We Happened

Chapter Four

Radhika’s POV

After thoroughly briefing myself on the clients and the project, I entered Rishabh’s cabin the next day. Three people were already seated inside.

"There you are!" Rishabh said, looking up as I stepped in. "This is our junior associate, Ms. Radhika Vashishta. She’ll be assisting me with the new project."

He introduced me to Priya, Rohan, and Sahir, who all nodded in acknowledgment.

Before I could settle in, a familiar voice rang out.

"Sorry, brother. I know I’m late—I got stuck in traffic."

I turned and froze. It was him. The guy I bumped into this morning.

Wait—brother? As in actual brother? Or just the casual ‘bro’ people throw around? I glanced between them, searching for a resemblance but found none. Even their personalities didn’t match—Rishabh was cold and commanding, while this guy seemed warm and easygoing.

"Arjun, hurry up and take a seat," Rishabh ordered impatiently.

With that, the meeting began. The discussion was detailed, but if I was being honest, I wasn’t fully paying attention. My mind was elsewhere, debating whether I should voice my thoughts. I didn’t want to overstep, especially since I was new and still figuring out the hierarchy around here.

I was absentmindedly playing with my fingers when Sahir suddenly spoke.

"So, Ms. Vashishta, what do you think?"

I snapped my head up, startled. They want my opinion?

"You’re asking me?" I asked hesitantly, glancing at Rishabh for confirmation.

Sahir nodded, but before he could respond, Rishabh cut in, his voice sharp.

"Without wasting our time, could you speak up?"

I inhaled deeply, gathering my thoughts. "I believe we should reconsider working with this client. From what I’ve read, the owner has a questionable reputation. Associating with someone like him could have severe consequences for the firm in the long run."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I’d made a mistake.

Rishabh’s glare could have set the room on fire.

"You don’t think before you speak, do you?" His voice was like steel. "This client would increase our profits by 40% and bring massive publicity to our firm. Did you even read the files I gave you?"

I nodded quickly. "I did. And I understand how profitable it is, but I read in a magazine that the owner—"

He raised a hand, silencing me instantly. I clamped my mouth shut, confused about what I had done wrong. They asked for my opinion—I just gave it.

The room went still. Everyone was watching us, waiting to see what would happen next. My heart pounded in my chest, but I refused to fidget under the scrutiny.

"Everyone can leave," Rishabh finally said.

Relieved, I started gathering my things, but then—

"Not you," he said, pointing a finger at me. "Stay."

His tone was low, firm—dangerous.

I cursed myself for speaking up. Second day on the job, and I’m already on my boss’s bad side. Great.

The others didn’t waste a second exiting, almost as if Rishabh was about to explode and they didn’t want to be in the blast zone.

I stood frozen, shifting my weight uncomfortably, waiting for whatever was coming next.

Finally, he turned to me, his face unreadable.

"This isn’t your classroom," he said coldly. "This is my office. If you want to express an opinion, you better have facts to back it up. I’m not dropping an influential client because of gossip you read in some magazine. If you can’t provide evidence to support your claims, keep your mouth shut and focus on your professional duties."

I frowned. I was just trying to help. Did he have to be so cruel about it?

"With all due respect, I wasn’t ordering anyone to do anything—I was just sharing my thoughts," I said, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I understand my concern might have been vague, but you didn’t have to dismiss me like that. I’m new here. I’m learning."

He took a step closer. I wanted to back away, but I stood my ground. I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me.

"You want to learn?" His voice was deceptively calm. "Then here’s a lesson—if you can’t back up your opinion with numbers, your opinion is worthless to me. We’re not just lawyers—we’re corporate sharks. We rip things apart and get the best for our clients. If you’re telling me to drop a valuable client, you better have the damn figures to prove why it’s worth the risk."

I clenched my fists, swallowing my frustration. Why does he have to be so harsh?

"I understand," I said through gritted teeth. "I apologize if I was out of line. But you don’t have to insult me for making an honest mistake."

He didn’t even blink.

"You work at a law firm, not a therapy office," he said flatly. "I care about your professional opinions—not how you feel before bed. Your efficiency and dedication are the only things that matter here. If you want love and support, you can work at a pet shop—with puppies and kittens."

His words stung. Every sentence out of his mouth managed to upset me, but I refused to react.

My workday was almost over, and I had no intention of making it worse.

Taking a deep breath, I gave him a curt nod. "I apologize for my unprofessionalism. It won’t happen again."

I gathered my things and walked past him, refusing to acknowledge his presence.

I needed to get out of here. Away from him.

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