Radhika's pov

I woke up the next day and keep praying that somehow something may happen and I sleep through this entire nightmare rather than going to meet my parent's.

I took a shower and wore black denim with a blue shirt a white tank top underneath. Today we had a causal breakfast with Mr. Sinha to discuss some details about the project and afterwards we will be leaving to Pune to visit my parents.

I got ready grabbing my bag checking I've all the necessities needed and some files and headed to meet Rishabh. Rishabh was wearing a faded jeans and plain white shirt with sleeves rolled up and he looked real good.

"Morning Radhika" Rishabh greeted me with a smile. Strangely he smiles more at me now which trust me is super attractive to his face. He isn't always cheerful which is a shame but he's better than before.

"Good morning to you too" I smiled back.

"Let's go" I nodded and followed him.

We had a nice time at Mr. Sinha's residence and the breakfast was amazing. After the breakfast and the meeting we headed to my home. Rishabh offered to drive because for some weird reason he loves driving so I just let him assuring that I know the directions incase the he gets confused.

He kept driving calming while I was busy calming my nerves. I kept looking outside. I was incredibly nervous. I don't want Rishabh to see the dysfunction family that my family is.

After a long drive we drove to similar roads of my house. I gave him the directions and we finally reached my home. We stood in front of my house and nothing has really changed, it is still the same way I left it. Maybe a little more better but yet essence of everything felt just the similar.

We entered my home without knocking since it is my house and I know my mom keeps it open although I've told her hundred times it isn't safe. It was completely quiet as always. Rishabh gave me is-there-anyone-living-here look and smiled back.

I entered the hall and saw nothing has moved from its place. It was uncanny. I took Rishabh to my room first. I don't know why but I wanted him to see my childhood. My mother has not moved a single thing from its place. It's like a shrine for me.

We came down. I saw my dad sitting in front of the television with a newspaper in his hand. He likes to you solve the crossword while watching television. He needs the background sounds, I guess.

I cleared my throat "Hello dad" I trying to keep my voice void from any emotions.

"What are you doing here?" He was irritated. He wasn't pleased.

"Mom didn't tell you I was coming?"

"No, my wife apparently is not telling me important stuff. You brought a guy?"

"He's my boss"

"So? What, are you together or what? I don't see the purpose of bringing him here."

Rishabh was looking at me. He was clearly surprised by my father's behaviour. He was going to say something to him. "Don't bother" I whispered.

"Where is mom?" I asked. I didn't want to get into with him. I just came to make my mother happy.

"Why do you care all of sudden? You've moved to your big city, living your life and forgetting your mother completely. God, she loves you so much and what have you ever done for her to prove yourself. Just show up-"

"Radhika! Rishabh! You guys are here" my mom emerged shutting my father up. "I invited them" he eyed my dad. It didn't work. That man doesn't respect me enough to care.

"Why wasn't I informed?" He asked my mom but my mother just smiled and let it go. I know why, he knows why but there was no point in engaging into another argument in front of Rishabh.

I kept quiet. It took every ounce of patience to not leave the house. I kept reminding myself I was doing this for my mother and not that man. I could tell Rishabh was uncomfortable. I wished, hoped and prayed for no more surprise outbursts.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Ahuja" He turned to dad offering him a hand he simply nodded and shook hands.

"Dinner is ready. Let's go" My mom declared and everyone followed her. We all occupied and made ourselves comfortable at the dining table and mom served us food. I was silent the whole time as to avoid any argument. Mom and Rishabh were having a nice time chatting with each other. I could tell my mother liked Rishabh, way more than she should. She's transparent.

"You didn't inform your mom that you are in town?" Dad asked me all of a sudden.

"I was in Mumbai for work moreover I didn't wanted to bother you guys"

"I don't care about you but your mom does. Can't you be more responsible and value her concern for you? After everything you've put her through, it's the least you could do" He voice started becoming loud and everyone stopped eating.

"It's not any of your business how I am with my mother. You don't care, you've established that. There's no point of your concern"

"This is how you talk to your father. This new attitude because you've started earning and supporting us? Don't forget what all I did for you" 

My mom silently pleaded me to stay quiet and I sighed understanding why she wanted me to stay calm. Rishabh on the other hand had no idea what was happening. I could feel tears pool in the back of my head but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. I kept eating. I didn't want my mother to feel sad.

"Don't forget, this is still my house. You're still my daughter no matter how much you earn. You do not get to talk to me like this. You show me respect, always" He yelled and I kept quiet to ignore any sort of drama but I guess that man has a tendency to challenge my patience. "You could have done nothing without me. I am reason you are living a respectful life. You don't have a identity of your own. I don't care what you do to yourself but my wife does and you don't get to disrespect her. She is always busy praying for you but don't have a value for anything."

I think it was enough for me to stay calm. I guess nothing has really changed in the past years.

I put my spoon down and looked up at mother. I could see she was upset " This is why I don't come home. He's the reason I avoid being in the same state as you." I looked at father. He was already glaring at me "You want respect? You earn it. I don't owe you anything. Whatever I'm, whatever I've became, it's because of my mother and only her. Don't you dare try to guilt me into respecting you. I'm not your daughter which means you've no right to disrespect me in front of anybody. You don't get to hurt me. You've no right. This is the reason I left in the first place and this is why I never wanted to step foot in this house. You can go to hell for all I care" 
My mother was in tears. She was hurt too but she must have known this was inevitable.

"I'm sorry Mom. I tried, I really tried but this isn't going to work out. Ever. We're not a family. This man is not my father. The next time you want to meet me, make sure your husband isn't around to insult me. Bye, I love you" 

I looked at Rishabh who was just sitting like a child staring at a crash. I felt bad for making him witness all of it but I think somewhere I knew this was coming the moment I entered the house.

I stood up and held his hand. Following me he stood up to "It was nice meeting you Mrs.-" I dragged him out before he could finish the statement.

I came out and finally breathed. It was suffocating inside. I could finally calm my beating heart. I felt a hand on my hand. I turned to see Rishabh standing and gesturing me to get into the car. I nodded and got inside.

As we left my house my mom's hurt face flashed in front of my face and all I wanted to do was curl into a ball and cry my guts out but that wasn't an option instead I just kept quiet.

After a long pause of silence Rishabh finally decided to speak "Are you okay?"

It was a simple question with a simple answer but somehow I couldn't form any answer to that question.

"Radhika?" He encouraged me to speak again

I thought of something to speak to give him assurance that I'm okay but nothing came up rather I said "I'm really hungry. Also I wanna get drunk"

He just looked at me, maybe trying to find some traces of joke or something but there wasn't none. He finally sighed and nodded without asking anything.