Closer Than Before | 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 ✅

Chapter 17: Can't you see?

Radikha's POV:

I sat at my desk, trying to focus on the work in front of me, but the pain in my stomach, back, and thighs was making it nearly impossible.

The hot bag I had brought from home was pressed against my abdomen, offering some relief, but not nearly enough.

My body felt like it was being squeezed from all sides, and every little thing was setting me on edge. The pain made me want to scream, but I couldn't exactly do that in the middle of the office.

Samar, who had been hovering around me like a concerned parent, checked on me yet again. I could feel his eyes on me, his concern palpable, but it only added to my frustration.

"I'm fine, can't you see I'm not dying, Samar?" I snapped, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice. The words came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn't help it. The pain, combined with the stress of work and his constant attention, was just too much.

He took a step back, his expression a mix of hurt and understanding. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then thought better of it and simply nodded before sitting down across from me.

The guilt of snapping at him gnawed at me immediately, but the pain made it hard to care in the moment.

Grabbing my things, I stood up abruptly, needing to get out of the office and away from his worried gaze. Without another word, I left the office and headed straight for the cafeteria.

Once there, I immediately pulled out my phone and dialed Siya. She picked up on the second ring, and I didn't waste any time.

"Siya, I swear to God, if Samar asks me if I'm okay one more time, I'm going to lose it!" I blurted out, my frustration spilling over. "I know he means well, but I can't take it. I'm in so much pain, and he just keeps hovering, like... like I'm going to faint or something. It's driving me crazy!"

Siya's familiar voice on the other end was like a balm to my frazzled nerves. "Radhika, take a deep breath. You know Samar is just worried about you. It's his way of showing he cares."

"I know, I know," I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "But it's like he doesn't get that I need space. I can't think straight with him constantly checking on me. And this pain... it's unbearable. I just want to curl up in a ball and disappear."

Siya chuckled softly. "Oh, trust me, I get it. Period pain is the worst. But maybe try to be a little kinder to him? He's only trying to help, and it's not like he knows what you're going through. Men are clueless about this stuff."

I let out a small, humorless laugh. "You're right. I shouldn't have snapped at him like that. It's just... it's hard, you know? And he's being so nice, which makes me feel even worse for being so snappy."

Siya's voice softened. "It's okay, Radhika. It's understandable. Just try to take it easy, and maybe talk to him later. Let him know how you're feeling, but also that you appreciate his concern."

"Yeah, I'll do that," I agreed, feeling a little better after venting. "Thanks, Siya. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, babe. Just hang in there, and don't be too hard on yourself-or on Samar. He's just as clueless as the rest of them," Siya teased lightly.

I smiled, feeling some of the tension in my body ease up. "I will. Thanks again, Siya."

"Take care, Radhika. And if you need anything, just call me."

"I will. Talk to you later."

As I hung up the phone, I took a deep breath, trying to gather myself before heading back to the office. The pain was still there, gnawing at me, but Siya's words had helped to put things into perspective.