We Happened

Chapter One

Radhika’s POV

"Radhika! It’s 7:30 already! When do you have to leave for work?"

My mom’s voice sliced through my sleep, jolting me awake.

I cracked one eye open and squinted at my phone. Still a few minutes before I officially entered oh-god-I’m-late territory.

Groaning, I burrowed deeper under my blanket. "Nine. I have plenty of time."

"No, you don’t! Get in the shower and get dressed!"

I sighed dramatically, but experience told me that if I didn’t comply, she’d storm in and personally haul me out of bed. So, with great reluctance, I peeled myself off the mattress and shuffled to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, I emerged, feeling marginally more human. I slipped into a peach satin blouse and tailored black dress pants, stealing a glance at my reflection.

Corporate badass mode: activated.

Today was my first day at Jaisingh Associates. A step up from my last job—more opportunities, more challenges, and, most importantly, the chance to work under Rishabh Jaisingh.

He wasn’t just any corporate lawyer. He was the corporate lawyer. The kind of guy who could turn a dying business deal into a multi-million-dollar success story with nothing but a contract and sheer willpower.

When I applied months ago, it was mostly on a whim—I hadn’t expected to get in. But then the call came, and now, here I was.

I knew Rishabh in high school, though I doubted he remembered me. He was popular. I was... not. The rumors about him were interesting, to say the least—brilliant but ruthless, the kind of man who could tear someone apart in a boardroom without breaking a sweat.

But hey, nobody becomes the best by being nice.

After a rushed breakfast and a half-hour cab ride, I found myself standing in front of a towering glass-and-steel building.

Intimidating? A little.

I double-checked the address on my phone, making sure I wasn’t about to walk into some tech startup by mistake. Satisfied, I took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Chaos.

That was the only word for it.

People in sharp suits rushed past, barking orders into their phones. Shouts of “Tell legal to handle it!” and “That merger has to close by noon!” filled the air.

My nerves spiked, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Deep breaths, Radhika. You belong here.

Spotting the reception desk, I walked up to the woman behind it. Her name tag read Anna.

"Hi, I’m Radhika Vashishta. I’m starting today under Mr. Jaisingh."

Anna skimmed through a list, then looked up with a polite, knowing smile. "Ah, yes. You’re expected. Head straight down the hall, then take a left. His office is the last one."

I nodded and turned to leave, but her next words stopped me cold.

"Good luck on your first day. You’ll need it."

A chill ran down my spine.

Well, that wasn’t ominous at all.

Forcing a smile, I thanked her and walked toward my new boss’s office, silently praying that by the end of the day, I wouldn’t be running for the exit.