We Happened

Chapter Three

Radhika’s POV

This was not how I expected my first day to go.

I sat in my chair, watching the office buzz with activity. Everyone was so engrossed in their work that they barely noticed a new face in the room. In an attempt to be useful, I asked Anya if she needed help or if there was anything I could do, but she politely declined, telling me to wait for the boss’s instructions.

So, I waited.

And waited.

I had only meant to rest my eyes for a moment—just a brief shut-eye—but somehow, it turned into an actual nap. I wasn’t expecting anyone to notice, not when everyone was so busy. But I was proven wrong when a firm hand gripped my shoulder and shook me vigorously.

"Are you here to work or to sleep?"

The voice was sharp, irritated—familiar. But before I could place it, my eyes snapped open, and I found myself staring into the furious expression of none other than Rishabh Jaisingh.

Panic shot through me. I scrambled to my feet, my heart racing. The damage was already done. My first day had officially turned into a disaster.

"I—I’m so sorry," I stammered, mortified. "I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I was just waiting for your instructions and must have… drifted off. It won’t happen again, I promise."

His jaw tightened. "This is an office, not your home. If you had nothing to do, you should have asked someone instead of wasting time sleeping. I expect a certain level of professionalism."

I clenched my fists, irritation bubbling beneath my embarrassment. I didn’t mean to fall asleep! And how dare he lecture me about work when he hadn’t given me any?

"You can’t question my ability to work when you haven’t even given me a chance," I shot back before I could stop myself. "I’ve been waiting for your instructions all morning. I couldn’t ask anyone else because you are my boss. I work for you, not them."

His frown deepened, and the weight of my words hit me. Oh no.

"My cabin. Now!" he snapped, turning on his heel and striding away.

I closed my eyes briefly, regretting everything. Well, that was smart, Radhika. Congratulations—your career is over before it even started.

As soon as we entered his office, he turned on me.

"You think you’re the right person to lecture me about responsibilities?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "Let’s get one thing straight—you never talk to me like that again. You are my employee, not my equal. I won’t tolerate disrespect. Am I clear?"

I swallowed hard and nodded, too afraid to say anything that might dig my grave deeper.

He exhaled sharply and turned to his desk, rifling through some papers. A moment later, he pulled out a familiar file—my file. The one I had given him in the morning. His eyes skimmed through it before he suddenly paused.

"I was in the same school," he muttered, his gaze lifting to examine me as if trying to recognize an old memory.

I kept my expression neutral. "Yes, I know."

He didn’t ask how I knew. I didn’t offer an explanation.

After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. Since you’re new here, you have a lot to learn. You’ll be assisting me with all recent cases."

"Okay, Mr. Jaisingh," I replied, keeping my tone formal.

"Just call me Rishabh."

I hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright… Rishabh."

He handed me a file, and I took it without hesitation, eager to prove myself.

"These are our new clients. They want to merge their companies, but nothing is finalized yet. We’re still evaluating whether we want to take on the project. They’re big businessmen, but their dealings are… risky. Go through the file, familiarize yourself with the details, and be prepared for the next meeting."

I listened carefully, absorbing every word, and nodded. "Thank you."

As I turned to leave, he called my name.

"Radhika."

I paused, glancing back.

"Don’t fall asleep."

His face betrayed no emotion, making it impossible to tell if he was joking or dead serious. Not wanting to take any chances, I simply nodded and left without another word.

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