I Too Had An Unrequited Love Story

6- A Ghost from the Past

Navi was driving while Veronica rested in the passenger seat, her exhaustion evident as she slept. Navi glanced over, puzzled by the events of the day, until Veronica stirred and spoke without opening her eyes.

"Stop giving me those lovey-dovey glances and focus on the road," she said.

Navi pointed to Veronica's trousers, noticing the change in attire. "You wore something different today, didn't you?"

"Let's discuss everything that happened after dinner," Veronica replied wearily.

"I'm sure you have quite a bit to share," Navi responded, intrigued.

Veronica merely nodded and continued to doze off until they arrived at her home.

Navi announced their arrival, and they both entered the house together. Veronica found her parents already seated in the drawing room. Her father looked up and said, "Hey honey, how was your day? You look exhausted. Did you overwork yourself on your first day?"

"Dad, I've never worked in an office before. It's quite hectic, but I'll manage," Veronica reassured him.

"Mom, I'm really tired. Can we have an early dinner?" Veronica asked Mrs. Ray.

"Of course, dear. Let's head to the dining room," Mrs. Ray replied.

The family gathered in the dining area, where Mrs. Ray busied herself reheating the food while Veronica set the table with plates and glasses.

As they began their meal, an uncomfortable silence settled. Mr. Ray decided to break it.

"Navi, how was your day?" he asked.

"It was fine, Mr. Ray. I didn't do much today—just an office tour and some reading," Navi replied.

"How come you're not tired, while Veronica is? Aren't you both working together?" Mr. Ray inquired.

"No, Dad. She's in the IT department, and I'm working as Alden's secretary," Veronica clarified.

"You're working as what?" Mrs. Ray interjected, her surprise evident.

"You heard me, Mom," Veronica responded.

"But being an intern doesn't mean you're supposed to work as a secretary. That's not what an internship entails," Mrs. Ray said.

"I know. Alden's regular secretary is on leave, so he needed someone to assist him temporarily. Since we were new, he asked me to cover for a month. After that, he'll transfer me to the media department based on my performance," Veronica explained.

"Is he overworking you, Veronica?" Mr. Ray asked with concern.

"No, Dad. I just wasn't given an easy first day," Veronica replied.

The family finished dinner in quietude. Mrs. Ray suggested that Veronica and Navi get some rest since they must be tired. Mr. Ray would handle the dishes.

Veronica and Navi bade her parents goodnight before heading to Veronica's room. Once inside, Veronica flopped onto her bed, rolling from side to side with a sigh of relief.

"What are you doing?" Navi asked, amused.

"I missed this so much. Why did I want to leave? I promise, no office flings. It's just you and me," Veronica said, patting her bed affectionately.

"You've got to be kidding," Navi said, chuckling.

"What?" Veronica demanded, irritated.

"Nothing," Navi replied, holding up her hands in surrender.

"So, what happened today?" Navi asked.

Veronica recounted the events of the day in detail. Navi listened with wide eyes, as if she'd seen a ghost.