The best thing happened to us

1. The One After Eight Years Leap

Chapter 1: The One After Eight Years leap.

All rights reserved

San 2045

2019

"Thank you" I thanked the waiter politely and turned my attention back towards my uncle. He was awfully silent much to my keen observation. This cherry go person being silent didn't quite fit right. His appearance was composed and calm much to my dismay, yeah I was unable to figure out his state of mind. What was going in his mind? I thought.

Uncle Oliver was avoiding my gaze, his eyes stuck on the dish of Orecchiette with tomato sauce. The traditional Italian dish which he loved due to its production in the Apulia region of Italy. The largest olive oil production house of Italy. I learned to prepare this dish because it was healthy as compared to the pizzas he consumed because this pasta is prepared from durum wheat. Also this was the only Italian dish I can prepare because it's easy and can be made quickly. Unlike Pizza.

"Uncle what's the matter?" I asked bluntly not hiding the curiosity in my voice. I cared for this fifty seven year old man not because he had let me inside his mansion eight years ago and gave me a roof over my head, paid for my education and gave me a job but because he had been a father to me.

His head snapped up at me upon hearing my curious voice. He kept the fork on his plate and cleared his throat before talking to me. I could sense his nervousness.

"Cara just listen to me careful. Don't freak out, si?" He said in a calm composed voice and turned his attention out of the window for few minutes.

Mumbai was a beautiful place to begin with. He had lived here ten years of his life here after coming back from Italy. He loved the view and everytime we dined here, he selected the same table.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance, slowly nodded my head and picked my glass of Prosecco, the Italian drink. As the cool sparkling liquid entered my mouth I relaxed and held back my moan of appreciation. It was delicious in most aspect and one of my favourites.

Oliver Morello, my uncle is an Italian, he's my father's cousin and my most favourite but also my only uncle.

Long history short, Oliver's father was an Italian while his mother was an Indian. His mother was my father's maternal aunt. That's how they both are related.

"Uncle you're making it sound like you murdered someone and I have to hide the body. Is it?" I giggled at my own attempt of cracking a joke while Oliver smiled looking at me and shook his head.

His loving gaze on me made me happy, he cared about me like his own daughter. A daughter he always wanted and a family he always craved for.

Travelling around the world was my uncle's life goal, dream but after ten years of travelling around the world he got bored, he wanted stability in his life. A house, own vehicle, some people to call as his family after his father and mother died in a car accident. Being a only child, he was handed over the Morello Holdings of Hotel and Management at age of thirty years.

He loved taking responsibility of Morello holdings in Italy but he wanted to expand the company in India, the country where his mother was born and brought up. So he settled in India at the age of forty seven while we were in New York.

"No cara. I'm just nervous to tell you." He said while sipping at his drink.

He welcomed the cool drink and moaned in appreciation, it never gets old, the drinking. Glad that this hotel provided the most exclusive and costly wine. Uncle personally picked the wine and he goes to every wine tasting tour held in Italy. It's his favourite time. Also few in Goa and I think that's why he's there most of the times.

"Uncle I'm not a baby anymore. Please I can handle the news, just tell me whatever it is" I said in a calm voice looking at him to which he sighed.

I was not a reckless teenager anymore. Life taught me too well, the lessons I would never forget. The betrayal that will forever be inked in my soul. Think Positive. I almost wanted to snort at my subconscious because that's what I have been doing all these eight years.

Tucking loose strands of my hair behind my ear I tried to concentrate on Uncle. The intense heat blazing inside the room due to the summer was getting unbearable. Though the air conditioner was turned on to eighteen degree I felt sweat rolling behind my ear.

"I have decided to retire from Morello and also I have made you the new President of the Company." I gasped at the information. Is this a dream? Me, the Company President? I was only twenty seven years for crying out loud. I narrowed my eyes at him but he did not dare look at me, maintaining his stare on the dish.

I stared at him with my wide eyes. I felt like they could pop out anytime though it wasn't possible. I opened my mouth and then closed it, resembling a fish. I was not sure if I heard correct. Do you need a written consent from Uncle?

I snarled at my subconscious which made her silent. I hated it when my subconscious mocked me.

Becoming a President of Morello Holdings was not a joke. Managing fourteen hotels across the world at the age of twenty seven. Surely not a joke. Morello Holdings had fourteen hotels, four of them in Italy, three of them in France, two in America and other five here in India. They all held the same title, 'Morello's Dining'.

