© Nirvana | ✔️

Chapter 23

Krish looked down at his comfortable clothes and around Radhika's apartment.

"I only invited you because you helped out," warned Radhika. "I hope you aren't getting the idea that I.," said Radhika sternly, returning back to her boss mode.

"Please." scoffed Krish. "It would take seven lifetimes to convince you that I am one of the best options you have in your life. Considering how obstinate you are," said Krish in a straight forward manner.

Radhika blushed and shook her head as she got a glass of water and some food out of the fridge. She put it down in front of him but Krish was busy looking at his phone.

"I'm sorry but I have to go," said Krish as he stood up.

"Oh. Okay," said Radhika. "Do you want to eat and leave or.."

"I'm sorry I can't, it is kind of urgent. I'll meet you later."

"Okay. Bye!"

"Bye! Also, how about we make plans after the rebranding event of Nirvana? You know.. So you can show me your remarkable baking skills that your mom raved about." said Krish teasingly. "Actually, that could be our date this Saturday."

"Yeah yeah.." said Radhika. "Now leave," she said shooing him out the door.

Saturday!

•••

"WHAT." yelled Nivedita. "You and Krish bet on Radhika," yelled Nivedita.

"Shhh! If mom hears then she'll kill me! She hates Radhika ever since she saw Radhika with Krish on the bed in the hotel." said Shanaya.

"Do you think there might be some other reason why your mother in law holds such a big grudge against her?" asked Nivedita.

"No clue Nivi. I never tried asking because I was terrified of getting yelled at. But yes! Me and Krish have a bet going on and I seriously want him to win. I wouldn't exactly call it a bet.."

"Hold on a second! Is that why Krish quit his job at the firm?" asked Nivedita. "Because that is what Akaash told me."

"Yup. But has Akaash said anything about Nisha? I know almost nothing about her except some basic information." asked Shanaya.

"All I know is that Nisha has been in the picture since childhood and that Krish and her have been tight. Oh! And also that she likes Krish but they have been trying to figure out if he reciprocates the same feelings and stuff.."

Shanaya groaned and stomped her foot. "Even I know all this information. Guess Akaash didn't let out any significant info."

"Oh. He did say one thing that might be helpful to you."

"What?"

"Neelima, your mother in law is planning on setting up Nisha and Krish. As long as you can hinder that process then you may accomplish something."

•••

"Ugh! I can't find a gown to wear for the rebranding event." groaned Radhika as she moved around the store.

"Ma'am why don't you wear a saree?" suggested the lady at the store.

"I didn't think about that," said Radhika thoughtfully.

"Here ma'am. This saree would look good on you. We will give you some other options so you can try those on as well."

"Okay, thanks."

Radhika despised shopping for clothes because it always reminded her of going to her favorite boutiques with Arjun. She would try on all sorts of clothes and he would critique her fashion choice and they would both laugh.

As Radhika walked up to where the changing rooms were, she noticed one was open. She went inside and closed the door. Radhika looked to her left and saw that there were men's clothes hanging on the hook.

"Oh! Seems like someone was changing. I should leave."

Radhika stepped outside of the changing room and suddenly bumped heads with someone.

"Ouch!" a voice exclaimed.

Radhika's head shot up and she looked at the person.

"Oh hey!" said Krish.

"You are here?" asked Radhika.

"Actually yeah. Mom wants me to shop for some special occasion and I also have to choose clothes for the event that Nirvana is holding," explained Krish. "That's your choice?" asked Krish pointing down at the clothes in her hand.

"Well actually... Arjun really used to like if I wear these types of designs and.." Radhika trailed off not being able to complete her sentence.

"Right," said Krish awkwardly.

Radhika gulped and looked at the floor, "Were you changing your clothes in there?" she asked trying to change the subject.

"Yeah, I was. But you can go ahead and change in there, I don't mind." offered Krish.

"No, it is fine. You can change in there, I'll change somewhere else."

Krish went back to his changing room and was now in an off mood after hearing about her ex-husband Arjun.

Meanwhile, Radhika looked at herself in the mirror. The saree had a very low blouse and almost her cleavage was showing. In the process of trying to cover herself up, the entire saree was falling. That was one pet peeve she had with Arjun. The only way she could impress him was by wearing skimpy clothes.

Radhika exited the changing room and looked around for a safety pin on the table.

Krish had also exited his changing room and he gazed at her saree.

"It is quite a low blouse right?" asked Radhika.

"Yup. You will definitely be getting some unwanted attention and stares. I'm not one to criticize though. Every woman has the right to choose what they would like to wear." said Krish.

"I was actually looking for a safety pin," said Radhika.

'Sure Radha. I can get you one."

Krish came back within a few minutes and brought a safety pin. Radhika left to go to her changing room and tried to pin up her saree.

"Ouch," she said when she tried to pin it herself.

"May I help?" asked Krish.

"Sure."

Krish approached her and she gave him the pin. He suddenly put his hand on her shoulder and very gently brushed her hair aside.

Radhika ignored the spark she felt when he put a hand on her shoulder. She suddenly looked up at the mirror and made eye contact with Krish. He stared back at her and she saw the fire in his eyes. She gulped and looked down at the floor at her feet.

"Done," he said.

Krish's hand gently brushed against her back and she shivered. He left closing the door behind him and didn't say a word. Then only did Radhika realize how fast her heartbeat was going.

Oh my god! I have a crush on Krish Malhotra.