Radhika's pov

The meeting got over after two hours of torture. After sitting through with the terrible headache I was so happy that it was over and I can finally get some rest. But I shouldn't ask for such wishes because I can never be sure with Rishabh.

"Everybody, can I have your attention for a quick second?" Everybody looked at Mr. Sinha "I have planned a business party tonight at my place and I would really appreciate everyone's presence" Mr. Sinha invited everyone.

Everyone nodded and stood up to leave.

"Rishabh, do bring this young lady with you" he said smiling at me and I returned the smile.

"Of course Mr. Sinha, we will be there."

After leaving the room Arjun stopped Rishabh and me.

"Bro, Pakhi and I are going to buy her a dress. We will meet you at the party, cool?" Arjun informed Rishabh.

"Okay but try not to be late." Rishabh replied with a smile.

"See you guys" Pakhi said and both of them left.

"Oh right. Dress" I remembered I didn't pack anything that is suitable for such occasion. I didn't know I would be attending a fancy business party. 

"What happened?" Rishabh being all confused.

"Actually I had no idea that we might be going to some fancy business party. So.. I don't have anything appropriate to wear. Moreover I just had a great party experience last night so I think you should just go alone"

"Really? Just because of a dress?" He asked me disbelief and I just shrugged. It was about the dress but I also didn't want to party tonight too. I just wanted to sleep "Nonsense. Moreover Mr. Sinha has personally invited you so you should come"

"You can always make an excuse. But see-"

I was cut in between "Let's get you an outfit"

Before I could further protest about anything he held my wrist and started dragging me. I finally sighed and followed him knowing I don't have much of choice anyway.

We reached a local Mumbai market as this would definitely have a better variety that any mall and relatively cheaper. Rishabh first insisted on going to some designer store or something but I didn't want to spend money on something that I might not wear that often.

I purchased a nice red colour dress with long sleeves and low cut back which reached little below my thighs, it had a small slit in the left end of the dress making it more appealing. It didn't show much of skin and it was simple with nothing overboard. In totally I was happy with my selection. After purchasing matching footwear and accessories I was satisfied but the only thing I wasn't very  happy about was Rishabh paying for it but even though I tried hard to stop he said it was for a business party so it is fine. After a certain point I just gave up and let him pay. 

After all the tiring shopping I just wanted to eat something. My eyes were wandering around the place to find atleast something to drink when I bumped into an elderly woman. My bags fell down and before I could fall too Rishabh held my shoulder to steady me.

I quickly picked up the bags and looked up to see if the woman was fine. As soon as my eyes fell on the woman I froze. I had no idea I would be having an encounter with her in the busy market of Mumbai. The chances of happening this were so sleek but it happened anyway because come on, my luck is awesome.

"Mom?" It was a whisper

"Radhika, what are doing here?" She was equally shocked to see me.

"I am here for work." I replied. My voice was hardly audible. I could see her expressions changing.

"You didn't tell me?" She asked in disbelief and I knew she was hurt to know that her daughter didn't feel important to inform her about something this important.

"I'm just here for a couple of days, I wanted to surprise you" I lied to her. I felt terrible but I couldn't hurt her. "What are you doing here?" I asked

"Um, Radha needed me to take care of her grand daughter. Moreover I had work at the old age home "

Rishabh cleared his throat to make us realize his existence.

"Oh yes, right, Mom this is my boss, Mr. Rishabh Jaisingh and this is my mom. You must have figured that out" I shrugged and he nodded. 

"Nice to meet you, son" she replied with a smile.

"Its all my pleasure Mrs. Vashishta" 

"Ah. It's Mrs. Ahuja" I could clearly see the confusion on Rishabh's face because of the different last name but I didn't acknowledge it. I don't want to get into it.

"Why don't you guys join us for dinner tomorrow. I am going back home in an hour. Both of you should come home tomorrow?" She suggested with hope in her eyes, wanting me to visit home.

"I don't think that would be possible, mom. We are really busy. Some other time maybe" I replied and could see the disappointment in her eyes.

"Radhika we can manage. I mean we don't have anything to do after the first hour. We can join your parents for dinner that wouldn't be a problem. Moreover you were going to surprise her afterall" Rishabh chipped in immediately watching my mother's disappointment. I cursed him under my breath. He has been an asshole from the beginning but the one time I really need him to be an asshole, he becomes a gentleman. In all fairness though, he didn't know my situation. He also was unaware that I was lying about the surprise.

"That sounds great. I'll be expecting you for a dinner tomorrow then" mom got happy instantly and I didn't had it in my heart to give any more excuse to upset her so I simply agreed.

"Yes mom"

"Okay sweetie see you then. I got to leave now." She hugged me and smiled.

"See you Mr. Jaisingh" she smiled at Rishabh

"You can call me Rishabh. Mrs. Vas- I mean Mrs. Ahuja. See you tomorrow then"

"Okay I'm really hungry now" I almost yelled and he nodded too. We spotted a pizza place and decided to go in there.

"You are okay going home tomorrow?" He curiously.

"Yes, ofcourse. Moreover I can not disappoint my mom by  saying no now." I replied in monotonous tone leaving no space for further question which he understood and kept quiet. 

After we're well stuffed all I wanted to do was curled into a ball and sleep. I was beyond exhausted and by the look on Rishabh's face he was exhausted too.

"Can we now go back? I'm very tired"

"Yeah let's go"

As we reached the car only the thought of going home tomorrow revolved in my mind. Hundred possibilities fly through my mind and I kept dodging them, trying to think that nothing is going to happen.

"You don't like going home?" Rishabh's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Nothing like that. It just I haven't been home for a long time"

"I have been noticing you ever since you bumped into your mom. You're anxious. You keep dodging my questions and you're talking less than usual which is unlikely." I rolled my eyes at his last sentence. I opened my mouth to make an excuse but he interrupted me instead "Look, I don't want you to tell me if you don't want to. We can just cancel the whole thing. I will take the blame, you don't have to say anything. Or if it's because I'm coming, you can tell me. I won't come. I can understand your hesitation." He suggested.

Some part of me didn't want him to come to my mad house. It wasn't anything personal against him. I just don't want him to be a part of my crazy but I'm also hoping his presence might mellow the situation.

"I can't disappoint mom and she wants you there so you should. But if you don't want to, you're free to bail. Anyway I would be okay" I said casually. I didn't want to push this subject.

We reached the hotel and headed towards our room.

"Radhika, are you sure about me coming with you?" He asked unlocking his room.

"Yes Rishabh, I'm okay. "

I dropped the bags on the floor and jumped on the bed. I didn't let my thoughts come between my sleep. So keeping all the thoughts at bay I fell into deep slumber.

After walking up from a nice relaxing nap I changed into the dress I bought as we had a party to attend. It took me less than half and hour and I was completely ready.

We reached the venue. There were many business associates  and some political  members to which Rishabh introduced  me. Everything went smoothly, although I wasn't completely attentive I managed to enjoy my fullest.  

The drive back was quiet as I was busy thinking about tomorrow and it just keep bothering me more. We reached I changed into comfortable clothes and tried to catch some sleep tomorrow is a big day.