lowering her voice in mock secrecy. “Oh, Laranya, you have no idea. He was practically sweating bullets. I think I saw him take a deep breath at least five times before he even started speaking.”

Dad nodded in agreement, a teasing glint in his eye. “He did start off a bit awkwardly, talking about being respectful and wanting to be sensible. But eventually, he loosened up and got to the point. Still, I could tell he was trying to win me over like he was asking for your hand in marriage,” he said, laughing heartily. “I almost expected him to pull out a ring.”

“Dad!” I exclaimed, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. “It’s not like that. We’re just trying to take a step forward, that’s all.”

Preeti’s grin widened as she saw my reaction. “Oh, come on, Laranya. You have to admit, it’s adorable. It’s not every day you see someone going the extra mile just to make sure your dad is okay with something. I think Shravan earned some serious points yesterday.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “Well, at least he didn’t have to recite some ancient cultural prayer to get your blessing,” I joked, shaking my head.

Dad chuckled again, setting down his teacup. “If he had, I probably would have told him to stop and just say what he came to say. But really, Laranya, I’m glad he approached things the way he did. It shows how much he respects our family and our values.”

“Yeah, and how much he loves you,” Preeti chimed in, giving me a knowing look. “Only someone that smitten would go to such lengths.”

I felt a flutter in my chest at her words, but quickly tried to play it cool. “Alright, alright, you’ve had your fun,” I said, waving a hand dismissively. “Now, can we eat before breakfast gets cold?”

Preeti giggled and Dad gave me a warm smile as I took a seat and joined them. But even as I tried to steer the conversation toward something else, a part of me couldn’t stop thinking about what they’d said. Shravan had gone to Dad not just because he felt it was necessary, but because he truly wanted us to start this new chapter in the right way, with my family’s approval. It was sweet and sincere, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of affection for him.