© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 12

Radhika looked outside the cab. She felt fresh after her brief nap on the plane. Nivedita already left for her house and promised Radhika that she'd call her soon.

The car parked outside of Radhika's house and she looked down at her phone at her texts.

R: Are you already inside?

S: Yes, waiting in the living room.

R: Heading inside.

Radhika unlocked her house with her keys and looked around her surroundings and she turned to look at the couch to see a woman sitting there.

Looking youthful with a traditional Indian saree wrapped around her body, she ran her fingers through her curly hair and fidgeted with the positioning of her nose ring.

"Mom!" said Radhika.

"Hi sweetheart!" said Radhika's mother, Supriya.

Supriya lovingly kissed her daughter on the cheek and engulfed her in a hug while making her sit down on the couch. Radhika's dad has passed away when she was just a baby.

"How was the wedding and the trip?"

"It was alright. I enjoyed Shanaya's wedding and she headed back to Mumbai today with her husband and his family today."

"Sounds interesting. Should I make something for you?"

"No, I'm good. I'll have dinner in a while. How are you doing?" questioned Radhika.

"I'm alright dear. Been bored at home. Thought I might come visit you for a change." said Supriya grabbing her daughter in a embrace. "You also said you had important news for me?"

"Yes! I have amazing news for you."

"What is it?"

"I'm resuming my business and going back to work!"

•••

Radhika slipped on her formal dress and her watch. She slipped in her heels and adjusted her hair and makeup in the mirror.

Radhika felt confident and composed. She'd started up her own Organic Food store which sold fresh organic vegetables. Celebrities, dieticians and chefs all ventured out to her store to buy healthy produce.

Right next to the store was an office where she sat and managed all the finances and other details of the office. She rarely went into the store, only from time to time to see if things were running smoothly. Radhika also had trusted employees who sat at desks and were there to help her manage the business and take charge of everything alongside her.

She also lent a hand in the bakery from time to time. Only because she was a pro at baking and she'd always had a love for cooking. However that was secret passion that Radhika hid from others. No one knew about it except Arjun and her mother.

Radhika headed out to the dining table and grabbed a banana and a protein bar for breakfast as she grabbed her belongings and closed the door behind her.

First day back to work.

A secret passion yet to be discovered!

•••

Radhika stepped out of her Mercedes and flipped her hair in style as her heels clicked and she entered the store. She closed her eyes and inhaled the fragrances around her.

In one corner of the store, smoothies were being blended, poultry was being diced and bread was being baked. The scents came wafting to her nose and a sense of satisfaction overcame her as she spectated the ongoing customers.

People stopped to stare and gaze at Radhika. The owner of the business as well as the highly self-reliant business woman had not stepped foot into the premises for days! She stood tall and walked, ignoring the eyes that judged her.

Her employees gulped in terror as she passed them fiery looks.

"Let's get to work!" she yelled sternly. "Where's my personal assistant Kripa?"

Kripa came jogging up to her as Radhika eyed her from head to toe.

"Right here ma'am!"

"First of all. Change your clothes. Your attire is completely informal, have some decorum! You are at work. Anyone who thinks of their work lightly here will be handed a termination letter and can kiss their job goodbye." barked Radhika menacingly.

Kripa looked down at the floor and grimaced at Radhika's acrid tone. "Ma'am, I came to tell you that there is an interview today at nine o'clock. Actually there is also one at nine-thirty."

"Okay. It's already eight forty five. Are they in the waiting room?"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Okay, send them in."

•••

Radhika adjusted herself with her old office. Her sleek black desk with her expensive computer were still at the same spot. Her chair remained untouched and the plants by the window danced as the wind caressed them.

The door suddenly opened and Radhika turned around. She saw a girl with dark black hair. She had a dusky complexion and a bright smile on her face.

"Hi Radhika ma'am. I'm Nisha!"

"Sit." said Radhika analyzing the girl who had just come in.

Nisha's smile faded and she sat down timidly. She looked up at Radhika who was glowering at her. "What's your work experience?" asked Radhika. "I'm straight forward and I expect straight forward answers. Don't kid around with me. First policy of working with me."

Nisha narrated her work experience as Radhika analyzed her files.

"Impressive. I don't think I should say more. Welcome to Nirvana. That's the name of this business. Unless you didn't see the sign that was blatantly obvious outside." said Radhika sarcastically.

Nisha looked at her blankly.

"It was a joke." said Radhika rolling her eyes.

Nisha cracked a nervous smile and chuckled softly.

"Your desk is over there."