We Happened

Chapter Two

Radhika’s POV

Following Anya’s directions, I arrived at Rishabh’s cabin. The office buzzed with efficiency, employees working with quiet dedication. It was impressive. My gaze landed on the nameplate outside his door, and I couldn’t help but murmur his name under my breath, feeling a surge of pride. I had landed this job.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked. No response.

I knocked again, harder this time. A gruff, irritated sound came from inside. Taking that as my cue, I pushed the door open and stepped in.

I hesitated at the entrance, uncertain whether to move forward without instruction. Rishabh stood with his back to me, absorbed in a file. From where I was, I couldn’t make out what he was reading, but my stomach twisted with nerves.

"Can I come in?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn’t turn. A full minute passed, thick with anticipation. I had no idea why I was suddenly so anxious. I had already cleared my interview with HR; the hard part was over. And yet, standing here, waiting for him to acknowledge me, felt suffocating.

I cleared my throat. That got his attention.

Finally, he turned.

The boy I once knew was gone.

The Rishabh I remembered had a boyish charm, an easygoing smile. The man in front of me was different—rugged, intense. Faint stress lines marred his once-smooth face, but they only added to his striking appearance. His sharp features were overshadowed by the exhaustion in his eyes. There was a sadness there, something unsettling. I didn’t like it.

"What do you want?" His voice was deeper now, heavier.

Straightening my shoulders, I stepped forward and handed him my file. "I’m Radhika Vashishta. I’m supposed to be working with you."

His gaze flickered between me and the file in his hands. A brief flash of recognition crossed his face, but it disappeared just as quickly, masked by indifference.

"What am I expected to do?" I asked, keeping my tone polite.

His eyes lifted to mine, blank and unreadable. "If you don’t know what you have to do, you shouldn’t be here."

I blinked.

Not exactly the warm welcome I was expecting.

I wanted to argue, to tell him that a little guidance on my first day wouldn’t kill him. But I held my tongue. I had worked too hard to secure this job; I wasn’t about to throw it away in the first hour.

He glanced at me again, clearly unimpressed. Just as I was about to turn and leave, he spoke.

"Get me coffee. Black, one cube of sugar."

I clenched my jaw.

I wasn’t his secretary. I was here to learn, to contribute, not to fetch coffee. But I bit back my retort and nodded, forcing my feet to move before my temper got the best of me.

As soon as I stepped out, a new problem dawned on me—I had no idea where to find the kitchen.

Looking around, I hesitated, debating whether to ask someone. But everyone was busy, immersed in their work. No one even glanced my way. Just as I started toward Anya for help, I collided with someone.

"Oh! I’m so sorry," the man said, stepping back.

"It’s fine. I’m not hurt."

He gave me a polite smile. "I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?"

"Yeah. First day. And completely lost."

He chuckled. "Need help?"

"Actually, yes. Where’s the coffee machine? The boss wants coffee."

His expression turned mildly sympathetic. "The machine’s out of order. You’ll have to grab it from the nearest café downstairs."

I exhaled sharply. "Oh, fantastic."

He laughed, and I muttered a quick thanks before heading out.

On my way to the café, I silently lectured myself. I needed this job. I couldn’t afford to lose it over a bruised ego. Still, it was hard to reconcile the cold, detached man in that office with the Rishabh I once knew. He wasn’t like this before. He wasn’t intimidating.

Balancing the hot cup in my hands, I returned to his office and placed it on his desk. "Coffee."

I lingered, waiting for some acknowledgment—a nod, a thanks. But of course, I got nothing.

"Wait outside until I call you," he said, not even looking up.

Frustration bubbled inside me. His instructions were vague, borderline dismissive. I had been so excited to start this job, eager to prove myself. But now? Now, I just felt desperate for something—anything—to do.

I walked to the door slowly, half-hoping he would stop me, maybe remember who I was. Maybe say something more than just orders.

He didn’t.

And so, I stepped out. And waited.