"You see honey I'm not getting any younger and managing these many hotels and resorts is stressing me. I hope you understand my decision. You must be thinking why did I choose you? Simple, you have been working with Morello Holdings from seven years and you know every detail of our holding. Besides you are my daughter which means it's legal of you taking over after me." Oliver explained while giving me a small smile. I noticed him carefully, his eyes held dark circles under them and his grey eyes looked dull, lifeless. His cheeks looked sunken, hollowed while the worry lines on his forehead were visible. I suddenly felt guilt consuming me. I did not noticed him from past few days, busy in my own work. I was a horrible person.

Also I knew why he thought I was eligible for the responsibility, because he trusted me more than anyone. Besides he had declared in his will that everything he owns goes to his only niece, aka me.

After graduating and receiving my MBA I started to work full time at Morello as the Vice President though I had no experience and I was very young for the job. I had very difficulty adjusting to the duties of Vice President. What if I screwed up this? I don't want to let him down.

"I know Uncle that work is taking a toll on you. I might sound selfish but I don't think I can do this Uncle Liv." I whispered sadly. I was scared. I didn't want him to think of me badly, I can't see him judging me. That was the last thing I want, to disappoint him.

I was inexperienced for this post, well at first everyone are but still I had my doubts and fears. I have been working as Vice President from past three years and I was very content with it.

"Cara why do you think so? You have worked under me and you perfectly know to handle tough situations. Many a times you have guided me. I have full trust and I don't doubt your abilities. You are capable I know it and you're taking up the post after three days. It's final. Now let's enjoy this mouth watering Orecchiette" He said sternly, leaving no room for argument. I shook my head at him as he began to twirl the pasta around his fork.

I pondered on his words. Maybe I should give it a try for him. I mean how bad it could be? He indeed was speaking truth.

"I'll think about it though. Now time to eat"

I picked the fork from the table. It was past lunch time and my stomach was grumbling. I should have ate something before arguing with uncle. Arguing surely consumes lot of energy.

***

After we completed the lunch with small talks and bantering over my decision, we decided to take a stroll around the lawn area. I loved his hotel. It was the most large, extravagant and beautiful five star restaurant. Perfect combo to attract tourist and other people. I loved the way Oliver decided to take this place because it had a sea view along with garden view. The rooms of the hotel overlooked the sea and also the city roads.

We settled on a wooden bench after taking walk around the lawn. This side of the lawn was not mostly used because the sunlight here was bright. The other side of the lawn, opposite to this was used as a breakfast cafe. It was opened only till eleven am and all the customers along with outsiders were permitted to have the breakfast there.

"Cara I think we should take some Cassata home." Oliver mumbled while his full concentration was on his feet. Cassata, a Italian dessert, a silican velvety cake containing nuts, raisins, ricotta and some candid fruits. This was famous Italian dessert in the hotel kitchen.

I nodded at him, I loved the taste of the Cassata more if some hot chocolate was consumed along with it, it helped me during my worst times. For me it was heaven on earth, the blessing.

As I was about to talk to Oliver my phone vibrated in my suit pocket. Muttering curse under my breath I tucked my hand inside my jacket pocket and extracted the phone.

Glancing at the caller ID I quickly swiped the green icon.

"Hello Aryan"

"Hey Sanyukta I'm sorry to disturb you but it's urgent. Riona has injured her foot and is crying from past ten minutes. I am trying to calm her down, I think you should come back quickly"

As he continued talking I was panicking. Riona injured her foot. Oh god!

Without listening further I stood up from my seat while clutching the phone tightly against my ear. I roamed my gaze around the grass and sighed after finding my nude stilettos.

"Aryan I'll be back in five. I'm in Morello's Dining. Please try to calm her down. Apply some ointment it's in the cabinet drawer in kitchen. Third one. Give her some cold water to drink."

My chest tightened at the thought of her being hurt. I slipped on my stilettos while trying to hold my phone between my ear and shoulder.

"Okay. Be back soon."

I slid the mobile back in my jacket pocket and turned towards Oliver. Fear gripped me at the thought of seeing her injured. As if he sensed my fear, he placed his comforting hand on my hand.

"Sanyukta try to breathe, okay? Nothing is going to happen to Riona. Everything is fine, Aryan is there by her side." Oliver assured squeezing my hand once again. I nodded half listening.

"Give me the keys. I'll drive us home" I threw my BMW keys to him. He quickly fumbled around and then walked towards the car.

The driver, Andrew was on leave today so I had to drive the car to office by myself.

I inhaled deeply as he sat inside the car and turned the ignition. I prayed to God that she was fine and hoped that Aryan was looking after her.

***