Chapter Eighteen

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Radhika's pov

After our encounter with Ruhani yesterday Rishabh has been acting weird again. He is again quiet and cold. He doesn't smile or laughs or jokes or anything. It is like going to back to where I started.

I had gotten used the other side of him that it was frustrating dealing with the old Rishabh again. I would try to talk but he would just shut me down. We hardly had any conversation other than business. He doesn't even acknowledge my presence until he needs something from me and I keep telling myself that it doesn't matter but I'm aware that deep down it really is mattering to me.

It's been more than a week now since that incident and now we're close to closing the deal and heading back home. I really don't want to go back home with this cold shut down guy. I want him smile and laugh and talk to me again and forget that night never happened. Everytime I make an effort to talk to him his cold emotionless eyes would shut me down.

I had to do anything to undo this before heading home. Mr. Sinha decided to throw a party and God knows how much that man loves throwing party but anyhow I've convince Rishabh to be there because I know he is planning to skip it. It might be my last chance to talk to him or do something without him ignoring me and I ain't gonna blow it. I made him a cup of coffee while he was out for some work. I put the coffee on the table near the sofa with a note hoping that it might change his stone heart. 

Rishabh's pov

Ruhani didn't know about what happened between Chhaya and me. Just the mention of her name reminds me of so many memories I've restricted myself to remember.

It wasn't easy to tell Ruhani the truth but what was more difficult was the fact that I might even have to explain Radhika. I was sure she was curious and even though didn't question anything in front of Ruhani she'll still be asking me later and it would be hard lying to her.

It was the stupidest idea ever but it was just easy. I did what I do best is escape. I shut Radhika out and turned the same way I was because I know that would frustrate her and she wouldn't bother me but honestly it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It's like after knowing her so well it is even more difficult to ignore her.

Everytime she looked at me with those doe eyes and her pretty smile I just want to drop my act and smile at her which I couldn't do. I never realized untill now how hard it was to resist her efforts and act like I don't care even though I've started to care for her. My past doesn't have a pretty picture and I know she doesn't had it too yet she shared it with me but I guess I'm just not good at being vulnerable. I don't want to get so close where I'll have to break this wall and show my moment of weakness.

There is some party today and I know Radhika wants to go with me so before she could ask I left early.

I entered the hotel and headed towards my room I glanced at Radhika's door and as much as I wanted to talk to her I know I can't so I didn't bother. I threw my jacket on the bed and collapsed on the couch when I noticed a hot cup of coffee and a note. I furrowed my eyebrows and picked up the note.

Rishabh,

Special coffee for you as you would have been really tired. I don't know what is making you behave this strange these days and as much as I'm curious I want to respect your privacy. You called me your friend so for sake of something we share please join me tonight. I promise I won't bother you like all other times and I super promise not to drink. I would really like to see you there.  :)

YOUR FRIEND
Radhika.

P.S. you don't have to explain me anything if you don't feel like.

P.P.S. it's kind of weird but I miss the old Rishabh.

I couldn't resist but smile on her sweet gesture of hers. A part of me just wanted to ignore this and not acknowledge it but the other part wanted to acknowledge it because it felt nice and relieved. If she can be this much understanding and so persistent about something. I can atleast try, maybe just maybe I can trust her enough to be vulnerable in front of her someday. But that is a future thought. Right now in the moment I need to tell her I'm coming.

"Hey" she spoke as soon she picked up

"Hey. Thanks for the coffee"

"No problem. How was it?"

"It was really nice. Thanks for it"

"What are friends for" I could literally feel her smiling

"Yes about that, the party..." I trailed off

"What about it?"

"I will join you"

She screamed on top of her lungs "Are you serious? For real?"

"Calm down. Will you?"

She chuckled "I'm calm, I'm calm. So, you really will come, yes?"

"YES. No kidding"

"Great. Awesome"

"See you Radhika."

"See you Rishabh"

Radhika's pov

After Rishabh agreed I felt better. I felt the little hope bubbling in me that everything is going to okay. I was eagerly waiting for tonight and this is most impatient I've been in ages. I shuffled my enter suitcase to find something appropriate. I had a some presentable outfits but neither of them made me happy. I thought to take a short trip to shop something before the party. Since Rishabh was out of question I called Pakhi to accompany me.

"Hello" she replied picking up

"Hii Pakhi. Radhika this side"

"Yeah I know. What happened? Did Rishabh bother you?"

"No not at all. I wanted to ask if you are free can you join me for shopping? I need something to wear tonight"

"I'm always down for shopping. I'll be there in fifteen minutes"

"Thank you. You are a sweetheart"

And we hung up. I changed into a white jeans and a green T-shirt. I waited for Pakhi to come. While waiting for Pakhi I got a call from Rishabh.

"Radhika? Get ready in 5 minutes we need to go for an important meeting" He said as soon as I received the call

"I thought we were completely free today so I planned going out for shopping with Pakhi"

"I know Pakhi informed me but it is urgent. She will be there too"

"Okay"

We left for the meeting and it was indeed important. Pakhi and Arjun had to stay as some clauses were still to be discussed. Rishabh and I left. I realized I don't have much time to buy a dress so I'll have to wear something from what I choose earlier.

"Hungry?" Rishabh asked turning towards me. I nodded

We headed to a restaurant and gave our respective order. We talked normally and it was nice spending time with him after so long.

"Why were you planning to go on shopping?" Rishabh asked while eating.

"I needed a dress for tonight but I guess now it is too late so, leave it" I replied concentrating back on food.

"I can call the designer and you will have the dress in half an hour"

"That would be really expensive. I'm good" I replied

"I will pay you need not worry. I feel guilty that because of the meeting you couldn't go for shopping"

"I don't want you to pay. No offense" I replied and smiled at him.

The bill came and I paid for it because I didn't appreciate him always spending money on me. The least I could do to payback is pay for food once in while whenever I get a chance.

"Hey! No you are not paying" He said giving back the money to me 

"Please I insist and this won't hurt your ego"I said and got up to leave "Let's leave" I added.

I sat in the car but couldn't find Rishabh as I looked out and he was busy on phone. He finished his phone and we drove back to hotel.


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