Radhika's pov

I entered Rishabh's cabin after briefing myself about the clients and everything relating to the project. Three people were already there in his cabin.

"There you are! She is our junior associate Ms. Radhika Vashishta and she will be assisting me with our new project" he said. He introduced Priya, Rohan and Sahir respectively.

"I'm sorry, brother. I know am late I got stuck in traffic" I heard a familiar voice. I turn to see the guy I bumped into this morning entering and taking a seat next to Rishabh.

Wait. Brother? Does he brother as in related to each other brother or just random brothers? I looked for any resemblance but found none. Even their personalities has no resemblance.

"Arjun, come on. Get in fast, we need to start our discussion" Rishabh ordered.

The discussion was okay. To be honest I was not paying attention because I had something else in my mind regarding this project and I had no idea if I should speak or not. I didn't want to overstep on anybody considering I'm new and I still am unaware of the hierarchy followed around here.

As I playing with my fingers, "So, Ms. Vashishta, what do you think?" Sahir questioned and me and all the eyes turned towards me.

"You're asking for my opinion?" I asked in doubt. I wasn't sure my opinion mattered considering Rishabh was there. 

"Without wasting our time, could you speak up?" Rishabh spoke.

I took a deep breathe and said "We should probably drop this client as in my opinion
I've read about it and the owner is a questionable personality. We shouldn't associate with someone like him, it could have severe consequences in the future for our firm" As soon as I finished speaking, I looked at Rishabh. If looks could kill, I would be dead right now.

"You don't think before speaking, do you? This client would spike our profit 40% and not to mention the publicity our firm is going to receive from the merger. Did you even bother to read the files I gave you?"

I nodded "Yes, I did and I understand how profitable it is for us but I read it in a magazine that the owner-" he raised his finger to quiet me and I stopped immediately. I had no idea what I did wrong. I was just sharing my opinion, which by the way, they asked. 

All the eyes were glued at me waiting for something to happen but I didn't speak or do anything. I just stood there waiting for Rishabh to tell me what to do. I was scared to even breath.

"Everyone can leave" I started to gather my things when he pointed a finger at me and say "Stay"

His low husky tone gave me chills. I cursed myself for speaking so much. It was only my second day and I was supposed to be a maintaining a low-key but here I was eye to eye with my boss.

Everybody left in such a hurry as if Rishabh would somehow explode and spill all over them. I kept looking for something in his expressions but found absolutely nothing. He stood there like a rock. I kept shifting my weight and waiting for this torture to be over.

After everybody left, he turned to look at me and finally spoke "This isn't your classroom. This is my office and until you don't have proof to back your thoughts you should keep your mouth shut. I'm not going to drop one of the most influential client because of some gossip you heard somewhere. If can't come up with cause to support your concerns you better keep quiet and the professional work."

I frowned. I may have made a mistake but that doesn't mean I'm not a professional. He shouldn't be so cruel. I was merely expressing my concern for his firm.

"With all due respect, I didn't ask you to do anything. I just shared something I felt and I understand it may be a little vague but you don't have to dismiss me or be disrespectful for no reason. I'm new and I'm adjusting to every thing you're throwing at me. I'm trying to learn here." I replied looking straight into his eyes standing with confidence.

He took a step forward and as much as I wanted to step back, I didn't. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

"You want to learn? Here's a lesson for you, if you can't back your opinion with numbers, they're useless to me. We're lawyers and not just any lawyer but corporate lawyers. We're the sharks who rip it open and get the best for our clients so if your stand is that we drop an influential client you better have the damn numbers to support it so that I can risk my reputation and get out of it unhinged."

"I'm sorry. I understand your point and I'm sorry if I was inappropriate but you don't have to hurt my feelings and be cruel to me for a honest mistake. I'm-"

"You work at law firm. You're a professional. I'm interested in your professional opinion, I don't care how you feel before going to bed. Your efficiency and your dedication towards your work matters to me, everything else has no use in my life. If you want to be loved and supported, you can always work at a pet shop with puppies and kittens."

Everything he says upsets me but I refuse to indulge anymore. My day was almost over and I had no intention of make it any worse that it already has been.

"I'm sorry for my unprofessionalism and feelings. I'm not going to repeat my mistake." I had so much more to say to him but he seems unhinged and I just wanted to go home, away from him. I gathered my stuff and walked past him giving him no attention what so ever.

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