We Happened

Chapter Seventeen

Radhika's pov

I got up and realized I was running late. We had a meeting with some associates of Mr. Sinha and lunch with Pakhi and Arjun.

I took a quick shower when my phone started ringing I came out quickly and saw the caller ID. It was Rishabh.

"Are you ready,Radhika?"

"Umm almost"

"You are late, aren't you?" I could sense the annoyance in his tone. 

"I'm sorry. I will be there in 5 minutes, I swear"

"Okay. Fine. See you"

We hung up and I changed into formals. I got down and saw Rishabh waiting for me .

"I'm sorry I'm sorry" I apologized before I could hear him shout.

"Do you know-"  He was about to yell when I grabbed his hand "Not now! We are already late. Let's go"

We headed towards the meeting and the drive was completely silent. The meeting was complete bore. I was so bored and so were Pakhi and Arjun, I could tell. For some reason Rishabh wasn't bored I guess he enjoys his boring work always. We finished the meeting and headed for lunch.

As I was late today I had to compromise on my breakfast. I was really hungry by now. We stepped into a beautiful restaurant. The ambiance, the decor was on point. I was already in love with the place. We sat and ordered, we talked about alot of things.

I got to know how Arjun fell in love with Pakhi at first sight and Rishabh became the cupid for them. It was difficult to imagine Rishabh trying to fix them up. I never think of him as somebody with a romantic side.

"How much time have you guys been dating?" Arjun asked and I chocked on my food. I looked at Rishabh expecting him to clarify.

"We are not. She is my employee and friend" he replied smiling at me. I'm his friend. It was nice to know he trust me that much.

We finished the lunch and Pakhi and Arjun headed to meet some of Pakhi's relatives who lived in Mumbai. They invited us but we refused as we had our own plans.
We went to the hotel.

I changed into a simple embroidered top and blue denim shorts. I grabbed my purse and phone and saw Rishabh waiting. He was wearing sky blue t-shirt and cargo pants. He was dressed casually and was surprisingly relaxed.

"Let's go" He said. I nodded and smiled at him.

We reached Juhu. It was one of the famous beach in Mumbai and was generally crowded but it was amazing. We walked and talked about school, college, earlier jobs,  bad dates and to my surprise Rishabh was really easy person to talk to. It felt so natural.

"You never noticed me in school" I pointed out

"I doubt it. I did notice you. It's just, it was high school and I was stupid. Superficial things mattered more than substance and you, Radhika, are substance!" He replied and I blused. "Okay, wow, you're blushing. I was kidding. You were boring" he said chuckling.

I punched his arm lightly and got up "Let's eat something" I said being excited as I noticed the food stalls.

"Here?" He gave me a disgusted look

"Oh come on! This is the best" I said and dragged him.

We eat alot of local stuff and it was awesome. After years I have experienced this that made me so satisfied. It was like my stomach could've exploaded but I didn't want to stop.

After stuffing our faces we sat on the beach looking at the sunset. Which was indeed beautiful. The Ray fell on Rishabh's face highlighting the features of his face. He looked so calm and almost satisfied.

"Thank you Radhika. I had an amazing time" Rishabh smiled at me.

"It was just a way to say sorry for all the trouble I caused you getting intoxicated"

He simply smiled and that smile made me feel so complete. It was a sense of fulfillment. I felt happy because he was happy. I haven't had my happiness connected to another person in a very long time but seeing his eyes shine and his face relaxed, I felt so content. 

We drove back to hotel and I was in no mood to go back as I was enjoying the time with Rishabh.

"Are you tired?" I asked

"Not really. Why?"

"If you are not. Can we please spend some time at the Marine drive?"

"Yes sure"

We walked to the Marine drive and sat on a silent place. The sky was looking amazing.

"I was always curious about universe, stars and planets. I wanted to know about constillations but weirdly never found time to do it"

"Your life isn't over. You still can" he replied and I shrugged.

"Rishabh?" I heard a female voice from back. We turned around and saw a young lady standing behind us, looking at Rishabh with a smile and Rishabh smiled back.

"Ruhani. What a surprise!" He replied and they both hugged.

"This is Radhika my friend and Radhika, this is Ruhani" Rishabh introduced us. I smiled at her.

"Nice meeting you" she said

"Likewise"

They were college friends as I got to know from their conversation. Rishabh seemed like a different person talking about college. I felt jealous that I didn't get to know college Rishabh.

"How is Chhaya?" Ruhani asked and at the mention of that particular name Rishabh's face turned pale. It's like he saw a ghost or something.

"Radhika, you should leave for the hotel. I will be back soon" He said in a cold tone. Gone was the happy Rishabh

"But Rish-" before I could complete he gave me a look "Leave" he said.

I fought my instincts to ask what happened as I realised the sensitivity of the situation. The name meant something to him, that person meant something to him and it isn't my place to intrude in his personal space if he doesn't want me to. I simply nodded and left.

I entered my room and mind was still on that name 'Chhaya' but I knew Rishabh won't appreciate if I ask him anything so I decided not to think about it anymore. I changed into my comfortable clothes and went into sleep. I was happy because apart from what happened just few minutes back I had a good time with Rishabh and it genuinely made me smile.